About Southwater Women's Institute
It all started in the Summer of 2017 with an innocent question on the local Southwater Village Facebook page by Avril Cooper
“Does Southwater have a W.I.?”.
It didn't then... but it certainly has now! Five months later everything was in place, and the Southwater WI was formally formed on Wednesday 31st January 2018, with our first official meeting in February. The last 6 years have been a fabulous journey. Setting up and learning the ropes, getting to know each other, navigating a global pandemic, embracing Zoom for a while and above all, appreciating the power of women and friendships that last a lifetime.
“Does Southwater have a W.I.?”.
It didn't then... but it certainly has now! Five months later everything was in place, and the Southwater WI was formally formed on Wednesday 31st January 2018, with our first official meeting in February. The last 6 years have been a fabulous journey. Setting up and learning the ropes, getting to know each other, navigating a global pandemic, embracing Zoom for a while and above all, appreciating the power of women and friendships that last a lifetime.
The Committee
Jackie Pearce President
Jackie has lived in the village for 18 years and has been our president for the past 3 years. She is married to the lovely Chris and has 2 children. Her daughter and family also live in the village and Nic is also a member of our WI.
Jackie and Chris are both retired and have a beautiful black and white cat called Tico, beautiful with a tendency to bring a live squirrel into their bedroom as a ‘gift’!!! Fortunately, Chris managed to save the gift and despatch it unharmed out of the window!!
They enjoy travelling, gardening and spending time with family and friends. They love to entertain, no one ever leaves their house hungry or thirsty or lacking a good time!
She is partial to a bit of leopard print, we have even had an animal print dress code at one committee meeting in her honour! She is a very proud president of our wonderful WI. It has become such a big part of her life and she has made so many fantastic new friends. If you ever can’t see her when you arrive at the hall, just listen for her hearty laugh and expect a sparkly welcome!
Suzanne Lewis Vice President
Suzanne was born in Horsham, she went to college in Brighton, where she went on to teach in a large comprehensive school for 38 years!
She moved to Southwater and following her retirement in 2016, she joined the WI and hasn’t looked back since! She enjoys playing tennis, walking (usually with the legendary Staffie ‘Louis’)
She likes gardening, has her own allotment and is part of the WI team that maintains the war memorial garden. She also travels, reads and frequents the theatre and cinema.
This talented lady can also knit and sew and is part of ‘Horsham Green Gym’ a strong team of volunteers who improve our environment whilst getting lots of fresh air and exercise.
Mel Moore Treasurer
The fantastically organised Mel is an asset to the committee. She took on the role of Treasurer in 2025. There is not much that this lady cant turn her hand to. She set up our cake committee, ensuring delicious baked treats are available at every meeting.
A keen baker herself, her creations are worthy of a certain tent that Prue Keith & Paul Hollywood may frequent.....
Mel has introduced us to hand made dog biscuits using natural ingredients. She has knitted up a storm for Santa's washing line on our Christmas stall. There are no end to this lady's talents.
Her husband, Paul, is a very lucky man! As is Suzanne Lewis's Staffie, Louis, Mel's house is his second home, he enjoys a pampering break whenever the Lewis's are off on their travels!
A keen baker herself, her creations are worthy of a certain tent that Prue Keith & Paul Hollywood may frequent.....
Mel has introduced us to hand made dog biscuits using natural ingredients. She has knitted up a storm for Santa's washing line on our Christmas stall. There are no end to this lady's talents.
Her husband, Paul, is a very lucky man! As is Suzanne Lewis's Staffie, Louis, Mel's house is his second home, he enjoys a pampering break whenever the Lewis's are off on their travels!
ilanit Slowly Secretary
Where to begin with the gorgeous Ilanit, our beautiful Secretary who runs our WI like clockwork, quite simply where would we all be without her?
Ilanit has lived in the Village for 22 years, she is married to the lovely Glyn and has a son called Ned. Not only does Ilanit work in the fabulous Little Teahouse, she is also a Parish Councillor, a Trustee for The Southwater Youth Project and the Secretary of Southwatter Village Hall Committee and Southwater Community Partnership!
Phew Ilanit never stops from helping so many people and always does everything with that stunning smile! Ilanit goes running three times a week with her buddy (our fabulous Committee member Gillian) - that’s how she keeps that enviable figure - and is always ready to dress up! no opportunity for a costume to be ignored! as well as spending many hours in her kitchen cooking up a storm and dancing around to something upbeat!!
Thank you Ilanit for everything you do for our WI we truly couldn’t manage without you we really mean that!! 💚
Ilanit has lived in the Village for 22 years, she is married to the lovely Glyn and has a son called Ned. Not only does Ilanit work in the fabulous Little Teahouse, she is also a Parish Councillor, a Trustee for The Southwater Youth Project and the Secretary of Southwatter Village Hall Committee and Southwater Community Partnership!
Phew Ilanit never stops from helping so many people and always does everything with that stunning smile! Ilanit goes running three times a week with her buddy (our fabulous Committee member Gillian) - that’s how she keeps that enviable figure - and is always ready to dress up! no opportunity for a costume to be ignored! as well as spending many hours in her kitchen cooking up a storm and dancing around to something upbeat!!
Thank you Ilanit for everything you do for our WI we truly couldn’t manage without you we really mean that!! 💚
Jill Harris
Jill is married to Grant. She lives in the village and is a Granny of 8! With 2 grandchildren living in Portugal, 3 in Cambridge & 3 in Cheltenham, she is a busy ‘hands on’ Granny!
She loves her holidays and enjoys scuba diving. Jill likes crafts and is happy to give anything a go, knitting and crocheting up a storm making hats and accessories for our Christmas stall.
She is full of ideas, give her a ball of wool and she can create something magical!
She loves the social and inclusive friendly nature of Southwater WI!
Ann Smith
Ann has lived in the village since 1987, she has 2 daughters and a lovable Springer Spaniel called ‘Norman’!
Ann grew up in London and lived in various locations around the country before making Southwater her home. She has been involved with girl guiding since 1988, she is well known as ‘Paddy’ to many current and former guides, her motivational campfire singing sessions are not to be missed!
She co owns ‘The Little Teahouse’ with her daughter, Caitlin. The Teahouse is well established in the village, serving the community with fabulous cakes, lunches and drinks. Along with being a safe place to meet, make new friends and be greeted with a smile.
Ann sings in a choir and is part of a flower arranging team at our Holy Innocents Church in Southwater.
On March 2024, Ann was awarded 'Freedom of the Parish' The highest accolade a parish council can award. Ann is Southwater through & through, with over 35 years devoted to Girl guiding and over 10 years creating a community gem' The Little Teahouse' with her daughter Caitlin.
Ann grew up in London and lived in various locations around the country before making Southwater her home. She has been involved with girl guiding since 1988, she is well known as ‘Paddy’ to many current and former guides, her motivational campfire singing sessions are not to be missed!
She co owns ‘The Little Teahouse’ with her daughter, Caitlin. The Teahouse is well established in the village, serving the community with fabulous cakes, lunches and drinks. Along with being a safe place to meet, make new friends and be greeted with a smile.
Ann sings in a choir and is part of a flower arranging team at our Holy Innocents Church in Southwater.
On March 2024, Ann was awarded 'Freedom of the Parish' The highest accolade a parish council can award. Ann is Southwater through & through, with over 35 years devoted to Girl guiding and over 10 years creating a community gem' The Little Teahouse' with her daughter Caitlin.
Karen Jordan
Brought up in Staffordshire Karen arrived in the village via Lincoln and Bexleyheath Kent. Karen has lived in the village for 25 years and is married with two grown up children.
She retired from a career in Local government in 2019 full of ambitions to travel the world, and travelled to Australia later that year. She loves travelling, train journeys, theatre, live music, running and long walks, and is partial to a craft beer or two.
Keen on vintage fashion, she is always ready with a theme to add that little bit extra to our meetings.
Karen joined the Committee in 2019 and leads the Campaigns & Charities side of our WI
Gillian Pinkard
Gillian is a force of nature! Full of energy and always on the go. She is married to Colin and had 2 beautiful daughters, Naomi & Alice.
Her Staffy called Lily keeps her on her toes and keeps her walking! A founding member of our Walking Group, Gillian had lead many local walks.
She enjoys travelling, recently spending 6 months in Hong Kong. She lives for her holidays and enjoys a theatre trip and a night out or three when ever she can.
Gillian is very kind, she looks after some elderly neighbours, making sure they looked after practically and socially.