Established in 2006 Bestwood village women's institute is an integral part of the village , giving the members an opportunity to chat, air their views, meet and make friends. we try to engage the ladies of the village and surrounding areas by giving a wide selection of event, in a normal year this could include riffle shooting, raft building, crafting and speakers on various topics . last year was difficult but we rose to the challenge with zoom meetings and coffee mornings. we like to think that the WI gives a sense of belonging with lots of humour thrown in.
Our Committee for 2023/2024 (as of 12.9.23)
President - Elizabeth Heard
Secretary - Debbie Clarke
Treasurer - Brenda Langsdale
Vice President - to be agreed
Our monthly meetings
When do they happen?
Our WI meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month, and start at 7.15pm. The only exception to this is in December when the 4th Wednesday would fall too close to Christmas Day so we move our meeting to the 3rd Wednesday just for December.
What happens at a typical meeting?
The running order of the meeting varies but there are normally two main parts to the evening:
THE WI BUSINESS
For most meetings the Minutes Secretary will have the minutes of the previous meeting ready for inspection and sign off and the President.
The correspondence secretary will go through any WI notices., these can include courses or events being organised by the Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs. It could also include up and coming events within Bestwood Village that our WI will be involved with (such as Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day parade and Christmas Tree Lighting) or just general housekeeping issues.
The treasurer with provide the financial statement to the group.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The speaker for the evening will take centre stage and these are usually hugely enjoyable talks or activities. We have enjoyed talks on stained glass making, encouraging wildlife into our gardens and the history of the pantomime (oh yes we have!)
Sometimes the main event is a have-a-go session with either a demonstrator or with one of our talented members.
We've tried decorating Easter eggs, belly dancing, Kurling (but without the ice!), card making, Christmas crafts and even roleplay in court room drama.
Some times we have a raffle or a competition or even book swaps
THE INBETWEEN BIT
Between these two section of the evening, we have an interval. The members catch up on the gossip, have more tea, biscuits or cake for good measure and sign up for events that they want to attend.
What kind of speakers do you book?
The current programme of events is set out on the programmes and events page, we like to mix things up a little , although during lockdown it has not been possible to do ' hands' on thing but on the plus side we have engaged speakers from further afield and hope to to continue to do so.
How much does it cost?
After you have become a member the meetings are free, however there is a charge of 50p for light refreshments - usually tea or coffee and biscuits or cake.
You may need to bring along a few pennies though as we have a raffle (tickets usually £1 each) and there may be a sale table run by either the WI or the speaker, who may be selling examples of their crafts.
Also, you may wish to purchase tickets et for additional events.
When do they happen?
Our WI meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month, and start at 7.15pm. The only exception to this is in December when the 4th Wednesday would fall too close to Christmas Day so we move our meeting to the 3rd Wednesday just for December.
What happens at a typical meeting?
The running order of the meeting varies but there are normally two main parts to the evening:
THE WI BUSINESS
For most meetings the Minutes Secretary will have the minutes of the previous meeting ready for inspection and sign off and the President.
The correspondence secretary will go through any WI notices., these can include courses or events being organised by the Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs. It could also include up and coming events within Bestwood Village that our WI will be involved with (such as Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day parade and Christmas Tree Lighting) or just general housekeeping issues.
The treasurer with provide the financial statement to the group.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The speaker for the evening will take centre stage and these are usually hugely enjoyable talks or activities. We have enjoyed talks on stained glass making, encouraging wildlife into our gardens and the history of the pantomime (oh yes we have!)
Sometimes the main event is a have-a-go session with either a demonstrator or with one of our talented members.
We've tried decorating Easter eggs, belly dancing, Kurling (but without the ice!), card making, Christmas crafts and even roleplay in court room drama.
Some times we have a raffle or a competition or even book swaps
THE INBETWEEN BIT
Between these two section of the evening, we have an interval. The members catch up on the gossip, have more tea, biscuits or cake for good measure and sign up for events that they want to attend.
What kind of speakers do you book?
The current programme of events is set out on the programmes and events page, we like to mix things up a little , although during lockdown it has not been possible to do ' hands' on thing but on the plus side we have engaged speakers from further afield and hope to to continue to do so.
How much does it cost?
After you have become a member the meetings are free, however there is a charge of 50p for light refreshments - usually tea or coffee and biscuits or cake.
You may need to bring along a few pennies though as we have a raffle (tickets usually £1 each) and there may be a sale table run by either the WI or the speaker, who may be selling examples of their crafts.
Also, you may wish to purchase tickets et for additional events.
How do people know what event is planned next month?
You will be handed a copy of our annual programme of events.
We email members and have a WhatsApp group.
You will be handed a copy of our annual programme of events.
We email members and have a WhatsApp group.
What else is going on?
We arrange trips and have a lunch club, our craft club runs fortnightly on Monday mornings from 10 am at the Dynamo cafe (except when this clashes with a public holiday)
We also try to support other village groups and activities
We arrange trips and have a lunch club, our craft club runs fortnightly on Monday mornings from 10 am at the Dynamo cafe (except when this clashes with a public holiday)
We also try to support other village groups and activities