A stitch in time
“The institute is open to anyone. Residents can attend a meeting without being obligated to return." Deidrè and the members of the Women’s Institute would like to encourage women of all ages to join their organisation.
For many years the Women’s Institute has given women the opportunity to expand on skills modern-day women no longer possess. The institute aims to create an environment where women can tackle issues that concern them as a community, learn to knit, crochet and preserve food.
“I have been a member of the Women’s Institute for a year now. I have learnt how to crochet and bottle foods, which I would not have been able to do had it not been for the institute,” said Women’s Institute President, Deidrè Saaijman.
There is a misconception among residents that the Women’s Institute is a closed organisation. “The institute is open to anyone. Residents can attend a meeting without being obligated to return. Residents who want to join the institute pay an annual fee of R180,” said Deidrè.
Aside from her responsibilities as president of the institute, Deidrè sells beauty products at a salon she owns in Hutten Heights. She spends three days a week at the salon while her boys, aged 2 and 5, are at school. Her husband supports and encourages her in her ventures as institute president.
Deidrè and the members of the Women’s Institute would like to encourage women of all ages to join their organisation. The institute is passionate about the community and aims to grow as much as possible in the near future, bringing good old-fashioned culture and tradition to Newcastle.
