Welcome
Welcome to Sutton WI 2024 to 2025
We have 35 members with 10 of those members sitting on the committee.The year started in October 2024 with the AGM.
The committee, along with suggestions and help from members, has ensured that all activities are varied, affordable and well organised. Here is a brief summary of all the things we have been involved in over the last 12 months
October
Wednesday 2nd at the AGM. Ann was re-elected as president, Hilary as treasurer and Naomi as secretary.
Starting our new WI Year activities on Saturday 12th some members enjoyed an afternoon tea at the Duke of York, Sutton
Saturday 19th Sutton had successful Autumn Fayre raising money for our Funds & good causes.
Saturday 26th a group of ladies enjoyed a coach trip to Skipton for a shopping and market experience and to Saltaire Village to learn about Sir Titus Salt who built a textile mill.
November
At our meeting on the 6th we enjoyed catching up on news and fellowship whilst getting into the Christmas mood through games and refreshments.
Sunday 10th November Denise and Angie laid the Sutton wreath at the Sutton War Memorial. Members of the craft group made a Post Box topper to commemorate the war but unfortunately someone decided it was so good, they nicked it.
December
Wednesday 4th we dolled ourselves up to enjoy a Christmas Meal, fun and games together at the New Theatre Bar Hotel. Once again Secret Santa showed up to deliver her special gifts.
On Monday 9th Sutton WI hosted this year’s Carol Concert at St. James church. We welcomed Preston, Hedon and Burstwick and The new Rt Reverend Steven Benford and his wife to the concert. Guests enjoyed listening to poetry, Bible readings, Carols and prayers. Mulled wine, mince pies and cake were enjoyed by all. The church was lit up by candles and smiles.
Wednesday 11th Michele & I as her glamorous assistant went to Nafferton WI to show them how to transform a walnut whip into an edible Santa.
On Tuesday the 17th December Jane’s husband Tony tested our general knowledge via a virtual quiz. An annual event for our friends and family which we all look forward to and swat very hard for.
January
On Saturday 4th, some ladies enjoyed a visit to Castle Howard Christmas House to enjoy Alice’s Wonderland themed decorations.
At our meeting on the 8th Avon representative Sue Hunt gave us a brief history and overview of their products with samples to enjoy and products to purchase. Beginning in 1886 in New York, it is now a global beauty brand company.
February
At our meeting on the 5th we enjoyed painting some pebbles thanks to Hilary and Gwen. It proved to be quite therapeutic, strangely competitive and brought out some inner artistic talents.
At the same meeting and to support one of the WI’s resolutions, Jane showed us how to perform CPR if someone’s heart beat or breathing has stopped.
March
On the 5th at our monthly meeting, The Tickton Tarts presented “Back to School” a nostalgic look back at school dinners and a reminder to all of us what was served, how it was served and where we ate our lunches.
Tuesday 11th a small group went to Cineworld to see Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy.
Saturday 15th a group enjoyed another afternoon tea at the Duke in Sutton.
Wednesday 19th was round 1 of the East Yorkshire WI Federation quiz. We had 8 brave volunteers. The ‘best’ 4 would go on to represent Sutton.
April
At our Wednesday 2nd meeting, Louise Gowans showed the members how to crochet a poppy; some of us got it others not so much!
Saturday 5th was our Spring Fayre despite it being Derby day there was still a great turn out with our ladies contributing to all stalls to make it a success.
Sunday 6th was the Annual WI Federation held at the Mercure Hotel, Willerby. The theme was Inspiring Women. Tracey Henry spoke about the women of Hull known as the Headscarf Revolutionaries and how controversial their ambitions were to improve the safety of the fishing fleet. Second speaker was Julie Waites, Seafood Industry Specialist, Yachtswoman, and Equestrian and recently appointed onto the Board of Directors for UK Women in Fisheries.
Tuesday 22nd was a trip to Buxton a superb recce for a potential future spa break and to Bakewell where we enjoyed a wander through the town and sampled their famous pudding.
May
At our meeting on Wednesday 7th, Michele Beadle gave us a “Glimpse of Edwardian Life”. Michele showed us a short lived magazine called The Hull Lady a magazine produced and printed in Hull in 1901 to 1902 with only 7 copies made. A one of its kind and precursor to the modern women’s magazine with a contents page, articles about cookery and fashion.
Wednesday 14th a small group of ladies enjoyed another trip this time to Liverpool.
The following Wednesday 21st we had the use of Ings Primary school community room where some members took advantage of the space to complete their own crafts for the WI rally later in the year.
June
Monday 2nd some members went to see the film The Salt Path. I’m sure a discussion and comparison was made by the ladies who had also read the book.
4th at our monthly meeting, Julia Deighton gave us an overview of the history of Lindy Hop which began in Harlem, New York 1927. We got the chance to look at some of the props, clothing and shoes and learn some of the moves.
On the same night it was the annual Nation Federation WI meeting. This year it was on line, the resolution Bystanders can be lifesavers was agreed and passed.
Tuesday 10th. The WI Rally was this year held at Preston at the Ganstead Park golf club. ‘We’ had a very successful night. 83 entries. 4 1sts, 2 2nds, 4 3rds. The legacy items, a Worry Monster, were delivered to local charities.
The following Tuesday, 17th was yet another coach trip, this time to the Cathedral city of Chester and Cheshire Oaks for some retail therapy.
Wednesday 25th was the Regional WI Quiz held at Beverley. Many thanks to our team Ann, Hilary, Jill and Michele. Unfortunately we didn’t win but will try again next year.
July
2nd at our monthly meeting, entitled “That’s Entertainment” and when Ann hosts our annual in-house quiz with wine and nibbles.
Friday 11th a group of ladies enjoyed visiting Scampston Hall and Gardens, hoping for inspiration or their own walled areas.
Monday 21st was the post rally meeting where some members listened to, gave feedback and suggested ways forward for when it is our turn, next year.
August Although no official meeting in August, we managed a couple of get-togethers
A walk around Paull village and on Saturday 16th a Pie n Peas quiz night. A small working group was set up to organise the event. As the name suggest, that’s what we did in the Church Hall.
Cecilia and Jenny enjoyed a weekend at Cober Hill.
September
Wednesday 3rd, at our first meeting after the summer break, Rachel Anderson, a designer and illustrator demonstrated her skill in textiles by using a sewing machine.
Monday 22nd Autumn Wreaths making using an assortment of materials, wools and artificial flowers.
Tuesday 23rd 14 ladies went for a night out to Napoleons. None of us came back a millionaire with our £5 ante.
October AGM 2025 is once again upon us!
Running alongside our regular meetings we have four sub groups.
The Craft Club
Continues to meet every Tuesday (1.30 – 3.30)
There are now 15 active members.
The group continues to support, teach and encourage creativity sharing ideas and skills and supporting local and national causes.
- Items which have represented Sutton at the rally e.g. worry monsters or a decorated ring
- Green hearts to encourage community to support climate action projects in their local area.
- Red poppies for display in the village
The club has collected, stored and sorted donations for the two yearly fayres.
The Green Fingers group 12 members
During the year and once a month, the members have opened their homes and gardens to each other. There, members are able to relax, swap ideas and exchange cuttings whilst enjoying refreshments. Thank you to Ann who arranges the events.
The Book club –
Sutton WI Book Group 2024 – 2025 Report.
Summary and thank you to Wendy for leading
Our very popular book group went from strength to strength during the past year.
In fact, it grew to such an extent that by May this year we had an amazing 23 ladies participating. In order that members could continue to enjoy meeting up for book discussions as well as for social catch-ups (just as important as reading books) we decided to look at our options, reached a consensus and now have two groups!
The original group continue to meet at The Duke of York pub on the evening of the second Thursday each month and a smaller break-away group meet on the last Thursday afternoon of each month. Each person continues to choose a book which gives us all varied topics and stories to read.
To celebrate the end of last year we all had a fun night with a pub meal, book discussion and a few games. Everyone chose their favourite book of the past 12 months
The Walking Group 22 members
Hilary has continued to organise and lead a very successful walking group, enabling all levels of fitness to take part. This year and with help from Carol, walks were local with members being able to enjoy the countryside, parks and nature reserves around them.
Monday October 14th East Park followed by refreshments at The Pavilion café afterwards.
Friday November 29th Risby Lakes followed by refreshment at the Folly Lake Café.
Thursday February 13th Carol organised a walk in Patrington, around the village and into the Church where we learned about its origin, lottery funding and modern day use.
Friday March 21st a cultural and historical walk around the Garden Village area afterwards enjoying refreshments at the Garden Village Tea Room.
Thursday May 1st Carol led a walk to Skirlaugh Church, a walk round the village and entry into the church with refreshments afterwards at the Cakey Bakey Yum yum café!
Friday June 20th it was over the Humber Bridge with refreshments afterwards at the Ropewalk café.
Tuesday July 15th the walking group, despite the rain, enjoyed meeting some of the Mischief of Rats scattered around the city enter.
Friday August 15th we enjoyed a tour of Paull village with an enjoyable meal in the Humber Tavern afterwards.
Sutton’s Facebook page and the WhatsApp groups all help to coordinate the activities on offer and allow feedback and photos. Most members have email addresses which also help to keep members informed of news and events from Sutton and the Federation.
Special thanks to Hilary and Gwen who keep updating an archive book to record the year’s events.
Sutton WI continues to support the Community of Sutton by its involvement with St James Church as well as the Sutton Events Committee. Jane continues to collect and distribute for Sutton WI food bank and period poverty. This year; 1058 full carrier bags to the foodbank and 704 carrier bags of women’s sanitary products! Thanks to the generosity and good will of the Sutton WI.
Sutton WI Secretary & Committee
1st October 2025