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 – July 2020 Update
Sadly, it has become clear that it is likely the remaining events we had planned for members this year are going to have to be postponed until 2021. Our priority will be to re-schedule a number of events. The Darts and Domino finals (Darts will be Hepple v Hedgeley...
Combined Arts – July 2020 Update
Hello Ladies. I hope that you’re all managing to stay fit, happy and sane whilst we are having this enforced sabbatical! I’ve been trying on my “Combined Arts” thinking cap to come up with suggestions for future events...and during our nightly WhatsApp video call was...
Craft Committee – July 2020 Update
Craft – Karen Coleman Well, how has it been? Lockdown obviously! I have been sent some lovely pictures of things people have created. Special mention to Kathleen Turnbull, South Gosforth WI, who made fabric boxes, see picture. Skilled and beautiful… as every WI lady...
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
Beaders group
July 9 @ 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
