Welcome to Chale WI

About us

Chale WI has been a part of Chale local life, and the areas surrounding Chale, for over 9 decades.

Our membership is an eclectic mix of - talented, chatty, happy, stoic, rebellious, loud, quiet, outspoken, softly spoken, humour-loving individuals, with a zest for life, and a flair for bringing their own particular characters and talents to our team.

In order to provide funds for our own WI, we create and enjoy hosting a number of events during the year. In the past these have included Village Fetes, Coffee mornings, Performance fundraisers, Themed Evenings, and Craft courses.

We meet on the first Thursday of each month, in the afternoon, at 2:00pm. This Summer we are also looking towards the occasional evening meeting. Our itinerary is usually business first, followed by tea & cake.

Each year, the Committee create a Programme of our meetings, Speakers, Events, and Visits, (which is also included in this pack).

We keep in touch with our members via WhatsApp, email, phone, and visits.

We are very lucky to be one of only a handful of WI’s in the country to have the use and run of our own village hall. Many years ago the local village Hall was given to the “Ladies of Chale”, and as the ladies represented at the time were members of the WI, ever since, we have looked after the Hall and garden, managing bookings and the upkeep of our much loved community space. The hall has been, and continues to be the venue for a wide variety of events and local Clubs.

The hall is available for hire for events, meetings & clubs etc. If you would like to hire it, please ask one of the Committee for details.

Our Meetings

At our meetings, we sit around a large table which accommodates all our members. This enables all of us to have the opportunity of meeting, catching up with each other, chatting, and learning about WI business, both National & Local.
We hold monthly competitions such as “Best Bloom” from your garden, a Craft theme, or an item of interest, which are open to all members, and can be a lot of fun!
Points are awarded, and at the end of the year, you know what points mean…………. (Prizes!)
After business, we usually have a Speaker, followed by tea, with a raffle, and the monthly competition winners are announced.
Other Information -
As a member of Chale WI, you…
• will receive a national monthly magazine, (My Life), and a quarterly local Newsletter (Fed News), digitally.
• will gain access to the “My WI” website, and on-line Denman WI courses.
• may also book the Hall, gratis, for your own event /party/ meeting, for one day in each membership year.

The Committee 2024-25

President – Lynda Burroughs
Lynda is responsible for the overall running of Chale WI, helping to provide direction, support, collative advice, and Chairing Committee and Members meetings. Also to provide Hugs, (virtual or otherwise), Thanks, and Welcomes.
Secretary – Sally Kenny
Sally ensures Committee business is carried out, and informs the Committee and Members of local and Federation issues, and items of interest. The Secretary is also the point of call for correspondence.
Assistant Secretary & Vice President – Roz Nutley
Roz shares the role of minute taking, assists with the creation of meeting documents, attendance register, and notates/ calculates competition results.
Treasurer – Rosemary Allen
Rosemary oversees the WI’s accounts, pays invoices and approved expenses from Committee members, and gives financial advice to the Committee. Rosemary also co-ordinates the Hall bookings
EAO (Events & Activities Organiser) - Rachel Daniel
Rachel does what it says in the title! She also researches (& makes bookings), for speakers, places and events for our programme.
Vice President & MCS Rep – Helen Hay
Helen takes a full and active part in all aspects of the Committee’s work, provides cover for the President when needed. Also provides help & support to other Committee members, and is our Membership Communication Rep.

The Committee all use their individual talents to work together towards the smooth running of both the Hall and Chale WI.

If you'd like to know more about Chale WI, or would like to visit us, please contact :

Lynda - email: lynda.pyledairy@btinternet.com / Mob:07716 774123 / Tel:01983 551478

Sally - email: sjk.iow@gmail.com / Tel: 01983 551303