Isle of Wight Women's Institute group forms in The Bay

The group's foundations as Lake WI are perhaps best summed up from the minutes of the meeting on March 1, 1926, when Miss Wood said ‘To be a good and true member of an Institute you must treat each member with kindness, and all members as friends’.

Scroll through the photos above to see past and current members... 

Even as early as 1926, Lake WI held talks on A Holiday in Brittany and Migration of Birds, held demonstrations of lace making and floral displays and competitions, such as Best Jams and Best Bunch of Flowers grown from a member's garden.

The Bay WI members

These traditions and activities are still maintained today.

Many social events were enjoyed by Lake WI members over the years including a visit to Her Majesty’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

For more information about The Bay WI:

• Contact The Bay WI's secretary Lynn Turner
• Call her on 01983 406366 or 07540 342987
• Email thebaywi.secretary@gmail.com

Lake WI had always been an important part of the community, whether donating a bench, or taking part in carnivals or agricultural shows.

It went from strength to strength, celebrating 50 golden years in 1976 and continuing until 2021, when, with just a few members remaining, they sadly decided to close.

But the story didn't end there.

Covid and lockdowns couldn’t stop the WI for long, and Lake WI was reformed on April 20, 2023, as The Bay WI, proudly reflecting the ideals of Miss Wood.

Lake WI history record book and below, past members.

Times have changed somewhat, and The Bay WI recently had a talk about knickers and are looking forward to a demonstration on reflexology, and fun competitions such as Funky Socks.

The first social event was one to remember, celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III with a high tea of scones, sandwiches and cakes with tea and Prosecco.

It’s not all jam and Jerusalem in 2023, but members are mindful of their roots and the importance of friendship, support and of course having fun.

To join The Bay WI, pop along to their meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm at The Lions Day and Community Centre in Lake.