If there was ever a need for the village to be evacuated to the Village Hall, what's the betting the W.I. will be asked to man the Kitchen? Is that patronising or insulting? W.I. - scones and tatted jam pot covers. Maybe not. Think again.
Bishops Wood W.I. was founded in 1926, over 75 years ago, but all members are slightly younger than that, ranging from early 40's upwards.
We don't just chatter and gossip (but we do, and we laugh, a lot). Groups of women with a common purpose are a formidable force. Nationally, the W.I. is capable of making waves and drawing attention to key issues. They were way ahead of the press and the government on food advertising for children for instance. At our Annual Resolutions meeting members debate important issues with sometimes surprising views expressed.
Our programme of speakers is widely varied, ranging from furniture restoration to Black Country humour, and in 2005 we hope to learn how to make 'home grown hooch', how police helicopter pilots function and how David Tideswell encourages bird life into his garden. We also have a 'hands on' evening planned.
We wander away from the Village Hall. At county an national level we have access to training courses on a wide range of subjects, from the expected Arts and Crafts to the more unusual e.g. A study day on forensic Science. Our committee arrange trips for sight seeing, shopping, theatre and music.
W.I. members do a lot more than make a good cup of tea. There is no "identikit" W.I. woman. We are all ages, all sizes. We are cuddly, we are sharp. We are quiet, we are loud. We are a tightly knit and supportive group, we will expand to welcome new members. We are just like you, and we would like you to join us.
We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the village Hall and every meeting is different. Come along and give W.I. a go!!