About us

Chairman's Chat: June 2026

Well, what a treat I have had, together with 51 other members from both Northamptonshire and Warwickshire Federations.  I attended the Retreat weekend at Staverton Park Hotel. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
To see everyone in attendance, enjoying their various workshops made it so worthwhile, just like the Denman days. The new friendships that have been made, the positive feedback on the workshops and smiles on everyone’s faces as they left made it such a fabulous weekend. Thank you to those that attended and supported our first event. Our minds are already whirring on what workshops we can arrange for the next one!

I have also been out visiting WIs, which I really enjoy, as I get to meet members and talk about the work of the Federation and how our profile both locally and nationally continues to grow. I am very happy to come out and visit your WI as a visitor or talk about the work we are doing to increase our presence in the county. 
The sub committees are busy planning lots of events and activities including the free drop in ‘Tech day’ that I mentioned last month, so don’t forget to look at the Events Sheet for more information.
Hope to see you at one of the events soon.
Chris Carr Great Houghton WI.

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Northampton in Bloom 2026
After our successful year with our Rugby displays and brief involvement with Northampton in Bloom we have been asked if we would like to contribute a Spring / Summer display of knitted and crocheted flowers in Northampton Town Centre for 2026. This will be a considerably smaller display but none the less increase our profile.

KNITTING PROJECT -  networking opportunity:  BOBBIES BUDDIES
Northamptonshire Police are delighted with the supply of Bobbies Buddies recently delivered to the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team and pass on their sincere thanks.
Police Officers across the county give the teddies to children and vulnerable adults when they are facing challenging times. They are extremely well received and can help to comfort and reduce the anxiety experienced by those individuals.
Northamptonshire Police would be delighted to receive more and are happy to do so on a regular basis. If you can knit or crotchet some then please send them to WI House or collection may be available. There is some wool available at WI House if needed.

OUR EXCITING YARNBOMING PROJECT FOR THE WORLD WOMENS RUGBY UNION CUP FOR THE WORLD TO SEE - click !!

UPDATE  
Women rugby players now have a new life!  They are being reworked into dollus for sale, some as Land Army Girls.  Contact WI House for more details.

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Hospice care places a high value on dignity, respect and the wishes of the person who is ill. It aims to look after their medical, emotional, social, practical, psychological and spiritual needs, and the needs of the person's family and carers. Care also extends to those who are close to the patient. If your WI can volunteer to make cakes, please complete the rota request form, with your Secretary. There are still lots of spaces available in 2025. Please contact WI House if you WI is able to provide cakes
We realise that not all of our members are bakers but the Hospices will take bought cakes too so please consider donating cakes to them. The Hospices provide such a valuable and excellent end of life care to those close to us in Northamptonshire.
2026 rota  If your WI can volunteer to make cakes for Cynthia Spencer Hospice please complete the rota request form, with your Secretary. Please email events@ncfwi.org.uk with your preferred month.
If your WI would like to bake for Cransley Hospice please  email Sue Johnson Hill johnsonhilljs@gmail.com  
Thank you to all those WIs that have volunteered to make cakes so far.

Our monthly walks in various parts of the county are much enjoyed by all. Click for more information.
Afterwards, we enjoy a sociable lunch, sometimes at a pub, sometimes at a local WI.

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In June 2024, we travelled to the Royal Albert Hall for the best ever AGM of the National Federation of WIs.  Along with the usual annual reports, the conference had an underlying theme relating to our resolution "violence against women". We heard three tremendous speakers. As well as the serious side of the AGM, we all enjoy meeting fellow WI friends whether they are from our own county or further afield. A great experience all round.

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Our January Annual get-together of Trustees and  sub-committee members is always enjoyable and this year was no exception.  Its a joy to meet up with long standing friends and make plans for the coming WI year.  
Membership is not exclusive and we welcome others who may like to join in and help us, whether it be for a couple of hours or longer, all members are welcome.

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