Westonzoyland WI

Tonight we once again had the pleasure of Neil Clarke a previous speaker returning to share another of his films.

Taking us on a 43 minute trip around the Bristol Channel estuary islands, it is narrated and musically scored throughout. Taking us along with him on a unique journey to all the islands and unlocking their secrets and history.

Although many of our members have lived in the area for some time they knew very little about these Islands and were amazed!

⬇️ Here's a snippet of the film ⬇️

Bristol Channel lslands Trailer A short trailer of the highly successful film of The Bristol Channel Islands of Steep Holm, Flat Holm and Lundy.

We're delighted that two of our members are attending today's annual meeting to represent other Somerset WIs at our annual meeting in Cardiff.

Westonzoyland WI have changed up our window at the church to mark the coronation. A flower refresh of red, white and blue and some handcrafted pom pom bunting to celebrate 👑

Did you celebrate May Day?

Westonzoyland WI celebrated with villagers at the annual May Day Fete.

Once again our members came up trumps with a fabulous variety of cakes and helpers to keep everyone in a steady supply of tea and cake.

Here's some snaps of our ladies keeping the kitchen running and just a small selection of the cakes on offer.

The WI - Somerset

Sending love to all - those celebrating and those struggling today.

This week our members got to hear from Jenny about the joy of spring containers. Ironic considering these fabulous planters had been covered with snow just a few hours earlier!

Jenny shared with us her love of gardening and had some excellent tips on using unusual items for planting. We went away full of inspiration with increased knowledge of how to make our bulbs last year on year.

We couldn't agree more 👏

Our WI currently has 36 members and we've welcomed 5 new ladies this year. We've also some recent visitors who have come along to experience what we're all about and we hope to see them again in April.

Women’s Institute remains relevant to members of all ages | Letter Letter: With 30,000 new members joining last year, the organisation is still very much alive and kicking, says WI chief executive Melissa Green

What better way to celebrate International Women's Day with our monthly meeting this evening. It's always lovely to spend time with a group of strong, intelligent and talented women. Tonight we'll be reflecting back on our year and planning ahead with our Annual Meeting.

The Somerset WI Creative Arts team regularly host craft taster days around Somerset. These events are open to members and non members and give ladies of Somerset the opportunity to try out different crafts.

Some ladies from Westonzoyland WI attended Draycott Village Hall today to take part. Our President hosted a table creating MDF Easter wreaths. Didn't they create some amazing results - well done to all involved.

If you'd be in interested in attending a future event follow this page to track future events and opportunities.

Did you know it's Random Acts of Kindness Day today. What could you do today to spread a little bit of kindness?

A recent survey of our members clearly demonstrated that friendship is one of the most popular things they love about our WI here in Westonzoyland. You'll find kindness awaits you if you choose to visit one of our monthly WI meetings - a friendly smile and a cuppa is always on offer here.

The WI is more than Jam & Jerusalem, it provides a platform to campaign for change on society issues. On an annual basis WI members get to put forward & vote for a call for action both nationally and locally, on issues that are important to our members.

Today is the day when voting on the resolution selection closes. It doesn't end here - a further vote will take place in advance of the National Federations Annual Meeting.

Which of the shortlists would you like to see make it through to the next stage?

John Dando joined us at our February meeting for his talk 'Privies -A Walk Up the Garden Path'. John has been a speaker for over 25 years and it was his visit to Westonzoyland WI.

With around 30 in attendance John shared with great humor the history of sanitation 🚽. He impressed with his knowledge of local history and even shared some cleaning tips with us🍋

From Thomas Crapper to the various names used for bedpans over the years to the shouts of "Watch out below" - it's amazing how toilet humor translates through the ages.

John also offers talks on the history of Somerset Carnival so I'm sure we'll see him again in the future.

Thanks to John and everyone who attended.

Did you know that once a month, we have a speaker attend our meeting to share their skills and experiences with us?

Westonzoyland WI enjoyed our session with Sarah Guest from Love Somatics who visited us in January to share with our members skills to change our habits, to change our lives.

Somatics is a gentle, relaxing movement practice that takes a different approach to the norm. It releases and re-educates held muscular tension patterns that may be causing you a variety of problems. It goes to the root cause of physical tension - the brain.

Our members got to practice techniques they could then take home and incorporate into their daily lives. Sarah was kind enough to follow up with a video class to support members with getting to grips with their newly learnt daily routines.

You can find out more about Sarah's work by visiting her website https://www.lovesomatics.com/

Wishing all our members and friends a happy and healthy 2023.

We have an exciting new programme Westonzoyland WI for the year ahead. With speakers from a former radio presenter to celebrant to a chocolatier and more. Check out our events for more details.

Happy New Year to all our members, WIs and federations!
Wishing you a wonderful 2023! 🍾🎆

Merry Christmas to all our members and followers. Thank you for all your support this year. For this Christmas as well as for the coming year, I wish you and your family health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.

What a lovely way to spend a Tuesday evening!

Thanks to the coordination of Gill our Secretary, 16 members of Westonzoyland WI went to the local pantomime. With seats in the first two rows there was no way of not joining in with the fun and laughter, singing and joining in with the unique take on the 12 days of Christmas.

A great time was had by all and flicking through the 2023 McMillan programme many suggested a theatre sub group. Watch this space!

Once again we're hosting a craft fair in the village. Come along to make a start on your christmas gift shopping or even better grab yourself a treat, you deserve it!

Over the coming days we'll be sharing some of the great stallholders joining us at this event. We have a limited number of tables left so if you wish to come along and sell your crafts then please get in touch ASAP.

Westonzoyland WI have created this display of poppies to mark remembrance. You can see them on the gates of the church. Lest we forget.

Thank you to all members of Westonzoyland WI who have once again made a fantastic display of knitted and crochet poppies on the church gates.

Lest we forget.

Our 190,000 members across England, Wales and the islands will know that today is WI Day, the anniversary of when our organisation was formed.

The WI is 107 today.

Ordinarily, this would be a day of celebration but in respect for HM Queen Elizabeth II, a much-loved monarch and WI member, we will not be holding our usual celebrations.

However, we did want to acknowledge the date and to thank all our wonderful members, past and present, for making this the extraordinary organisation all that it is.

Thank you…you are all inspiring women.

We will be taking some time at our meeting on Wednesday to show our respects and share our memories.

What a fantastic achievement by the lionessess today. 🦁🦁🦁 Great to see a day where the two sides of the sport might finally be treated equally.

Regardless if you love or hate football, today was a moment in history.
Well done and huge congratulations to the Lionnesses

Tonight is the night we open the village hall doors for some fun, fashion and shopping! We have some tickets on the door so it's not too late to come along.

The doors open at 6.30pm and we have our raffle ready and waiting, will you be lucky tonight and take something a little extra home in your bags! We look forward to seeing you there.

Time is running out to get your tickets for the upcoming fashion show & pop up shop. Ladies fashion suitable for all sizes and ages at 50% or more off.

Message me to arrange delivery or collection of tickets for just £6 (£4 for our members). You'll need a ticket in advance of the show on Wednesday 8 June at the village hall so don't miss out.

Further details in the comments.