Our WI was formed in March 1919 and we currently have over 30 members. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm in the Parish Room, St Mary’s Church, Old Basing, RG24 7DJ. There is parking on the main street with disabled access on an incline leading to the building. A typical meeting normally runs for 2 hours. We are 100 Years old in March 2019 and we will be celebrating in style with a Party to be held at Old Basing Village Hall.
If you join between January and March, membership for the year 2018 is £42.00, and this cost is reduced if you join later in the year as a new member of the WI. The yearly subscription entitles you to 12 monthly meetings where we have a varied programme of speakers, demonstrations and social events. We also have a monthly newsletter from Hampshire Federation and 8 editions of WI Life produced by our National Federation. Both publications provide information on WIs activities happening locally and nationally, as well as advertising updates on WI campaigns, upcoming events and competitions for members’ interest.
Old Basing WI is part of Loddon group which consists of 16 WIs. Belonging to a group enables us to network with other members of nearby WIs with the added opportunity to attend group meetings in the spring and autumn. There is an extra small charge to attend these. Loddon group also takes part in the Federation-led group quiz nights and skittles and darts competitions as well as arranging educational outings and events.
As members of Hampshire Federation we have the opportunity to purchase tickets to attend spring and autumn Federation meetings held at the Portsmouth Guildhall and the Anvil in Basingstoke respectively. Speakers at these events usually include well known public figures.
The National Federation host their annual meeting at various venues around the country and in Wales. Members from every WI can apply to be a delegate or an observer at these meetings.
As well as our monthly meetings, Old Basing WI also arrange theatre outings, garden visits and day trips to places of interest. We have a craft group which meets once a month and a regular walking group (see details below). As a member you can take part in these extra activities, as well as having access to events and competitions arranged through Hampshire Federation and our National Federation.
Why not come along to one of our meetings? We are very friendly and would love to see you!
PROGRAMME
8 January 2019
- Own Entertainment
- Membership Renewal & Resolutions
- Competition – Home Made Biscuits
5 February 2019
- Talk – Make Do & Mend 1940’s
- Speaker – Mrs D Wheeler
- Competition – Pretty Scarf
2 March 2019
- 100 Years Birthday Party
- Competition – Table Decoration
2 April 2019
- Talk – Medical Detection Dogs
- Speaker – Mr G Richardson
- Competition – Dog Ornament
7 May 2019
- AGM
- Competition – Home Made Cake
4 June 2019
- TBA
2 July 2019
- TBA
7 August 2019
- Talk – Motorway Cop: Thrills & Spills
- Speaker – Alan Purkiss
- Competition – Car Related Item
COFFEE MORNINGS, WALKING GROUP, CRAFT GROUP AND EVENTS PLANNED
10 January 2019
- Craft Group
- Venue – Members Home
15 January 2019
- Coffee Morning at 11.00am
- Venue – Conkers
16 January 2019
- Festive Meal at 7.00pm for 7.30pm
- Venue – The Bolton Arms (Pre Booked Event)
22 January 2019
- Coffee Morning at 11.00am
- Venue – Conkers
29 January 2019
- Coffee Morning at 11.00am
- Venue – Conkers
5 February 2019
- Coffee Morning at 11.00am
- Venue – Conkers