Rashelle spent her youth in North London, later moving to Reading, then Hong Kong & Singapore in search of a more exciting life.  22 years later and following a career in the secretarial field, training mentally handicapped adults and teaching aerobics, Rashelle settled in Bakewell in 2007 to be close to her children.  Joining Bakewell WI was a good starting point to make friends, and with her dog from Hong Kong, met more dog walkers.  Rashelle’s husband is from Sheffield, and after 15 more years working in Hong Kong, returned to live in Bakewell to continue his work as a Structural Engineer.  They both are enjoying discovering more of Europe now than the Far East.

Her hobbies are giving talks on freshwater pearls, which she also strings and sources, yoga, trying out new recipes, particularly on her husband, and walking their new Romanian rescue dog Toby.

The WI has taken up her time over the last 16 years planning and running it.  It has been a pleasure.  There is always something new to discover about the WI, but supporting each other and making new friends is what it is all about.”

Our Vice President Shirley has lived in Monyash for 44 years. Now retired, Shirley has always worked part time. You may have seen her on reception at Diamond Court dentist, or if you are a flying fan, as office administrator at the Great Hucklow Gliding Club for 25 years!

 

Now Shirley enjoys helping out with her seven grandchildren and travelling widely from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands.

 

"I love the community feel of Bakewell where people know each other in a nice way, and of our small town WI which replicates that" says Shirley. Joining the WI is a good way to make friends. The meetings, followed by catching up for a cuppa in the week has really widened my social circle."

Gill is a committee member of the Bakewell Women's Institute

Sue's role within the WI is to  support the secretarial duties of the organisation.

Helen's role within the WI is to oversee the financial management of the accounts.

I’ve lived in Bakewell for three years and know the area well having lived in Derbyshire for several years.  I’ve worked in the voluntary sector for many years and joined the WI upon retirement in order to become more involved in the community.  With my husband I travel abroad frequently and we regularly tour guide motorhome trips in Europe.  I enjoy being a member of the WI and am happy to represent our members on the Committee.  

Faye is a born and bred Sheffielder with a lifelong passion for her 'back garden' of the Peak District. She moved to Bakewell in Autumn 23 to fulfil her dream to live and work in peace and green. 

Faye has spent most of her career in marketing, particularly for charities. During a lockdown sabbatical after a string of losses, she retrained as a bereavement befriender, walk leader and pilgrimage guide, founding her own inclusive modern day pilgrimage and walking company, Hope Walking. 

She loves rambling, visiting heritage properties, Celtic Christian spirituality, cooking and hosting guests in her cottage AirBnB. Faye joined Bakewell WI because she values multi age friendships and has already appreciated the welcome and friendliness of the group.

Liz's role within the WI is to oversee the catering and refreshments for the events.