News & Events
Here are some photos from events across the County click on links:- Check out our Facebook page
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AND Towcester Evening WI President was also there!
Some images of our tremendous Annual Meeting are here but many, many more are on our Facebook page. Take a peek!
Thank you to all those WIs who had a table at WI House to sell their fabulous craft items. The standard of the crafts was really amazing and such a great variety of items too. Click for images
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Friday 5th July SUMMER COFFEE MORNING and DABBLE MORNING WI House
What a busy morning having a go a various crafts, culminating in the drawing of the County Raffle. Much enjoyed by all.
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The resolution selection results are in
This year there were over 95,000 individual selections cast by WI members and the most popular resolution, was Dental Health Matters. The NFWI Board of Trustees has agreed to put this resolution forward for voting at the Annual Meeting in June.
The wording of the resolution is as follows:
Dental Health Matters
There is a chronic shortage of NHS Dentists and people are suffering health issues as a result. The NFWI calls on the Government to increase investment in the training and retention of dentists and to review the current inadequate NHS contracts to ensure everyone can access an NHS dentist wherever they live.
International Womens Day 2024. We were at the Guildhall Northampton making new friends and spreading the word!
Towcester Evening WI hosted a super "Show the Love" event, Val Goldfinch, a TEWI member, designed and made this Green Heart from Recycled materials.
We had a fabulous AGM!
Our Guest Speaker was Heather Jacks, winner of the BBC Sewing Bee in 2014. Heather had an interesting story to tell of her time on the Sewing television programme and brought along the garments she made on the show.
Photo shows Heather with our County Chairman, Anne Rodwell, beside her winning garment from the final. If you are a fan of the programme, you may remember that the model wore a top hat and held a riding crop to portray Heather's other passion - horse riding and dressage - see more by clicking here
Check out our NEW Corporate clothing modelled by our Officers!
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Sue Hamilton from Towcester Evening WI was very proud to receive a Highly Commended Award at the BBC Radio Northampton Make a Difference Awards 2023 Ceremony in September. Sue had been nominated for helping to look after the environment through her work with her WI Gardening Team and her WI’s Show the Love events.
Sue would like to acknowledge all the help she receives from other WI members - it is always a team effort. It was a very prestigious event held in the fabulous Great Hall at the Guildhall in Northampton, with the BBC Director General in attendance.
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We celebrated King Charles III Coronation - click here
April 2023 - A Walking Tour of Bloomsbury, with guide.
Another great day out with Travel committee
March 2023 - Super Day Trip to Cambridge
#ShowTheLove in February - WIs show their support - click for more
#International Womens Day 2023 A great event in the beautiful Guildhall in Northampton to celebrate Women’s groups in West Northamptonshire celebrating International Women’s Day.
Geddington and Newton WI celebrated their 100th birthday in January 2023 with a fabulous buffet and beautiful cake. Certificates were presented to the 4 longest serving members and all members received a beautiful commemorative box handmade by their WI’s talented crafters .. and at each meeting in this centenary year, they will be looking closely at the WI in each decade.
Wonderful for Officers and sub-committee members to meet up for their Annual Breakfast after the pandemic
Christmas Coffee morning 2022
It was wonderful to meet face-to-face at our AGM on 26 October. We were honoured to have Deputy Lord Lieutenant Morcea Walker MBE and The Mayor, Councillor Dennis Meredith with us plus many WI members from near and far. Click here for more photos.
Great to be at Blakesley @ District Agricultural Show 2022 and to meet fellow, and new, WI members. The children loved painting the pebbles.
The most important meeting of the year - the NFWI 2022 AGM held in Liverpool.
A story about two ladies who have an enduring friendship after first meeting in Romania. Susan Addams (l) was NCFWI ACWW Officer and Afrodita Roman (m) is now European President of ACWW Click here for more
Remembrance Sunday was observed by many WIs in their communities
A wonderful trip to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
October 2021 - organised by Travel Committee.
East Hunsbury library celebrated their 30th birthday party on 14th October. East Hunsbury WI was asked to join in. EH WI is fortunate to have a good relationship with their local library and Parish Council who are based in the library. In true WI tradition they baked cakes, including a variety of cupcakes and cherry bakewell. The local Tesco’s commissioned the beautiful cake decorated with books.
East Hunsbury Parish Council was given a wooden bench and East Hunsbury WI was asked to decorate it. Here is the finished bench. A colourful rainbow themed knitted bench along the back, together with a button studded seat. The poppies and hearts were added, all to represent the last 18 months during lockdown. It is to be based at the library and used by the community.
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WI DAY 2021
Afternoon Tea at Barnwell on WI Day was a super way to celebrate the 106th birthday of the WI. The awesome Catering Team produced an exceptionally wonderful array of food and Ian Addis gave an interesting talk on the history of Wicksteed Park. Sincere thanks to all who made it possible, especially Tracey, Ann, Jenny and Joyce.
September 2021
Our walk near Maidwell took us along by-ways, bridleways, an old railway and of course footpaths. It was so good to meet up again and be back out in the countryside on such a lovely morning.
We're back! First Course at WI House after pandemic restrictions. Mandela Dot Painting, with thanks to Tutor, Tina Bodsworth.
Flore WI celebrated their Centenary in Style. See more on our Facebook page and also click here
The WI County Walking Group are out again! Click here for news of their adventures
Roade WI attended the centenary celebrations of the unveiling of Roade War Memorial on 31st July 1921, both joining the parade with our banner and showing some of the history of our WI during WW2 at the event afterwards. Using newspaper archives we told of our WI organising a party in 1940 for 100 London children evacuated to the village, raising monies for Manfield Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the Prisoner of War Parcel Fund and also knitting winter comforts for Roade men fighting abroad. Also an article from 1950 about us looking after the War Memorial for the village.
We had on display a scrapbook containing information about our WI from 1928 onwards, plus a scrapbook for the Northants Federation 1982 project “Life in Your Community” which interested many attendees.
We also had photos of events held in the last couple of years to show what we are up to now and were very pleased to have interest from possibly 5 new members at the event.
Cotswold Duston WI celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a garden party hosted by their Treasurer. The weather was glorious, and most members were able to attend. Three founder members were presented with flowers. Scrap books illustrating 50 years of history were on display and members enjoyed a choice of delicious cakes. A 50/50 challenge walk raised funds which were shared with Duston Food Bank
Congratulations to Brackley WI who entered the first Brackley Scarecrow Festival and were delighted to be placed Highly Commended in the Community Group category. The theme was The Great Outdoors so their scarecrow was a Land Girl called Beatrice Cartwright, named after the founder of Brackley WI. Photos showing Beatrice and the group of members who made her - Faye, Jenny, Fini, Mariejoy and Nikki.
Congratulations to Kilsby WI on their Centenary. Click here for more details of their celebrations including the opening of their Sunflower sculpture and images of the fantastic displays of yarnbombing around the village, many highlighting past WI Resolutions. A truly inspiring display.
Congratulations to President, Sue Hamilton, of Towcester Evening WI, on being awarded Citizen of the Year by Towcester Town Mayor. Sue was very proud to receive her certificate but pointed out that WI projects have been a TEAM effort - all members have been good citizens.
Rose of Northamptonshire Award - Jenni Liverside of Lois Weedon WI
The President of Towcester Evening WI, nominated Jenni Liversidge for this award. The Rose of Northamptonshire awards scheme was designed by Northamptonshire County Council and its leader, as well as the formal institutions of the High Sheriff's office and Lord Lieutenancy, to recognise that many across the county have committed themselves to response and relief efforts since the beginning of the outbreak.
Jenni is a member of Weedon Lois WI. With Jenni’s help the WI made enough face masks for both medical centres in Towcester. But it didn’t stop there – Jenni then made masks for our WI to sell to our members and this raised £350 towards the cost of creating a Reflective Garden at Northampton General Hospital to commemorate all the patients and staff that have died there during the pandemic. Jenni also made face masks to sell to her fellow villagers in Weedon Lois and the funds raised there went to the Katharine House Hospice in Banbury. Following that, Northampton General Hospital asked if Jenni could make face masks for their non-clinical staff. To date Jenni has made 270 masks and continues to make more as they are still very much needed by the hospital.
This is a quote from one of the nurses at the hospital:
“Please pass our thanks on and let the lady know how appreciated they are (the facemasks) and that they will all be used! We think it’s fair to say they are a big hit!!”
When the High Sheriff, Paul Parsons, heard that Jenni could not attend the virtual presentation as she does not have the internet, he came to her doorstep armed with her certificate in a gold frame, wearing his full ceremonial garments!
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Susie Suffragette of Hunsbury Hill WI spreading the word in Ladybridge Park, Northampton
The results of NCFWI's Climate Mitigation Survey are in. CLICK HERE
Our top three priorities are:
1st Q4. Unleashing the power of renewable energy
2nd Q3. Protecting and growing green spaces for pollinators and biodiversity
3rd Q7. Reducing our consumption of resources and the energy used in processing fuels & materials
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Sue Kendall, a member of Rushton Village WI, was a contestant on Mastermind with her specialist subject “The WI”. Sue's performance had us sitting on the edge of our seats. She drew with another contestant with 16 points and only missed out on going forward to the semi-final by the number of passes. She commented “it was an unbelievable experience and everyone at Hat Trick Productions and the BBC were very kind". Sue is a WI Adviser and past County Chairman. No wonder she knows a lot about the WI.
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During the whole of February, Northamptonshire members are raising the profile of the #showthelove campaign.
Click here for news of some of them
NCFWI 2020 AGM - Click here for reports
Towcester Evening WI donated Christmas puddings and cakes to go in Christmas Lunch boxes for local residents living on their own that were delivered by the Tove Benefice on Christmas Day.
£270 was raised for the Cynthia Spencer Hospice by the sale of their charity recipe books at their December meeting.Three members had their recipes featured.
On World Kindness Day, our thanks also to Great Houghton WI who, with wonderful help and support from Helmdon WI (and Stitchers Group) and East Hunsbury WI, delivered another batch of beautiful knitted clothes and blankets to the Growbaby Project.
Towcester Evening WI has been able to raise the sum of £350 from the sale of handmade facemasks and these funds are going towards the creation of a Reflective Garden at Northampton General Hospital. This garden will provide a safe and quiet space in the grounds of the hospital and will be dedicated to staff and patients who have died there from Covid-19.The WI also took along 50 facemasks for non-medical staff and patients at the hospital. These were all made by Jenny Liversidge, a member of Weedon Lois WI, who also made all the facemasks that raised the funds for the Reflective Garden.Towcester Evening W I has been in partnership with Jenny since the start of the pandemic and, along with our own members and members of neighbouring WIs, we have also provided facemasks for the non-medical staff at our local doctors’surgeries and dental surgeries too.
Featured in the photo is Zoe Finch from Northamptonshire Health Charity and Sue Hamilton, President of Towcester Evening WI, along with donations of toiletries for patients at Northampton General Hospital collected from WI members.
The other photos feature the facemasks made for the hospital and the toiletries donated by members from Towcester Evening WI for patients at Northampton General Hospital.
Northamptonshire's entries for Lady Denman Cup competition 2020
Huge congratulations to Frances Boylan, of Long Buckby WI, NCFWI's winner of the Lady Denman Cup competition
and also to Hazel Hollis of Weston Favell Evening WI, NCFWI's runner-up. Good Luck in the next round, Frances and Hazel!
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Broad Green WI Committee Members, Hubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble, ready to deliver the October meeting bag which had a Halloween Theme!
Chairman's Letter - October 2020
October of course is usually the month we hold the Federation AGM and have a chance to catch up with members and friends from all over the County, sadly that cannot happen this year. It does not seem possible it is a year ago that many of us were all together in Spinney Theatre listening to Baroness Floella Benjamin telling her story about what it’s like to be different and have to face adversity day after day. None of us then could have known what we were all going to face less than six months later. The pandemic is still bringing challenges and an extraordinary impact on all our lives and our best laid plans are disrupted, but it has also brought out a sense of community and, for some, time to evaluate what is important and an opportunity to rediscover past hobbies or take up new ones. t has been very encouraging to see and hear about the innovative ways WI members have been keeping in contact with each other over the last few months.
Many have enjoyed meeting up virtually on zoom, some have had meetings in a bag delivered by hand, others have been phoning or writing letters to try and keep connected with everyone. This has been an extra busy time for committee members trying to juggle work, families and WI commitments. The changing guidelines, events and meetings to cancel whilst trying to engage with members has been overwhelming and time consuming for some committees, I am sure they would be pleased to hear of any volunteers of help, perhaps by calling or phoning members who live alone or other suggestions to keep up friendships and encourage new ones within the membership of your WI. With the evenings getting shorter and the darker mornings autumn is on its way, although we have recently been enjoying some really warm days so hopefully you are still managing “Rule of Six” small groups for walks, or just coffee and chat in a garden.
Anne Seckington
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Two WIs (that we know of!) celebrated World Women's Day 2020 by raising funds for ACWW with a sponsored walk. Click here to take you to the ACWW page
Cakes for Cynthia Spencer Hospice
Thank you so much to all the WIs that have answered the call to bake and deliver cakes.The weekly rota is now complete until late September. The cakes are hugely appreciated by everyone at the hospice.Towcester Evening WI says the nurses were quite emotional taking delivery of their cakes last week.
Everything is so much more challenging in the current climate and staying safe is of utmost importance. Perhaps those WIs that would like to bake but are struggling with some of the practicalities, might consider partnering with neighbouring WIs to do a combined "bake and deliver"? Contact WI House admin@ncfwi.org.uk
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August 2020 - click here for more on the WI County Walking Group
Members of the WI County Walking Group met this sunny afternoon to enjoy each other's company on another socially distanced walk at Pitsford reservoir.
Cakes for Cynthia Spencer Hospice
Tiffield WI has delivered a delicious batch of cakes, which were very gratefully received. The hospice says that NCFWI's cakes make a huge difference to them and have been greatly missed during lockdown! It would be very much appreciated if the weekly deliveries could be restarted.
If any WI is able to take part in this, please contact Claire on events@ncfwi.org.uk so that delivery dates can be agreed and co-ordinated. Thank you very much.
WI Walking Group - click for more of this group
Very slowly easing out of lockdown, 14 key members (including one dog) of the WI walking group met up at Irchester country park.This was their first socially distanced gathering and walk since February and the beginning of lock-down. They are now looking into how they can extend the numbers and planning further walks.
The Time is Now
Our climate change ambassadors attended the Lobby at Westminster in June 2019 and in June 2020 attended a virtual lobby of MPs. Click here for our Campaigns & Concerns page
Focus on the Federation
What better way to spend a winter Saturday morning than with friends - with plates on your heads and indulging in coffee and croissants, with fruit too! This was the annual get-together of sub-committee members, Federation appointees and Trustees. Much fun had by all. Why not come and join us?
Walking off the Mince Pies
The Walking Group sends their very best wishes for 2020.This happy group paused briefly in Wicksteed Park, Kettering, on the way back to Barton Seagrave.
2019 Christmas Coffee Morning
Forget the dismal weather outside, we enjoyed wonderful warming company at WI House, including coffee/tea and cake with a bonus of a free second cup!
November County Walk - Ashton / Oundle The morning turned out to be mild and almost dry Ann had quickly improvised a 'town' walk owing to many of the riverside paths being flooded. We explored Oundle on the way to Barnwell Country Park before retracing our steps to the Chequered Skipper for refreshments. Click here for more on the Walking Group
MOT for Federations - Our National Chair came to Northamptonshire! She is also a National Trainer but quite capable of carrying a tray of cups! Along with Catherine Blaxhall we were guided through an MOT and not a car in sight! A fun but informative day for Trustees.
2019 AGM - Baroness Floella Benjamin received a standing ovation for her inspirational talk. A fantastic evening where reports of our amazing year were heard, upcoming events publicised, winners of our raffle and bursaries were delighted and everyone had a super time!
October County Walk on a Wet Saturday - 23 intrepid walkers braved the weather for a 5 mile walk. Unfortunately the views of the Welland Valley were masked by conditions! Click here for more on the Walking Group
Congratulations Weston Favell Evening WI on your 70th birthday!
Federation four day trip to Sunderland 13-17 October 2019
Another great trip for NCFWI members (and family and friends) to the North East. Huge thanks to the Travel committee for organising such an excellent break. Here's to the next one! Click here for more photos
'SENSATION' ABBA Tribute Band - We had a blast!
WI Climate Ambassadors - out and about again!
Say 'Hello' to Cloudier who was at the Daventry Food Festival with Braunston WI members.Cloudier was featuring the Climate Change scarf that the ladies from Braunston WI had knitted- each row represents the temperature of every year from 1919 to help us visualise the impact of climate change.
Visitors to the WI stand were met with words of encouragement to learn how we can all make small changes in reducing our carbon footprint and were encouraged to eat seasonally. #The Time is Now to take action on Climate Change!
Well done to the Braunston WI ladies and special thanks to Kate who always supports our #Showthelove campaign.
The Walking Group took a circular route in August
Congratulations to Bozeat WI as they celebrate their 70th anniversary
"One Man's Legacy to Kettering"
This month was the annual fund raiser for the Walking Group. Family and friends joined the group at Barton Seagrave Village Hall for a talk by Wicksteed Park's Community Link Manager,followed by tea and cake,prior to walking around Wicksteed Park. Click here for more photos
2019 NFWI AGM in Bournemouth
Delegates from Northamptonshire joined 4000 members from other Federations for the AGM. An inspiring Conference, meeting up with friends but not forgetting the real purpose of the Conference - to conduct the business of the AGM.
Chipping Camden & Sezincote House
A beautiful sunny day to visit the Cotswolds. Click here for more photos.
2019 Skittles Final
Earls Barton Working Mens Club was the venue for the Skittles Final between Great Billing WI (last year's winners) and Welton WI (who had never been to a final before). This year's final did not disappoint - it was hotly contested with an entourage of enthusiastic supporters. Huge congratulations are due to Welton WI our 2019 Champions!
Congratulations RAUNDS WI on receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor for their time and service at Raunds Town Council coffee and film afternoons, which are aimed at people on their own to come and make new friends. Sometimes up to 150 people turn up. Well done!
Watercolours Fast and Loose
Watercolourists "had a go" and found this to be a fascinating hobby.This was a return visit for Gill, our excellent tutor who made the workshop just as enjoyable as previous times.
2019 County Quiz
The closely contested County Quiz held at Wicksteed Park Pavilion was won by Northampton Kingsley WI, closely followed by Geddington & Newton A team which came second and Cosgrove WI which came third. Photo shows David Saint presenting the trophy to the Northampton Kingsley WI team.
Northamptonshire Denman Weekend - click to go to our Denman page
Some photos from the recent Federation weekend stay at Denman College. Members chose from 3 course options Blenheim and The Churchills, Wildlife Walks or Pewterwork - and a fun time was had by all!
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The Mahjong Club celebrated their 15th Anniverary.
Click here for more on the Club
Trentham Gardens
Plenty to see and explore on a recent trip to Trentham Gardens.
Walking Group in March 2019 enjoyed the Spring sunshine and flowers near Welford. Click on title for more on the Walking Group.
Spring Coffee Morning 2019
Climate change was on the Agenda as Towcester Evening WI brought along their display, including a washing line. More significantly they showed us their Best Green Heart Award which was presented at the Climate Coalition's Show the Love" Green Heart Hero Awards. No Coffee Morning would be complete without shopping, WI coffee & cake and lots of fun meeting members from round the County.
Science Lectures - "Microbiotics" & "Yuck that's Disgusting"
Professor Hilary MacQueen informed and entertained us with her talk on "Microbiotics". Doctor Rachel McMullan introduced us to her "Disgust-o-meter". In a relaxed way we learned of the Good Bugs and the Bad Bugs in our bodies. Also of experiments and advances in medical science. Who would think science could be so interesting!
Chipping Warden and Edgcote WI - Federation Centenary Celebrations
Chipping Warden and Edgcote WI recently had their own Federation Centenary celebration. They planted a Silver Birch tree outside the WI hall which was publicised by the local newspaper. A beautiful slate plaque joins the tree.
The picture of the tree was taken this spring once it had grown and was in leaf and it still doing well.
They also held a cheese and wine party with music for the village. Plans are in hand for the celebration of there WI’s centenary in May next year.
Does your WI have their banner ready for the Centenary picnic at Althorp House? Here are some that are ready to be displayed at what will be a fabulous day on the 24th June 2018.
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Badby and Fawsley WI turn 100!
Sue Kendall, County Chairman joined Badby and Fawsley WI as they celebrated their centenary in style. 
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We enjoyed a Cream Tea at Milton Malsor Village Hall to celebrate United Nations International Day for Rural Women. Click here for more news on this event and the work of ACWW in Northamptonshire.
The "Scottish Royal Highlights & the Edinburgh Tattoo" tour was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyed. Photo shows just a few who were lucky enough to taste the delights of Scotland. 
Northamptonshire's Centenary Picnic at Sulgrave Manor was a memorable day.
2015 Centenary Annual General Meeting at Royal Albert Hall
Wendy Dunkley, President of Hackleton & District WI took to the podium
and afterwards!
WI Centenary Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
Photo shows the Presidents of Northampton Martinis and Denford WI
about to enter Buckingham Palace
Day Visit to Wightwick Manor & David Austin's Rose Gardens