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
Membership Support update – June 2026
Just a small missive this month as it's a busy time with our own WI events and lots of visits to our lovely WIs for Annual Meetings - it's so nice to see everyone and thank you for the warm welcomes. We know how much effort is made to get everything right, and...
Chat from the Chair – June 2026
Here we are already half way through the year with delegates primed and ready to vote at The Annual Meeting. I do hope that for any of you acting as delegates for the first time, you enjoy the experience. I can certainly remember the first one I attended which was at...
New WI for Long Framlington
If you live in or near Longframlington and would love to see a WI here, come along and spread the word....
Treasurer’s update – May 2026
As I write, most WIs have submitted their subs for the year 2026-2027. I know it has sometimes been a difficult task this year so thank you for your efforts. I am happy to report that the roll out of online banking was greeted with much excitement by many of you, has...
Membership Support update – May 2026
Hello Ladies, hope you're all well and looking forward to new experiences and events to come in the new WI year just begun. You'll no doubt be considering the TWO Resolutions going forward this year, so please remember that you need to vote for or against EACH of them...
Chairman’s chat – May 2026
Hello ladies and at last we are beginning to enjoy some better weather and enjoying some lovely sunshine. Many of you will know that I shop in the Sainsbury store near to my home and I always buy their monthly magazine which is an excellent one covering everything you...
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
Busy Bee Coaster – Goldwork Embroidery workshop (event code: 2623)
Goldwork Workshop. Busy Bee Coaster. Your tutor for the day will be Marian Fairless and with her y...
September 12 @ 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
