Founded in 1919 Manuden WI continues to thrive as a village activity for women of all ages, meeting throughout the year, usually at the Community Centre at 7.30 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Our monthly meetings vary each month as we enjoy a wide range of speakers and activities. From wine tasting to an informative evening learning about the gardens of Eastern Lodge and the history of belly dancing, the evenings are always fun. Some of our most popular evenings have been when we have organised our own entertainment, be it a beetle drive, a fashion show or even a paint and sip evening. In November we make something wonderful at our Christmas craft evening and in the warmer months we hold our meeting in one of the lovely gardens in the village.

Alongside the monthly meetings members can attend a variety of groups. We have a regular walking group who go for a gentle walk usually ending with coffee and cake or lunch. Then there is craft group, book club and French class who meet in members houses regularly. Dining Dames meet each month for lunch or dinner. We have been trying to visit as many different places as possible to sample different menus. Also each month, the Cookery Club meets to share recipes and dishes based on a theme. We have all cooked dishes from Mary Berry and Nigella Lawson, or including a specific ingredient. The Gardening Club get together to chat about plants, exchanging hints and tips as well as plants. Sometimes visiting gardens such as Hever Castle or Anglesey Abbey.

A popular new activity is a monthly coffee morning at the home of one of our members.

Whatever you want to do, if its not covered already, we can certainly try hard to make it happen. All members are welcome to any group. (Some have capped numbers because of space) As a group we see ourselves firmly as an active part of the local community. We help out at village events by helping with marshalling at the fun run, baking cakes for stalls at the scarecrow trail and Open gardens. As well as some of us making scarecrows and opening our gardens. You might have seen our trees at the Christmas tree festival and enjoyed singing carols at the sing-a-long we organise at The Yew Tree, where we raise funds to support our local air ambulance which is vital when you live in a rural community.

As you can see there is lots to do and members can be as involved as they want to be. If you are not sure it’s a group for you, come along and try it. Guests are always welcome and if you would like to know more please get in touch.