Lesley – President

In 2010, the newly established Bognor Regis WI, put a request in the local paper for ‘younger members’ – so I went along to find out more, LOVED IT and promptly joined!  During the past four years I have helped to establish the craft group, launched and edited our newsletter ‘The Buzz’ and for the last two years I have been on the Committee.  In October 2014 I was voted in as President – a role I am honoured to hold.  I have a fantastic WISH (WI Supportive Husband) and children, who are incredibly supportive and enable me to be part of an organisation I love, and am proud to be part of.  Over the next year I hope to continue the success of our WI.

Annie – Secretary

I worked as a nurse for 43 years, and for many years promised myself, on my retirement I would join the WI.  Which I did! I just wish I had years before, and am unsure why I considered retirement was a necessary requirement. I have really enjoyed my first year.  I was surprised to be asked to be on the committee, but I was very surprised when I was chosen for secretary, thank God for spell check.

My background interests are varied, history, art, crafts, needlework and cooking and reading among others.  Just the type of things the WI excel at. As well as enjoying my contacts with fellow science fiction followers I look forward to becoming more involved with other groups and other members within our WI.

Celia – Treasurer

When my husband and I retired, we knew we wanted to go and live by the coast. But where to… ? With our love of sailing and walking, Bognor Regis was an ideal spot with Chichester Harbour and the South Downs on the doorstep. Not knowing anyone in the area, I wanted to join some groups in order to meet new people and learn new skills. From the information given on the BRWI website, it appeared to offer what I was looking for. So I went along to a meeting and received a really warm welcome. That was 10 months ago. Now I am on the committee and have the responsible role of Treasurer. As for learning new skills, I enjoy making jewellery, painting using watercolours, gardening as well as walking ~ all with groups of very friendly, like minded ladies.

Margaret – MCS Link/Publicity

I moved to Bognor Regis in 2007.  I saw the article about the forming of Bognor Regis WI and, as I didn’t know anyone here and my husband was still working, I promptly contacted Melanie Careless about joining.  I was unable to attend the first meeting as I had just had my first knee replacement, and so it was quite a while later that I joined.  My main aim was to find friends and to get into crafting which I haven’t done since school.  My main craft is carding making but I will have a go at almost anything, although I’m definitely not a knitter. Water colour painting has appealed to me for years and so whenever I have seen items on sale I have bought them.  Now I have an awful lot of brushes and paints but not a clue what to do with them until I signed up for Lynn’s group.  I would also like to work with wood and am lucky enough to have a small lathe, but again, no-one to teach me.  I think next year I shall have to get out into my hobby shack and just have a go.  Outside of WI I am involved in various groups but it was the WI I first turned to seeking friendship and help to get involved in things I now have time for.

Karen – Vice-President and The Buzz Editor

A friend invited me to one of the Branch’s summer walks in 2010, which was very enjoyable (and finished at a pub, always a good plan).  I then went along to a meeting, and found a lively, friendly and very active group – so much so that I took a friend with me to the next meeting and she became a member too!  I’m a member of the Walking Group, Dining Out Group, and Theatre Group, and run the SCIFFLe Group (Science Fiction and Fantasy Ladies).

Outside the WI, I spend my spare time writing (I’ve have a few articles and short stories published); reading (mainly science-fiction and history); watching films/DVDS; and helping maintain the South Downs National Park as a Volunteer Ranger.  I’m also on the committee of the newly-formed Bognor Regis Film Society.

Maggie – West Sussex News Link

Never having been a WI member before, I joined mainly out of a sense of curiosity, and was pleasantly surprised at the energy and enthusiasm shown – and also the fact that there was a good mix of age groups.  I really enjoy being a part of the theatre, and the eating out groups, and also the walks.  I am the West Sussex News Link, bringing to the attention of members any activities or events organised by the West Sussex WI Federation.  You will also see me at the desk as you come into the Church Hall for the meeting.

Debbie – Host Liaison

I relocated to Bognor Regis in the Spring of 2012 and started ‘living the dream’ beside the sea.  However, a vital component of the dream was missing in that, apart from my husband, I didn’t know anyone in the local area!  A sociable person, I started my research to find a local WI so that I could become involved and get to know some like-minded women.  I discovered that my nearest group had only a few places remaining from a maximum membership of 70. Obviously a very popular WI, which boded well.  I swiftly arranged a visit and went on to join the very friendly and vibrant Bognor Regis Evening WI.  I now know so many lovely women and my social calendar is full with: monthly meetings; Book Group; SCIffle group; cinema and theatre visits; and of course, those all-important Committee meetings!