Find out more about our members here!
Kara Luscombe
Why did you join the WI?
I moved to the area in 2013 and saw an article about Cam City in a magazine. I thought they sounded like something that I’d like, but found that they were full. A few weeks later I got an email about starting a new WI – and the rest as they say, is history!
Where were you born?
Elizabeth, in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Probably nice bath things (REN and Aromatherapy Associates are my favourites) and Liberty print fabric, accessories etc.
What are your favourite books?
The Anne of Green Gables series and Jane Eyre
Where do you like to go on holiday and why?
Since moving to the UK I’ve learnt to ski, and so my annual trip with friends is always a highlight. I’ve skied in France, Austria and Italy so far – beautiful scenery, great food and lots of laughs (mostly at the falls and mishaps!).
Lucy Gonzalez
I moved to Cambridge in January 2013 for work and didn’t know a soul – I wanted to make friends, but didn’t want to rely on work for that. I had tried to join a couple of WI groups in London (where I lived before Cambridge) but they were full, I was very happy to find that new groups were forming in Cambridge so put my name down on the wait list.
I’m a project and funding manager at the British Antarctic Survey. I advise scientists on how to go about finding funding for their ideas and projects, and once they get it I make sure they spend it wisely and that they don’t have to worry about administrative issues.
What’s your favourite building?
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Laura Petchey
Why did you join the WI?
After I had rekindled my love of knitting, I wanted to be part of something bigger, I looked into the WI and saw how it was so much more then craft. I loved the basic principles that every woman is equal and that not only are we looking at women’s rights but the rights of everyone. (E.g. care not custody)
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Alice Pinches
What’s your greatest extravagance?
This would probably have to be yarn. I love to crochet and I have a naughty habit of buying yarn just because I love it, even though I haven’t got anything in mind to make with it.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Fitzbillies. I have a friend who’s a real foodie and gets greeted by name in Fitzbillies. He introduced me to this local institution before I actually moved to Cambridge last year and I love going there. Every time, I have to ask for an explanation of some of the things on the menu that I’ve never heard of, so it feels like I’m learning something new as well as supporting local producers and having a delicious meal.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Sleepy. Busy. Silly. I sound like some kind of eighth dwarf!
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you?
There’s a great quote from Winnie the Pooh that I find to be very true: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
What’s your biggest fashion disaster?
There are photos of me at a non-school-uniform day in about 1993 wearing thick tights, psychedelic cycling shorts, a baggy teeshirt and a great big baggy cardigan that must have been borrowed from my mum by the looks of it!
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Joanne Croxford
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you?That love really is THE most important ingredient in all of life’s recipes. Overall, loving yourself should be the first brick to establish an unbreakable foundation.
Jo Elliott
I really enjoy reading, and am on book 80 of the BBC Big Read Top 100 book challenge!
Being with friends and family.
I’d love to go to Christmas Island when the crabs are out.
Don’t think too much!
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Kelly Phillips
To meet some new people with similar interest.
Hmmm…craft magazines and knitting supplies?
That my family would continue to be happy and healthy.
My husband’s Spicy Lentil Bake and a dessert involving chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.
The characters from Pride & Prejudice particularly Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy. I want to know what happened next.
Fiona McArthur
Lasswade, 7 miles south of Edinburgh
Honest, reliable and hard working.
Appearing on Chanel 4 news (commenting after the budget announcement on how the government increasing employers national insurance was detrimental to business expansion).
India – when I was in Girl Guides I did a project on the country so this sparked an interest, or Morocco.
Laura Spencer
Just up the road, at the Rosie Hospital at Addenbrooke’s
Laura Pryke
I relocated to Cambridge from London last October, and so was looking make new friends and maybe learn some new skills along the way. Succeeding on both counts so far!
My hand-embroidered knitwear (insert shamelesss plug here: www.lauralaura.net) has been featured in Grazia magazine and, perhaps less illustriously, photographed on Cher Lloyd from X Factor…
Well as I’ve been there for the last 3 years running I guess I’ll have to say Wales. It has such a variety of beautiful landscapes, but the Pembrokeshire coast is a particular favourite.
I’m loathe to roll out such a cliche but “Happiness is a journey not a destination” does sum it up. I try my best to be content in the moment, not always chasing rainbows.
I’m going to say Ruth Wilson because I love her, despite her bearing no resemblance physical or otherwise to myself. She’s extremely talented, I’m sure she’ll cope…