What is Wonky WI?
By Jan Gray
Simple answer. Wonky WI is your St Leonards based Women’s Institute! We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at The Taplin Centre on Upper Maze Hill at 7.30. It’s a group where any woman over 18 can come along and discover new people in a safe and friendly environment. There are all sorts of different activities each month including a craft club.

Fundraising for our two charities is also something we love to do by organising craft fairs at many local events; the charities are Surviving the Streets (supporting the homeless) and In2play (creating opportunities for children to learn, play and grow).
Our own Wonky Market is held on a quarterly basis at the Taplin Centre. This usually includes jumble, bric-a-brac, craft, seasonal items – and it wouldn’t be very WI without tea and cakes.
• The next Market is on Saturday 30th October from 11am until 1pm. It’s only 50p for entry, so pop in and pick up a Christmas bargain or Halloween treat. Everyone welcome!
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I am thinking of joining the Wonky WI, (what a lovely name), as I am due to retire in July and so I am not limited as to what day I can join anything new.
I do crafts as a pass time activity.
It certainly helped me when Furloughed a couple of years ago.
I thought joining other like minded people I might learn new crafts to keep my mind active.At the moment I am into plastic canvas work…making tissue box covers and bookmarks.I have done other crafts such as crossstich, knitting, crochet and lacemaking…with a thirst of wanting to learn other crafts.
I would love to learn more about the Wonky WI.
Hi Margaret,
Their Facebook page says they now meet monthly on the 1st Wednesday, 7.30pm at the Arthur Easton Centre, St Michael’s Hospice.
https://www.facebook.com/wonkyWI/
I found a couple of old articles about them on HOT:
https://hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk/hot-topics/campaigns/meet-the-wonky-wi
https://hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk/arts-culture/arts-news/lauren-ofarrell-at-the-wwi
And one in the Observer:
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/lifestyle/hastings-wonky-women-celebrate-1190068
They don’t seem to have a website anymore. I’ll see if I can dig up some contact details for you.
– Merlin