Inspiring women - then and now
The WI is a unique organisation shaped by its members.
In 1915, the WI set out to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community.
Since then, our members and our ambitions alike have grown tremendously.
Today, the WI is the largest women’s organisation in the UK and we pride ourselves on being a trusted place for all 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. The WI campaigns nationally on a wide range of issues and provide life-long learning and self-development opportunities for women in England and Wales.
We meet the second Tuesday of each month (apart from August) at 7.30 pm in Shapwick village hall.
History of Shapwick WI
Shapwick (Starlets) WI was started on the 29th October 1925.
President – Miss Strangways of Shapwick Manor
Secretary – Miss Foxdern
Treasurer – Mrs Seamer (Vicar’s wife)
Miss Helen Strangways was visiting a friend in the New Forest, and was taken to a WI meeting with a friend as a guest. She was so impressed, she set up our WI and meetings were held in the Manor House.
Once established Miss Strangways kindly donated the barn to the village, now our village hall.
Shapwick Starlets today
Each month we have a speaker/activity, a competition relevant to the month’s theme, a raffle, refreshments and present birthday posies.
Previous speakers have included Shoe Makers Museum, Goats of the Gorge, St John's Ambulance, In pursuit of Prizes.
Our activities include Christmas crafts, Pebble painting, Glastonbury Ghost Walk, Willows and Wetland Walk, Art and Putt, Treasure Hunts.
We are a proactive village group providing cream teas for the Shapwick Jam and other village events. We decorate the St Mary’s Parish Church for Remembrance Sunday with hand crafted poppies. For our 100th birthday, we carried out one hundred acts of kindness including helping out at the Hawk and Owl Trust and Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
As members we have access to WI national online training courses, we also get the opportunity to volunteer at local events such as the Bath and West and Taunton Flower Show.
And there's more...
We also have a flourishing book club, which meets once a month.
We currently play 'walking' netball once a week using Dovecote School facilities and have a regular walking group.
During the summer we arrange visits to local places of interest, our August Adventures - such good fun!
We are lucky to have such a diverse range of ages from 40 to 85. Open to ladies of all ages, we aim to cater for all tastes and adopt an inclusive approach.
Not all our members are residents of Shapwick so all are welcome.
Email: shapwickwi@yahoo.com
Facebook/Instagram: Shapwick Starlets WI
Shapwick Starlets Photo Gallery
