2024
Filoxenia Virtual WI meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:15 via Zoom and is an excellent way for family members to connect and share the WI experience. We are proud to be a part of the first virtual WI in the Huntingdon & Peterborough Federation, ‘Filoxenia WI’ making WI history. The WI flame has been ignited, and we are attracting members from Bristol to Athens. | Email: filoxeniawi@gmail.com Instagram: filoxenia_virtual_wi Twitter: @Filoxenia_WI Facebook Members Group: Filoxenia Virtual WI Facebook Page: Filoxenia Virtual Women’s Institute |
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At Filoxenia VWI we follow the same general format of a “traditional WI”, but with some differences. Because we are a Virtual WI we can source interesting speakers from anywhere in the world and our membership is not restricted to those living in the UK, any woman can join no matter where in the world she is living. Our monthly meetings begin with an invited speaker giving a talk about a topic of interest, or sometimes an adventure in the case of Genny Brown who gave an inspiring talk about her expedition to Antarctica to raise funds for Lyme Disease. Other times we have enjoyed a live “show” such as Alia el Asmar’s entertaining and informative “Vegan Treats” cooking demonstration. Afterwards, an interesting discussion and Q&A session always follows with the speaker and members. Next, we have a bit of social time and discussion of the usual WI business. But the bonus is we don’t have to drive home and we can make our own tea just as we like it in the breaks!
In addition to our monthly online meetings, we’ve also enjoyed some social events such as an in person summer get together at the WI Centre in Huntingdon, online coffee mornings and most recently a “Filoxenia Festive Friday Fun” event in December 2023. The Festive social was on Zoom and members shared some of their own Festive traditions, stories and habits. We learned about the legend of the Christmas Spider (which originates from Ukraine and may explain the origin of tinsel on Christmas trees), dancing Christmas in and out in true (Pagan) Swedish-style, and the Greek Orthodox traditional celebrations for New Year and Epiphany. We also have a Book Group that meets on a Friday evening at 7pm UK time, during the week after our monthly meeting which is on the second Monday evening of each month. The Book Group is a big success, with the members thoroughly enjoying reading and discussing a very wide range of books.
We are currently able to accept new members of Filoxenia, full or dual. In Being a member of Filoxenia also allows you to access the VWI group activities, including the summer Festival activities. Why not consider joining Filoxenia VWI as a dual member, in addition to the traditional in person WI you already belong to? It doesn’t have to be either or – you can have the best of both worlds. Find out more via our website www.filoxenia.org Facebook (Filoxenia Virtual WI) or Instagram (filoxeinia_virtual_wi). We are always happy for guests to come along to one of our monthly meetings or Book Group, for free up to two times. You can request this by emailing filoxeniawi@gmail.com
Antonia Svensson Dianellou
President, Filoxenia Virtual WI
Favourite speaker
 | Our member, Jacqualine Svensson talked us through the art of Japanese stitching, its history, development and practical uses. It was a hands on session with stitching kits being sent out to members and guests ahead of time. This was the first time Filoxenia spent an evening doing "hands on" craft. "Always good to learn something new" "Thanks Jacqui for a very enjoyable evening". |
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