Rallying call to women across Ross-shire and Sutherland as local Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI) members speak out on positive life-changing impact of involvement with 'the rural'
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DETERMINED women involved in a group credited with greatly enriching the lives of those involved and the communities in which they live are keen to bust a myths ahead of a new season.
With autumn just round the corner, SWI (Scottish Women’s Institute) groups within Ross-shire federation are looking forward to a return to action – now more than ever after years of Covid-induced uncertainty.
A new CEO at headquarters in Edinburgh, Diane Cooper, is eager to ring the changes within the organisation and to give it a fresh look while retaining the women together ethos of sharing and getting involved.
READ MORE from the Ross-shire on local SWI groups
In the firing line is the perception of ladies of “the rural” as all plum jam and twinset and pearls.
The fact is ladies from all walks of life, each with a story to tell, get involved. Younger ladies perceive the SWI as “old fashioned” – not the case, though, as many groups have younger women who are thriving and showing the way forward.
Yes, the SWI does have a show involving bulb and baking and handicraft – but there is so much more.
Those involved will tell you it’s about women together having fun, forming friendships and learning to share and socialise.
Within Ross-shire and Sutherland federation there are 12 groups from Golspie in the north to North Kessock in the south. And all look forward to welcoming any ladies wishing to find out what the SWI is really all about.
Ross-shire and Sutherland federation chairman Ann McGhee is proud of being a member of an organisation of like-minded women who share friendship, companionship and skills.
She insists everyone is welcome to join an Institute and do not have to be proficient in craft or baking: “The hand of friendship is extended to all ladies.”
Carol Ann McRitchie from Maryburgh and Conon SWI has been involved with her Institute for three years. She has made good friends in that time with a wide range of interests from cocktails to crochet.
Christine Pokerniecki, federation secretary and member of Ferintosh SWI, has been a member of her own Institute for several years, making good friends along the way and learning new skills as well as listening to interesting talks.
Rita Storr, vice-chairman and treasurer Ross-shire and Sutherland federation, has been involved for 34 years. On retiring early, she found joining Essex federation brought friendship and new skills. After moving to Black Isle, she got to know the ladies from Resolis SWI and would attend the meetings while still commuting from down south. It made settling into a new life so much easier and more enjoyable.
Norma Catto is honorary president at Ross-shire and Sutherland. If anyone knows what it’s like to be a long-term member, it’s Norma who has involved for almost 60 years. She joined as a young, newly married lady and found it to be a lifeline to her as she knew no one when she joined in the Perthshire area. Friendships and skills acquired along the way have been transformational. From going from a very shy member to one who can now address a crowd, Norma has gained life skills and shared her talents and knowledge countless times.
Lynn Winpenny, federation press secretary and Dingwall SWI president, has loved being a member since 1991: “For me it’s forged lasting friendships, fun and a purpose, bringing women together to learn from each other and share what knowledge we have with others. I would encourage ladies to just go and see what the SWI are about and have to offer.”
