Hi, I'm Shirley the committee member in charge of hostess responsibilities (aka Tea lady & cake maker) at the monthly meetings. I started attending meetings in 2019 and became a member in January 2020, joining the committee in Sept 2021.
Born and raised in Harrogate and at the age of 18 joined the NHS in Harrogate training and working as a ITU nurse for 12 years, until starting a family. My husband who is originally from the United States and I share 2 daughters and 3 grandsons, who play a big part in our lives.
Now retired after working for 24 years at a local primary school and suddenly having spare time to fill the WI seemed the right choice. I've always had an interest in crafts which started with my grandma teaching me to knit at the age of 12, which I continue to dabble in and try all different types of crafting. By joining the SSWI group I've found the place to pursue such ventures, with the added bonus of meeting new people. I enjoy attending the craft club -sub group to experience new challenges like crochet, folk art acrylic painting, sewing and paper crafts, which through the pandemic we all still accessed via Zoom from our own armchairs. My other hobbies cover reading, baking and flower arranging. On the social side I've joined Spa Sweetheart friends for theatre and restaurant trips. I'm so happy I joined SSWI and highly recommend becoming a member as a great way to meet new people and expand your social life.