Welcome to Example Federation

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2026

Northamptonshire is a beautiful County with plenty of open spaces, historic locations, pretty villages and friendly WIs.

Northamptonshire is the shoe making capital of the world, also known as the Rose of the Shires and nicknamed the county of Spires and Squires.

In Northamptonshire Federation we have members spread in every corner of the County. The Federation was formed in 1918 and along with WIs in Badby & Fawsley, Brackley, Brigstock, Clipston and Wootton we celebrated our Centenaries in 2018.

Every WI is different and joining is a great way to make new friends.  From Gretton and Glapthorn  in the North to Croughton in the South there are plenty of WIs to choose from all over the County.  Morning, Afternoon and Evening WIs, some small and intimate others having over 60 members.  Many WIs also have extras other than the monthly meeting, for example book clubs, craft groups, regular walks, cinema and theatre trips There are lots of opportunities to learn new skills, take part in a varied programme of events, coach trips to places of interest and short holidays organised by our Federation Sub-Committees. We worked closely with the World Womens Rugby World Cup, where several matches were played at the home of the "Saints" Northampton Rugby Club. The yarnbombing was splendid!

Resolutions on all sorts of different issues are put forward by WI members each year and if selected and mandated by the members they become campaigns giving the opportunity to influence decisions locally and nationally.  From equal pay to climate change, from gaps in the midwifery workforce to the plight of the honeybee, WI members have built up a reputation to embrace a diverse set of challenges over a long history of campaigning and changing things for the better.

New members are  very welcome at all our WIs.  If you can, visit a few and decide which you would like to join, it is possible to join as a multiple member with a reduced annual subscription fee at the second and any subsequent WI.  If you are unable to get to a local WI then you can become an  WI Supporter.

For more information about our WIs in Northamptonshire please contact the County Federation Office on 01604 646055 email admin@ncfwi.org.uk

Chris Carr
Federation Chairman

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NCFWI, TICKETSOURCE AND YOU!
In recent months you will have seen that NCFWI has started using the online system TicketSource for its events. The previous process using the signup sheet was a drawn out and lengthy process, involving many individuals and for those members looking to book tickets the uncertainty of not knowing if they had a place. Not only was the process admin heavy for WI House staff it also added to the workload of your own WI Secretary and Treasurer.
TicketSource streamlines the process for everyone being a quick, secure, and hassle-free way to book an event. The easy to use website allows you to browse all the events NCFWI have on offer, not just the one that has taken your immediate attention and you can confirm your selection and complete your purchase in just a few clicks—no waiting to see if you have a place, no forms for the secretary to complete and no delays. Every transaction is protected with secure payment processing, and your tickets are delivered instantly to your email inbox.
This makes planning of events easier for NCFWI and reduces the workload for all those involved. The website also allows you to directly communicate, where applicable, food or accessibility requirements so you know your needs are catered for. And do not panic if you are not tech savvy as TicketSource caters for this as well with a dedicated telephone number for you to call to book your tickets.

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SPECIAL OFFER  McManus Pubs – NCFWI Discount
Are you planning a lunch or dinner for your WI at a local pub, or even meeting for coffee, think about visiting a McManus Pub. NCFWI have negotiated a 10% discount for a group of up to 6 WI members on production of your membership card (download from MyWI) at all McManus pubs in the County.
Please visit their website for venue details: https://www.mcmanuspub.co.uk/our-pubs/

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*** Click on links for more images

What  a wonderful time we had  supporting the World Womens' Rugby Club in Northampton.  We welcomed the teams with yarnbombing from Northampton Railway Station to Franklin's Gardens (home of  Northampton's Saints Rugby Team) .
We  supported the teams at  World Cup Matches - note the green hats!  A terrific  time was had by all!  Click for more images

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In 2025 we got together ready to welcome the Women's World Rugby Cup to Northampton. Streets between Northampton Railway Station and Franklin's Gardens were yarnbombed!! Plus a few red roses around the Town Hall, Market Square and Town Centre.  
Many came to Northampton to take a look.

In June we went to the Royal Albert Hall for the NFWI AGM. Ann Jones, NFWI Chair, who is standing down after 3 years, told the members that this year has been the strongest year of WI recruitment! Continuing to grow, through flexibility (e.g.17 virtual WIs) and offering women the chance to be supporters.

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Our 2024 AGM was a fabulous occasion!

We celebrated King Charles III Coronation

Northamptonshire Members having fun!

WIs celebrating their Milestones

Bugbrooke WI recently celebrated their 95th anniversary - see more in Milestones

The walking group are out !

We went to the 136th Blakesley Show
on Saturday 6 August !

COFFEE MORNING AT WI HOUSE ARE BACK

Members and friends from around the County were delighted to meet up again for coffee, with the added attraction of a Craft Stall and not forgetting the delicious cakes supplied by the Catering Team.  Here's to the next time!

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