Meet the New Trustees!

Hello, my name is Liz Baker and I am proud to be a member of Trevone WI, near Padstow. Originally from Kent and after a rewarding career in the NHS, we moved down to Cornwall 13 years ago. I joined Trevone WI in 2015 and I have to say it has been a wonderful experience. So many new friends, opportunities and fun, the support network is amazing. Also, I now have time to indulge my passion for horticulture and tennis as well as travelling and playing bridge. I look forward to new challenges as a Federation Trustee; I have no doubt there will be plenty! Hopefully I will meet many WI members across the county whilst in this role and also help to promote the WI to the wider public and all that is the best in being part of this fantastic organisation.

My name is Sue Clift and l have been a member of Cusgarne and Frogpool WI for 47 years. For the past three years, I’ve served as President. I have been married to Jess for 52 years and have a son and daughter, four granddaughters, two grandsons and we are expecting our first great-grandchild next year. I worked as a hairdresser for 54 years and I still do the hair of a few friends. I live in Bissoe, near Truro. I have always loved being a WI member, and it’s been a big part of my life.

I’m Wendy Fiander. I was a library and IT manager at the University of Chester for 18 years before we retired 6 years ago to Millbrook, an area my husband knows well through naval training and family connections. Everyone is very friendly and helpful here and there are lots of opportunities to get involved in a wide range of activities and to be part of the community. It is lovely to have such a variety of beautiful landscape and countryside within the local area. I joined Wilcove WI fairly soon after arriving in Millbrook as a way of meeting more people, and found them to be a strong and vibrant group. I enjoy the speakers, the friendships and the opportunities to learn and be challenged, and I am now their Secretary. My hobbies are almost all craft-based: sewing, especially upcycling; knitting and crochet; screenprinting; and watercolour painting. In common with most crafters, I think, I have a long list of things I want to do, a lot of unfinished projects and a large ‘stash’ of things I have saved to use one day! I have enjoyed sharing some skills at our WI 4-corner events. I feel very honoured to have been nominated as a CFWI Trustee and hope that I can use my professional and personal experience and skills to help the organisation in whatever ways are needed.

Hello, my name is Mary Thompson (also known as Ellen). I live with my husband Terry and dog in the hamlet of Lamorick which is just outside Lanivet. I’m fairly new here in the South West and I have loved the welcome you have given me. I’ve been a member of Bodmin Gaolbirds since 2018, although prior to moving here I was a member of Edwalton WI in Nottinghamshire for over 20 years. I’m also a member of Rock Choir where I sing in the basses. I enjoy the challenge of learning new songs and then performing them at gigs like the Minack theatre. I play walking netball with the Pandas netball team; it’s a good fun team sport. Cooking is another pastime and I’m always on the lookout to try out different recipes, especially vegetarian and gluten free baking. Then there is walking in the countryside, and reading, but perhaps my favourite pastime is watercolour painting. You’ve probably guessed by now that I’m retired! My son, partner and granddaughter live just a mile away so I enjoy seeing them as often as I can. The WI has always inspired me with the opportunities it gives. For instance, I was very lucky to be able attend the Centenary Garden Party at Buckingham Palace followed by the Annual Meeting in the Albert Hall where the Queen was only seven rows away! If you see me at one of the events we put on, please come up and say hello. I’d love to meet you.