The Women's Institute (WI) is non-sectarian and non-party political. There are more than 230,000 members, spread over 70 Federations, throughout England, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The WI offers members the opportunity:-

· to enjoy friendship within their local communities,

· to develop their skills and talents through lifelong learning,

· to widen their horizons,

· to improve the quality of life in the community,

· and together, to influence local, national and international affairs.

The local group covers Redlingfield & Occold.
Its programme of events for 2011 is (full details soon):

Wednesday 2nd February,
"Welcome Back" Steve Dunnett, 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 2nd March,
Quiz Night, 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 6th April,
Tom Lund-Lack "What's in a Painting?", 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 4th May,
Resolutions Meeting with Pudding and Punch, 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 1st June,
Outing to Banham Zoo

Wednesday 6th July,
Nickie Hoewenwer "The History of Lace Making", 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 3rd August,
Karen Cook "Our First Responders", 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 7th September,
Stuart Garrod (Equine Dentist) "My Life with these Nags", 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 5th October,
"Surprise Eve" (by the committee), 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Saturday 8th October,
Annual WI Harvest Supper, 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 2nd November,
AGM Chesse and Wine with speaker "Art Safari" by Ann Bartlett , 7.45pm, Occold Village Hall

Wednesday 7th December,
Christmas Meal, Beaconsfield Public House, Occold

Contacts for Redlingfield and Occold WI
President: Pam Cripps (01379 672945)
Vice President: Lesley Hull
Hon Sceretary: Chris Hewitson
Hon Treasurer: Molly Wattam

The local Suffolk East Federation of Women’s Institutes website can be found at www.sefwi.org.uk

They are based at: 22 Orford Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NS. The office is open 10am-3pm (Tuesday-Friday). Telephone: 01473 251632. E-mail: office@sefwi.org.uk The Chairman is Pam George.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes website can be found at www.thewi.org.uk