Mourne Marvels launched as NI’s first virtual Women’s Institute
Local women from two rural Women’s Institute (WI) groups in County Down are forming Northern Ireland’s first virtual WI, Mourne Marvels.
Women from Rathfriland WI are joining members from Seaforde WI to extend the benefits of offline membership by creating a wider online community that will help tackle rural isolation.
The first WI in Northern Ireland was formed at Garvagh, in 1932 and the Federation of Women's Institutes of Northern Ireland was established in 1942. WI supports women to learn, develop new skills and achieve their goals throughout their lives, building confidence and improving physical and mental wellbeing.
Mourne Marvels founding member Ada Elliott explains, “Women’s lives are busier than ever before. Virtual WI’s provide an alternative for women who are unable to attend in-person meetings. It could be someone who is a full-time Carer for a loved one and cannot leave the home easily or a mother with a young family who wants to be part of a community online.
“Don’t be put off by the name - it is not restricted to people in the Mourne area - we are hoping to attract women from all across Northern Ireland. People who live abroad that have a connection to NI can also sign up - my daughter in Norway is hoping to join Mourne Marvels.
“The beauty is you can join from the comfort of your own home. Anyone with access to a phone, tablet, laptop or PC and an internet connection can join.”
Current WI groups are led by a committee and there is usually a speaker, demonstration or activity at every meeting for members to learn and develop a range of different skills, and this will also be the case for Mourne Marvels.
Ada continues, “Virtual meetings will be similar to current WI meetings - except we will be able to involve speakers from all over the world because of the wonders of wifi! A Zoom link will be sent to members usually a week in advance of the meeting.
“After logging in, members will be greeted personally in the waiting room by the organising team. Meetings are set up in exactly the same way as ‘in person’ Institutes. Women can be a member of both, but they will be required to pay two separate Institute fees.
“Virtual WI’s can also have Book Clubs, coffee mornings, art appreciation groups with links to museums and art galleries and even group cook-along sessions. We look forward to welcoming women online to join Mourne Marvels and to expand our group across all of Northern Ireland.”
For further information, like the Mourne Marvels WI Facebook page, and/or email [email protected].