Bedfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes

Welcome to BCFWI

Inspiring women 

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.

About WI

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.

About Bedfordshire County Federation of WIs

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.

Looking for something to do?

We have a variety of different events throughout the year which can be purchased online.

Join us for quizzes, challenges, history tours and more …

Photo by Charles Postiaux on Unsplash

Trip to London

Keysoe W.I. are taking a coach to London on the 1st April (not an April fool I assure you!). We leave Keysoe car park at 9a.m. and expect to be back there at 6.30pm. What everyone does while in London is up to the individual, we will be dropped off […]

We Need You !

Help Us Represent Your WIs at the NFWI Annual Meeting! We still need 12 more passionate members to step forward and represent our WIs at the NFWI Annual Meeting on 4th June 2025! This is your chance to have a say on important issues and vote on behalf of our […]

Art trail celebrates International Women’s Day in Biggleswade

Businesses in Biggleswade are coming together to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday 8 March 2025 by hosting a family-friendly art trail throughout the town.A variety of works by talented local women artists – from sculpture to paintings, textile art to mixed-media creations – will be displayed […]