About us

Chairman's Chat: July 2026
As I write this paragraph I am in a slightly cloudy but dry tiny village just outside Keswick. The view is amazing and I am hoping for a relaxing week. Of course I will be home by the time you read this as this article is always written some weeks in advance!

We have had a busy couple of weeks with a great turnout of members at WI House for the National Annual Meeting Watch Party, and then we had a plant sale and coffee morning.  Thank you to all those who supported us at these two events.  
We have also held an Inter-federational Meeting where we met with representatives from surrounding Federations and shared good practice and ideas which we hope can benefit our members as well as NFWI.
July and August are the months we start to plan in detail our own Annual Meeting in October as well as administrative meetings, events and activities for 2027. Hopefully we can plan lots for you to look forward to, but do let us know if you have any thoughts on what you would like us to consider.
We look forward to your continued support throughout the summer months.
Chris Carr Great Houghton WI.

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Do you like our Henry Pollocks ?

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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