Our Story
Modern WI’s aren’t like the stereotypes, we are a group of people who identify as women, who wish to learn, have fun, make friends, and have a positive impact on our community.
Our members range in age from 20-80+ and many come from the LGBTQIA+, disabled and neurodiverse communities.
We were founded by a group of women who believe a WI should be representative of its members beliefs, and that equity for all women, regardless of gender assignment at birth, physical or mental disability, or race, is essential for a fair society.
What we do
It’s not all Jam and Jerusalem, we meet at least once a month to get together and learn something new, get to know each other, and make friends. These meetings can feature a wide range of speakers on a range of topics, and are all about learning something new.
We also have a range of groups run by our members, from craft groups to book clubs and theatre groups, we even have an allotment!
If there isn’t a group for your interest already set up, let us know and we can help found one.
Make a difference
While we love getting together and learning, a huge part of what we do as a WI is about activism and supporting our local community.
The WI grew out of the Women’s Suffrage movement, and since1918 there has been an annual ‘resolution’, campaigns that the WI has decided to take action on to raise awareness and make a difference. Over the years these have ranged from sufficient clean housing (1918), Keep Britain tidy (1954), routine cervical screening (1964), and even plastic pollution (1971).
The WI is often at the forefront of campaigning for issues that matter to the wider population, and we at Bailgate WI are keen to drive support for these causes locally.
Meetings, groups and much, much more
Becoming a member of Bailgate WI means you also become a member of both our federation, Lincolnshire North, and the National Federation of WI’s. Click the link below to find out what your WI membership entitles you to.
Single WI membership
If you’re brand new to the WI you can join Bailgate WI. Memberships are pro-rata through the year for your first year’s membership.
Full year – £48.00
July-March – £36.00
October – March – £24.00
January-March – £12.00
Dual WI Membership
Already a member of another WI? You can still join ours, and at a reduced rate too. Click below to join.
£23.60 per year
frequently asked questions
I’ve never been to a WI meeting before, how can I be sure it’s for me?
We’re a very welcoming bunch but we know finding the right WI for you is not always straightforward.
To make it easier you can “try before you buy”, you’re welcome to attend three meetings a year as a visitor, all we ask is a small contribution to help cover the fees for the room/speaker.
I get anxious around new people, how can I be sure I’ll be safe?
We have a buddy system for new members at Bailgate WI. Get in touch with our committee and we will put you in touch with one of our lovely members who will guide you through your first meetings.
If you have specific concerns, and you feel comfortable doing so, let us know how they might affect you and we will buddy you with someone with lived experience where possible.
I can’t afford the membership in full, can I still join?
At the moment to become a full member the payment does need to be made in one go as this is stipulated by the national federation of WI’s.
We are hoping that this will change, but in the meantime, you are welcome to visit three times in a year, we just ask a small donation for visitors to help cover fees that members cover with their membership fee.
Could you please explain how the billing process works?
Membership is charged on an annual basis starting in April.
If you join part way through the year, your first year’s membership will be a pro-rata amount.
More information about membership fees can be found here.
What happens if I can’t attend a meeting, do I get a refund?
Membership entitles you attend monthly meetings, but it is your choice whether you attend all or select ones, and refunds are not applicable for non-attendance.
We recommend attending as many as you can to make the most of your membership!
Could I obtain a receipt for my transaction?
Absolutely! Kindly reach out to us to receive a receipt for your payment. If you paid online, you should receive one automatically via email.
Need more information?
If you have more questions, get in touch with us, we’re happy to help