Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the WI?
The Women's Institute or WI was formed in 1915 to bring together women in rural communities and encourage them to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. The WI was inspired by an organisation set up in Canada in 1897. Find out more about the WI here on http://www.thewi.org.uk/.
The WI has developed significantly over the past hundred years and we feel very proud that Swallowtail WI is part of such a lareg movement.
Is it all Jam and Jerusalem?
Quite simply no. The WI is changing and while there are many more traditional WIs across the country who still remain true to their origins, there are newer WIs setting up such as Swallowtail Wi who are blending the old and the new. We love the history and some of the traditions but know it's essential we bring things up to date and with new ideas and new technology.
We haven't sung Jerusalem yet (although it's a good idea to know the words if you're popping along to a Federation event) but some of us do make jam. Lots of members are dab hands at baking, and several members craft, we have a popular book club, and we also love animals and nature, and enjoy learning about a huge variety of topics from burlesque to forensic handwriting.
Our speakers and activities are themed around our eclectic tastes. You may find someone talking about hedgehogs, vintage fashion or local history. Or we might be having a jigsaw race, or learning about medical science.. Check out our meetings schedule to see what we have coming up.
I want to come and visit
Fantastic, we would love to see you. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the Diamond Centre, School Lane, Sprowston from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. You can arrive anytime after 7.20 pm. There is ample parking at the back of the building off Neville Road.
All you need to do is drop us an email and we’ll put you down on the guest list. It’s £5 to come along as a visitor and this covers our running costs and your drink and snacks. We will look out for you on the night and introduce you to other members. We are a very friendly group, always pleased to welcome new people, so there is no need to be nervous the first time you come.
You can come along three times as a visitor before you need to decide if you want to become a member.
What happens at a meeting?
Every WI runs their meetings differently. Grab a drink on arrival and join a friendly table for a natter before we begin. We try to start promptly at 7.30pm with a quick hello and welcoming everyone before getting on the the main event for the evening.
We usually have a speaker or activity for the first half of the meeting. Then we break for a drink and a slice of cake, some fruit or something savoury provided by our members on the snack rota. If we know what your dietary requirements are, we'll cater for them.
After the break we go through the business for about half an hour. This is when the WI gets together and talks about any forthcoming events, fundraising activities, outings, dates for the diary, ideas for future meetings and anything else that the members want to discuss. Swallowtail WI is organised by a committee but it’s run by and for the members.
How do I join?
To join the Swallowtail WI you need to come and visit us at a meeting. You can arrange that by emailing us.
If you come along and like it then you can join straight away or go home and think about it then send us an email to confirm you would like to become a member. We will get you to fill out a membership form and either pay by cheque on the night or via BACS.
There is an annual membership fee that is set by National Federation. This covers the cost of eleven meetings: the venue hire, speaker, activities and your refreshments. Occasionally we organise extra events or activities that may have an additional fee but these events are optional.
You will also receive eight copies of the WI Life magazine during the year.
We have a snack rota and ask that every member contributes. You can bake something yourself or pop to the shops. We try to cater for everyone, so do let us know if you have any allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions. Snack rota participants don’t need to be an expert baker, we love cake in all its forms and are definitely not there to judge.
If I identify as a female, can I still join the WI?
Yes, you'll be very welcome! Please request to come and visit us by dropping us an email..
The Women's Institute or WI was formed in 1915 to bring together women in rural communities and encourage them to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. The WI was inspired by an organisation set up in Canada in 1897. Find out more about the WI here on http://www.thewi.org.uk/.
The WI has developed significantly over the past hundred years and we feel very proud that Swallowtail WI is part of such a lareg movement.
Is it all Jam and Jerusalem?
Quite simply no. The WI is changing and while there are many more traditional WIs across the country who still remain true to their origins, there are newer WIs setting up such as Swallowtail Wi who are blending the old and the new. We love the history and some of the traditions but know it's essential we bring things up to date and with new ideas and new technology.
We haven't sung Jerusalem yet (although it's a good idea to know the words if you're popping along to a Federation event) but some of us do make jam. Lots of members are dab hands at baking, and several members craft, we have a popular book club, and we also love animals and nature, and enjoy learning about a huge variety of topics from burlesque to forensic handwriting.
Our speakers and activities are themed around our eclectic tastes. You may find someone talking about hedgehogs, vintage fashion or local history. Or we might be having a jigsaw race, or learning about medical science.. Check out our meetings schedule to see what we have coming up.
I want to come and visit
Fantastic, we would love to see you. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the Diamond Centre, School Lane, Sprowston from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. You can arrive anytime after 7.20 pm. There is ample parking at the back of the building off Neville Road.
All you need to do is drop us an email and we’ll put you down on the guest list. It’s £5 to come along as a visitor and this covers our running costs and your drink and snacks. We will look out for you on the night and introduce you to other members. We are a very friendly group, always pleased to welcome new people, so there is no need to be nervous the first time you come.
You can come along three times as a visitor before you need to decide if you want to become a member.
What happens at a meeting?
Every WI runs their meetings differently. Grab a drink on arrival and join a friendly table for a natter before we begin. We try to start promptly at 7.30pm with a quick hello and welcoming everyone before getting on the the main event for the evening.
We usually have a speaker or activity for the first half of the meeting. Then we break for a drink and a slice of cake, some fruit or something savoury provided by our members on the snack rota. If we know what your dietary requirements are, we'll cater for them.
After the break we go through the business for about half an hour. This is when the WI gets together and talks about any forthcoming events, fundraising activities, outings, dates for the diary, ideas for future meetings and anything else that the members want to discuss. Swallowtail WI is organised by a committee but it’s run by and for the members.
How do I join?
To join the Swallowtail WI you need to come and visit us at a meeting. You can arrange that by emailing us.
If you come along and like it then you can join straight away or go home and think about it then send us an email to confirm you would like to become a member. We will get you to fill out a membership form and either pay by cheque on the night or via BACS.
There is an annual membership fee that is set by National Federation. This covers the cost of eleven meetings: the venue hire, speaker, activities and your refreshments. Occasionally we organise extra events or activities that may have an additional fee but these events are optional.
You will also receive eight copies of the WI Life magazine during the year.
We have a snack rota and ask that every member contributes. You can bake something yourself or pop to the shops. We try to cater for everyone, so do let us know if you have any allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions. Snack rota participants don’t need to be an expert baker, we love cake in all its forms and are definitely not there to judge.
If I identify as a female, can I still join the WI?
Yes, you'll be very welcome! Please request to come and visit us by dropping us an email..