All about the Women's Institute
What is the W. I. all about?
There are 205,000 members and counting, making the Women's Institute the largest womens' voluntary organisation in the UK. The W.I. provides women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to participate in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.
Denman College is the W.I's own residential college in Marcham, just a stone's throw from Kingston Bagpuize. It consists of an elegant Georgian House set in 17 acres of parkland, with a teaching block and comfortable accommodation. The college offers more than 500 courses annually and can accommodate up to 72 students. A course can cover a weekend or up to five days.
'WI Life' is the W.I's own magazine which is published eight times as year by the National Federation. It's a good read and as a member you receive a copy. Ask the Secretary about this if this hasn't been delivered.
The strength of each WI lies in the contribution of its members - the more you put in - the more you get out - the WI is what you make it. With enthusiastic support from members almost any interest can be followed.
The WI is for ALL women of ALL ages and interests - it is non-sectarian and non-party political. There is something for everyone in the WI.
ACWW [ Associated Countrywomen of the World] All WI members are automatically part of the international women's organisation, ACWW, which links seven million members worldwide, through 250 member Societies in over 60 countries. ACWW is a worldwide non-sectarian and non-political organisation with charitable status. Its members pledge to improve living conditions in a practical way, and support basic education and local development projects to fight hunger and disease.
Each WI donates small amounts to ACWW, this money is used to help underprivileged women in third world countries. There is a voluntary collection at our meetings, for these ‘Pennies for Friendship’, as they are known.
For further details please contact the Oxfordshire ACWW Representative [See Year Book with the Secretary] or see their website:-
Associated Country Women of the World]
Country Markets[formerly WI Markets] Our nearest Markets are at Faringdon, Abingdon and Witney, Eynsham and Wantage. Some of our members enjoy helping behind the stalls, others produce goods for the Market.
WI Publications There is an OFWI Newsletter 'News and Views' which Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor WI purchases for all its members. There is also an NFWI Newsletter. 'WI Life' is a monthly magazine published by NFWI, which is delivered to your door after publication eight times a year.
You are also able to shop online from NFWI.
Oxfordshire Country Markets show our nearest Markets. You can become a helper or producer and turn talents to good account - enjoy the markets experience - meet your friends for coffee/tea.
OFWI [Oxfordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes] acts as an umbrella body for all the WIs within the County Federation and has a Federation Secretary, Virginia Lawrence, who works at OFWI’s own Offices in Tackley [Tel. 01869 331081] There are several committees that arrange events and activities to cater for the needs & interest of members. OFWI produces a ‘Welcome to the WI in Oxfordshire’ leaflet for new members—please ask for one at the meeting.
The OFWI is the Oxfordshire Federation of WIs has its headquarters in Tackley, north of Oxford and is run by three members of staff. Pauline Goddard is the new Chairman of OFWI . Oxfordshire has over 158 WIs with 4,500 members.
Oxfordshire WI was 85 years old in February 2004. Oxfordshire's News & Views is a Newsletter that Oxfordshire's Federation of Women's Institutes publishes monthly to keep us informed of all the events and activities in Oxfordshire. Pick this up free, from our own W.I. when you come to the meetings.
The National Federation of Women's Institutes has its own headquarters in New Kings Road, London with a professional staff of 31 as well as offices in Wales and at Denman College. These offices manage and co-ordinate WI affairs and offer a wide range of services to members. The whole is overseen and run by the National Executive Committee consisting of 17 WI members elected from all over the country. There are 275,000 members in 72 Federations throughout the country.