Sharon Hurrell

Sharon Hurrell

WI: Marchwood WI and Oliver's Battery WI (dual WI)

Federation: Hampshire

Joining date: June 2007

Sharon Hurrell is a primary member of Marchwood WI and a Dual member of Oliver's Battery WI, and is also a WI Adviser for the Hampshire Federation.

What inspired you to join the WI?

I had moved to a village where I didn't know many people and felt a sense of needing to belong. I also wanted to find something that was aside from the 'me' as a co-worker/colleague and mother.  I needed a work/life balance, but also wanted to give something back to the community; learn new things and develop a social life at the same time.  Then the local Parish magazine landed on my doorstep containing details of my local WI, and the rest is history!

The WI gives you an opportunity to learn something you didn't know or couldn't do yesterday.

What are your top three reasons why someone should consider joining the WI?

Firstly, to discover that sense of belonging and be given the opportunity to give something back too, whether that is just by providing an opinion, or taking part in local and national events.

Secondly, the WI gives you the opportunity to make friends and discover shared interests in what is happening locally.  As a WI member you find yourself visiting places and taking part in events you would never normally be exposed to nor would consider doing in your usual day to day life.

Lastly the WI allows you some 'me' time, and to appreciate that you can add your voice to debates on relevant issues upon which you can make a difference - not only to your local community, but on a national level, which can have an impact on society, the environment and on public perception of current issues.