About us

Chairman's Chat:  December2025

As the days shorten and the first cold winds blow in it makes me think of all the things I have to look forward to during the winter, some of which include, Christmas Coffee morning, with the County Raffle draw taking place, the magnificent Rock Choir Christmas evening and a new event in January, Soup and Chatter. The Rock Choir have featured numerous times on Radio Northampton lately, so I am really looking forward to seeing them. It might be cold and damp outside, but we have plenty of things to lift the spirits, have you booked your place yet?
On the business side of things, the Trustees have been busy networking with The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner regarding a forthcoming campaign relating to Violence Against Women and Girls. On a lighter note, we have met with Northampton Town Council regarding Northampton in Bloom 2026 and of course we have the ‘Denman’ style Retreat to look forward to, I think that could be on my Christmas gift list!
It's always lovely to see a group of members together at events and it makes me appreciate the friendships I have gained from being a WI member, hopefully you feel the same and will come and join the camaraderie. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy festive season. 
Chris Carr
Joint Retreat with Warwickshire Federation Poster - click here

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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. A meeting to share thoughts and ideas will take place in the new year but if you do want to start knitting flowers then you will be pleased to know we are not restricted to colours!! Wool will be available from WI House in due course. Initial indications are that the displays will be put out in early March. If you can help with making flowers, please let me know by email. christine_carr14@outlook.com.

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 . 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

BUT MOST EXCITING OF ALL IS THE YARNBOMING PROJECT FOR THE WORLD WOMENS RUGBY UNION CUP FOR THE WORLD TO SEE - click !!

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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.
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  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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