From the Bath MP’s office: Founded in 1915 with a vision to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community, the Women’s Institute is truly a British institution.
Since its inception its members and ambitions alike have grown tremendously, and is today the largest women’s organisation in the UK, with around 170,000 members.
Kitty Lambah, President of Bath WI explains:
“At the Women’s Institute we pride ourselves on being a trusted place for women of all generations, to share experiences and learn from each other. A WI membership offers the opportunity to meet women in your local area in-person and virtually, to make friends and make a difference in your community.”
And the “jam and Jerusalem” image is long gone. Kitty continues:
“We are not only a space for friendship, life-long learning, self-development and fun, but are active on the national stage on issues which matter to our members and campaign nationally on a wide range of issues.”
On 1st April Kitty and members of Bath Women’s Institute invited the city’s MP to come along to their regular weekly meeting in St Mary’s Church in Bathwick to hear more about their local activities.
Almost all of Bath WI’s 66 members were there to hear as Wera gave a short introduction about herself, her background, how she got into politics and about the life of a female MP, with its rewards and challenges.
The group then put their own questions to Wera in a lively and thoughtful Q&A, going from closer ties with Europe, through prejudice against women in Parliament, and language teaching and learning.
The session ended with Wera updating the group on her current campaigning priorities around inadequate SEND provision, the scandal of spice-spiked vapes in schools, and the unacceptable covert filming of women on nights out.
As the meeting closed for another month, and the group presented her with a Bath WI book bag, Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“What a fantastic institution the Women’s Institute is! Nationally it remains an enduring exemplar of a supportive, vibrant organization that builds friendships, educates, supports, and looks out for the interests of its members. It is a true force to be reckoned with!
“I have been particularly struck by the engaging warmth and friendly, welcoming feel in the room tonight, and blown away by the breadth and variety of activities available to members of the Bath WI.”
Bath WI welcomes new members – get in touch here https://thebathwi.com/contact-us/
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