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Our community
We have fun supporting our local community with a multitude of local events throughout the year, from running a stall at the Village School Summer fete , joining in with the Colney Heath Twinning Association to running a tearoom at the jumble sale, raising a team for quiz nights and much more !!! |
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Chain Reaction – A Fun Social Fundraiser
Chain Reaction is a relaxed mix of social event that also raises funds. For a contribution of £5, members are invited to attend a gathering hosted by our members. Past events have included film nights, cheese and wine evenings, afternoon tea, in the garden, lunches, games nights, mulled wine and minces pie evening , and much more. Each event is a great opportunity to socialise, have fun, in a warm and welcoming setting. |
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Drama Group
Our Amateur Dramatic Club is a friendly and creative club for anyone with an interest in theatre and performance. Whether you dream of being on stage, or working behind the scenes, or are completely new to drama, the club offers opportunities to build confidence, develop skills, and have fun. Through rehearsals and productions, we aim to encourage creativity, and most of all share a lot of laughs for us and the audience! |
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Knit and Stitch Group
A relaxed and sociable space for anyone who enjoys knitting, sewing, embroidery, or other needle crafts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience, everyone is welcome to come along, share skills, exchange ideas, and enjoy good company. The group is all about creativity, learning from one another, and taking time to enjoy making something by hand together. |
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Book Club
Meets once a month in one of the members’ homes/on Zoom. A small group at present who all enjoy reading. We always have a good chat about the book over a glass and nibbles and then we put the world to rights. Mainly we use the Libraries’ Book Club List to select what we read. Recent books have included The lake House by Kate Morton, The Sari Shop by Rupa Bajwa, The Lido by Libby Page, and Dear Mrs Bird -by A J Pearce |
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Gardening Club
Our Gardening Club is a relaxed and enjoyable space for anyone who loves plants, nature, or simply being outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, the club offers the chance to learn new skills, share ideas, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing and caring for plants together. We aim to inspire, support, and cultivate a love of gardening in a friendly, social environment. |
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Chill & Chat
Chill & Chat is a relaxed, welcoming social gathering where the only agenda is good company and easy conversation. Come along to unwind, enjoy a drink or two, share a laugh, and catch up with friends old and new. No pressure, no plans — just a warm, informal space to chat, connect, and enjoy a little time out together. Everyone is welcome. |
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Presidents Profile
Joanna Defries tells us about herself Joanna makes being President sound easy, but her kindness, wit, skills and many talents make her the perfect person for the role.
How long have you been the CHWI President and what made you take on the role?
This is my fourth term of office. I took on the role as nobody else wanted it! I was nominated, and had been a member for only a couple of years so didn't think I was qualified enough. When asked if I would accept the nomination, I asked what would happen if nobody accepted it. The answer was that the WI would have to close. I couldn't let that happen so I accepted. It’s a really lovely WI and It would have been such a shame if it'd had to close down. It’s been great fun with a lovely crowd of kind, bright women who have shown me such great support.
What does your role entail?
I think each president brings different abilities to the role. The main function of my own presidency is to be the one standing up at the front every meeting talking to the members about the business of the Institute. Everything else I do is as part of the team called The Committee, without which I could not be any use at all.
Could you give some personal background eg work, family, interests and hobbies?
I worked for years in the Theatre in costumes, which I loved and wish I had been able to do it as a full life career. In the past, a good many years ago, I was a concert singer. Two grown up daughters, three grandchildren whom I love more than life itself. I was widowed when my children were young. I now have a lovely partner called Michael. In terms of hobbies/interests, they include: cooking and baking, history, dinosaurs, steam and traction engines and any big machinery, travelling.
What do you like most about being part of the WI?
I enjoy being involved with village life with a group of terrific women, most of whom are now my buddies.
Anything you don’t like?
Non-members who know nothing about the WI thinking that we are all Jam-and-Jerusalem, knitting and cakes.
Do you have a favourite WI campaign?
I don't have a favourite, they have all been thoroughly worthwhile.
Do you have any funny/interesting stories about your role?
Yes, but a lady does not kiss-and-tell!
What would you say to someone thinking of joining the WI?
DO IT! Especially if you can join Colney Heath. We do lots of stuff - fundraising, outings, activities, involvement in village life, and we are known among other WIs for being welcoming and friendly. Go to a couple of meetings and see how you feel.
Joanna Defries tells us about herself Joanna makes being President sound easy, but her kindness, wit, skills and many talents make her the perfect person for the role.
How long have you been the CHWI President and what made you take on the role?
This is my fourth term of office. I took on the role as nobody else wanted it! I was nominated, and had been a member for only a couple of years so didn't think I was qualified enough. When asked if I would accept the nomination, I asked what would happen if nobody accepted it. The answer was that the WI would have to close. I couldn't let that happen so I accepted. It’s a really lovely WI and It would have been such a shame if it'd had to close down. It’s been great fun with a lovely crowd of kind, bright women who have shown me such great support.
What does your role entail?
I think each president brings different abilities to the role. The main function of my own presidency is to be the one standing up at the front every meeting talking to the members about the business of the Institute. Everything else I do is as part of the team called The Committee, without which I could not be any use at all.
Could you give some personal background eg work, family, interests and hobbies?
I worked for years in the Theatre in costumes, which I loved and wish I had been able to do it as a full life career. In the past, a good many years ago, I was a concert singer. Two grown up daughters, three grandchildren whom I love more than life itself. I was widowed when my children were young. I now have a lovely partner called Michael. In terms of hobbies/interests, they include: cooking and baking, history, dinosaurs, steam and traction engines and any big machinery, travelling.
What do you like most about being part of the WI?
I enjoy being involved with village life with a group of terrific women, most of whom are now my buddies.
Anything you don’t like?
Non-members who know nothing about the WI thinking that we are all Jam-and-Jerusalem, knitting and cakes.
Do you have a favourite WI campaign?
I don't have a favourite, they have all been thoroughly worthwhile.
Do you have any funny/interesting stories about your role?
Yes, but a lady does not kiss-and-tell!
What would you say to someone thinking of joining the WI?
DO IT! Especially if you can join Colney Heath. We do lots of stuff - fundraising, outings, activities, involvement in village life, and we are known among other WIs for being welcoming and friendly. Go to a couple of meetings and see how you feel.
Secretary Profile
Debbie Fulwell
How long have you been the CHWI Secretary and what made you take on the role?
8 years this second time around. The first time was back in the 1990's when I wanted to help out my new found friends with a 'little bit of typing'! I thought it would help to keep my speed up whilst being out of the workplace raising a family.
Could you give some personal background e.g. work, family, interests and hobbies?
I work part-time as a church administrator which is a job I really enjoy, every day is different! I am married with 2 grown-up sons. When they were younger they used to put out the tables and chairs for WI meetings - they got 'paid' in cake! In my spare time I like to read and to go out for walks in the countryside.
What does your role entail?
All the usual secretary stuff such as agendas, minutes, correspondence plus keeping the members informed of what's happening.
What do you like most about being part of the WI?
Companionship. Also, as we are the largest women's group in the country it feels good to be part of a long-standing institution that has the
gravitas not to be ignored.
Anything you don’t like?
People's misguided ideas that we're all Jam and Jerusalem - we are so much more than that.
What has been your favourite WI campaign?
Care not Custody. I am proud that the WI could throw light on a bad situation and get it changed for the good. I wonder how long the bad practices would have continued if they hadn't been exposed.
Do you have any funny/interesting stories about your role?
Not really, but we always find something to giggle over during Committee meetings!
What would you say to someone thinking of joining the WI?
Don't hesitate! It is what you make it - there are so many opportunities, there really is something for every woman. Just look at the NFWI website!
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?
I have an identical twin. One day I just might persuade her to pop along to a meeting and stand in for me... but I think my good friends on the
Committee might just twig !
Debbie Fulwell
How long have you been the CHWI Secretary and what made you take on the role?
8 years this second time around. The first time was back in the 1990's when I wanted to help out my new found friends with a 'little bit of typing'! I thought it would help to keep my speed up whilst being out of the workplace raising a family.
Could you give some personal background e.g. work, family, interests and hobbies?
I work part-time as a church administrator which is a job I really enjoy, every day is different! I am married with 2 grown-up sons. When they were younger they used to put out the tables and chairs for WI meetings - they got 'paid' in cake! In my spare time I like to read and to go out for walks in the countryside.
What does your role entail?
All the usual secretary stuff such as agendas, minutes, correspondence plus keeping the members informed of what's happening.
What do you like most about being part of the WI?
Companionship. Also, as we are the largest women's group in the country it feels good to be part of a long-standing institution that has the
gravitas not to be ignored.
Anything you don’t like?
People's misguided ideas that we're all Jam and Jerusalem - we are so much more than that.
What has been your favourite WI campaign?
Care not Custody. I am proud that the WI could throw light on a bad situation and get it changed for the good. I wonder how long the bad practices would have continued if they hadn't been exposed.
Do you have any funny/interesting stories about your role?
Not really, but we always find something to giggle over during Committee meetings!
What would you say to someone thinking of joining the WI?
Don't hesitate! It is what you make it - there are so many opportunities, there really is something for every woman. Just look at the NFWI website!
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?
I have an identical twin. One day I just might persuade her to pop along to a meeting and stand in for me... but I think my good friends on the
Committee might just twig !
