Who are Herts Belles?
Herts Belles was set up in 2013. Based in St Albans it was one of the first 'young' New Wave Institutes to set up in Hertfordshire.
Herts Belles is part of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI), and also part of Hertfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes (HFWI).
Do I have to live in St Albans to join?
No, we have members from three different counties (Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Middlesex)
When do we meet?
Our meeting take place at Christ Church, 3 High Oaks, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DJ on the third Wednesday of every month (put it in your diary now!) Meetings start at 7:30pm
What happens at a meeting?
We start the evening off with some 'official' WI business and update you all with local news and events. Our meetings are usually very 'hands on' with lots of activities and workshops to keep you busy. Tea, coffee and cake are always available (for a small donation) All members are welcome to bring any homemade offerings to the gingham alter!
How much is it to join?
2019 membership fees are £42. This includes 11 meetings a year, a subscription to WI Life magazine delivered to your home, and the Hertfordshire News newsletter available at the meeting or email - a complete bargain!
Occasionally there will an additional charge for materials - we'll let you know well in advance.
Can I visit before I join?
Of course! Guests are ALWAYS welcome, the more the merrier! Visitors can come along for a maximum of three times before needing to sign up as a full member. The visitor rate is £4.50
Where can I find meeting dates and info?
Lots of places - have a look at the Meetings and Events link on the blog and the events links on our Facebook page. You can also pick up a programme at a meeting and join our mailing list for email updates.
Do I have to let you know I'm coming?
Normally it's absolutely fine if you just turn up. Occasionally there is a limit to the number of places for an activity and places for guests can be booked on a first come, first served basis. Check our Facebook page for details.
But I don't know anyone, can I come by myself?
Don't worry! We're a very friendly bunch. Lots of people come by themselves and soon get chatting and making friends.
Who runs Herts Belles St Albans WI?
Herts Belles is run by a committee of volunteers. Any member can join the committee. Members vote for the President at our May Annual Meeting.
The current committee are:
President: Emma Cannon
Vice-President: Bec London
Secretary: Emma Golding
Treasurer: Dawn Golding
Tisa Msanide
Penny Dent
Lizzy Steer
Leah Gaye
If you'd be interested in getting involved let us know!
What is HFWI?
Hertfordshire Federation acts as an umbrella body for all the WI's in Hertfordshire and has a federation secretary who works in HFWI's own office. There are several sub-committees that arrange events and activities to cater for the needs and interests of members. Information about the events and what all the Herts WI's have been up tp can be found in the Hertfordshire News newsletter. There are also a Spring and Autumn Council meeting which anybody can attend. County headquarters is also home to our county shop which sells handcrafts produced by members. It's open 09:00-1300 Monday to Friday.
You can contact them at:
County House
29 High Street
Wheathampstead
AL4 8BB
01582 834010
Email: herts.wi@btconnect.com
Web: click here
So, what is NFWI?
The National Federation of Women's Institutes is an even bigger umbrella organisation for all of the WI's in England and Wales. A national annual meeting is held every year which delegates attend.
For more info about the history, structure and role of NFWI check out the official NFWI website.
NFWI here
NFWI also runs our own Denman College. Denman offers a wide variety of day and residential courses in cookery, craft and lifestyle. Set in the picturesque village of Marcham, in Oxfordshire, the Georgian mansion and seventeen acres of grounds provide the perfect atmosphere for learning. Any member can book a course. Take a look here Denman College
This all sounds fantastic! What do I do now?
If you have any more questions email us: hertsbellesstalbanswi@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook and we'll get back to you. If not, see you at the next meeting!
See you soon!
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