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
Day Trip to Northallerton and Newburgh Priory – June 2026
Wow, what a fabulous day we had. We enjoyed a lovely air conditioned coach trip to Northallerton for some shopping, eating and enjoying the market, then on to Newburgh Priory where we were given a tour of the house and gardens - although it was actually a bit too...
Treasurer’s update – July/Aug 2026
We have now received 2026-2027 subs from all of our WIs, for which thank you. It has not been an easy task for you this year so your efforts are much appreciated. It is not specifically the role of the treasurer but can I remind you that if your WI is registered as a...
Membership Support update – July/Aug 2026
Hello Ladies...Summer's here and I'm 'on the hunt' .... As you may know, we have a very small (but perfectly formed) team of WI Advisers at Northumberland Federation and this year we've been delighted to train three 'pupils' who are about to graduate with flying...
Chat from the chair – July/Aug 2026
Hello ladies, here we are halfway through the year already with a double issue for you all to enjoy. I hope that those of you who acted as delegates or proxy delegates for the National Annual Meeting on 4th June enjoyed the experience. There were around twenty of us...
Channel Four – New TV Series
This is an email received at Federation - if any your ladies are interested, please contact Jojo direct - and obviously let us know if you are selected and how you get on... My name is Jojo and I'm an Assistant Producer at IWC Media. I hope it’s okay that I’m...
Treasurer’s update – June 2026
We are delighted that so many of you have embraced on-line banking and that you are finding it quick, easy and cheaper if you have a bank account which is now charging. However, in some cases if you omit certain steps it does create more work for Jodie, which was not...
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
Summer Quiz (Event code: 2613)
Quiz time again! our quiz is played in teams of 4, but if your WI wants to enter less than that you ...
July 6 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
