About us

Chairman's Chat: October 2026

This month I thought I would give you a little insight into what the Trustees have been up to recently. August is often a month when WIs don’t meet, but for us WI business carries on. We have had new lighting and electrical work completed at WI House, using some of our hard earnt funds together with a donation.
This was overdue and necessary work. August always involves the Board of Trustees and Sub Committee chairs getting together to plan meetings and events for 2027, not an easy task when there are so many ideas, and we only know whether we have planned the right event after we have done the behind-the-scenes work, promoted it and you have chosen, or not, to attend. For us it’s a constant balancing act, trying to keep costs low and budget to at least break even. Events are always planned at least three months in advance to ensure all members know about them.
Like so many of us I often wonder where my time goes but then reflect and smile a month later as I see how much we have all achieved. September was a busy month, welcoming Wilson Browne Solicitors for a Workshop, between us we manned a promotional stand at Rugbyfest 2.0, planned and then attended the amazing Boobs and Brass Concert, organised WI Day 111 Coffee morning as well as networking with organisations regarding our Campaigns. Then of course the AGM is looming and that involves weeks of planning. We have also had the competition entries judged so then we must identify topics and start to write the schedules for next years competitions!
The Board of Trustees have also personally donated items to create a Hamper as a Raffle prize for Northampton Domestic Abuse Service 50yr celebrations.
All this is over and above the day to day running of the Federation. I mention these things because I want you to realise how much heart and soul the Trustees and subcommittee members, who are volunteers, are putting into running the Federation on your behalf, despite, and I make no apology for mentioning it again, needing more members to share the load and join a committee or offer help at events and activities when needed.
We are a keen and friendly team who just need a bit more help, appreciation and sleep!!!!. I do hope you will come along to the AGM and show your support for all your committee members. It promises to be a great evening.
Chris Carr Gt 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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