... and the old guard

HASTINGS ORE WI

Founded: 2011 (previous WI groups have existed in the area over the years) Estimated membership: 70 Age range: Mainly aged in their 60s. The youngest is ‘in her 40s’. Notable members: Stephanie Gaunt, 68, pictured left with other group members, known for her Hastings Battleaxe blog. The group’s president, she is on East Sussex WI’s Board of Trustees. What they say about themselves: ‘We’re a large, informal group appealing to women from all backgrounds and ages.

‘We organise a wide variety of events, outings and activities, fund-raise for local charities and take pride in our friendly welcoming style.

‘ Our group is about meeting other women, learning new things, helping our community – and enjoying ourselves!’

Example activities: Grand jumble sale, winter bazaar, Save Ore village public toilets campaign, charity shop fashion show (‘put together an outfit bought from charity shops costing less than £10’), quiz night, making Easter bonnets and cards.

Sewing Bee sample: Sea creatures for the Follow The Herring community arts project, which highlights how women from fishing communities in the 19th century followed fishing fleets down the coast.

The women gutted, salted and barrelled the herring when the ships came into each port.

Upcoming event: Maypole dancing (‘Learn about the history of this dance form and join in yourself’).