ur Women's Institute is a happy group of 25 members from Beckley and Northiam. We meet on the 2nd Monday each month in the Beckley Village Centre, at 7.30pm.
The programme for 2009 will have something to interest everyone, so come along and join us. You can be sure of a warm welcome.
Photos taken on an outing to James Dean Pottery
Last Year the Beckley WI Celebrated its 90th Birthday
Beckley WI was formed in February 1918. There was a short break in the 1960s, but from 1967 onwards, Beckley WI have met every month to share activities, make friends and help the community in which we live.
Some of our members have been involved since the 1960's, and also remember some of the original ladies from the very early days. Our President, Mary Howse's grandmother was an early member, and her mother Nora, who is still a member today, remembers being taken to Iden WI's first Christmas meeting in the early days when the meeting took place in a member's home.
Working in the Community
While our members contribute to the local community in many ways other than through the WI, there have been some projects that have been done as part of our commitment to keep in touch with local organisations.
The Story Sacks project has been a great success, with two Sacks being presented to the local Primary School. A third is nearing completion and has been made for the Pre-School Play Group.
One of our members, Jenny Whyllie a former nurse, helped at a Stroke Awareness day organised by Tenterden Rotary Club. Jenny used her skills to help by taking blood pressure readings on the patients of a GP surgery. This screening is a very good opportunity to identify people who are at risk of stroke through high blood pressure. Many people who are otherwise healthy are not aware of this risk.
Denman College
Some of our members attended Denman College last year, to learn new skills or to improve and update their existing skills. Val Micheaux completed a course entitled The Magic of Dance, and Julie Fowle learnt Summer Cooking.
Pat Parren and Janet Payne, both enthusiastic needlewomen, did Patchwork & Quilting Through The Garden.
FUND RAISING
Beckley WI is part of the Associated Country Women of the World, which is the largest rural women's organisation, and have raised funds to help with good causes.
FROG FIELD
The Frog Field is beside Beckley Jubilee Recreation Field. The WI oversees the field for the Parish Council. There is a rota for the monthly inspection of the field which is managed as a pocket park/nature reserve. For further details & photos please click on the Frog Field link button.
Beckley WI is always open to fresh ideas. We care about and campaign on important issues, get involved in the community as well as learning and laughing together.
For more information please contact Hon Sec.
Ann Jones on 01797 260527
Denman College
Denman College is the WI's own residential Adult Education College near Oxford and was named after the first NFWI chairman, Lady Denman. It is a graceful Georgian house, set in 17 acres of beautiful grounds. The courses on offer last for 2, 3 or 4 days.
WI members are encouraged to pursue a wide range of interests.
The courses and accommodation are provided at a reasonable cost and scholarships are awarded twice a year.
( Pictured Above - Denman College ) | 
