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.
The Northumberland Federation of Women’s Institutes (WI) was formed in 1917 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 2017.
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 111 WIs around the Federation with membership numbers ranging from 9 to 90.
Latest News
Sports and Leisure – March 2021 Update
Leisure. I think many, but not all, of us have had more of this than we could ever have imagined. I have walked and kept a photographic record of the last 12 months. I have watched TV. So many Scandinavian dramas on All4 my Swedish, Danish, Finnish and even Icelandic...
Public Affairs – March 2021 Update
SCAMS — Please be alert to possible scams, particularly concerning Amazon who seem to be very busy on the telephone at the moment. 1,300 year old Lindisfarne Gospels — The famed manuscript, dating back to Anglo-Saxon England, will go on show at Newcastle upon Tyne...
Member’s Information – March 2021
Corbridge - Kathleen Beale A very sad passing of Kathleen Beale in January. A loyal friend to many in Northumberland WIs with her VCO work. She was the daughter of Mrs K McHugh, past County Chairman in the 60's. Kathleen will be missed greatly in Corbridge WI. ...
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
National Meeting to be held at Royal Albert Hall
2021 Annual meeting will be held at Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 8 June
June 8 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
