Bainbridge W.I.

Nothing would have persuaded me to join the WI when I moved North from Oxford three years ago. But within a month of my arrival Margaret Thompstone did. “You’ll love it,” she said. I wasn’t convinced. I’d seen Calendar Girls and enjoyed it (it was the first film Ian ever took me to see – I wonder why?) but I never felt it did the WI any favours, with its caricature of members as a collection of dull and self-righteous women who made jam (since when was jam-making a crime?) and crocheted plant-pot covers, and who needed geeing up by a rebel group of glamorous chicks who took their kit off in a good cause – none of them, in the film anyway, bigger than a size 12.
Since joining the Bainbridge group, I can honestly say I’ve never looked back – and I’ve never been asked to crochet so much as a coaster (or to take my clothes off, surprisingly). But I have enjoyed a lecture on the Brontes, two brilliant cookery demonstrations which inspired me to heights of culinary excellence (well, almost), a talk on the Crown Prosecution Service, another on the importance of music in our lives, and the opportunity for many trips and days out. I’ve also helped with the soup and sweet lunches held monthly in Bainbridge and Askrigg, proceeds of which go to provide a free Christmas lunch every year for local pensioners. But most of all, I’ve met a group of lively, friendly, talented women who’ve taught me a lot, make me laugh – and like my lemon drizzle cake. What more can you ask? Well, jam and jewellery making are next on my list.
Betsy Everett

Meetings are on the third Thursday of the month in Bainbridge village hall at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome (£3) or call Carolyn Rukin on 650544 for more information.