A PLEA for help to move tables has led to a rota being organised for a borough WI group.
Anne Gould, membership secretary of the Wokingham Afternoon Women’s Institute explained: “We meet at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, and always have to put out a number of tables and chairs.
“It’s been getting a bit much for us to do all the heavy lifting.”
The group requested help via Facebook.
“Within a very short time, we had 14 positive replies,” continued Ms Gould.
“We messaged them all, and the result was 12 kind helpers.
“There are enough of them to run a rota now, and it’s so wonderful.
“At our last meeting three people turned up, and we didn’t have to lift a finger.”
The Wokingham Afternoon WI group meets monthly to enjoy friendship, and a range of activities and talks.
“We’ve had visits from a National Trust expert, Mercy Ships, and learnt about the history of chocolate,” said Ms Gould.
“We have a book club, we see films, we enjoy trips to stately homes, learn new skills, and go to the theatre together.
“We recently went to see Calendar Girls in Windsor, about the WI, which we all loved.”
Members can also take part in competitions, make jams, bake, and crochet, while enjoying tea and cakes together.
Other events such as willow weaving, murder mystery evenings, and quizzes, are arranged by Berkshire Federation, which oversees borough groups.
The Women’s Institute was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.
The UK’s largest voluntary women’s organisation, it provides opportunities for its members to learn new skills, take part in a wide variety of activities, and campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.
The Wokingham Afternoon WI is keen to recruit new members.
“Like many groups we took a bit of a knock thanks to the pandemic,” said Ms Gould.
“So we’s love some new members to join us.
“We are hoping that amongst them will be a couple of people who could take the roles of assistant treasurer, and secretary.
“It’s a great place to meet people and make friends, especially for ladies on their own.
“There’s plenty to do, and we get a monthly magazine.”
Another bonus, thanks to 12 kind volunteers, is that nobody has to move the chairs.
The group meets in St Paul’s Parish rooms on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1.45pm.
For more information, visit: www.berkshire.thewi.org.uk and search for wokingham afternoon, or email: wokinghamafternoonwi@berkshirewi.co.uk
