Our first meeting was held on 15th December 1941 and so we recently celebrated our 80th Anniversary.
When the Branch was formed, meetings were held on the second Wednesday of each month, and this remains the same today. We do still sing ‘Jerusalem’, we do hold competitions, and we enjoy a variety of speakers and activities but mostly we just have a sociable evening being together and occasionally learning a new skill or broadening our knowledge of life. Our WI has adapted over the years to reflect modern life and the many changes that brings to us all, and we look to attract some younger members to our group so we better reflect modern society today.
In the early days ladies would attend wearing hats and gloves – things are not quite so formal now!! However we do all wear our ‘posh frocks’ for our Christmas Dinners and also our Afternoon Teas.
Whilst we are primarily formed from ladies living in Granby and Sutton, we warmly welcome members from any of the surrounding villages as we are aware that sadly many WI groups no longer exist in some local villages.
Granby and Sutton W I however is looking to the future and has every intention of celebrating our 90th Anniversary in 2031!
Education
Each month we have a speaker come along to our meetings. These can be as varied as a lady telling us about the woes of the hedgehog to a talk about the saving of the Mary Rose.
Community
Those of you who know the village church cannot help to have noticed the wonderful kneelers which adorn the pews. These were worked by our ladies over many, many hours of painstaking sewing, but the results are amazing. In addition we try to support local charities, such as the Rainbow Horses in Langar, as well as the WI national appeals.
Friendship
Our meetings are always good fun. We have the usual ‘business’ to get through each meeting but we soon move on to enjoy the night’s speaker. Once this presentation has been enjoyed then tea, coffee and cakes offer an opportunity to socialise and catch up on the village chat. Granby & Sutton WI also look after our own – offering support and comfort to any members in times of trouble or illness – just as any group of good friends would do!
We are always glad to welcome guests to our meetings. Come along and see what we are all about! If you would like to join us, please do not hesitate to contact Lois on the number below. We look forward to seeing you……