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
Treasurer’s update – March 2026
This is a busy time of year for Federation treasurers. You will be collecting subs and many of you winding up your WI’s financial year. As always, your hard work is much appreciated. Later this month Northumberland Federation is hosting a meeting at Cresswell House of...
Member information update – March 2026
Thanks go to the 1853 members who took part in choosing the resolution to appear on the agenda of the National Annual Meeting in June – that’s 93.68% of the Northumberland Federation membership! The result is as follows: Public toilets (851), Women’s homelessness...
Membership Support update – March 2026
Hello Ladies, hope you're all feeling enthusiastic for another WI year ahead and the coming of Spring. During the recent voting for the resolutions I heard lots of criticism regarding the quality and relevancy of those on offer, but if you have a better idea to put...
Arts & Leisure update – March 2026
I am delighted that we are able to continue with our circular walks for the 4th year. Shotley WI are hosting the event this year. The circular walk is approx. 5 miles long. The terrain is reasonably flat, with a couple of slight inclines. The walking is mainly on...
Chat from the Chair – March 2026
Hello ladies, here we are with another month having flown by and it’s still raining as I write this message. I can only hope that when you receive your copy it might be a little brighter. I am saddened to let you know that after over 50 years, Bygate WI has now been...
Craft Team update – March 2026
Details of our next two events are here for you to consider. First. To tempt you, a selection of Greek Delights will be prepared by Kevin Johnson Greek Delights. If, as I write on a grey February day, you are dreaming of sunnier climes let us take you there with a...
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
International Women’s Day
There will be a Coffee Morning at Cresswell House on Saturday 7th March from 10:00 – 12:00 to cele...
March 7 @ 10:00 am
