Each WI is run by a committee which is elected at each Annual Meeting, which for us is in May. Our May 2021 AGM was held successfully via Zoom.

Here we are!

Rosemary Pettman, President

I trained as a Home Economics teacher and taught in a school in West London for several years before becoming involved in prison education in both male and female establishments. Following retirement from full time employment I have continued to teach part time. I was very encouraged to read of a WI being set up in a women’s prison and hope other prisons will welcome this initiative. I was delighted to find The Alexandra WI soon after I retired as I wanted to join a branch near where I live. I am pleased to have more time to enjoy hobbies, gardening, cooking especially making preserves, baking, knitting, cross stitch and tapestry. It is great being able to meet other women, who also have similar interests and are interested in discussing topics of a mutual interest.

Christine Randall, Secretary

I’ve enjoyed being a member of Alexandra WI for a few years, and as I approach retirement thought I could put my experience of working for committees at the House of Commons to use as secretary of our group.

I’m from south Wales, I came to London to go to some Christmas parties over 40 years ago, and I’m still here. After all this time I’m trying to learn some Welsh, as learning a language is supposed to be good for an ageing mind.

In my spare time I like swimming, gardening and flower arranging, I belong to a flower club in Walthamstow. I have piles of books waiting to be read when I retire, hopefully on sunny beaches.

Nina Jewell, Treasurer

I am a qualified Local Government accountant with 25 years’ experience at both Hammersmith and Haringey Councils. I am also the Treasurer for my local Neighbourhood Watch.As I start to think about retirement, I am volunteering more and more as I find it rewarding and a great way to meet like-minded people. I have rediscovered knitting through the WI group and enjoy cooking for the summer fair. My other interests are collecting art by West Country artists and I am passionate about pottery from the Leach Pottery in St Ives.

You will often find me browsing the shops of Muswell Hill or the Antique fairs at Alexandra Palace in search of a bargain!

Gill Whitney

Approximately 150 years ago my Great-Grandmother came to North London from a distant seaside community in Essex. She didn’t find her fortune (and unfortunately no member of the family has), but she did give up being a lowly servant, married and reproduced. I am still here (whilst the more enterprising members of my family have moved to California, Australia, New Zealand and Bournemouth).

I work as an academic in Computer Science, where my research is focused on the design of technology and the writing of technical standards to ensure that all users can benefit from technology. If you want a three hour explanation of web accessibility standards or even ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – please ask!

As one of the `lucky’ women who were affected by the changes in the pension age I still have more than ten years to mix work and leisure. Currently in my spare time I practise creative writing and wondering how on earth other women manage to do all they do. I joined the WI to become inspired. I have been inspired but I still can’t arrange flowers and my second career as a scarf juggler is yet to take off.

Norma Barnes

More coming soon!

Jayne Fowler

Coming soon!