Hebden Bridge WI have not missed a meeting for the whole of the pandemic.  Our last actual meeting on 16th March 2020 was a demonstration on chocolate making – with lots of samples. We have an active committee and we immediately signed up for zoom and made sure that all our members were able to join in – down to socially distanced knocking on doors and demonstrating how to join into a zoom meeting.  We have had fun with online quizzes, beetle drive and even an AGM.  We have had socially distanced summer afternoon teas – in torrential rain!! We have made and delivered Scrub bags, masks and mask ear defenders to NHS hospitals locally and as far as Newcastle Upon Tyne. We have had some fabulous speakers who have taught us paper crafting -the drastic eco results of Fast Fashion and Sea Soup – given us Scandalous gossip from Hampton Court palace – Christmas wreath making  and Winter stories from around the world. The members have received a summer and Christmas goody bag – filled with afternoon tea treats and a Christmas bag with handmade decorations, cards, prosecco and chocs.  We have been planning for 2021 – when we kick off January with online juggling paid for by providing a selection of WI baked cakes and biscuits to the Women’s homeless centre in Burnley as a Christmas day treat. Our charity of the year is Mothershare – info@mothersharecalderdale.co.uk based in Halifax who provide basic essentials for women and children who are fleeing domestic abuse.

We have even recruited new members during this difficult time, why not come and join us, check out the website!