Meet the Committee
PRESIDENT - JANE RAWLINGS
I am looking forward to being the President of Fulshaw WI. As a child I remember my Mum going to her WI meetings in our small Suffolk village.
I joined Fulshaw WI 10 years ago and was on the committee for 7 years from 2012.
I am married to Steve and have lived in Wilmslow for 26 years. We have 2 children (Tom and Sally) and a granddaughter(Imogen).
I enjoy cycling, walking, tennis, crafting and socialising.
VICE PRESIDENT and SPEAKER SECRETARY - Jane Holland
I've been a member of Fulshaw WI for six 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 four very young grandsons who are a complete joy. Mike and I have been very busy renovating a 300 year old barn into which we have now moved. My other interests include yoga, Zumba, gardening and trying to learn to speak Spanish!
VICE PRESIDENT and MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY - 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.
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 - Val Drake
I've been a member of Fulshaw Wi for a few years but with COVID I have been to very few meetings as a member. I’ve lived in Wilmslow since 1992 with my husband John. I have 2 daughters, one at university doing an MA in fashion (she was hoping to travel!) and the other working for Accenture in marketing WFH.
I was working as an accountant for many years - primarily in the Travel industry (thank goodness I’m not now!) and later in the financial sector. I retired about 5 years ago, but still enjoy the occasional spreadsheet- much to Benita’s surprise when we met up at a recent WI event in Manchester. So I have been appointed your new Treasurer. I’ll do my best in this role and hopefully meet a few more of you in the future.
CATERING AND REFRESHMENTS CO-ORDINATOR - 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 and a dog. My children live in London, Macclesfield and the youngest immigrated to Australia with her Australian partner Hamish in 2021. 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 at the start of the evening, organising the kitchen rota each month and buying the plant or flowers for the monthly raffle.
MEETING SUPPORT, CHARITY and CAMPAIGNS & PALS REP - 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.
EVENTS, WEBSITE and NECG REP - Sheila Parker
I became a member of Fulshaw WI in 2010 and almost immediately joined the committee. As I didn’t know anyone, I thought it would be a good way to get involved and get to know people and this certainly proved to be the case. During my time with Fulshaw, in addition to the monthly meetings, I have been to Denman several times, attended a couple of AGMs, enjoyed walks and bike rides, theatre and cinema visits plus several meals out - to name but a few of the things I have participated in!!
This will be my second stint on the committee and I am looking forward to it.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY and WELFARE OFFICER - Julia Parr
I’ve lived in Wilmslow for forty years now, but only recently joined the WI, on the recommendation of friends, after I retired from a long career in deaf education.
Since joining Fulshaw WI I have enjoyed a wide variety of activities – walks, talks, lively meetings, demonstrations, visits to places of interest – there really is something for everyone. Above all, I value the friendship and support that our WI offers to all members, something that has been invaluable during lockdowns and COVID restrictions. I look forward to being part of a lively team on the Committee.
ASSISTANT TREASURER and BURSARY MANAGER - Carolynne Powell
I have lived in Wilmslow for almost 40 years: my son and daughter both live locally and each have two children . I worked as an advisor at Wilmslow Job Centre until my retirement. I knew friends who enjoyed all aspects of Fulshaw WI so 5 years ago I joined the waiting list and after 18 months I became a member. I have made new friends and joined in many very well organised activities and outings, along with attending the monthly meetings, hearing a real variety of speakers. When volunteers were needed in 2020 I was invited to join the committee and enjoy working with the inspirational, enthusiastic hard working team. Along with enjoying WI, I play tennis, sing with a choir and do aqua and Zumba classes. I love socialising with friends as well as helping with our grandchildren.
CHARITY and CAMPAIGNS & COMPLAINTS OFFICER - Irene Nottingham
I was a “Lady in Waiting” (on the waiting list) for over 2 years before becoming a member, as it was so popular, but it was worth the wait!
I have served on various committees over the years, the PTA at my son’s primary school and two badminton committees. This year is the first time I have been on a WI Committee and I am looking forward to it.
We have lived in Wilmslow for 30 years.
MCS REP - Cathy Hessner*
RESOLUTION OFFICER - Jean Hill*
SOCIAL MEDIA - Wendy Morris*
* Not on the Committee
We are always looking for extra help. To find out how you can help - Contact fulshawwi@yahoo.co.uk
I am looking forward to being the President of Fulshaw WI. As a child I remember my Mum going to her WI meetings in our small Suffolk village.
I joined Fulshaw WI 10 years ago and was on the committee for 7 years from 2012.
I am married to Steve and have lived in Wilmslow for 26 years. We have 2 children (Tom and Sally) and a granddaughter(Imogen).
I enjoy cycling, walking, tennis, crafting and socialising.
VICE PRESIDENT and SPEAKER SECRETARY - Jane Holland
I've been a member of Fulshaw WI for six 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 four very young grandsons who are a complete joy. Mike and I have been very busy renovating a 300 year old barn into which we have now moved. My other interests include yoga, Zumba, gardening and trying to learn to speak Spanish!
VICE PRESIDENT and MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY - 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.
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 - Val Drake
I've been a member of Fulshaw Wi for a few years but with COVID I have been to very few meetings as a member. I’ve lived in Wilmslow since 1992 with my husband John. I have 2 daughters, one at university doing an MA in fashion (she was hoping to travel!) and the other working for Accenture in marketing WFH.
I was working as an accountant for many years - primarily in the Travel industry (thank goodness I’m not now!) and later in the financial sector. I retired about 5 years ago, but still enjoy the occasional spreadsheet- much to Benita’s surprise when we met up at a recent WI event in Manchester. So I have been appointed your new Treasurer. I’ll do my best in this role and hopefully meet a few more of you in the future.
CATERING AND REFRESHMENTS CO-ORDINATOR - 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 and a dog. My children live in London, Macclesfield and the youngest immigrated to Australia with her Australian partner Hamish in 2021. 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 at the start of the evening, organising the kitchen rota each month and buying the plant or flowers for the monthly raffle.
MEETING SUPPORT, CHARITY and CAMPAIGNS & PALS REP - 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.
EVENTS, WEBSITE and NECG REP - Sheila Parker
I became a member of Fulshaw WI in 2010 and almost immediately joined the committee. As I didn’t know anyone, I thought it would be a good way to get involved and get to know people and this certainly proved to be the case. During my time with Fulshaw, in addition to the monthly meetings, I have been to Denman several times, attended a couple of AGMs, enjoyed walks and bike rides, theatre and cinema visits plus several meals out - to name but a few of the things I have participated in!!
This will be my second stint on the committee and I am looking forward to it.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY and WELFARE OFFICER - Julia Parr
I’ve lived in Wilmslow for forty years now, but only recently joined the WI, on the recommendation of friends, after I retired from a long career in deaf education.
Since joining Fulshaw WI I have enjoyed a wide variety of activities – walks, talks, lively meetings, demonstrations, visits to places of interest – there really is something for everyone. Above all, I value the friendship and support that our WI offers to all members, something that has been invaluable during lockdowns and COVID restrictions. I look forward to being part of a lively team on the Committee.
ASSISTANT TREASURER and BURSARY MANAGER - Carolynne Powell
I have lived in Wilmslow for almost 40 years: my son and daughter both live locally and each have two children . I worked as an advisor at Wilmslow Job Centre until my retirement. I knew friends who enjoyed all aspects of Fulshaw WI so 5 years ago I joined the waiting list and after 18 months I became a member. I have made new friends and joined in many very well organised activities and outings, along with attending the monthly meetings, hearing a real variety of speakers. When volunteers were needed in 2020 I was invited to join the committee and enjoy working with the inspirational, enthusiastic hard working team. Along with enjoying WI, I play tennis, sing with a choir and do aqua and Zumba classes. I love socialising with friends as well as helping with our grandchildren.
CHARITY and CAMPAIGNS & COMPLAINTS OFFICER - Irene Nottingham
I was a “Lady in Waiting” (on the waiting list) for over 2 years before becoming a member, as it was so popular, but it was worth the wait!
I have served on various committees over the years, the PTA at my son’s primary school and two badminton committees. This year is the first time I have been on a WI Committee and I am looking forward to it.
We have lived in Wilmslow for 30 years.
MCS REP - Cathy Hessner*
RESOLUTION OFFICER - Jean Hill*
SOCIAL MEDIA - Wendy Morris*
* Not on the Committee
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. |