In 1915 the WI set out to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community. Since then Nationally our membership and our ambitions alike have grown tremendously. Today the WI is the largest women’s organisation in the UK and we pride ourselves on being a trusted place for women of all generations to share experiences and learn from each other.
Bedfordshire is the smallest Shire County in England, we currently have 70 WIs across the County and around 2,300 members. Our first WI was formed in 1917, six of the inaugural WIs have survived and they celebrated their centenaries in 2018. Every WI is unique, some are very small others much larger with over 100 members. As well as their regular monthly WI meeting when members listen to a speaker, learn a new skill, share ideas and enjoy a cup of tea or glass of wine they enjoy a wide variety of activities including trips, coffee mornings, craft and book clubs, walking/rambling groups and get involved with National Campaigns.
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) is a national charity set up to represent all WI members and provide guidance and support to federations and WIs.
Inspiring women – then and now
Our key messages
The WI is the largest women’s organisation in the UK, and in our inspiring history we have consistently championed the education and rights of women. We are a supportive and progressive organisation, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted space for women of all generations to come together to share experiences and learn from each other.
Bedfordshire County Federation of Bedfordshire is the umbrella organisation for all the Women’s Institutes in Bedfordshire with their headquarters based in Bedford.
The WI movement came to the county in 1917 and by 1918 eight institutes had been formed. The Bedfordshire County Federation of Women’s Institutes was formed on 27 September 1919 to support all the WIs in the county. The first County Chairman was Mrs M Whitbread of Southill, a member of the famous brewing family. By the end of 1920, 21 institutes had been formed in Bedfordshire and by 1930 there were 49 WIs with a total membership of 2,655.
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Members and friends had a great evening playing whist and swapping those prizes hiding in everyone’s bag.
Congratulations to all the talented entrants who dedicated their summer to crafting incredible submissions for this year’s competition! Participants were challenged to bake a delicious gluten-free lemon cake using a provided recipe, whip up a jar of homemade lemon curd, knit a cosy hat and gloves, and design a stunning […]
We are looking forward to seeing our members this Saturday to listen to music from around the world. Please do wear some red, white and blue and bring some flags to wave during evening.
