About Us
Welcome to Clovelly Women's Institute - Friendship, Fun & Learning
We are a fun loving and friendly WI that meet in Clovelly once a month on the second Thursday evening of the month. Belonging to our WI brings new friendships, opportunities for learning and lots of fun.
Why join?
Friendship - Whether you are new to the area or have lived here a while, WI offers the opportunity of meeting like-minded women and making new friends.
Learn a new skill - There are many opportunities to learn a wide variety of new skills through the Devon and National Federations.
Something for you - Take a little time each month to do something just for you. Switch off from the daily routines and relax in a friendly environment.
Get involved - Through WI you can get involved in both local projects and national campaigns. It's an opportunity to belong to the largest organisation in the country and be heard.
Our Meetings
Meetings are held in Clovelly Parish Hall at 7.30pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
There are 11 meetings a year. December's is usually a party and entertainment. July's is often a garden visit and in addition there are occasionally external visits to places of interest. Previous visits have been to Cothelstone Manor and Morwellham Quay.
Every meeting starts with a welcome and the singing of Jerusalem.
There is a speaker on a subject of interest which lasts about 1 hour (see meeting programme page). During the meeting we let members know about forthcoming events or have feedback on something that has already happened. Often there is a clipboard going around for members to sign up to trips, a meal out or a special event. There is also 'refreshment' time with tea and coffee and biscuits that the members provide on a rota system.
We have a competition which is usually judged by the speaker - and this might be anything from a favourite brooch to 3 mince pies. No pressure is put on members to enter but the member with the most points receives a cup at the end of the year. We have a 'Flower of the month' competition and members put small change on the saucer in front of each flower. The flower with the most money is chosen as 'flower of the month'. The money collected goes towards cards and gifts for anyone who is ill or having a bad time.
Meetings are very much for members and if anyone has a comment, question or grievance they are invited to feedback either within the meeting or to a Committee member separately. The committee consists usually of 9 members and includes a president and deputy, a treasurer and a secretary.
You are very welcome to come along to 3 meetings before being asked if you would like to join. If you would like someone to pick you up and bring you along we would be happy to arrange that - just send us a message. Your first meeting is free, then there is a charge of £4 for the next two that you attend in this way.
If you decide to join, the paperwork will be given to you to complete. Please contact us for the current membership fee (the fee for April 2024 - March 2025 is £40). The amount is reduced pro rata if you join during the year. You will receive an emailed copy of the monthly Devon Federation magazine and eight copies a year of the WI members' magazine, WI Life, produced by the national organisation and giving information about all the WI activities around the country. All your meetings thereafter are covered by this annual charge. As a member you will also be entitled to attend events held by the Devon and National Federation and you will receive details of these at meetings, by email, or from the National WI website.
MEETING TIMES
Monthly meeting - 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. Clovelly Parish Hall EX39 5SU
Monthly Reading Group - 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm on Zoom