The Brentwood Belles Women’s Institute
Not just “Jam and Jerusalem” we pride ourselves on supporting all women and have a diverse range of subgroups catering to our members and enriching our community
With groups held in the daytime and the evenings, we are a community group for ladies who are still working as well as those who have retired and looking for friendship and community in the Brentwood area
Friendship, community outreach, & campaigning since 2010
The WI is a unique organization shaped by its members. In 1915, we set out to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community.
The Brentwood Belles WI began in the summer of 2010, created as a forward thinking WI for the women of Brentwood — a WI for the modern woman. We aim to inspire women by offering opportunities to learn, socialise and participate in the local community. We believe, as women, we really can make a difference, shown in our annual resolutions and campaigns supporting women in the UK and worldwide.
Each month, we challenge our members to an activity relating to our monthly meeting and honouring our member Sadie Jones who lost her battle with cancer. Members receive points toward an annual cup win! Challenges are varied and can include crafts, cooking, writing, photography, and a myriad of other creative skills. We award points for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
In addition to focusing on recycling and keeping green, we encourage members to bring their own mugs and plates to meetings, eliminating single use plastics. We also try to incorporate sustainable practices with regards to decor, as well as finding speakers who support our mission of utilising and promoting renewable resources.
In line with the 2022 resolution to support the women and girls with Autism and ADHD, we have created a neurodivergent support subgroup meeting every other month for neurodiverse Belles and Belles supporting neurodiverse friends and family.
The Belles are happy to partner with local food support organisations and women’s refuge centres to collect goods for women and families in need. We regularly communicate with local groups and update our collections to help provide what they need most.