Women's Institute

ALL ABOUT W.I.. 

Little Witley WI has 36 members and belongs to the Worcestershire Federation of Women’s Institutes (WFWI) which is part of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI).  Meetings are held at 7.30 on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month in Little Witley Village Hall and  the WI arranges visits, trips, classes and other activities for the members. 

Meetings -  The main part of the evening is a talk or demonstration (sometimes with ‘hands on’ experience) preceded by some brief WI business.  Refreshments are served by members on a rota basis. 

Subscriptions – For 2009 this is £29, which is divided between Little Witley WI, WFWI and NFWI and will also cover the cost of “W.I. Life.” 

The Woodbury Group – Little Witley belongs to this group which is made up of six local WIs.   Group meetings are held twice a year.   Jean Mills is also Group Co-ordinator.  The function of the group is to encourage members from neighbouring WIs to get to know each other and enjoy excellent speakers or activities.

WFWI – acts as an umbrella for all the WIs in the County Federation and  has a County Chairman  (Chris Hickman-Smith) and  Secretary (Heather Jefferies).  There are several committees that arrange events and activities to cater for the needs and interests of members.

NFWI –  is an even bigger umbrella for all the WIs in England and Wales and has a staff in Fulham, London (Tel 0171 3719300).   Intermediate General Meetings are held at which 1 delegate represents 4 WIs.   Members can apply to attend General Meetings as observers.

Resolutions on social and topical matters submitted by individual WIs are selected and discussed thoroughly at all levels.   If carried at a General Meeting they empower the WI to influence local and national policy making.

Denman College is the WI’s own residential college near Oxford.  Little Witley has a bursary for members every other year which is drawn for at the AGM in November.  You can look at the College Programme at the WI meeting – there are courses to interest everybody!  The NFWI Training Unit is housed within the grounds. 

ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) is a World-wide organisation to which NFWI belongs.   Each WI  donates small amounts to ACWW.   This money is used to help underprivileged women in third world countries.   There is a box at meetings for voluntary donations called ‘Pennies for Friendship’. 

Country Markets -  our nearest markets are at :

                                    Droitwich          -    Old Library –  Friday 10.00-1.00

                                    Evesham           -    Wallace House, Oat Street :  Friday 8.30-11.15

                                    Hagley              -    Community Centre:  Friday 8.45-11.00

                                    Malvern            -    Lyttleton Rooms, Church Street:  Friday 8.30-11.00

                                    Pershore           -    Navel Assoc. Room, High Street:  Saturday 9.00-11.00

                                    Tenbury Wells   -    The Scout Hut :  Tuesday 9.30-12.00

                                    Worcester         -    St Clements’ Parish Room, St.Johns:  Friday 9.00-11.00 

WI Publications – There is a County Newsletter " Worcestershire W I News" which Little Witley WI orders for its members.  

WI House at Hallow has an excellent range of gifts and cards etc. for sale throughout the year.   WI diaries and calendars are also available each autumn. 

Press reports of our activities are sent to local papers. 

Activities – Little Witley WI organises other events and outings for its members.