Avon Federation of WIs

31/07/2025

REMINDER TO APPLY!

2025 AFWI Annual Meeting
Tuesday 23 September 2025
From 10.15am to 3.30pm
BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RF

This is AFWI's 50th Anniversary year and we are delighted to welcome Jeryl Stone, NFWI Chair. The WI is the largest women's organisation in the UK, founded in the times of the Suffragettes, now in its 110th Year. An incredible past - but what does Jeryl foresee for the WI members of the future?
Also, a big welcome to a local very inspiring woman Becky Barnes. Becky is a personal stylist with a passion for helping women look and feel their absolute best without it, literally, costing the earth by making more conscious, sustainable choices and having fun at the same time.
We are particularly excited and thrilled to introduce Ann Widdecombe this year. Ann really needs no introduction to the WI. Ann's varied career in politics, TV, radio and as an author means she will have a wealth of unique stories and anecdotes to share with members. We can't wait!

Please Note: At this venue, you can only eat and drink food which you have bought from BAWA. Please use the application form to pre-order sandwiches at a cost of £2.75. Tea and Coffee will also be available to purchase during the lunch break.

Members Only: £21 (Note: each WI can send one free delegate)
Closing Date: Thursday 7 August 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

31/07/2025

REMINDER TO NOMINATE!

2025 AFWI CHAIRMAN'S ROSE BOWL

WIs are invited to nominate a WI member who has, whilst a member, gone 'above and beyond' for their WI, demonstrating outstanding skills, commitment, leadership or initiative. The member may also be involved with the local community.

Guidelines for submission:
- The application should be written in 12 Point font, up to 500 words, on an A4 sheet of paper.
- The word count should be included as a footnote; with the name of the nominated member and the WI they attend.

Please email your word-processed entries to [email protected] by 12.00 noon on 7 August 2025.
The winner will be announced at the 2025 AFWI Annual Meeting on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

21/07/2025

THE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE & HISTORY OF THE EAST MIDLANDS
5 Days from £719
Departing 5th October 2026
This holiday includes four nights half board accommodation at the 4* Delta by Marriott Belfry Hotel on the outskirts of Nottingham, all excursion travel & guided tours, and the entrance fees to non-National Trust properties. The holiday also includes executive coach throughout and Blue Badge guide on Days 2 to 4.
On this holiday we will visit Baddesley Clinton, Hardwick Hall and Packwood House (all National Trust properties), Cromford Mills, Crich Tramway Village, National Space Centre and Framework Knitters Museum amongst others.
There are limited places on this holiday which is expected to be popular amongst members, so don't miss the chance to book your place.
You can view and share this holiday online - click on 'View your Tour' at www.tailored-travel.co.uk and quote afwi262.
For more information please request a booking form by emailing [email protected] or contact Sue Murphy, Tel: 0117 9864782.

17/07/2025

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DAY

Thursday 13 November 2025
10.15am (for a 10.30am start) to 3.30pm
Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 57-59 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury, BA37 6AD

We have organised a day with various speakers on a range of topics.

The morning will include speakers from the St John Ambulance on 'Bystanders can be Lifesavers', followed by an input on 'Thinking Differently: Understanding Autism and ADHD in Women and Girls.'

In the afternoon, Hayley Scott, a Forensic Scientist with the Metropolitan Police will share some of her experiences with us.

So, another day not to be missed!

Coffee can be purchased on arrival. There will be a raffle and Avon Country Markets will have goods for sale.

Members: £17.00
Non-Members: £19.00
Closing Date: Monday 6 October 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

17/07/2025

WIRE WORK WORKSHOP

Tuesday 2 December 2025
10.00am to 12.00noon
The Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, Nr Bath, BA2 0JQ

Holly Berkley is a wire worker and teacher based in Somerset. With 37 years' experience in wire working and ten years in teaching, Holly has been featured in the national press, including Vogue magazine, and on live TV.

During this project we will be using hammers and miniature anvils, wire winders and pliers to make either a cushioned 'Christmas Star Decoration' with beautiful beaten spiral accents or 'A Tree of Life pendant and jewellery set', which would make a great gift or to keep for yourself.

Suitable for all abilities. All tools and materials are supplied.
Tea and Coffee will be provided.

Members Only: £35.00
Closing Date: Monday 3 November 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

16/07/2025

HISTORY TALK: THE WOMEN WHO BUILT BRISTOL - VOLUME THREE

Wednesday 29 October 2025
2.00pm to 3.30pm
Cleeve Village Hall, Main Road, Cleeve, Bristol, BS49 4PF (A370)

Jane Duffus returns by popular demand to give her talk based on The Women who built Bristol - Volume Three.
Jane has worked in journalism/publishing for more than 25 years, whether on bestselling news stand magazines or as the author of six books about social history, including 'The Women who built Bristol'. Jane's latest book was published in March 2025, so all new details for us to hear about.
In addition, to doing all her own research and writing, Jane works as an editor for other writers, has contributed chapters to other people's books, and is a popular public speaker.
For more information visit: www.janduffus.com

Tea and Coffee will be provided.

Members: £12.00
Non-Members: £14.00
Closing Date: Monday 22 September 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

30/06/2025

HISTORY TALK: THE NEWPORT MEDIEVAL SHIP

Thursday 23 October 2025
2.00pm to 3.30pm
St Edyth's Church Hall, Avonleaze, Sea Mills, Bristol BS9 2HU

We are privileged to have Dr Toby Jones, curator of the Newport Medieval Ship Project, present the first of our History Talks for 2025.

The Newport Medieval Ship: 'The Fascinating Journey from Discovery to Future', is an insight into the work that has taken place on this project, since the shipwreck was discovered and raised between 2002 and 2003, and how our understanding of this 15th century merchant vessel has progressed through cleaning, digital documentation, analysis, and conservation.

Dr Toby Jones reveals the secrets behind this enigmatic vessel and explores what it can tell us about medieval life aboard and in Newport. He will also discuss plans for the reassembly and display of this unique international treasure.

Tea and Coffee will be provided.

Members: £12.00
Non-Members: £14.00

Closing Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

12/06/2025

2025 AFWI CHAIRMAN'S ROSE BOWL

WIs are invited to nominate a WI member who has, whilst a member, gone 'above and beyond' for their WI, demonstrating outstanding skills, commitment, leadership or initiative. The member may also be involved with the local community.

Guidelines for submission:
- The application should be written in 12 Point font, up to 500 words, on an A4 sheet of paper.
- The word count should be included as a footnote; with the name of the nominated member and the WI they attend.

Please email your word-processed entries to [email protected] by 12.00 noon on 7 August 2025.

The winner will be announced at the 2025 AFWI Annual Meeting on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

10/06/2025

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY! CLOSING DATE MONDAY 16 JUNE.

CONTEMPORARY COLLAGE WORKSHOP
Saturday 19 July 2025
10.00am to 12.30pm OR 1.30pm to 4.00pm
Badminton Road Methodist Church, Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 6NU
In this workshop you will begin by thinking about the colours, textures and shapes that make up your chosen image and plan your composition. Collated materials such as recycled magazine and papers, will then be ripped, cut and layered into a contemporary collage of an animal or flower. You will be encouraged to be playful, adding interest to your work.
You will leave this workshop with a new-found confidence to experiment further and to continue your collaging journey, seeing the beauty in recycled materials.
Tea and Coffee will be provided and materials are included in the cost.
Members Only: £26.00
Closing Date: Monday 16 June 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

09/06/2025

09/06/2025

Angel Strawbridge, and husband Dick, join us from the Chateau in France for a special keynote speech. Thanks for joining us!