Mainstone Womens Institute

15/04/2026

We were delighted to welcome Mark Limbrick to our monthly meeting last night. Mark gave a fascinating talk about his journey from town planner to the armed forces, sharing insights into his experiences in the very different locations of Belize and Gibraltar. Thanks to Mark for making the time to come and speak to us.
We will be out and about for our next meeting at in Norbury.
New members always welcome. Do message us if you would like to know more!

11/03/2026

11/03/2026

Our speaker Revd. Dr John Daniels held our attention throughout his talk about Money, where it comes from, where it’s going and why it’s all about faith.
From the origins of IOU’s to how the financial system and Bank of England came about in the 17th century imported with William of Orange when he was made King of England, Ireland, and Scotland. How this style of financial system now global, controls everything, and how we are affected by it every day. What the future may look like with digital currency and how it may be controlled. A fascinating subject well explained.
This was an open meeting at which we held at the wonderful Camlad Barns venue last night 10th March 2026.
Our next meeting will be held at Mainstone Village Hall on Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 7.30pm. Our speaker Mark Limbrick will talk about MOD abroad: Live, work and train, supporting the Armed Forces Overseas. This is an Open Meeting all welcome.

04/03/2026

Mainstone WI's March meeting will be held at Camlad Barns on Tuesday 10th March at 7.30pm
We are honoured to welcome guest speaker, Revd Prebendary Dr John Daniels, Anglican Priest and Theological Educator. He will speak about ‘Money, where it comes from, where it’s going and why it’s all about faith.
The talk will be followed by refreshments.
This is an open meeting, all are welcome.
Entry is free but donations welcomed.
Booking essential please call Nowela Swanson tel 01588 638246 or Nicky Boyd tel. 07919 441409 to book your seat.

26/02/2026

⭐️ SIGN UP NOW ⭐️ Join us for Mainstone annual QUIZ & PUB NIGHT in aid of Village Hall & Church. Entry includes endless bar snacks, re-fills of hearty soups, rolls and a whole array of delicious desserts - all home-made of course! £15 adults. Under 16s half-price. Prizes for winning team. Info or register [email protected] 😃 SEE YOU THERE!!!! 😃

11/02/2026

Our meeting last evening included a visit from our guest speaker, Sarah Gillard, who came to talk about her time working as a colourist for Liberty in London. She showed us what her job entailed. Sarah brought along a wonderful patchwork quilt she has created from small hexagons of Liberty designs in tana lawn. Her attention to minuscule detail astounded us.

Sarah is exhibiting at Bishops Castle Arts Festival Open Studios at Yarborough House, Market Square, Bishops Castle from Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd February 2026. We recommend a visit!

Our next meeting will be held at Camlad Barns at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th March. It will be an open meeting where Dr John Daniels will talk about Money, where it comes from, where it’s going and why it’s all about faith. Contact information from Nowela Swanson on 07880 593873 or Nicky Boyd on 07919 441409. All will be welcome.

05/02/2026

Mainstone WI's next meeting will be held on Tuesday 10th February at 7.30pm in Mainstone Village Hall.
Our guest, artist and designer Sarah Gillard, will speak about 'The Patch Work Quilt' and her time working at the acclaimed Liberty Design Studio.
https://www.sarahgillard.com
Visitors always welcome.

14/01/2026

Happy New Year!
We enjoyed our first meeting of 2026 making paperback book hedgehogs! Nowela lead the evening with a demonstration, practical advice and help. We set about chatting and folding pages to form a prickle of literary Erinaceus europaeus's.
Fortunately no-one brought War and Peace so we had time to
enjoy a well earned WI supper and cup of tea!
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 10th February 2026 at 7.30pm in Mainstone Village Hall. Guest speaker Sarah Gillard, will talk about 'The Patchwork Quilt' and her life at Liberty London.
Visitors always welcome.

09/01/2026

Mainstone WI have a promotion on offering new members the first three months of 2026 free. Please come along and join our friendly group where we have a varied programme arranged for 2026.
Our first meeting of the year will be held in Mainstone Village Hall next Tuesday 13th January at 7.30pm. We will be making hedgehogs from paperback books under the instruction of our secretary Nowela. All you need to bring is a paperback book, minimum 180 pages, a 1/2" button for his nose and paper scissors.
For more information please ring Nicky 01588638780 or Nowela 01588638246.

02/01/2026

Mainstone W I update
December 9th was our Christmas meeting in village hall when we made our cork reindeers under the instruction of two of our members, Jacky and Nicky. Lots of concentration and as always lots of fun! The evening finished off by the committee members supplying the delicious supper including Christmas cake & mulled cider.
December 14th we enjoyed our annual Christmas lunch at Camlad Barn when our caterer Wendy Oakley and her team cooked a fantastic three course lunch for us. Once again our thanks go to Wendy and her helpers. Also thanks to Johnathan & Alex Leeke for letting us use their beautiful venue.
Happy new year to all our members and friends.
2026 looks to be an exciting and busy year for our WI with our new programme now available. New members always welcome. Please ring Nicky 01588638780 or Nowela 01588638246 for more details.