Top row: June Clark, Kay Dunham, Kay Hart, Jane Verity, Jan Ford, Lucy Anne Bishop
Middle row: Caroline Powell, Janice Newport, Carolyn Bosworth- Davies
Bottom row: Alison Hooper
June Clark: I’d always been intrigued by the WI and wanted to meet more local people. So, in early 2017, I joined Lee Green WI and was very warmly welcomed and delighted by the variety of events and activities. I don’t mind a spreadsheet so I’m the Treasurer and am very ably supported by Jan.
Kay Dunham: I am proud to say that I started Lee Green WI in 2012 because my children were about to leave primary school and I wanted to carry on meeting the people I met at the school gate. However, I can’t take credit for how it has turned out as that has been all about teamwork and the support the committee members have given to each other to realise all their crazy ideas. I am the Secretary.
Kay Hart: I joined the WI when I retired from work in 2017. I really like that I now know so many more women locally having spent all my working life in central London. I look after the website and email distribution lists.
Jane Verity: I joined the WI in 2016 when I knew I would be taking early retirement. I wanted to get to know more women locally as having worked long hours in central London, my friends were scattered around the country and not local at all. I now rarely leave the house without meeting a friendly WI face. My main Committee responsibilities are the rotas for our meeting refreshments and for our stall at Open Studios. I also organise some of our monthly meetings and visits.
Jan Ford: Since joining in 2012 I have thoroughly enjoyed the social life the WI provides; from the many outings to the panoply of monthly speakers and activities. My roles are Deputy Treasurer and Sunshine visitor.
Lucy Anne Bishop: I joined Lee Green WI in 2014 to meet more local people as my friends started to leave London. I was delighted by the fun range of meetings and trips. A year later, I joined the Committee initially for environmental campaigns but since then have led creative Christmas craft sessions, helped make our banner, designed our 10th anniversary tea towel and helped our community by supporting Friends of Manor House Gardens maintain new areas. A highlight for me was persuading Bake Off runner-up Jane Beedle to do a cake decorating demonstration for us.
Caroline Powell: “Do you fancy coming along to this meeting to set up a local WI?” asked my friend. I did indeed fancy it, and what a great decision that was. I love it! I’m delighted to be part of such an amazing bunch of people, and we have a fabulous time together. I relish our meetings and outings – especially our vineyard trips and wine tastings. I joined the Committee in 2015 and thoroughly enjoy the thrills and challenges that brings. I share the role of President with Alison and we have a lot of fun doing this.
Janice Newport: I met members of Lee Green WI for the first time at Manor House Gardens. I was invited to one of the meetings and when I turned up I was made to feel extremely welcome. I feel the WI offers an opportunity to meet new people and share in a variety of activities. I joined the Committee a couple of years ago where I am responsible for Health and Safety.
Carolyn Bosworth-Davies: I joined Lee Green WI from the beginning in 2012 and have really enjoyed getting to know people locally better and be part of such a sociable, caring and thoughtful group of ladies. I have the best role on the Committee organising what I love doing – that is, wine events from tastings to vineyard trips and posting WhatsApp recommendations on what to buy. I am also one of the Sunshine visitors and I am the link between us and the Manor House Gardens User Group for events and tidy ups.
Alison Hooper: I joined Lee Green WI in 2012 hoping to make some local pals, chat, have fun, and to reassure myself that having no talent whatsoever for arts and crafts doesn’t matter in the slightest. Thankfully Lee Green WI has provided all that and much, much more! I am the joint President with Caroline, who is the very glamorous front end of the presidential pantomime donkey for which I provide the rear!