The Dorset Federation offers a range of activities and is a link between the many other WIs in Dorset.


2019

15 - 17th March: Dorset Denman Weekend.
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100 WI members zip wired across Bournemouth beach to celebrate their centenary

The Dorset Federation of Women's Institutes celebrated its centenary by getting 100 members to do the Bournemouth Pier Zip

ONE hundred women challenged themselves to a zip surf across Bournemouth beach to celebrate the centenary of the Dorset Federation of Women’s Institute. Kathy Verkooijen and Do Ranson from Wyke Regis Wi, were amongst the first to go!
The organisation marked its 100th year with the equivalent number of women launching themselves from the zip wire tower on Bournemouth Pier.
W.I events committee member Elaine Knight said the idea was put forward by one of the group’s octogenarians.
“It was felt that doing the zip wire would be an excellent challenge for us all. We then decided that we would recruit 100 ladies to take on the challenge, and that it would be a wonderful way to mark and celebrate the county centenary.”
She added: “We were 100 daring, but slightly petrified, ladies and all motivated by the prospect of a strong cup of tea or stiff drink afterwards.”
The national Women’s Institute was formed in 1915, but the Dorset Federation of Women’s Institutes was set up in 1917.
County chairman Marilyn Holehouse was the first to take a running leap from the zip wire tower.
She said: “It was a challenge and a celebration, although it was nerve-wracking stepping off. This event is just one of several we are doing to celebrate our centenary year.”



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Chairman, Marilyn Holehouse, Dorset Federation of WIs

Chairman’s Introduction March 2017  Taken from the NFWI website)

  The Federation is now 100 years old, having formed on 14th March 1917.  We started the Centenary celebrations off in style with a Formal Afternoon Tea, attended by Angus Campbell Esq., HM Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, and Janice Langley, the Chair of NFWI.  The Century has seen many changes in family and community life but the WI in Dorset has been adaptable, supporting women, giving them a voice and helping them to master skills appropriate for the times they lived in or are living in.
Today the WI in Dorset continues to support members socially in coming together at monthly meetings. It expands their horizons with talks of local and national interest, demonstrations of skills, and information to enhance their own lives and those of their families and communities.  The Federation offers further support with various training sessions and workshops on interests such as craft and IT, organises campaigns on issues that matter to women, social events to places of interest and activities such as an annual skittles tournament.  In our Centenary Year 100 members will “take a ride” on the Bournemouth Zip Wire.
The WI strives to be relevant to the needs and expectations of its members.  We want you to benefit from your membership, do as much as you wish, choose events and activities that you enjoy and wish to take part in, use your talents and skills to help others in your WI or in Dorset Federation, or just enjoy meeting and making friends at a WI monthly meeting.  The WI is what you make of it.
If you would like to join us please contact the County Office and we will put you in touch with WIs in your area.  Visit a few as a guest and find the Institute that best fits you.
Marilyn



If you are interested in attending any of these events look at the DFWI magazine on the WI notice board or go to their website, www.theWI.org.uk/dorset

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