The WI - Inspiring Women

In spite of people's complaints about the UK's rail system, I still much prefer going by train than driving. Partly because it's the one time you can just daydream, look out of the window and switch off. And sometimes, you get to meet someone who leaves a profound impression. This week when I came down to the South West, I was particularly glad I let the train take the strain.

I sat next to a woman in standard class and while we acknowledged each other, we both were busy with our own thing - reading and/or writing. It was only when one of the passengers was having a challenging time that we exchanged views and got chatting. One thing led to another and it turns out that she is the current Chair of the WI, no less.

I don't come from a long line of WI women. My granny loved baking and making things (she was a particularly talented dressmaker) and she worked well into her 70s. My mother followed suit, with a career and continues to work now. I guess my perception was that, admirable as it is, the WI is strictly for women at home, with children. I was aware of some new blood being injected into the organisation and the infamous conference speech by Tony Blair. And, of course, the Calendar Girls. But how wrong I was. The WI is so much more than the sum of my misconceptions.

We talked about some of their amazing campaigns and the fact that you don't need to be married or a mother to join. The WI has been talking about women and climate change for decades. And campaigning against the inappropriate detention of people with mental health problems. The WI is also fighting against the demise of the bee with its SOS for honeybees. Did you know that they are even starting in universities? For young women, maybe who have left home for the first time, it's a great way to connect with others. Even the V&A has its own branch.

We also talked about the difference between being a feminist and feminine organisation. I had to disembark before my travelling companion but I wish we had had longer.

The WI's strapline is Inspiring Women; it's a great play on words. I have to say Ruth Bond certainly inspired me and I urge you all to check out what the WI is doing. And maybe even think about joining. And if you don't find a branch that suits you, think about setting up your own, like the Shoreditch Sisters. The East End WI blog will give you the urban slant on membership. In its seemingly quiet way, the WI is making great strides. And doing so much more than I ever gave them credit for.

You can find them on their website here (And, as an aside, any organisation that includes its own jargon buster deserves my total admiration.)

Or follow them on twitter