About Us

The inaugural meeting of Byland with Wass WI as on 12th April 1946, when 34 members coming from Wass, Byland, Ampleforth, Coxwold and Kilburn, enrolled. In the following years membership increased to over sixty, and the WI played a significant role in the lives of women in Wass and surrounding villages. Inevitably, changes in the structure of the village population; increased personal mobility; and competition from other village clubs, societies, and classes, have affected the place of the WI in village life over the past 70+ years.

Since the centenary of the National Federation of Women's Institute in 2015, interest in the WI has increased nationally; and Byland with Wass, though losing some older members has begun to see an increase in interest from newcomers to the village and younger women. Our programme continues to reflect the interests of our members, and recently has included traditional crafts like patchwork and lampshade making, as well as newer crafts such as button making, papermaking and willow weaving; talks both humorous and educational; and outings.

We are now smaller but a very lively WI, and have added theatre and cinema trips, and darts team fixtures to our list of regular events. We serve the villages from Coxwold to Oswaldkirk, and are always keen to welcome new members.

Take a look at our current programme. if you like the look of us just turn up at any meeting and you'll be made very welcome............ or ring any of the numbers shown and someone will be waiting to greet you.

We meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7.00pm in Wass Village Hall.

President: Christine Bradley, 01347 868395

Vice President: Ros Williams, 01347 868150

Secretary: Nancy Walker, 01347 868774

Joan Merchant, 01347 868143