WINK Rayleigh

02/06/2026

Our May meeting had us buzzing with excitement as we had local beekeeper Alison from The Bee Friendly Honey Company visit to give a talk about how bees and their honey can help us with their multiple health benefits. We were treated to some very special guests too as Alison brought her observation hive full of busy bees and many of us were able to spot the Queen Bee and see them all at work.

We also had our third annual plant sale which was a good success and our surplus plants were donated to FitzWimarc School for their allotment project.

27/04/2026

WINK Rayleigh membership is now at capacity and we will not be able to accept any more new members. It has been a difficult decision to make but the commitee feel this is in the best interests of our members.

Our monthly meetings will now be for members only. We thank everyone for their interest in WINK over the last few months and thank you to all our past visitors who came to get to know us.

If you would like to join another WI, we recommend checking the .wi website to find one near you. https://essexwi.org.uk/find-a-wi/

We are no longer actively recruiting members but we will continue sharing our news here and on our website. If we have membership spaces become available, we will announce them here.

22/04/2026

Our April meeting was a very busy evening with our Annual Meeting followed by a performance from The Silver Darlings. ⚓

Our committee remains the same with officers staying in their roles for another year. Committee member Sharon stepped down after seven years, we are very grateful for everything she has contributed to WINK and particularly for keeping our MCA records up to date. Thank you Sharon!

After the formalities, The Silver Darlings joined us and sang a selection of sea shanties and talked about the history and origins of the songs. It was a very rousing and entertaining evening with some fun audience participation!

https://winkrayleigh.co.uk/april-meeting-the-silver-darlings/

24/03/2026

We danced our boots off at our March meeting! 👢

Our March meeting was a lot of fun, we had a line dancing session hosted by Tracy. Members came dressed up and ready to dance the night way. We started off with Achy, Breaky Heart then finished off with Uptown Girl. Members then got to celebrate our 12th Birthday which coffee, cakes and a chat.

🎈 🎂 Happy Birthday to WINK, now we are 12! Thank you to all our members who have made our WI such a fun group of ladies who have become good friends and, sometimes, partners in crime! What fun we have together…

https://winkrayleigh.co.uk/march-meeting-line-dancing/

20/02/2026

WINK Walk London, Again!
On a damp and chilly Saturday in February, a group of our members took a guided walking tour of London, which has become a firm favourite activity. Our guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable and even designed the route so we could finish at the pub we had booked for lunch!

Despite the rain and typical February temperature, much fun was had and we enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of the capital city and learning all sorts of fun facts about many of the places we have often visited before.

https://winkrayleigh.co.uk/wink-walk-london-again/

19/02/2026

Our February meeting was hotly anticipated by many of our members! We had a fantastic talk from Lucy Lewis, Britian’s first female bomb disposal expert who had us hooked on her every word. Lucy regaled us with stories from her career in the army and the many things she learned along the way, and what it was like to be one of a few women in her regiment.

Lucy also spoke about her current role as Cambridge University’s first female University Marshal which was fascinating. We all thoroughly enjoyed Lucy’s company and highly recommend her for a fun and exciting speakers.

Thank you to all our lovely visitors this evening, we hope you enjoyed the evening and we look forward to welcoming you back!

https://winkrayleigh.co.uk/lucy-lewis-bomb-dispoal-expert/

05/02/2026

Get ready for the new VIA, coming next Monday!

27/01/2026

Changes are coming to WI Learning Hub!

Have you heard the news?! WE’RE MOVING 🚀

In just two weeks, the WI Learning Hub is undergoing a total transformation.

Say hello to VIA 👋

Launching 9th February 2026, VIA is our brand-new digital home for learning - built from the ground up, designed around you, and shaped by your feedback.

Clearer, smarter and bolder than ever, VIA is where WI members learn alongside friends, family and the wider community (with members still enjoying free access to most courses).

The countdown is on - tell your friends to save the date 🥳🥳🥳

22/01/2026

We started the year with a gong!

Our January meeting, the first of 2026, was something a bit different to our usual meetings – we hosted a sound bath with Rachel from Attitude Wellbeing. There was much excitement and intrigue among our members and visitors as many had never been to a sound bath before.

We all found a comfy spot to lay down and with a guided meditation, off we went into deep relaxation while listening to the calming sounds of bowls, gongs and birdsong washing over us. It was possibly the most quiet meeting we’ve ever had!

https://winkrayleigh.co.uk/janaury-2026-meeting-sound-bath/

16/01/2026

UPCOMING SOUND BATH

Due to overwhelming interest in our upcoming sound bath event, and limited space in our hall, we regretfully have to make this a closed meeting. This meeting will only be open to WINK members and a list of named visitors. These visitors have been contacted directly either by email or Facebook messenger.

We apologise for any disappointment caused for those not able to attend. Please see the Attitude Wellbeing website for details of Rachel’s upcoming sound bath events:

If you are looking for wellbeing workshops and events Essex, look no further. Attitude Wellbeing offer a range of