When Chideock WI was first formed, women were being encouraged to become more involved in producing food to feed their families and learning new skills. During meetings members entertained each other with poetry readings, singalongs and dancing. More than 100 years on, we're still learning but we have a far wider range of interests and are able to invite a variety of speakers and entertainers and we have a number of special interest groups who meet between meetings.
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Chideock WI has 42 members drawn from the parish of Chideock as well as surrounding villages of Fishpond, Morecombelake, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Charmouth, Eype and Bridport.
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Meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday at 2.30 pm in Chideock Village Hall and will usually include a speaker or activity, followed by tea and WI business. We will also have a competition for the Flower of the Month when members vote, with their small change, for the favourite flower brought in by members. We also have a raffle run by a member and a competition which is usually relevant to our speaker's theme. Most months we will have a Trading Stall where people can bring produce, sewing, spare books, etc. to be sold to members. We also enjoy outings whenever possible, usually involving a cream tea!
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All members are welcome to join as many of our interest groups as they like. Please see our section on Groups.
Our fundraising events raise funds for local causes and in the past we've been able to donate towards a defibrillator for Chideock, equipment and furniture for our village hall, benches in the cemetery and playground, We were also able to help Bridport Refugee Support Group with household equipment and the NHS by setting up sewing teams to provide much needed scrubs and wash bags. We continue to help support the Chideock News and Bridport Food Bank, and knitting teddies for the STARS charity. A number of events are held during the year to raise funds for local causes, including a Christmas Fayre, Bake Sales and often an evening entertainment with a meal.
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If you live locally, why not come along to see if you like us! Our contact page has all the details.
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