Banham W.I.
A Modern Voice for Today's Woman
The WI is as relevant today as it was when it was launched in 1915, and it is just as radical. Over the years we have campaigned on a wide range of issues, including Equal Pay in 1942, and Aids in 1986. Today our campaigns range from children’s diet to the environment, from human trafficking to supermarkets.

The WI is here to enable women like you to ‘make a difference’ to the life you lead, to the community you are part of, and to the world you live in, so if you Fancy a night out with the girls – think about coming along to Banham WI.

Many people have the wrong idea regarding what WI is all about and seem to think it is just for old ladies who are past it. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is an opportunity for women of all ages to get together for a sociable evening, to swap ideas, chat and listen to a guest speaker. For those with time on their hands it provides a friendly and safe night out. For those who work and/or have young families it is a chance to have some time for you – to get a break from your normal routine and talk to some liked minded women, all of whom live in your area.

We can help you expand your horizons and make new friends, take up new interests, learn new crafts and develop new skills: at home, in your community, in your federation office or at our own residential, adult educational facility, Denman College. On top of all that, Banham WI keeps you in touch with what’s going on in your community. There really is something for everyone. We also arrange theatre trips, barbeques, open gardens, rambles, cycle rides, lunches, outings. Why don’t you give it a try?

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month in the Small Hall, Banham Community Centre, at 7.30pm. The meeting comprises of a guest speaker, an interval for delicious refreshments (not just tea and biscuits!) followed by social time. Our programme for the year is on the right. There is no obligation if you want to come along as a visitor to see what it is like, with the option to join after 3 months. Current annual subscription rate is £27 which includes home delivery of the magazine WI Life, 8 times a year.

If you would like to come to a meeting, just give a member of the Committee a call so that we can look out for you – someone will even come and collect you if you do not want to come by yourself, or better still, bring a friend. We hope to see you soon.

Banham W.I. meet in the small hall at Banham Community Centre on the second Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm

Visitors and new members welcome. More details from Beryl Garrett, Secretary on 01953 888114

Our programme for the year is
January 9th, TBA

February 13th, Mr Lee Williams - recycling
Competition: something created from rubbish

March 12th, Visit to Morrisons in Diss

April 9th, Mr Richard Wright - From pigs to oil lamps. Competition: homemade piggy

May 14th. Resolutions Meeting and Wendy Pontin on Cycling for women in India.
Competition: Oldest cycling memorabilia

June 11th, Daphne Howlett, The World of Shells. Competition: my favourite shell

July 9th, Open Meeting, Mr Neil Storey, Grim tales from Norfolk's past.

July 16th, Visit to Tas Valley and supper at Tricia Newman, Carleton Rode

August 13th, Members Night

September 10th, Dr Stephen Ashworth, Musical instruments from lasers. Competition: homemade musical instrument.

October 8th, Mrs Eileen Gomme, quick cakes with sugar with emphasis on xmas. Competition: an edible gnome

November 12th, AGM and birthday party. W.I. mini olympics. Competition: a sporting award

December 10th, Christmas meeting. Competition: make a Christmas Cracker.


Banham W.I. Committee.
President Pauline Neal, 01953 457797
Secretary Beryl Garratt 01953 888114
Vice President Jennifer Montague 01953 888883
Vice President Monica Clancy 01953 887617
Treasurer Tricia Newman 01953 860373
Hostess and Welfare, Pauline Hildreth

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