Bath Women’s Institute welcomed the city’s MP to one of its regular meetings earlier this month, giving members the chance to hear about political life and put their own questions on a wide range of issues.
Wera Hobhouse is presented with a Bath WI book bag by President Kitty Lambah
The gathering took place on 1st April at St Mary’s Church in Bathwick, where Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse joined members of Bath WI to learn more about the organisation’s local work and speak about her background, career and current campaigning priorities.
Founded in 1915, the Women’s Institute was created to give women a voice and to be a force for good in their communities. It has since grown into the UK’s largest women’s organisation, with around 170,000 members.
Bath WI president Kitty Lambah said the organisation continues to offer women of all generations a trusted place to meet, share experiences and learn from one another.
She said: “At the Women’s Institute we pride ourselves on being a trusted place for women of all generations, to share experiences and learn from each other.
“A WI membership offers the opportunity to meet women in your local area in-person and virtually, to make friends and make a difference in your community.”
She added that the traditional image often associated with the WI no longer reflected the full picture.
“We are not only a space for friendship, life-long learning, self-development and fun, but are active on the national stage on issues which matter to our members and campaign nationally on a wide range of issues,” she said.
Almost all of Bath WI’s 66 members attended the meeting, where Mrs Hobhouse gave a short introduction about herself, how she entered politics, and the rewards and challenges of being a female MP.
Members then took part in what was described as a lively and thoughtful question and answer session, covering issues including relations with Europe, prejudice against women in Parliament, and language teaching and learning.
The meeting ended with the MP updating members on her current campaigning work, including concerns over SEND provision, spice-spiked vapes in schools and covert filming of women on nights out.
As the evening closed, the group presented her with a Bath WI book bag.
Wera Hobhouse said: “What a fantastic institution the Women’s Institute is! Nationally it remains an enduring exemplar of a supportive, vibrant organisation that builds friendships, educates, supports, and looks out for the interests of its members. It is a true force to be reckoned with!
“I have been particularly struck by the engaging warmth and friendly, welcoming feel in the room tonight, and blown away by the breadth and variety of activities available to members of the Bath WI.”
Bath WI says it is welcoming new members.
