Welcome to the Northumberland Federation
– a thriving and vibrant Federation
Whether you are a member, thinking of joining us or just visiting the region, I would like to welcome you to Northumberland.
Northumberland is one of the least known and most unspoilt regions in England. It contains the Cheviot Hills reaching to the Scottish Borders, some 50 miles of coastline of ‘outstanding natural beauty’ and, of course, Hadrian’s Wall, Holy Island and the Farnes.
Donate
As a charity, we do our best, fundraising via member fees, events, and other activities, but we are able to do so much more for our members and the wider community through your generosity, thank you!
The Northumberland Federation of Women’s Institutes (WI) was formed in 1918 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.
Since then the organisation’s aims have broadened and the WI is now the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.
The Northumberland Federation of WIs celebrated its centenary in 2018.
The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.
The WI is based on the ideals of fellowship, truth, tolerance and justice. The organisation is non-sectarian and non-party political. WIs are charitable and everything they do must be consistent with that special legal status.
Members and counting
We now have 95 WIs around the Federation with membership numbers ranging from 9 to 90.
Latest News
Wedding Gown Exhibition – CANCELLED.
Please Note, unfortunately the Exhibition of Wedding Gowns which was due to take place at Cresswell House in September has been cancelled.
Treasurer’s update – Sept 2025
Nothing specific to report this month, many WIs have been enjoying a bit of a summer break. Subscriptions & Fees - mostly all up to date, but could you please remind your MCS reps to ensure that they check/tick the relevant box under ‘Membership Details - 2025...
Arts & Leisure update – Sept 2025
Another successful Summer Quiz and Jenny says she is happy to do another next year! This year’s winners, in a close contest, were Rothbury WI with a team name of “Gin and Jerusalem”. Sounds much more fun than “Jam”. The Domino Competition has reached the semi-final...
Membership Support update – Sept 2025
Hello, hope you're all well and enjoying what's left of the Summer. Is there anything worse than seeing all of the "Back to School" promotions in the shops when it's the first week of the school holidays? Well, yes there is - it's being asked to write a piece...
Chat from the Chair – September 2025
Yes we really are in the last third of 2025 and it’s very hard to believe. The new academic year begins and for those of you involved in any way I hope that the year ahead will give pupils (especially in new schools), new undergraduates, teachers, parents and...
Northumberland Federation Annual Report and Financial Statement 2024-2025
After what has been an 'interesting' year in so many ways, we now have pleasure in sharing with you the Annual Report etc. you can find the document on the page entitled 'Useful Documents' (or click on the link below) If you have any questions / comments, please...
Upcoming Events
Our Next Event
We run events at Cresswell House, our Federation office in Seaton Burn as well as around the Federation.
From walking netball, to sugar-craft, join us for a talk on Claude Monet, or support the campaign to reduce plastic in our seas.
Each of our sub-committees run a variety of events which you can view by clicking one of the links below.
Alternatively you can view our events calendar here
Wedding Gown Exhibition in aid of MND Research (via the MyName’5Doddie foundation)
EVENT CANCELLED!
September 13 @ 10:00 am - September 19 @ 4:00 pm
