CHESTFIELD WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Welcome to Chestfield Women's Institute

My name is Sharon Goff, and I am delighted to have been re-elected by the members of Chestfield Women's Institute as President in March 2026.  It is an honour I am very proud to take on.

I moved to Chestfield just over five years ago from West Kent.  Although I was born and raised in London, I wouldn't quite describe myself as a DFL (down from London).

Like many people who move to a new area, I've had to take those first steps to settle in, get involved, and build new friendships, that's one of the reasons the WI means so much to me.

Finding the WI

Moving somewhere new can feel a little daunting.  I knew that if I wanted to meet people and make friends, I had to take that first step.

While out walking one day, I noticed the WI Hall and decided to come along to a meeting.  From my very first visit, two members welcomed me, looked after me, and made me feel completely at ease.  I came back the following month - and the rest, as they say, is history.

My background

People who find us through our website often ask a little about my background, so here we go; I spent 46 years working for the same bank, beginning my career in the West End, and later moving to the City of London.

I held a variety of roles over the years.  One of the more unusual was Bank Car Manager, which took me to car manufacturers and test drive centres.  One particularly memorable moment was when I was invited to visit Vauxhall's test track and I was given a car and a caution that it was an extremely fast car, you can imagine my surprise when the keys to a new car/model at the time, which was a 6-cylinder turbo Calibra were handed to me and was instructed to do one lap, the car was so fast I missed the exit and ended up going round twice!

For the last 34 years of my career, I worked in HR (formerly known as Personnel), which I absolutely loved.  Alongside this, I studied counselling at college, and although I did not quite complete the final year, due to work commitments, it reinforced something very important to me, the value of listening, empathy, and supporting people when they need it most.

After retiring and moving to Chestfield, I realised I was missing that sense of purpose.  I began volunteering with Age UK Herne Bay and Whitstable as a befriender, visiting someone each week for a chat, a laugh, and a cup of tea.  This soon led to other opportunities, including supporting COGs, a group for people with early onset dementia, which I find incredibly rewarding.  I was later invited to join the Board of Trustees and now serve as Vice Chair.

As well as being President of Chestfield WI, I am also Chair alongside Angela Coleman on the East Kent WI Federation Board.

Supporting charities

Each August, we hold a President's Charity Event for members, family and friends.

In 2024, we raised £855 for Hope for Tomorrow, supporting a mobile cancer treatment unit serving hospitals across Kent.

In 2025, we raised £490.51 for Pilgrims Hospice, enjoying a lovely cream tea supplied by the Butterfly Tea Rooms.

In 2026, we are supporting the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance.  This year's event will be held on Wednesday 12 August from 2-4pm and you would be very welcome to join us.

About Chestfield WI

We currently have 71 members and meet in the WI Hall on the second Wednesday of each month from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Our meetings have a relaxed and friendly feel including:

A short business section

A guest speaker or activity

Time to chat over tea, coffee and biscuits

Finishing with a raffle, a WI meeting would not be the same without one!

A little history about Chestfield WI

Originally formed in 1931 as the Swalecliffe & Chestfield WI, the group began with a strong sense of community.

The WI Hall: Members worked hard to raise funds, leading to the construction of their own hall, which opened in 1933.

Name Change: after nearly 90 years, the group officially became Chestfield Women's Institute in 2019, reflecting the Hall's location and the community it serves today.

Legacy: The WI continues to be an important part of local life, carrying forward its tradition of learning, friendship, and community support.

Whether you are new to the area or simply looking to meet new people, you will find a warm welcome at Chestfield WI.  We would love to see you at one of our meetings.

Warm regards,

Sharon Goff

President (since 2023)

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Meetings this year will be held on the following dates, commencing at 2.00pm.

14th January - Model Boats and ships in bottles, Bob Cooper

11th February - Professional vocalist, Miss Vintage, Sarah Barker

11th March - AGM - No speaker

8th April - Chocolate Easter egg demonstration, Jane Napper

13th May - Madajazz, The secrets of Madagascar, Jane Muddle

10th June - Romney Marsh - The living landscape, Kristina Boulden

8th July - Family at war - Peter Rudd

August - No meeting

9th September - 60s-70s talk, Linda Warren

14th October - Life of a Diva, Laure Meloy

11th November

9th December - Christmas party, Professional vocalist, Miss Vintage, Sarah Barker

All visitors welcome.

2026 FUTURE EVENTS

Wednesday 18th March, 10.30 to 12.30 Tea/coffee and buns - Beetle drive organised by Table Tennis group £6

Saturday 4th April - Easter Fayre

Friday 17th April 2.00 to 4.00pm Afternoon tea organised by Art Group

Thursday 7th May 2.00 to 4.00pm Afternoon tea with musical surprise organised by Craft Group £6

Friday 26th June 2.00 to 4.00pm Fifty Shades of Grey organised by Book Club £6

Wednesday 12th August 2.00 to 4.00pm President's Charity Afternoon

September dates TBC St Johns - First Aid/Defib and CPR refresh

Tuesday 15th September 12.30 to 2.30pm Harvest Lunch organised by Keep Fit and Walking Groups £8

Monday 12th October, Tea and Bingo organised by Games Club £6

Wednesday 18th November 12.30 to 2.30, sausage and mash, apple pie £10 organised by the Committee

Friday 27th November - 6.00 to 8.00 pm Demonstration - Festive corsage

Friday 4th December 12.00 for 12.30 WI Christmas meal Whitstable Golf Club​​​