Member podcasts
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SWI podcasts
The SWI Heritage Project has been capturing the voices of rural Scottish women, preserving their remarkable memories and experiences. Through this work, the project celebrates the enduring influence of the Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI) on women’s lives and communities—ensuring their stories are shared today and cherished for generations to come.
Enjoy ten SWI Podcasts presented by Jennifer Reoch. The first three episodes are available now, with new episodes released every Monday starting from November 10th. This inspiring series explores the impact of the SWI—how one woman created Scotland’s largest women’s movement and how it continues to shape lives today. Listeners can expect stories of cooking, crafts, friendship, heritage, and the many ways the SWI connects women across generations and around the world.
Made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.
Podcast Release Schedule
- Episode 1 – SWI Founder: November 3
- Episode 2 – Archiving: November 3
- Episode 3 – Friendship: November 3
- Episode 4 – Heritage: November 10
- Episode 5 – Cooking: November 17
- Episode 6 – Going Global: November 24
- Episode 7 – Pandemic: December 1
- Episode 8 – The War Years: December 8
- Episode 9 – Shows: December 15
- Episode 10 – New Groups: January 5
All episodes
Episode 1 – Our Founder
The SWI History Makers Podcast kicks off by exploring the life and legacy of Catherine Blair, founder of the SWI through the unique lens of her family history and extensive archival collection.
Host Jennifer Reoch is joined by Mairead and Catriona Blair, proud descendants of Catherine and Dr Hanita Ritchie, a local history officer who has researched the Catherine Blair archive at East Lothian Council.
Episode 2 – Archiving
On this week’s episode Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI National President Mary Burney, and SWI members Elizabeth Hay and Margaret Dick as they discuss The SWI Heritage Project.
Led by trained volunteer members, the project documents the remarkable memories and experiences of SWI members. It aims to showcase the lasting impact of the SWI on women’s lives and communities, for our own and future generations.
Episode 3 – Friendship
This week, host Jennifer Reoch is joined by four SWI Members, Annette Torbert, Jennifer Brodie, Marcia Adams and Doreen Cuthbert. The panel dives into the heartwarming stories of SWI members and the power of friendship.
They explore how these friendships have shaped lives, offered support during challenging times, and how two sets of friends have formed lasting bonds that enriched their lives.
Episode 4 – Heritage
Host Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI members, Elaine Lindsay, May McCormick and Margaret MacArthur, as they explore the significance of preserving heritage crafts and how the SWI is helping to ensure their survival and evolution.
Hear first-hand accounts of how members have brought unique techniques back from the brink, and the value they bring to individuals and communities and how they can stay inspiring and relevant.
