THE SURREY FEDERATION
Our Federation was formed in 1918, three years after the WI was first introduced in England and Wales. We are the link between local WIs and the national organisation.
We are a group of around 8,000 women in Surrey that work together for our common goals. Each WI meet at least monthly to engage in a wide range of interesting activities, including clubs, groups and events. At monthly meetings members enjoy practical workshops and lectures. However, it is important that we also have the opportunity to engage outside of our individual WIs. So, as a Federation, we aim to put on events in different parts of the county so that all members have the opportunity to attend. We have a presence at agricultural shows, hold workshops and have two countywide meetings each year.
Our wide variety of events range from literary lunches, days out in London on walking tours with a blue badge guide or Christmas shopping, fiendish quizzes, cream teas, fashion shows, new craft skill workshops such as portrait painting or willow weaving. Everything is possible and members are encouraged to send in their ideas for the committees to consider for future events. We also produce a 22 page digital magazine detailing our events, news from the Surrey Federation as well as news from our WIs around the county.
To many of the Surrey WI members, belonging to a WI gives them the opportunity to find friendship with a sense of togetherness and belonging. Monthly meetings can be lively and chatty with lots of fun and laughter. Some give you an opportunity to be creative and learn more skills, while at others you will learn about something new.
Many WIs organise a variety of other activities throughout the month. When you need it, the members can be very supportive and understanding. Being a WI member can be an inspiring experience, and most of all offers you FRIENDSHIP! So, why not give it a go and see what the WI can offer you.
There are many ways to get in touch with us; through our Surrey Federation website, via our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), by email and pen & paper. Please check out our website for more details.
The Federation is administered from an office in Guildford which is within easy access of the A3 and M25 and has space to host workshops and meetings.
OUR AIMS
The WI is run by women, for women. We aim to be bold and inspiring, by enhancing and enriching members lives, encouraging them to learn, develop and share new skills, widen their friendship circles, and provide them with a voice and the confidence to influence issues at local and national level. We aim also to be relevant to all in our communities, and to be inclusive and flexible in the way we engage with members.
WORK & PLAY
We offer our members a wide choice of educational and leisure courses, from various cookery classes, needlework and art through to the more unusual, such as willow weaving. Sports and games are not forgotten, with mah-jong and bridge get-togethers, and croquet, golf and bowls taster days and tournaments. More recently, walking netball has been introduced to our repertoire. For those that prefer something a little more sedate, we also offer day trips and lunches.
INSPIRE AND INFLUENCE
With its long history of campaigning, the WI is recognised as an important voice by both national and local government, and as such we are represented on many think-tanks and other institutes and assemblies. We aim to give our members the knowledge and confidence that will encourage them to get involved and have their say.
Surrey Federation provides many opportunities and hopes that every woman will be able to find something she enjoys and is interested in!
GET INVOLVED
