A new podcast celebrating the centenary of the Women's Institute in Norfolk, England. Brought to you by the Golden Triangle Girls WI, kindly sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Recorded throughout 2020 on themes related to the lives of members of the WI in the UK. Our 2012 film, Yarns & Threads, can be found here https://bit.ly/2UAMDJW
In this episode, Kate, Nicola and Stacey visit Evelyn Suffield House, the home of Norfolk Federation Office, to meet Margaret Collingwood and Louise Casson, the Federation's Chair and Secretary.
Margaret and Louise share stories and experiences relating to each of the themes of our previous episodes, as well as discussing the Federation's history - covering the origins of the House, leading ladies Lady Denman and Evelyn Suffield, and our archives. As well as chatting about our centenary celebrations, we gain an insight into what it's really like being a Federation Secretary (hint: very, very busy!!) and discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a WI during the coronavirus pandemic.
6 Nov 2020
Yarns and Threads - The Future of the WI, Part 2
Rosemary, Jill and Roxy chat with Tracey from Norfolk’s first ever workplace WI: The Girls at 31.
We learn all about why their employer; Flagship Group, created this for its female workforce. Not forgetting their own men's shed too! Surely we’ll be seeing more of these in the future to be flexible around working lives? Let's hope so!
3 Nov 2020
Yarns and Threads -The Future of the WI, Part 1
This episode explores what the future may hold for the Women’s Institute. First, we hear from Gemma and Roxy with what’s in store for us at the Golden Triangle Girls as a modern group. Riding off on a horse of sass, apparently?
Then Kate, Rosemary and Roxy interview some lovely ladies of Terrington St Clement WI: Sue, Molly and Frauke. They tell us what it's like in a traditional Norfolk WI that’s been going for over 90 years! We had so much to say about the Future... look out for more episodes coming soon...
3 Nov 2020
Yarns and Threads - Sisterhood
Roxy and Gemma meet with Rowan, Keilah, Jemma and Lynsey from Balham WI to discuss sisterhood, campaigning and what being a WI member means to them. They discuss the WI's social clout with 20,000+ members, pushing boundaries regarding stereotypes and supporting campaigns - such as ending FGM and revenge porn. Kate and Emily from the Golden Triangle Girls then discuss the empowering nature of the WI, safe spaces, growing confidence as a member and using your voice as a strong, independent woman.
23 Jul 2020
Yarns and Threads - Learning and Skills
The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educationational opportunities and the chance to gain new skills. Sarah, Bridget, Jenna and Stacey speak to members of Brooke WI, Swallowtails WI and Golden Triangle Girls WI about the diverse skills and learning opportunities their membership brings - from burlesque dancing and calligraphy to leadership and campaigning!
5 Jul 2020
Yarns and Threads - Families in the WI
It's not unusual for generations of the same family to be members of the WI - so Kate, Rosemary and Roxy speak to members whose families have joined the WI too! Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and wider family share their experiences- from googling what the WI was to running for President!
With thanks to members of All Saints WI, Golden Triangle Girls WI, Swallowtails WI, Terrington St Clements WI and City WI.
18 Jun 2020
Yarns and Threads - Founders
In our first episode, we interview some inspiring members who have all gone through a particular rite of passage - founding a Women's Institute! We look into their experiences of founding a WI - from what motivated them to start one and how they went about it, to how their WIs are faring today. With thanks to the members of Swallowtails WI and City WI in Norwich!
11 Jun 2020
Yarns and Threads - An Introduction
Gemma, Roxy and Stacey introduce our podcast and the motivation behind it!
The Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes is 100 years old! To mark the occasion, members of Golden Triangle Girls WI recorded the experiences of what it's like to be a member of the WI today, meeting many inspiring women along the way.
Our volunteers learned how to record, edit and host a podcast thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We hope you enjoy listening!
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