Lucy meets Ringway & Hale Barns Women’s Institute

Lucy visits the Ringway and Hale Barns Women’s Institute to find out more about this inspiring, long-running group that offers friendship, activities, and fun for women in Hal

Lucy recently had the pleasure of meeting Liz Lewis, President of the Ringway and Hale Barns Women’s Institute (WI), to learn more about this vibrant group and the opportunities it offers to local women.

Established 68 years ago, the Ringway and Hale Barns WI welcomes women over 18 from Hale Barns and surrounding areas, including Hale and Sale. With over 40 members, they meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30pm at the Parish Hall behind All Saints Church, Hale Barns.

Meetings often feature engaging speakers on topics ranging from the Chaplaincy at Manchester Airport to royal family jewels and guide dogs. The group also enjoys theatre tripslocal outings, and special events alongside their fellow WIs in the Stamford Group.

Members can also join smaller groups like the Book Club, which meets at a local pub for friendly reviews and discussion, and the Craft Group, which recently made Twiddlemuffs for a local dementia group.

Want to find out more or join as a guest? You’ll be made very welcome!
📍 Meetings: 4th Thursday of the month, 7.30pm
📍 Venue: Parish Hall, behind All Saints Church, Hale Barns
💻 Websitehale-barns-wi
📞 President – Liz Lewis: 07803 611969
📞 Secretary – Janet Wood: 07817 225341

Ringway and Hale Barns WI panto dressed up

For those interested in exploring other WI groups in the area, here are a few options:

    • Hale Women’s Institute
      📍 Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm
      📍 Venue: St. Peter’s Assembly Rooms, Hale
    • Dunham Massey Women’s Institute
      Caters to women in the Dunham Massey region; further information is available through the Cheshire WI directory.
      📍 Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month
      📍 Venue: Dunham Massey Village Hall, WA14 4SE
    • Good Afternooners Women’s Institute
      To join, message the group via their Facebook page or come along to a meeting.
      📍 Meetings: Third Friday of each month, 1.30pm
      📍 Venue: St Anne’s Church Hall, Sale

  • Bee Moor (Sale) Women’s Institute
    Based in Sale, this group offers a wide range of activities and events.
    📍 Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 7.30–9.30pm
    📍 Venue: Temple moor Infant & Nursery School, Sale, M33 2EG

🔍 To find a WI group that best suits your location and interests, you can use the Cheshire Federation’s “Find a WI” tool

Joining a WI group is a wonderful way to meet new people, learn new skills, and engage with your community.Whether you’re interested in attending talks, participating in craft projects, or going on outings, there’s likely a WI nearby that’s just right for you.

Find More in the Live Well, Your Way Magazine

If you’ve enjoyed this blog, you’ll love our Live Well, Your Way magazine — packed with inspiring stories, community highlights, and local opportunities to stay active, connected, and well. This year, we’re distributing 20,000 free copies across our neighbourhoods. You can pick one up at local supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, GP surgeries, churches, and community groups. It’s our way of making sure everyone has access to activities, support, and a friendly sense of connection — right on their doorstep.

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