Our Committee

The team is responsible for the smooth running of our WI and keeping our members informed and up to date on relevant local federation and National WI matters. Committee members also work hard to ensure an engaging agenda of events throughout the year, connecting in with sister WI’s wherever possible.

Elaine Wright
President

Margaret Carter
Vice President

Joan Dodds
Vice President & Secretary

Sandra Beldon
Treasurer

Julie Brown
Assistant Secretary

Annie Bain
Assistant Treasurer

Kathleen Downey
Assistant Treasurer

Lynda Alexander
Committee Member

Julie Brown, Assistant Secretary

Julie joined us in 2022 and quickly accepted an invite to join our committee. She works full time in communications, and runs our social media and website channels.

A keen crafter, Julie has spoken at our meetings on 'A miniature obsession', about her collection of Dolls Houses and passion for making all things miniature. She has also presented to us on solo female travelling by train across Europe and Russia.

We asked Julie, what does the WI mean to you?

"It's like a new door has opened in my life," she said. "I enjoy working but wanted something different that still gives me a strong sense of purpose. The friendship is wonderful and everyone is very supportive of each other. The WI is about being a force for good in the community, a trusted place for women to meet and learn from one another.  It's also focused on making a real difference and providing opportunities for learning and self development."

And a final word on the famous WI jam: "Divine!"

Sandra Beldon, Treasurer

Sandra joined Washington Station WI in April 2022. A relative newcomer to the area, she grew up in the South of England in Kent, only moving to the north east in 2016. Like many of us, she found Covid very isolating and she set about looking for friendship through her local community.

"Joining the WI is one of the best things I have done" said Sandra. "I especially value the companionship of so many like minded people, it's become a real part of my life."

Sandra enjoys the variety that being part of the WI brings including being part of a very social group of people, attending the monthly meetings with diverse and interesting speakers and topics, the outings and the new Supper Club, which visits local restaurants.

Sandra brings valuable finance skills to our WI. She worked for M&S as a finance manager for 39 years before retiring. Her skills spotted, she was approached by the team at Washington Station WI to join the committee as Assistant Treasurer in 2023, and she became Treasurer at the end of 2024.

Her biggest passion is a love of cruising to different locations, having travelled to many countries by ship. And Sandra loves reading and knitting baby cardigans for a Sunderland charity.