The WI Guernsey
Welcome to the Guernsey Islands Federation
The WI is a welcoming organisation where the view of each and every member is important. It provides an opportunity for shared experiences, making new friends, socialising, campaigning, learning new skills and sharing existing ones. In short the WI is whatever YOU want it to be.
It’s not just “Jam and Jerusalem”. Most WIs will offer home- made cake at their meetings and yes we do sing Jerusalem at our annual meeting but there’s also so much more on offer. It’s full of inspiring women with knowledge, skills and experiences to share.
Guernsey currently has 11 WIs. If you would like to find out more about the WI, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our Organisation
Our Board of Trustees, who are all WI Members, manage the operation of the Federation, and there are also sub-committees for Arts and Home Crafts, International Affairs, Membership Support, Sports and Leisure, Community Affairs and Finance.
CORRINA WALKER
St Saviours WI
Joint Chairman / WI Adviser/ Chair of Arts and Home-crafts
I joined St Saviours WI in 2013 as I love arts and home crafts and knew the WI would be a great place to meet like-minded women.
I want Guernsey WI to make a difference through education and active participation in promoting issues that matter to women and the local community. I moved to Guernsey in 2006 to run Beau Vallon Holiday apartments and recently have been part of the COVID Welcome team at the airport and harbour.
I am excited to be leading the team with Sharon over the next 3 years to consolidate what is best about the WI whilst ensuring it evolves to remain relevant for todays’ women.
During my WI Advisor training I was inspired by the causes the WI have lobbied for in the past such as ‘Equal pay for Women’.Now I want to make sure the WI in Guernsey does the same for women in our community. Also Eileen Jones taught me how to bake a Victoria sponge without the peak in the middle- I will be forever grateful!
Email : beauvallonholidays@cwsy.net, Tel : 01481 265888 / 07911 733092
SHARON WILLIAMS
St Saviours WI
Joint Chairman / Chair of Community Affairs
Editor of Newsletter
Sharon joined St Saviours when she moved to Guernsey in 2002 to get to meet people and get involved in the community. Since then she has been on the committee, Secretary and Treasurer as well as President.
I work full time as a Company Secretary for a Fund Administration Company and am qualified as a Chartered Secretary. I completed my degree in Corporate Governance in 2013. I love paper crafting, travelling and photography. I have two grown-up step children and four grandchildren, three who live in America.
My best experience, so far, with the WI was attending my first National AGM in Brighton. Thousands of women singing Jerusalem really made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and it was very emotional.
I’m really looking forward to working with Corrina and the other Trustees over the next three years to grow the WI in Guernsey.
Email : sawilliams@cwgsy.net, Tel : 07781 422574 (after 6pm weekdays or weekends)
SUE LAWRENCE
GY WI Vice Chairman
I joined GYWI 11 years ago and have been on the committee for nearly 2 years now. I love the friendship & camaraderie the WI offers and the unusual things we get up to.
I’m working full-time at the moment and thoroughly enjoy supply teaching at various primary schools as no two weeks are ever the same. Its fair to say I lead a busy life with two teenage daughters and a wonderful husband but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am a marathon runner and love sea swimming and try to get in 2-3 times a week if I can.
I’m sure we all love our own WI’s but it IS time to make some changes if we are to appeal to a younger demographic of women. Any support that WI members feel they are able to give to help the BoT achieve this goal would be very welcome.
Email : jackanory@cwgsy.net
LINDA FALLA
St Saviours WI
Past Chairman
Member of St Saviour’s WI, which I joined age 32, for 36 years where I have had a couple of terms as president. Former WI Advisor for 15 years and past president of Membership subcommittee.
Just stood down as chairman of Board of Trustees, but remaining on the committee. Currently compiles. the WI Guernsey Press page.
What I’ve loved about my 36 years in WI is the vast array of women I’ve met - different interests, ages, backgrounds and skills. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the various activities and classes put on for members here and at Denman.
Email : dj.lafalla@cwgsy.net
Joyce has been a member of St Johns WI for 14 years and is currently their Treasurer. She is a retired teacher with two grown up sons, and keeps busy helping to look after her granddaughter.
Joyce enjoys reading and crafting and enjoying the seas around our beautiful island.
Email : joyceduport@gmail.com
JOYCE DU PORT
St Johns WI
EILEEN JONES
St Johns WI/St Martins WI
Eileen is a long-standing member of St Johns WI having served as President and Vice President in the past. She is also a duel member at St Martins WI. She is a member of the Arts and Home-craft committee and in the past has been Federation Chairman and Vice Chairman. Eileen enjoys the WI and crafting.
Some of my best experiences have been to teach some of the skills I have, such as sewing, sugar craft and many others. I enjoy seeing the what the students have achieved. teaching is very rewarding and enjoyable but requires some patience!
Email : emj@newtelsurf.com
ROSE POLI
Sausmarez WI
I am married with 3 adult children and my hobbies mostly involve all sorts of crafts. I am looking forward to travelling again. I joined the WI in 1990 first Clos du Valle as they met during the day and I could take my youngest with me. My membership lapsed for a few years after I returned to work. Later I was a founder member of Sausmarez WI.
I have held various positions on both Clos du Valle and Sausmarez Committees and am currently on the Arts and Home Crafts Committee as well as a new member of Board of Trustees.
I look forward to the challenges ahead.
Email : rosemob@lobster.nu
DOT WILLIAMS
GY WI
I have been a member of GYWI for 11 years, and a member of the committee and Treasurer for most of that time.
I hugely enjoy the great variety of different events and activities in our programme, especially the craft activities, entertaining meals out and the odd glass of fizz and fun with fellow members.
I work at Elizabeth College and also run a couple of Charitable Trusts.
I am married with two grown up children.
Email : williams@suremail.gg