Smisby Village

Smisby WI was founded in 1934 and we celebrated our 80th anniversary in  2015. A short history is available via the history page.  The national  WI organisation celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2015. Smisby is a member of the Derbyshire Federation, and the DFWI celebrated its centenary in 2018.

 Smisby WI are a very friendly institute and meet on the third Thursday in the month in various locations.

Currently membership has risen to 60, so at the moment new membership is restricted to Smisby residents. We have a varied programme with a speaker at most meetings.

Smisby WI meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, 7.00 pm for 7.15 pm prompt start. The 2020 programme is now available on the programme page and has details of some new events.reports about past activities can be found on the Past events page.

All meetings normally in Smisby Village Hall, Main Street LE65 2TY at 7pm for a 7.15pm start.  In addition, monthly craft sessions and walks are organised on the first and second Thursday of each month respectively. There is also weekly canasta/card games on a Wednesday afternoon and a keep fit class on Tuesday afternoons.

WI Annual Membership is £43. Refreshments are £1 per meeting.

Guests (carers exempt) maximum of 3 meetings per year

A waiting list is now in operation for new members who live outside of Smisby parish.

Secretary;  Mrs Suzanne Jones 01530 415346

We are part of the Derbyshire Federation

DFWI Headquarters

“Derbyshire House”, Sherwin Street,

Derby, DE22 1GP

Telephone 01332 342596

Meeting are currently cancelled due to the corona virus

New Dates for the Calendar

History Wardrobe Afternoon Tea on Tuesday 25th August 2pm at Ticknall village hall. Fully booked.  All enquires to the Secretary. History has never been better dressed!  See www.historywardrobe.com 

Weekly Keep Fit with Hannah on Tuesdays  2pm to 3pm is suspended 

 £6 per session or £5 per session for a monthly advance payment 

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Visit to Sharpe’s Pottery Museum and the Magic Attic: 27 Feb 2020

Twenty-three members and two husbands had a very enjoyable afternoon at the Museum in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.

The museum contains items of pottery that had been made in the local area over thee past 150 years when Swadlincote was at the heart of the pipe making industry. Not only was it famous for making pipes, and toilets but many local firms like T.G.Green made beautiful decorative household  items  such as  vases and table wear which were on display in the museum.

The Magic Attic was also open for us to look around the archives that were stored there dating back to the early 19th century. The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful, and it was amazing the amount of information that had been gatherers about the local area.

An hour really was not long enough in the museum, but the afternoon tea booked for 3.p.m was ready to be served.  Members loved the exhibition by Ashby Camera Club, which  was being held in the cafe. Everyone agreed the sandwiches and cakes were excellent, Roberto the owner and his staff could not be more accommodating, a very good afternoon well supported by the members and several said they would be returning for a longer visit.

Smisby WI visit to Elford Community Gardens June 2013