Meet the Committee

PRESIDENT - Donna Johnstone
I was born in Wilmslow so this community is very close to my heart. I was attracted to joining Fulshaw WI at the end of 2013 by all the positive comments I heard. This proved to be correct. I've begun to find my artistic side, having had a scientific career. It's not about 'singing Jerusalem' (rather enjoying cocktails) and I have learnt about examining paintings, tasting wine, visiting Concorde and white-water rafting this year. Fulshaw WI has encouraged me to stretch myself, which is why I accepted the invitation to be President from 2019.
I work run my own business part-time and I am an exam invigilator and a volunteer for the National Trust, Wilmslow Wells for Africa, and In Together Dementia cafe in Wilmslow. I'm a wife, a mum and a 'nana'. As President, I hope I can help maintain the enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive environment of Fulshaw WI that past Presidents have built.

SECRETARY and NECG Rep - Amanda Stevens
I was encouraged by a friend to join the WI and have never regretted it. At the regular meetings I have enjoyed inspirational speakers and have attended a variety of events. Trips to the theatre, art galleries, places of interest ( recycling centre, Amazon warehouse, Highgrove ), coffee shops and craft events all offer an opportunity to chat to other WI members and feel part of a happy, lively team. As Secretary I hope to help with the smooth running of our WI branch.

TREASURER - Benita Kassas
I joined Fulshaw WI not knowing any of the members. But on my first I got chatting to a lady who, along with many others, have become some of my closest friends.
It is a warm and welcoming branch of the WI offering such a broad spectrum of interests, events and guests; in a nutshell "not just Jam and Jerusalem".
I retired last year and have now been given the opportunity to join the Committee as Treasurer which enables me to give something back to a WI that gives so much to its members and the local community.

ASSISTANT TREASURER -Carolynne Powell

WEBSITE - Jennie Palin
I first joined the WI in Wales over thirty years ago and quickly became hooked, even to the extent that I became Treasurer and baked all day each Friday to supply the weekly WI market! Over the years the WI has provided me with lots of entertainment and more importantly many good friends. I have lived in Wilmslow with my husband for thirty years and now that our three children have left home it is just us. I am a "Nana" to two grandchildren which brings great joy and I retired from my work as a Primary School Teacher six years ago. Hobbies include walking, cycling, scrabble, gardening, crown green bowling and crafts of all types.

MCS REP - Cathy Hessner

SPEAKERS' SECRETARY - Jane Holland
I've been a member of Fulshaw WI for four years year after hearing great things about it from one of the original members and I must say I haven't been disappointed. There have been so many chances to make new friends, listen to interesting speakers, visit numerous places and partake in a wide range of activities which I would be unlikely to do if left to my own devices. I have certainly embraced those new opportunities culminating in me joining the committee as of January 2017 in the role of co-ordinator to the speakers which I very much enjoy. I live in Mottram St Andrew with my husband Mike, have two grown up children and am now "Mops" to two very young grandsons who are a complete joy. Mike and I have been very busy renovating a 300 year old barn into which we moved recently . My other interests include yoga, Zumba, gardening and trying to learn to speak Spanish!

CATERING AND RAFFLE - Dee Waugh
When I joined Fulshaw WI, I ended up joining the committee at my very first meeting, so you can tell I must have been quite enthusiastic! I am married and have 3 grown up children, 2 who live in London and one lives in Macclesfield, and I have 2 dogs. I am a caterer and cake maker and I enjoy anything crafty and creative. My answer to everything is food, and even better if it’s chocolate.
My responsibilities at Fulshaw are coming up with the cocktails and nibbles for the start of the evening, sourcing the raffle prizes and anything that requires catering. I also do food related workshops for any WI groups within the local area.

VICE PRESIDENT and REFRESHMENTS - Dot Bracegirdle
I have lived in Wilmslow with my husband Colin for 35 years. Our daughter Amy is at Sheffield University which gave me more free time to consider joining the committee. I also changed my career and after 42 years as a hairdresser I hung up my scissors and now work at the Wilmslow Kitchen Cookery School. I am a founder member of Fulshaw Wi and hold it close to my heart.

EVENTS and NEWSLETTER - Jennie Banfield
Being a member of Fulshaw WI has given me much more than I expected. It is a modern WI and over the last six years I have met many interesting women at our meetings and events, had the opportunity to do and learn new things and make new friends. I started the popular art appreciation group which includes visits to art galleries, museums and Manchester street walks. I look after our website and put together the monthly newsletter. Wendy Morris, our past President, is our Face Book guru and keeps us up-to-date with local, regional and national WI news and events.

MEMBERS' SUPPORT - Wendy Taylor
I joined the group six years ago to participate in new, interesting talks and activities that other friends were enjoying. I have enjoyed meeting new people at the WI and also have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and opportunities with crafts, the theatre and various trips.
I have lived in Wilmslow with my family for 30 years and retired 8 years ago after working for a local charity for over 20 years. I enjoy an active life and try to contribute to the local community with some voluntary work.

REFRESHMENTS - Cherry Dolden
Five years ago Jennie Palin told me about Fulshaw WI so I decided to investigate. From my first meeting I knew I’d made the right decision. The friendship, fun, speakers, crafts, outings, workshops etc never cease to disappoint.
I was weaned on the WI as my mother was both President and Secretary of Fairfield (near Bromsgrove). I am learning the ukulele but I’m not ready yet to book gigs! I look forward to helping the committee where ever possible

PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIAISON - Christine Kennedy
I joined Fulshaw WI 4 years ago, having retired from a pressurised job as a manager in the NHS. I wasn’t a lady of leisure for long however, as I returned to employment, working part-time from home as a church safeguarding officer.
I am married with 3 children and have lived in Wilmslow for over 30 years. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, crafts and volunteering.
I hope that my experience in the health and social care sectors will inform my role as your Public Affairs Liaison committee member.

We are always looking for extra help. To find out how you can help - Contact fulshawwi@yahoo.co.uk

We are part of the Cheshire Federation of WIs

Our nearest federation is the Cheshire Federation Women’s Institute. They are the people to contact if you would like information about any other federation within Cheshire. They also organise many different events throughout the year from Castles to Carols!!

Please click here to go to the CFWI website.

All WIs are part of the National Federation

The National Women’s Institute is the central institute for the whole of the UK. Here you can find information regarding all the national activities for the WI. These include courses at Denman College, WI Life magazine, latest news, events, campaigns and so much more.

Click here to visit the National WI site.