About us

Chairman's Chat:  April 2025
County ChairmanAs we enter Spring and see green shoots appearing in the garden, I’d like to think the same happens as a new WI year begins: new speakers and celebrations to share with friends old and new.
We also have much to look forward to with events being planned by the Board of Trustees and Sub committees. With that in mind the Trustees have been looking at how they can simplify the booking process for members wanting to attend Federation events and activities. They are also conscious of how much work this can be for treasurers and secretaries, so are currently researching the best way to improve this process and reduce their workload. Please keep your eyes peeled as we look to introduce changes over the next few months.
In the meantime, keep feeding those new shoots and let your WI grow
Chris Carr

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KNITTING PROJECTS
Two new networking opportunities:

CHRISTMAS GRINCH – November 2025
We have been asked to supply 100 ‘knitted’ GRINCH dolls for late November 2025. This request will open opportunities for us to engage with 100 businesses in Northamptonshire. There will be no cost to you as all the wool will be supplied. If you can help with this project, please email Jackie ASAP and in any case by Friday 14th March so that we can notify the relevant businesses. admin@ncfwi.org.uk

BOBBIES BUDDIES

Northamptonshire Police, Domestic Abuse Team are relaunching their Bobbies Buddies scheme. If you can help with this, please let Jackie know. Items can be dropped off at WI House. admin@ncfwi.org.uk

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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 this month.
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.
2025 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 urgently email Sue Johnson Hill johnsonhilljs@gmail.com  No volunteers for 2025 as yet!

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.

24.08 Welford from above
24.02 Snowdrops and group of walkers24.05 Gathering near Rushden Lakes Visitor Centre2.04 Neear Courteenhall Church24.06 Lunchbreak

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24.06 Lunchtime on steps

In June, 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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24.01 Breakfast

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.

24.01 Checking the table24.01 Sue, the photographer24.0`1 Members gathering

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The 2023 “Mince Pie” walk gave members and friends the opportunity to explore Burton Latimer on a beautiful winter morning.
23.12 Mince pie walk at Burton Latimer23.12 Mince pie walk near wind turbines


All about our 2023 AGM

For fun and friendship

23.10 Wootton WI members as Stewards

23.05 Anne with Lynda

Cate with Annie

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Wonderful for the 2023 Annual Breakfast to take place with Officers and sub-committee members meeting up with such enthusiasm for the Federation. Better times are on the horizon!

23.01 Chris Carr and Heather Smith

WIs all over Northamptonshire regularly support Cynthia Spencer and Cransley Hospices with cakes.
Thanks to Blisworth WI for supporting the Cynthia Spencer Hospice Christmas Fayre with a donation of delicious cakes.
22. 12 Cakes for Cynthia Spencer Christmas Fayre

Ten members of Milton Malsor & Collingtree WI supported a lunch at ‘The Lane Restaurant’ at Northampton College; it was a convivial occasion with good food and service by the catering students.

22.11 Table of Six

The Christmas Coffee Morning at WI House was so well supported, we ran out of chairs!
Great atmosphere and lots of lovely Christmas jumpers worn.

Collage

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Thursday 8 September
We are all deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.  Her Majesty was a loyal and dedicated member of the WI for 80 years.  We are truly thankful for her lifetime of dedication, service and fellowship.

HM The Queen with Countess of Wessex

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Click for News of WIs

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The WI Inspiring Women