Highfield Women's Institute - 'Women In Common'

The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

Started by popular demand, our new Women's Institute began when several women thought it a good idea to form such a group. It surprised us to find out that our neighbourhood did not have, and apparently had never had, a WI group. Well, we had to do something about that!

Our very first meeting started with a little huddle of eight of us who met Eryl Thompsett (a membership adviser from Hampshire WI), to tell us what was needed. It all sounded quite daunting but possible. With support from Hampshire WI, things took shape. Word spread, and many who thought it an excellent idea came to a preliminary gathering, and were prepared to support it.

'Highfield - Women in Common WI' was born. Our name evolved from the need to have 'Highfield' in our title so people could locate us in the main WI web site, but while still wanting our very own personal identity. As our members are located around Southampton Common, this sounded like an appropriate name with an appropriate logo. We hope you think so too.

We had our first official meeting in January 2011, chaired by Hampshire WI 'Disparate Housewives' from Twyford (a group we had identified as being close to our own) gave us an inspiring talk on the pros and cons. And despite those, we were not over-awed. People volunteered to join the committee alongside the few founder members who had started the ball rolling. And with that, the 'Highfield - Women in Common WI' was signed, sealed and delivered.

We have moved from strength to strength, with a starting membership of 57 in January, speed-dating - except it was photography - in February, and a chocolate demo in March. Judging by chocolate sales, our WI seems to have a sweet tooth! The committee look forward to finding out what other characteristics our members possess and to enable the group to stage more exciting events.