News & Reports
Below is just a small glimpse of the things we do or have done... Its never too late to get involved, just get in touch.
Federation Event
Stella Austin Cup Competition 2024
“Memories”
BFWI Arts & Crafts sub-committee invite you to create an item of “Memories.”
Let your imagination take flight! Use anything that evokes special memories – vintage fabrics, beads from a broken necklace, trimmings from a favourite item of clothing, buttons (most of us have inherited at least one button box from a past generation). The list is endless!
You may wish to remember a special occasion, holiday, childhood or hobby. The sky is the limit!
Please include a short description of the mediums you have used to help the judge “build up a picture” as to how you have developed your piece of work. Thank you.
The competition is open to all Berkshire WI members, including Associates. The entry must be the work of the competitor herself. Multiple entries permitted.
Completed work, entry form and cheque to be received at the Federation Office by Thursday 28 November 2024. If acknowledgement is required, please say so and enclose SAE. Entry fee £7 per item (cheques payable to BFWI).
Federation Event
Spring Council Meeting
The Berkshire Federation Spring Council Meeting was held on Friday 12th April 2024 at the Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School Reading RG2 7ED
After the singing of Jerusalem County Chairman Annette Dolphin welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Mayor Councillor Tony Page .
Following the Business part of the meeting WI Members enjoyed a seated Relaxation Yoga Session with Jenny White.
Sarah Denly Ball spoke about the work of a WI Adviser. Jan Guiver talked about ACWW and Jean Sheppard gave an interesting insight into Resolutions past and present.
The guest speaker was Nicola Chester, who was one of the female pioneers of "the new nature writing" and remains the longest running female columnist for the RSPB. Nicola is also a columnist for Countryfile Magazine and a Guardian Country Diarist, she has written an award winning memoir, on Gallows Down, a love letter to a small corner of Berkshire.
Nicola talked about her great love of the Countryside, her adventures in standing up for wildlife, read from her book and answered questions on how we can all do more, in standing up for nature.
The Margaret Latham Bursaries were drawn, five lucky recipients. The Golden Jubilee Cup was presented to Brimpton WI for their design of a Berkshire Federation Banner, the banner is in the process of being made and will be on display at the 2025 Annual Council Meeting. Birthday Certificates were presented to WIs.
The raffle was drawn and everyone stood for the National Anthem.
NFWI Annual Meeting
The next NFWI Annual Meeting will be on Wednesday 4th June 2025 This will be an online screening from the NFWI Office in London
The Following are Reports of previous years Events
Centenary Needlework Exhibition
30th April 2019 - 11th July 2019
The Old Chapel Textile Centre
Main Street, Greenham Business Park, Newbury, RG29 6HW
Shaw-Cum-Donnington WI Report Back
Nimble Fingers
Members of Shaw-cum-Donnington WI and friends have produced their first batch of knitted items for Royal Berkshire Hospital. Items include traffic light hats for small babies, modesty blankets and armbands for use by dementia patients. We have also recently sent shawls. Further production is underway and we’re very grateful to everyone who has supported this project. Delivery to RBH is imminent!
Burghfield WI Report Back
Thursday 13th September 2018
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Burghfield WI recently enjoyed a day trip to the Isle of Wight to visit Osborne House. Burghfield members and friends had an excellent sunny day walking around the wonderful grounds and exploring the private beach where Queen Victoria bathed in the sea. Ice cream on the private beach, exploring the great house followed by an enjoyable lunch made for a really great day out.
Binfield WI, Celebrating 100 years
Friday 22nd June 2018
The All Saints Church, Binfield
A truly wonderful celebration of all things WI. Members of Binfield WI transformed the church into a glorious display of flower arrangements, craft work, cake displays and memorabilia for members of public to visit and gain insight into WI life over the last 100 years.
Federation Event
'Strictly' Sparkly
Held on Tuesday 21st & 28th February 2017
Just a glimpse of some of the dresses that were on show at our recently 'Strictly' Sparkly event. A full report back on the event and more photographs will follow in the Berkshire News.
Federation Event
WI Open House, Craft & Wool Sale
Held on Saturday 29th October 2016
Another successful open morning at WI House Mortimer, very well attended by members right across Berkshire. Its always lovely to meet members of other institutes and put names to faces. There was certainly some bargains to be had in the craft and wool sale, and of course not forgetting the lovely cakes on sale.
International & public Affairs Sub-Committee Event
Russia
Held on 20th October 2016
The International & Public Affairs Russia event was a great success today. Jean Sheppard give us a super presentation of her trip - St Petersburgh to Moscow. The photos were beautiful. After coffee we had a very interesting talk about our energy from Rob Salter-Church. We were pleased to learn that we would be fine if "if Putin switches the gas off"'!!! We had an exhibit of Russian memorabilia belonging to committee members, a Traidcraft stall absolutely laden with goodies, and the Save Denman bags, car stickers and badges were on sale. A very enjoyable morning.
Leisure Sub-Committee
Feel The Silk - Taste The Gin
Held on Friday 16th September 2016
A good day had by all that attended. First our visit to the oldest working silk mill in the UK at Whitchurch, followed by an afternoon at Laverstoke Mill a 'state of the art sustainable distillery' which produces every drop of Bombay Sapphire Gin.
Federation Event
'Sounds of Summer' Concert
Held on Saturday 18th June 2016
A wonderful concert on Saturday evening, everyone had a very good time. The programme had a good variety of music and it ended like the 'Last Night of the Proms'. The Woodley Concert Band were fabulous and everyone that attended really enjoyed the evening.
Federation Event
WI House open day
Held on Saturday 21st May 2016
It was lovely to see so many members support this event. The wool and plant sale was a success, and we hope you are all pleased with your purchases. Many members also enjoyed the chance to chat over a nice cup of tea/coffee and slice of cake.
Arts & Crafts Sub-committee Event
Watercolour Class
Held on Friday 4th March 2016
Fourteen ladies enjoyed a day on Watercolour Skies. Our tutor Antony Wilder who demonstrated the techniques needed to paint realistic clouds. Some ladies had never used watercolours before and some of us had, however there was useful information for everyone. Antony came round later when we were doing our own painting and gave individual help where needed. After lunch we had another talk and then were offered the chance to do something different with some interesting stones, inspired by a book of John Piper's paintings.
