Shiplake Women's Institute (WI)
Shiplake Women's Institute is part of the National federation of Women's Institutes which is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK. The National federation has approximately 230,000 members in around 7,000 WIs throughout the British Isles with broad aims to educate women and to enable them to provide an effective role in the community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills. Further details can be found on the main WI website at http://www.nfwi.org.uk
Shiplake WI has around 60 members. We meet at 2.30p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month (except August). usually at the Memorial Hall in Memorial Avenue in Shiplake when we listen to an invited speaker and enjoy a splendid tea prepared by members. Other regular activities include a monthly walk and an informal lunch at a local pub. Interesting trips and visits are also arranged throughout the year.
Rosemary Club
The Rosemary Club was formed 31 years ago, the aim being to provide friendship for those who had reached retirement age, and especially for those who found themselves alone. Since then it has flourished and the club now meets on the second and fourth Wednesday afternoons in the lounge of Sidney Harrison House with members coming from Henley and Binfield Heath as well as Shiplake and Sidney Harrison House.
The emphasis is on companionship and there is plenty of laughter and fun. For those who are able, including those with wheelchairs, if possible there are two coach outings a year and sometimes trips to the Kenton Theatre and local pantomime, as well as a Christmas lunch and a summer party. The club is supported financially by both the Parish and Church Councils and also Oxfordshire County Council. This finance is complemented by the Rosemary Club’s own spring and pre-Christmas fund raising events.
The club relies heavily on volunteer drivers who pick up members and bring them to meetings and to speakers who give their time, often without payment. If you would like to join, or are interested in helping in some way, please contact Jackie Bryant on 940 3936, or Rosemary Redfern on 940 2268. New members and helpers always welcome.