About Cheshire Federation

We are part of the largest women’s organisation in Great Britain, and we are non-political and non-sectarian. Our members include all sorts of women, of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Cheshire Federation was formed in 1920 and has 7,600 members in 190 WIs in Cheshire, Halton, Warrington and the Wirral. Apart from one full time member of staff and two part time staff in the office, everyone involved with running CFWI is a volunteer. Each local WI meets monthly and arranges its own annual programme of speakers and other activities - including sports, rambles and theatre visits. In addition the Cheshire Federation (CFWI) arranges a programme of training and informal learning workshops for members countywide. These are held in community venues eg Village Halls around the county.

Help and support is always at hand. Regular specially tailored Training Workshops are arranged in-house for the Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of all the WIs. There is also Trustee Training for those running the Federation providing committee skills which members find useful when working with other community organisations. In the past, informal workshops have included Japanese folded patchwork, map reading, archive keeping, fruit growing, garden design, digital photography and watercolour painting.

A major role of the WI is campaigning and raising awareness of issues which impact on our lives National campaigns include reducing packaging and waste, reducing our carbon footprint and ending violence against women.

Some of the benefits of being a WI member:

• Find new interests and learn new skills.
• Listen to good speakers.
• Become involved in the local community and make new friends.
• Visit places of interest, enjoy rambles and sports.
• Support national campaigns and initiatives.
• Discuss and vote on national resolutions at the WI AGM.
• Enjoy 8 issues of the WI membership magazine WI Life each year.

Membership offers a whole range of opportunities including monthly meetings, our membership magazine WI Life, and the chance to take part in wide-ranging activities. You can join your local WI for £31 a year, for details of your nearest WI please contact us today.