CHESTFIELD WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

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My name is Sharon Goff and I had the pleasure of being re-elected by the members of the Chestfield Women’s Institute in March this year to be their President, for a further year, a honour I was very proud to accept.
 

I am relatively a newcomer to Chestfield having moved here a little over three years ago. I was not familiar with the area or knew anyone. I noticed the WI Hall one day when I was walking the dogs; I decided to give it a try. On my first visit I was welcomed by two members who looked after me and gave me such a warm welcome I decided to go back the following month and I have been a member ever since. The Chestfield WI have had a full and eventful past 12 months with numerous events which both the WI Members and the local Community enjoyed. I don't expect 2024 to be any less active, so why not come along and meet our lovely and friendly members and join in with a full list of activities and brilliant speakers who come along to present at Our Monthly Meeting.
 

Swalecliffe with Chestfield Women's Institute was formed in 1931 and following fundraising, the hall pictured above was built and opened in 1933.  In 2019 the members voted to change the name to Chestfield Women's Institute to reflect more accurately its location.  We have over 50 members, and visitors and new members receive a very warm welcome.  We meet in the hall on the second Wednesday of the month from 2.00pm to 4.00pm when the meeting starts with singing "Jerusalem" followed by the business section.  During the rest of the afternoon we hear from the speaker for the month, enjoy a chat with fellow members over a cup of tea, coffee and biscuits and we finish up with the raffle.  In November the meeting is passed to the Craft Group which involves making something festive.  Last year I think we all left covered in more glitter than the item we made, but we had great fun doing it.

As well as our regular meetings, most months we have a social get together hosted either by the committee or one of our groups which takes place normally over lunch or during the afternoon.  We recently held an afternoon Charity Event which was a great success and we welcomed in excess of 50 people some of whom were not WI members and the feedback was amazing.  We also hold an annual Fish and Chip supper in either February or March when friends and family are invited to join us.

We are a very friendly and welcoming group of women and each meeting is different so why not come along and join us, the first three months are free, you can then see if becoming a member of Our WI is something you would like to do.

Hopefully we will see you soon at one of the meetings.

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Sharon Goff

President - Since 2023

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Meetings this year will be held on the following dates, commencing at 2.00pm.

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10th January - SNAPP (Special Needs Advisory and Activities Project) Carrie Wood

14th February - The History of Crufts -Clare Boggia

13th March - Annual General Meeting

10th April - Canterbury Cheese Makers - George Ward

8th May - Thorne Hedgehog Rescue - Lisa

12th June - Power of Attorney - Nicola August from Furley Page Solicitors

10th July - Clarice Cliff Pottery

14th August - The President's Annual Charity Event

11th September - Wildwood - Suzanne Kyanston

9th October - I am a Tulip/Plants - Jacqueline Aviolet

13th November - Demonstration - No speaker
11th December - 93rd Birthday and Christmas Party
 

All visitors are welcome.

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