Our committee

Every good Women’s Institute has a marvellous committee behind them – ours meets once a month to make sure that our meetings are relevant, educational and fun.

Tara, President

I’ve lived here in Birchington for most of my life. I work full time but still manage to swim in the sea, walk along the beach with my rescue dogs and read (a lot!) I have a real love of anything vintage: I drive a Morris Traveller and, having recently ‘adopted’ a 1936 Singer Treadle sewing machine, I’m having fun learning to use it by making a lot of bunting! I think we have a lot to learn from traditional values like kindness and patience but I don’t think that the WI has to be too traditional and every group should be different. Since joining BoSWI (to combat a bit of empty nest syndrome) I’ve learnt so much and have met some truly wonderful ladies; I am proud to serve on our fabulous, hard-working committee.

Val is our super-efficient secretary:

I joined the BoSWI in August 2022 when there was a picnic on Minnis Green.

As I am now semi-retired from the business my husband and I run from Manston, I wanted to join something that would be interesting and fun. I have lived in Birchington and surrounding towns on and off for 40 years.

The only thing I knew about the WI was from the Calendar girl’s movie. So really singing Jerusalem and jam making. As I am a terrible singer and cook, I wasn’t sure this group would be for me.

However, after having met members at the August picnic, where food and wine was shared, I thought these ladies could be my sort.  I am glad I did join as even in these short months I have learnt a lot from various speakers and had fun at the Christmas wreath making and coffee mornings.

Pauline is our wonderful treasurer – she keeps our spending on track:

I was told about the BoS WI and invited to attend the August picnic; I found everyone friendly so I thought, this could be a group for me to join. I am now on the committee as treasurer, this is mainly due to my back ground of working in finance.

I am still working part time for the Mental Health Trust, looking after patient monies. I love living by the sea and as I have semi retired, I have a dog, who keeps me fit with walks etc.

I am looking forward to the new year with the BoS WI and hopefully making more new friends.

Julie is our assistant secretary and, as part our welcome team, makes sure that you come in smiling…

I’m Julie Hudson, a native of the Isle of Thanet, I have lived in all three towns on the island before settling in Birchington 4 years ago.  I have worked in the public service, private enterprise, been a volunteer mentor with Homestart Thanet and I was a trustee of Birchington Heritage Trust for 7 years.

A graduate of the Open University, my motto is ‘you’re never too old to try something new’ – in part inspired by some of the more senior students I have met.

I joined the Women’s Institute back in April 2022 to meet other like-minded women, have fun and promote the values of the WI in the village.

Gail is our events and sub-groups officer – she keeps us entertained and busy!

My name is Gail and I was born in Fulham, London.  I am retired, but to keep me out of mischief, I volunteer for the RSPCA and the Royal Air Force Association. I have recently become a member of the  Ramsgate Croquet Club, and ready to learn all about this sport.   I have two dogs who help keep me ‘on my toes’ as they are very lively and  full of fun.  

I joined the BoSWI to meet new friends and to participate in events.  I am excited in being a member of the committee and eager to contribute in every way I can to achieve the group’s success.  I look forward to a happy and enjoyable future together.

Judy sorts out a warm welcome and a hot drink for everyone, she also keeps an eye on the results of our surveys – it’s important that we respond to our ladies’ wish lists…

My name is Judy, I moved to Birchington (after our children had left for university or moved out) 3.5 years ago with my husband. I love going to the theatre and cinema and enjoy dog walks along the prom and beach, I also enjoy aqua aerobics.

My main reason for joining WI was to make friends as I moved here knowing nobody and went in to lockdown a few months later. I find the morning WI group to be a welcoming and friendly group of ladies.

I recently joined the committee to offer help with the running of meetings and to try to be more involved in the community.

Alison ensures that everyone feels welcome as they make their way to the registration table – she’s so creative and won a prize for her entry into our recent logo competition.

Pip is our meetings co ordinator and also makes sure that our registration is smoothly done 

For a number of years I used to travel to work at an archaeological unit based at Quex Park and would escape to the seafront or potter along Station Road looking in the shop windows during my lunch break. When my husband-to-be and I were looking for a place to set up home we thought Birchington would be a great location. So after 35 years living in Tankerton I moved here in 2020. When I heard about a new WI starting I thought this would be a good place to get to know people in the area and came along to the meetings from the start. I had a number of bereavements soon after I moved and I have found the WI ladies to be really kind, understanding and supportive. Its been really helpful for me to come along and see friendly faces at our regular WI events including the coffee mornings and knitting group. I attend the church where we hold our monthly meetings so thought it would be useful to be on the committee to help liaise and to be involved with set up. I love living in Birchington, I enjoy early morning walks by the sea. I’ve dabbled in various crafting activities in the past and hope to take some of these up again once I’ve tamed my garden and house. I’m looking forward to being part of a group where we build friendship, encourage involvement in our community and inspire one another.

Sylv is our Facebook admin, our Fundraising co ordinator... and our Health and Safety expert. She recently agreed to join our committee and we are so glad to have her!

I have been a member of BoSWI (morning) from the start and have seen it grow to a very comfortable group to belong to. I moved to Birchington three years ago after 46 years in the same house in Sidcup, where I raised my family of four and I am now blessed with 12 grandchildren. Just three months after moving here, I lost my husband of 54 years - very sad. You either sink or swim; BoSWI has helped me to swim and I'm hoping to help others along the way.