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. The project celebrates the SWI’s lasting impact, sharing women’s stories today and preserving them for future generations.
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 how the SWI, founded by one woman, became Scotland’s largest women’s movement and shapes 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
Jennifer Reoch chats with SWI National President Mary Burney and members Elizabeth Hay and Margaret Dick about 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
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
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.
Episode 5 – Cooking
Jennifer Reoch is joined by Scotland’s leading food history writer Peter Gilchrist, SWI Board member Linda McTurk, and SWI member Anne Howat.
They’ll be exploring all things cooking, as they uncover the history of the SWRI cookery books, preserving traditional recipes and the empowerment of women through cooking skills. Hear stories of demonstrations across Scotland and reflect on the importance of keeping these culinary traditions alive.
Episode 6 – Going Global
Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI members Anne Kaye, Linda Retson and Ann McGhee, three remarkable women who have represented SWI on the world stage at the Associated Country Women of the World Conference.
This conference brings together women from all corners of the globe, creating a powerful network of support, learning and friendship for rural women.
Episode 7 – Pandemic
Host Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI Members, Maz Thorn, Janette McKirdy (Jinty) and Sandra MacArthur as they chat about how Zoom became a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode 8 – The War Years
Host Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI Heritage Project Volunteer Co-ordinator Elizabeth Bryan and SWI Heritage Project Volunteer Jo Ozga.
Together they explore the historical role of Scottish Women’s Institutes during wartime, including women’s contributions to science, agriculture, health and community resilience.
Episode 9 – Shows
Host Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI members Phyllis Hannah, Nan Brown and SWI National Vice-President Susie Finlayson as they discuss crafting prize-winning show entries, judging and navigating the occasional mishap along the way.
Federation shows and competitions aren’t just about showcasing talents in baking, crafting, and floral design. They’re about community spirit, friendly rivalries and the sheer joy of participation.
Episode 10 – New Groups
Host Jennifer Reoch is joined by SWI members Rachel Bissett and Susan Jackson.
In the final episode of the SWI History Makers Podcast they’ll be covering the many institutes across Scotland, what makes them special and what you can expect as a new member joining.
