The Branch has been formed as the trio found it hard to fit everything they wanted to do in one night out. Being on the go ladies; mums to young children, along with holding down busy careers; they were finding it hard to find a group that covered all their social needs. Following a visit to a local WI they decided this was the direction for them and have formed HAWI to bring local women together and offer the chance to learn new interesting skills, while having fun. There will always be knitting, but you may also find sessions on blogging, guerrilla gardening or the science of flirting too.

The HAWI name came about as they wanted to include those living outside Pinner, so they have taken the HA of the Harrow postcode and joined it with WI, the Women’s Institute.

“The three of us are very excited about the launch of HAWI. It doesn't matter what age you are or what you are interested in, there's likely to be something on offer for you. We have pulled together a fantastic calendar of events. The response has been overwhelming. We have over 120 members on our Facebook page and this is increasing daily. We'll have a few surprises on the night, including a game of Social Bingo!" Lynne Fearn, President of HAWI

“Forget the stereotypes associated with the WI; it doesn’t matter what age you are, or what you’re interested in, there’s likely to be something on offer for you”. Ruth Kirkman, Seven Hills WI, South Yorkshire.

The branch will be meeting once a month, on the first Monday of every month, from 8pm - 10pm at The Pinner Arms, Whittington Way, Pinner, HA5 5JS. Membership is £33 per year (which equates to just £2.75 per meeting) and if you join before the end of 2012 you get the 2012 sessions for free! You can join at any of the meetings and can pay by cash or cheque.

HAWI membership allows you entry to all our monthly evening events, plus the option to join our sub-groups, such as the Book Club, Gardening Club, and Knitting Club. As part of your membership you will also receive a subscription to WI Life Magazine, which comes out 8 times a year, and are able to vote annually on the National Federation of Women's Institute campaigns.

For further information please either visit the branches website www.hawomensinstitute.wordpress.com or ‘like’ their Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/HA5WI/.

For more information, please contact: Niamh McEnery, HAWI, on 07835 078147