About us

County ChairmanChairman’s Chat
As I reflect on my first three months as Federation Chairman, I recognise what a privileged position I find myself in. I have met a number of you at events or WI visits and hope that this will continue in the new year. The support I have received from WIs and the Federation Trustees only serves to remind me how successful an organisation we can be if we all pull together and I am sure the Yarnbombing Project will be a great example of that.
I can also see early signs of the benefit of the networking we have been doing with outside organisations that now want to engage with us and can see the value of what we have to offer in all our communities. A very recent example was an invite from Mike Reader MP to meet and engage with Anneliese Dodds, MP, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities and our local Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone. Jean McLeish, NCFWI Vice Chairman and I, together with representatives from Northampton Domestic Abuse Service, Rape Crisis, Age UK and C2C attended and discussed issues centred around Equality, Domestic Abuse and the Criminal Justice System; all current and relevant matters to us all as women as well as a WI member. We will continue to build on this work with a view to establishing the NCFWI membership at the heart of the county.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy New Year. I can’t wait to see how we grow in 2025
Chris Carr

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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.
Cynthia Spencer and Cransley Hospices
In October cakes will be donated to Cynthia Spencer Hospice by Great Doddington Evening WI, Kelmarsh, Harrington & Arthingworth WI, Moulton Evening WI and Stowe Nine Churches WI.
Barnwell WI and Kettering Kosmos WI will be making cakes for Cransley Hospice.
2025 Rota
If your WI can volunteer to make cakes 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

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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The WI Inspiring Women