Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about joining the WI? Hopefully you will find some of your answers here. If your question isn't covered then just drop us a message on the Contact page.
Got a question about joining the WI? Hopefully you will find some of your answers here. If your question isn't covered then just drop us a message on the Contact page.
What is the WI?
The Women's Institute is an organisation based on the idea of bringing women together, providing them with educational opportunities and the chance to make a difference in their communities.
Isn’t the WI just for retired women?
No, we welcome women of all ages. The only age requirement is to be aged 18 or over. Heffle WI meetings are held in the evenings so they are accessible to women who may be at work or have caring responsibilities during the day.
Is the WI a religious organisation?
No, the WI is non-sectarian meaning that we are not connected or affiliated with any particular religion or religious belief. We therefore welcome both women who belong to any organised religion or have religious beliefs, and women who do not.
But isn’t Jerusalem the WI anthem?
The hymn came to be associated with the Women's Institute (WI) because of suffragette Millicent Fawcett. She asked if it could be used for the Women's Suffrage Movement and in 1918 a band of women sung the hymn at a suffrage rally taking place at the Royal Albert Hall. Then in the early 1920s one of the founders of the WI, and fellow suffragette, Grace Hadow came up with the idea of using the hymn as the WI's anthem. It was officially adopted in 1924.
Some WI groups do still sing Jerusalem at their meetings but it is not required. Heffle WI choose not to.
Do I need to be good at baking/crafts to join the WI?
No! We do have members who enjoy those hobbies but it is not compulsory – we have members who enjoy all manner of different activities and hobbies. We do sometimes enjoy craft activities as part of our meetings, but they are always on the basis that it is fun to try new things and no one is expected to have previous knowledge or skills.
Why are you called Heffle WI?
There are many WI groups all across the country so they each have a name. Heffle ( or Hefful) is the old name for Heathfield so it seemed a good name for our group.
What happens at a Heffle WI meeting?
Meetings are planned well in advance by the Committee. Each meeting will have a speaker on an interesting topic or an activity. In addition to this there may be pop-up craft sessions, games, quizzes and competitions. We also have refreshments and usually a raffle as well as the chance to socialise. Have a look at the Meetings and Events page to see examples of our monthly meeting activities.
Who are the Committee?
Heffle WI has 9 women on its committee who organise and run the meetings as well as undertaking other roles such Treasurer, Secretary, carrying out the admin for new members, producing the monthly newsletter etc.
Our committee are members of our WI and are voted on by the members at our AGM.
How much does it cost to become a member?
The current annual membership fee for Heffle WI is £48 per year. This includes 12 meetings, all meeting activities and refreshments, as well as a monthly newsletter, monthly magazine and access to the My WI website. It really is good value for money!
Can I ‘try before I buy’?
Yes. Prospective members are able to attend two meetings as a Guest before deciding if they wish to become a member.
The Women's Institute is an organisation based on the idea of bringing women together, providing them with educational opportunities and the chance to make a difference in their communities.
Isn’t the WI just for retired women?
No, we welcome women of all ages. The only age requirement is to be aged 18 or over. Heffle WI meetings are held in the evenings so they are accessible to women who may be at work or have caring responsibilities during the day.
Is the WI a religious organisation?
No, the WI is non-sectarian meaning that we are not connected or affiliated with any particular religion or religious belief. We therefore welcome both women who belong to any organised religion or have religious beliefs, and women who do not.
But isn’t Jerusalem the WI anthem?
The hymn came to be associated with the Women's Institute (WI) because of suffragette Millicent Fawcett. She asked if it could be used for the Women's Suffrage Movement and in 1918 a band of women sung the hymn at a suffrage rally taking place at the Royal Albert Hall. Then in the early 1920s one of the founders of the WI, and fellow suffragette, Grace Hadow came up with the idea of using the hymn as the WI's anthem. It was officially adopted in 1924.
Some WI groups do still sing Jerusalem at their meetings but it is not required. Heffle WI choose not to.
Do I need to be good at baking/crafts to join the WI?
No! We do have members who enjoy those hobbies but it is not compulsory – we have members who enjoy all manner of different activities and hobbies. We do sometimes enjoy craft activities as part of our meetings, but they are always on the basis that it is fun to try new things and no one is expected to have previous knowledge or skills.
Why are you called Heffle WI?
There are many WI groups all across the country so they each have a name. Heffle ( or Hefful) is the old name for Heathfield so it seemed a good name for our group.
What happens at a Heffle WI meeting?
Meetings are planned well in advance by the Committee. Each meeting will have a speaker on an interesting topic or an activity. In addition to this there may be pop-up craft sessions, games, quizzes and competitions. We also have refreshments and usually a raffle as well as the chance to socialise. Have a look at the Meetings and Events page to see examples of our monthly meeting activities.
Who are the Committee?
Heffle WI has 9 women on its committee who organise and run the meetings as well as undertaking other roles such Treasurer, Secretary, carrying out the admin for new members, producing the monthly newsletter etc.
Our committee are members of our WI and are voted on by the members at our AGM.
How much does it cost to become a member?
The current annual membership fee for Heffle WI is £48 per year. This includes 12 meetings, all meeting activities and refreshments, as well as a monthly newsletter, monthly magazine and access to the My WI website. It really is good value for money!
Can I ‘try before I buy’?
Yes. Prospective members are able to attend two meetings as a Guest before deciding if they wish to become a member.