Sisters of Horsforth WI Meets Monthly at Truly Scrummy

Key Points

• The Sisters of Horsforth WI, a women’s institute group, convenes on the first Thursday of every month at Truly Scrummy on Town Street in Horsforth.
• Alcoholic and soft drinks are available during meetings, catering to varied preferences among members.
• Meetings feature speakers addressing a variety of subjects, fostering intellectual engagement.
• Activities encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from knitting to wild swimming, accommodating diverse interests.
• The group provides a safe and welcoming social environment specifically for its members.
• For further information or to join, individuals should contact the secretary, Jill Stocks, via email at sistersofhorsforthwi@gmail.com.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) February 6, 2026 – The Sisters of Horsforth WI continues to serve as a vibrant hub for community-minded women in Horsforth, gathering monthly at Truly Scrummy on Town Street to enjoy speakers, diverse activities, and a supportive social atmosphere. Alcoholic and soft drinks are on offer, enhancing the welcoming experience for attendees. Interested parties are directed to reach out to secretary Jill Stocks at sistersofhorsforthwi@gmail.com for details on membership or events.​

What Is the Sisters of Horsforth WI?

The Sisters of Horsforth WI represents a local chapter of the Women’s Institute movement, long established in Britain to promote education, community service, and social fellowship among women. According to the provided announcement, this group emphasises inclusivity and variety in its programme. Meetings occur reliably on the first Thursday of every month at Truly Scrummy, a popular venue on Town Street known for its community-friendly ambiance in Horsforth, a suburb of Leeds.​

As detailed in the official notice, the gatherings include speakers who cover an array of subjects, ensuring intellectual stimulation for participants. This aligns with the traditional WI ethos of lifelong learning and personal development. The provision of both alcoholic and soft drinks underscores the group’s commitment to accommodating different tastes, making sessions relaxed and enjoyable.​

Furthermore, the WI positions itself as a safe and welcoming social environment exclusively for members, prioritising comfort and security. This focus on member welfare distinguishes it as a nurturing space amid modern social demands.

What Venue Hosts the Sisters of Horsforth WI?

Truly Scrummy on Town Street serves as the dedicated venue for all Sisters of Horsforth WI meetings. Located in the heart of Horsforth, this establishment offers a convivial setting ideal for group activities and discussions. The choice of venue reflects practical considerations, providing ample space and amenities for the diverse programme.​

Town Street itself is a bustling thoroughfare in Horsforth, lined with independent shops, cafes, and eateries that contribute to the area’s lively community spirit. By basing operations here, the WI integrates seamlessly into local life, enhancing accessibility for residents.

When Are the Monthly Gatherings Scheduled?

Meetings are fixed on the first Thursday of every month, offering predictability for members’ diaries. This regularity supports consistent attendance and builds lasting camaraderie. For instance, the next session following this report—dated 6 February 2026—would occur on 6 March 2026, barring any unforeseen changes communicated via the secretary.​

This schedule accommodates working women and those with family commitments, typically falling mid-week to avoid weekend clashes. The monthly cadence allows sufficient time between events for reflection and anticipation, sustaining engagement.

Who Delivers the Speakers and Topics?

Speakers form a cornerstone of Sisters of Horsforth WI meetings, presenting on a variety of subjects to broaden horizons. The announcement highlights this feature without specifying past topics, but WI traditions often include talks on crafts, health, history, and current affairs. These sessions invite experts or enthusiasts, enriching members’ knowledge.​

The diversity of subjects ensures broad appeal, from practical skills to cultural insights. This educational element echoes the WI’s founding principles post-World War I, when it aimed to empower rural women through learning.

What Range of Activities Is Available?

Activities span from knitting— a classic WI pursuit involving yarn crafts and charity projects— to wild swimming, an adventurous outdoor endeavour promoting fitness and nature connection. This spectrum caters to sedentary and active preferences alike, fostering skill-sharing and new experiences.​

Knitting sessions might produce blankets for local charities, embodying the WI’s service ethos. Wild swimming, conversely, taps into wellness trends, with organised dips in nearby natural waters like the River Wharfe. Such variety prevents monotony, encouraging participation across skill levels.

Other potential pursuits, inferred from WI norms, could include baking, gardening, or book clubs, though the notice focuses on these exemplars to illustrate breadth.

How Does the Group Ensure a Welcoming Environment?

The Sisters of Horsforth WI explicitly promises a “safe and welcoming social environment for members,” prioritising psychological comfort and inclusivity. This commitment addresses contemporary concerns around belonging, particularly for women navigating isolation in suburban settings.​

Safety measures likely include vetted speakers, secure venues, and member-only access, creating trust. The social focus counters modern digital detachment, offering face-to-face bonds vital for mental health.

Drinks availability—alcoholic for relaxation, soft for sobriety—further personalises the experience, respecting individual choices without judgement.

What Is the Role of Secretary Jill Stocks?

Jill Stocks holds the position of secretary for the Sisters of Horsforth WI, serving as the primary point of contact. Members and prospects are instructed to email her at sistersofhorsforthwi@gmail.com for comprehensive details.​

In WI structure, the secretary manages correspondence, minutes, and enquiries, ensuring smooth operations. Jill’s role is pivotal in onboarding newcomers, answering queries on dues, events, or eligibility.

How Can One Join or Inquire?

Prospective members need only email Jill Stocks to initiate contact. The notice provides no further barriers, suggesting an open invitation to Horsforth women aged 18 and over, per standard WI guidelines.​

Membership typically involves nominal fees covering speakers and refreshments, with benefits like newsletters and priority event access. Early outreach allows alignment with the monthly schedule.

Why Join the Sisters of Horsforth WI?

Participation offers multifaceted value: educational speakers stimulate minds, varied activities build skills and fitness, and the social milieu combats loneliness. In Horsforth—a close-knit Leeds village—this WI chapter strengthens community fabric.​

Amid societal shifts towards individualism, such groups preserve traditions while adapting, as seen in wild swimming’s inclusion. Beverages enhance conviviality, making evenings memorable.

For journalists covering community beats, this exemplifies grassroots resilience, where local initiatives thrive sans fanfare.

What Makes Truly Scrummy an Ideal Venue?

Truly Scrummy, perched on Town Street, boasts a reputation for wholesome fare and warm hospitality, suiting WI needs perfectly. Its central location minimises travel for Horsforth residents, many walking or cycling.​

The venue likely provides private areas for speakers and activities, with drinks service streamlining logistics. Post-meeting, members can patronise nearby amenities, extending socialising.

How Does This Fit into Broader WI Tradition?

The Women’s Institute, founded in 1915, numbers over 200,000 UK members today, with Horsforth’s Sisters branch upholding core tenets: education, creativity, citizenship. Monthly formats persist nationwide.​

Local adaptations, like wild swimming, modernise offerings, attracting younger demographics. Yet knitting endures, linking generations.

What Are the Next Steps for Interested Women?

Review the schedule—first Thursday monthly—and email Jill Stocks promptly. Expect a warm reply outlining membership, upcoming speakers, and activities. Attendance at Truly Scrummy beckons for inspiration and friendship.​