- Can I visit a meeting before joining?
Yes, you can visit us as a guest up to three times but please contact us to reserve your place before attending. - What happens at your meetings?
Meetings begin with the President’s welcome. We meet at Olby’s in Margate which has a bar so members usually get themselves a drink (hot or cold) beforehand. We then have our main event which will either be a speaker or an activity. The meeting will then come to a close with updates from committee members and a final address from the President. - Besides the monthly meetings, what else do you do?
We regularly get involved with local projects and some members take part in local events, Litter Picks and other opportunities that arise. Each year, we host a Christmas Fayre at Dreamland Margate for local artists and makers to sell their wares. We also have a range of sub-groups. More details can be found on our Sub-groups page. - What are your members like?
Our members range from 18 to 80 years old and are artists, students, teachers, professionals, creators and makers, retired, photographers, mothers… and who have a whole range of activities and interests. We all want to meet other inspiring women, support each other and our community and learn something new. - Can I bring a family member to a meeting?
Women are welcome as long as they are over 18. Unfortunately, we unable to accommodate anyone under 18 years (this includes babies in arms). - Can men join/visit?
No, the Women’s Institute is only for women. We do, however, have male speakers and activity leaders visit us. - Do I have to be crafty or know how to knit/sew/crochet/bake/make jam to join?
Absolutely not! Some of our members enjoy crafting and cooking, some don’t, and some are interested to learn new skills. - How do you pick your speakers?/How can I become a speaker?
Each year our Committee plans the annual programme, using feedback and requests from members. If you would like be a speaker or have an idea for a meeting, please Contact Us with your suggestions. - What level of commitment and involvement do you expect from members?
Women’s Institutes thrive when every member takes full advantage of their membership. This might involve attending the twelve monthly meetings, taking part in trips, joining committees or sub-groups, taking part in local events (and encouraging friends and family to join such events too.) We understand our members lead busy lives so may not be able to get involved with every aspect of our WI, but even just offering feedback, contributing ideas, buying a raffle ticket at our meetings or helping clear up at the end of the night adds to the success of our WI. So although nothing is expected it really is a case of ‘you get out what you put in’. - How do I join the committee?
Every February we hold our Annual General Meeting. This is when our members can put themselves forward to join the committee. You may wish to take one of the main roles (President, Secretary or Treasurer) which are required in order to operate as an institute, or a more general role.If you’d be interested in joining, speak to the President or Secretary for more details. - Are you a political organisation?
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes, as well as the Margate WI, are non-party political. We are, however, sometimes involved in political campaigns. - Are you a religious organisation?
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes, as well as the Margate WI, are a non-sectarian organisation. People of all faiths are welcome.
