WHY NOT JOIN US? |
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We meet monthly, every second Thursday at 7.00pm at the
Broughton Parish Room, Wetwood, ST21 6NW President: Brenda Howe
email: [email protected] Tel: 01785 850046 Vice President: Pat Kennedy Secretary: Ros Langford Treasurer: Wendy Benbow Tel: 01785 851474 Programme Secretary: Mandy Moore Committee members: Mandy Moore. Maggie Brammeld, Julia Funnell, Anne Clews and Chris Reeves. Newsletter: Ros Langford Press Officer: Wendy Benbow Welfare Officers: Anne Clews and Pat Kennedy Asst. Sec: Maggie Brammeld Asst. Treasurer: Anne Clews MCS Officer: Wendy Benbow Archives: Anne Clews & Chris Reeves Website & Social Media Ros Langford Notice board in BPR Julia Funnell 'Broughton Bimblers' Coordinator: Julia Funnell Craft Club Coordinator: Maggie Brammeld 'Gastronomi-gals' Coordinator: Pat Kennedy Broughton Drama QWIeens Coordinator: Ros Langford Your Committee: 2026 - 2027
About Broughton WI:.....
We are a lively and friendly group of ladies who enjoy a variety of entertaining evenings, learning new skills, having a go at activities we never knew we could master, or learning from others with varied occupations and experiences. We welcome all ladies over the age of 18 years, to join us. You don't have to be able to bake or sew, but if you can, we have a craft club which meets monthly and there's always an opportunity to bake a cake for the refreshments we enjoy our monthly meeting. In 2021, we celebrated the centenary of our WI with many exciting events and activities. Among other things we marked the event with a Centenary bench, the planting of a Centenary pear tree and creation of a Centenary Presidents Board. In addition to our varied programme of events, we have arranged theatre trips; outings to places of interest and we provide workshops in the Broughton Parish Room to learn new crafts. 
We have many opportunities to learn new
skills and have fun ... you can see some of the activities we have participated in on the pages from 2010 - 2025. Some highlights in recent years have included the Broughton WI Choir being invited to sing specially written anthem entitled 'The Smallest Seed' at the 2019 SFWI Centenary Service and perform at the SFWI 2021 and 2024 Carol Services. We have enjoyed activities as diverse as making pork pies for Christmas, caring for hedgehogs, chair pilates and putting-on a musical productions such as 'Mamma MWIA', pantomimes, murder mysteries and comic entertainment which were well received by every one. From 2012 to 2025, Broughton WI instigated and helped to organise a biennial Croxton Community Well Dressing Festival. The event is a great opportunity to work alongside other members of the community to celebrate local traditions and help create an event for the public to enjoy. More information can be found on: https://www.croxtonwelldressing.weebly.com To be a member of the WI is to be at the heart of the community, at the heart of the decisions for the benefit of others and in the hearts of the women that support and encourage their fellow members. The Women's Institute is well known for campaigning on rural and women's issues that matter and each year, a new resolution is selected and supported by WI's across the country. In 2019, one of the resolutions that our WI put forward was shortlisted i.e. 'Improving Plant Bio-Security in the UK'. We have campaigned to reduce 'Plastic Soup' - the damaging plastic fibres that enter our waste water (and consequentially pollute our rivers/oceans and enter the food chain) and for several years our WI members organised a local 'Litter Pick' to continue the 'Keep Britain Tidy' campaign inaugurated by the WI in the 1960's. Recently we have been collecting empty medicine blister packets for recycling via the Superdrug Chemists, and also two and a half thousand unwanted bras that were sent to be be recycled in order to raise funds for breast cancer research. For almost three years now our members have also been supporting local Charity - Stafford Women's Aid. We have a growing membership and are always happy to welcome new members to our thriving W.I. If you would like to come along to one of our meetings as a visitor, please do not hesitate to contact myself (email [email protected]) or one of the committee, we can assure you a fun and friendly welcome. Pat Kennedy. (President) Latest news from our WI sub-groups
On Thursday 29th April, ten Gastronomigals met at The Cock Inn, Woodseaves for a dining evening of delicious food and wonderful company. It was a busy evening, showing how popular this eatery is - well known for its special nights, curry night, homemade pie night, and dining for two special evenings. We chose from the extensive and varied menu, lots of chatting, laughter and a good all round evening. I know from mine and everyone’s experience that we came away full and happy. I would like to say thank you to the serving staff who were very attentive and helped to make it a wonderful evening.
Pat.x 
The Bimbler's next walk is on 22nd May,10am venue tbc.
Bluebell Walk 20.04.26
What a beautiful morning to be out in the countryside for our monthly Bimblers walk! Eight of the group walked just short of 4 miles starting from Pat Kennedy’s house admiring the primroses in bloom along the lanes by Offley mill pond. We passed the oldest working flour mill around the area, which still produces flour for the Baker’s shop In Eccleshall. We continued along the lanes, until we arrived at the entrance to Jacksons Wood (managed by Staffs.Wildlife Trust), to see what we had set out for, ….. the wonderful scent and sight of the Bluebells. They were at their best with carpets of blue … and did not disappoint! We stopped after a very steep climb at the highest view point, to admire just how pretty the ‘Woodland Quarter’ around Jackson’s Wood and Jackson’s Coppice really is. We then dropped back down to continue our walk around the Jackson’s Marsh boardwalk , where we took time to sit and enjoy our coffee and drinks including the homemade fruit cake that Pat had so kindly baked. Refreshed, we continued over a stile; through 2 fields, and along the Offley Brook lanes to eventually arrive back at Pat’s house. A really enjoyable walk for all - including the two accompanying dogs!
CRAFT CLUB
Broughton WI Craft Group - 24.4.26 ‘Decoupage’.
What a beautiful sunny morning for our craft group to meet at Lesley's who was our lovely host providing refreshments and a delicious coffee cake. Lesley showed us the art of decoupage onto tins and used candle containers with lids which could be used for storing items in either the bathroom or kitchen. The tins were painted with a white acrylic paint and then serviettes were used to create the decoupage effect. Lesley then very kindly added a plant for each tin completed. Even though the group was small with Marina, Barbara and Maggie in attendance there was still plenty of chatter and enjoyment. Maggie chose to decoupage some wooden bunting she had made whilst the others made beautiful plant holders from tins, some of which would be finding their way to Spain! Maggie x
Chair Pilates Class at Broughton Parish Room
Gentle Exercise for All: Mondays 12 noon - 1pm
Join Our Chair Pilates Sessions Looking to improve your strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing in a friendly and supportive environment? Our Chair Pilates class at Broughton Parish Room is perfect for those who prefer a gentler approach to exercise or have limited mobility. Class Details · Location: Broughton Parish Room · Cost: £10 per session How to Book Advance booking is essential to secure your place. Please contact Kate to reserve your spot: · Phone: 07821 167890 · Email: [email protected] Who Can Attend? Chair Pilates is suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, new to exercise, or simply looking for a gentle way to keep active, you’ll find this class welcoming and beneficial. What to Expect · Guided exercises using a chair for support · Focus on posture, balance, and core strength · Relaxing and sociable atmosphere · No need for special equipment – just wear comfortable clothing Don’t miss out on this opportunity to embrace movement and improve your wellbeing. Book your place today! 
Betty, Ros Lucy and Alison enjoying a session of Chair Pilates.
SFWI and NFWI events and competitions: .....
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Programme 2026-2027
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Community projects
Making a Difference.
Anne Clews says that the hospital currently has enough baby hats - and in stead, would welcome Twiddle muffs and squares to help support patients who have dementia.
So Broughton WI ladies who crochet & knit … here is the latest way you can help make a difference.
Information and pattern instructions for making ‘Twiddle-muffs’ and ‘Twiddle-squares’ are shown below.
I also have some knitted blankets that need embellishing with 'Twiddle bits' e.g. buttons, lace, toggles, pom-poms. If you can help with this please collect a blanket at the May 14th meeting.
Thank you.
Anne.x
Anne Clews says that the hospital currently has enough baby hats - and in stead, would welcome Twiddle muffs and squares to help support patients who have dementia.
So Broughton WI ladies who crochet & knit … here is the latest way you can help make a difference.
Information and pattern instructions for making ‘Twiddle-muffs’ and ‘Twiddle-squares’ are shown below.
I also have some knitted blankets that need embellishing with 'Twiddle bits' e.g. buttons, lace, toggles, pom-poms. If you can help with this please collect a blanket at the May 14th meeting.
Thank you.
Anne.x
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Sewing protective bags to store historic paper scrolls maps and documents that are stored at the Stafford History & Archive Centre.
Please see Pat Kennedy for more details and materials if you can help with this project.
Broughton is a thriving WI with a reputation for...
- enjoying ourselves
- supporting our community in many different ways
- campaigning on rural and women's issues that matter
- developing ourselves through sharing skills and experiences
- being there for each other when needed
- inspiring one another through friendship, fun and a willingness to try absolutely anything!
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF AND COME AND
JOIN US YOU ARE VERY WELCOME.
The WI: Why don't you give it a try?
I've never worn pearls or owned a twin suit..
I'm not good at cooking cake made with fruit
I have no idea what to do with flowers
And to do a crossword would take me hours
My house is slightly tatty round the edges
And there are several dead flies on the window ledges
I wouldn't know what to do with a lump of dough
And I am very limited to what I can sew
However I do Iike making new friends
And my ideas for recycling never ends
I have heard interesting talks
And been on sponsored walks
I've become far more socially aware
And had too much tea and cake but I don't care
After 100 yrs plus it is still going strong
So they've obviously not done anything wrong
I'm so glad I joined the WI
Why don't you give it a try ?
(A poem by Valerie Hughes)
I've never worn pearls or owned a twin suit..
I'm not good at cooking cake made with fruit
I have no idea what to do with flowers
And to do a crossword would take me hours
My house is slightly tatty round the edges
And there are several dead flies on the window ledges
I wouldn't know what to do with a lump of dough
And I am very limited to what I can sew
However I do Iike making new friends
And my ideas for recycling never ends
I have heard interesting talks
And been on sponsored walks
I've become far more socially aware
And had too much tea and cake but I don't care
After 100 yrs plus it is still going strong
So they've obviously not done anything wrong
I'm so glad I joined the WI
Why don't you give it a try ?
(A poem by Valerie Hughes)
Contacts via the social media.
Broughton WI also has its own Facebook page and website: broughtonwomensinstitute.weebly.com
or email: [email protected]
Staffordshire Federation WI now has a facebook page:
If you are on facebook, - search for
SFWI: Staffordshire Federation Women's Institutes, and you will go direct to the site.
LINKS:
Staffordshire Federation Women's Institutes: www.sfwi.org
Croxton Well dressing: www.croxtonwelldressing.weebly.com
National Federation Women's Institutes
The WI (National Federation of Women's Institutes) Facebook
https://mywi.thewi.org.uk (website)
or www.thewi.org.uk
The poem below was posted by NFWI for International Women's Day Celebrations.
To Our Younger Selves, for Women Everywhere
Oh, young one, if only you knew,
The strength that runs so deep in you.
Life will try to tell you “no,”
But follow what you love, and learn and grow.
Through all the years, remember this,
The comfort found in sistership,
In teas and crafts, and hands that mend,
Amongst the truest friends you’ll spend.
Hold tight to laughter, let fear go,
You are so much more than you yet know.
Dear girl, with dreams that burn so bright,
Let our deep roots give you light.
You’ll find, in circles just like these,
The courage that can bend the seas.
Maybe you’ll bake, and maybe you’ll sew,
But also plant seeds of change that loudly grow.
Through protests, letters, campaigns too,
Realities will shift, because of you.
Let history’s weight not hold you still,
You have the voice, you have the will.
To the girl just finding her way,
Take heart in each falter and every sway.
You’ll learn to laugh, to love, to Lead,
To find both joy and strength, in need.
For there are hands to catch your fall,
A hundred, thousand sisters hear your call.
You’ll stand on the shoulders of women before,
And open for others a brand new door.
So go, with boldness, step by step,
A world is waiting, yours to get.
To all our younger selves, we say:
There’s strength in every stitch and fray.
In voices raised to share and care,
A legacy that we will wear.
So hold your ground and find your grace,
With women at your side, in place.
WE are The WI, bold and free:
In every age, in unity.
Oh, young one, if only you knew,
The strength that runs so deep in you.
Life will try to tell you “no,”
But follow what you love, and learn and grow.
Through all the years, remember this,
The comfort found in sistership,
In teas and crafts, and hands that mend,
Amongst the truest friends you’ll spend.
Hold tight to laughter, let fear go,
You are so much more than you yet know.
Dear girl, with dreams that burn so bright,
Let our deep roots give you light.
You’ll find, in circles just like these,
The courage that can bend the seas.
Maybe you’ll bake, and maybe you’ll sew,
But also plant seeds of change that loudly grow.
Through protests, letters, campaigns too,
Realities will shift, because of you.
Let history’s weight not hold you still,
You have the voice, you have the will.
To the girl just finding her way,
Take heart in each falter and every sway.
You’ll learn to laugh, to love, to Lead,
To find both joy and strength, in need.
For there are hands to catch your fall,
A hundred, thousand sisters hear your call.
You’ll stand on the shoulders of women before,
And open for others a brand new door.
So go, with boldness, step by step,
A world is waiting, yours to get.
To all our younger selves, we say:
There’s strength in every stitch and fray.
In voices raised to share and care,
A legacy that we will wear.
So hold your ground and find your grace,
With women at your side, in place.
WE are The WI, bold and free:
In every age, in unity.
