New West Sussex village WI will be trusted space for women of all generations
The newest branch of the Women’s Institute has launched in a West Sussex village, promising a fresh space for connection, learning and advocacy.
The new Lancing & Sompting WI was officially inaugurated on May 20, with members celebrating the significant milestone after months of planning.
Adur District Council chair Adrienne Lowe cut the ribbon to welcome the new branch into the fold of the national movement.
She met the newly-formed committee and spoke with them about their task of steering the group’s future. President Sophia Wilks, secretary Diana Bednarska, treasurer Jacqui Mansfield and committee members Linda Greensmith, Zara Axton, Joan Mantell and Judith Watts said the new WI would be a trusted space for all generations.
The initiative to form the branch was spearheaded by WI adviser and former Worthing WI president Chris Hodges, following a local survey. The results highlighted a clear demand for a 'trusted place' where women of all generations could gather to share life experiences and support one another.
Sophia said: “The WI offers women of all ages and backgrounds a unique chance to come together. By sharing experiences, we are not just learning from each other, we are actively tackling social isolation and building stronger community cohesion.”
Lancing & Sompting WI is dedicated to the organisation’s long-standing tradition of lifelong learning and national campaigning. The branch offers specialised sub-sessions catering to a diverse range of interests, from the creative arts like crochet to historical research in genealogy.
Members are also looking toward the WI’s national agenda, with current campaigns including accessible public toilets and women’s homelessness.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the Harriet Johnson Centre in Sompting. Email [email protected] for more information.
The committee welcomes women of all backgrounds to attend a session to see what the group has to offer.