‘The Rural’, as it will continue to be known in most of the Park Life area, was founded in 1917 as the SWRI, to enable women who were isolated in rural areas of Scotland to enjoy the company of others of all ages, pass on skills, extend their horizons, make friends and have fun together. Those aims and ethos remain, but the recent name change to Scottish Women’s Institutes, SWI, reflects moves to include all women in Scotland and have more flexibility and informality of membership and activity to suit modern lifestyles. If you think of the Rural only as the ladies who serve teas at village galas
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and show off their considerable craft and baking skills at agricultural shows, please look again. The national website www.theswi.co.uk will point you towards your nearest branch, or institute. Their committee will have put together a varied programme for 2015-16, probably starting in September. It may include talks, demonstrations, workshops, theatre outings, visits, meals or parties. Pick an item which interests you, go along and join in. You may also hear about joint activities with members of other institutes: classes, competitive sports, dance, drama or debating. As a potential member of any age, you will be made very welcome. Margaret Sparkes, Secretary, Buchlyvie SWI
Buchlyvie SWI Tues 8th Sept, 7.30pm, Buchlyvie Village Hall Open Night with displays & activities to give a taste of ‘The Rural’ Tues 13th Oct, 7.30pm, Buchlyvie Village Hall “Put a Spring in your step” with Tricia Cumming of Active Stirling, Margaret: 01360 850492, mgtsparkes@btinternet.com Muriel: 01360 850357, Muriel@mucolin.demon.co.uk