CLAPHAM AND PATCHING VILLAGES
Women's Institute ( WI)
Clapham & Patching W.I. was founded in 1934, and in 2014 we celebrated our 80th Birthday in some style in the Village Hall. We have a current membership of 30, and a regular attendance of about 24 with ladies coming from outside the two villages of Clapham & Patching, including Steyning, Goring, Worthing and Arundel.
​
We have a monthly Craft Meeting held in 'The Junction' cafe/shop on Clapham Recreation Ground, and for many years have exhibited our craft at the South of England Show, which is held over 3 days at Ardingly.
We have a Cake and Produce Stall twice a year, at the Horticultural Society’s annual Spring and Summer Shows, held in the Village Hall and on the field.
In June we hold a Garden Party at a member’s home and in July we have an outing. These outings can be anything: the members are asked what they would like to do and where they would like to go, and the committee does its best to fulfil members’ wishes.
We have a link with St. George W.I. in Ontario, Canada, which is very close to Stoney Creek where the W.I. movement started over 100 years ago. We exchange cards and gifts and keep up a regular correspondence with this group.
We have a reputation for being a very friendly W.I.; without a doubt we have the best teas in the county. We are building on this reputation by serving tea to visiting W.Is, and we even catered for a private birthday party recently.
We have a speaker most months, entertaining us with a variety of content. They may be playing hand bells or promoting the work of a charity; whatever the subject, we have 40 minutes of entertainment.
We meet in the Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.30 p.m. except for June - the Garden Party, July - the outing, and August when the W.I. do not hold any meetings. We would welcome any visitors and can assure them they would have a very enjoyable afternoon.
​