Come along for a sumptuous lunch at Hunters Meet in Hatfield Heath, CM22 7BQ.Wednesday 14 August 12-12.30pm start.After lunch Karen J Adams a very talented local artist, will enchant us with her art demonstration "Inspirations of a Contemporary Artist"This will be Karen's last time as a speaker as her work is now in such demand, […]

We are pleased to welcome back Cat Barrie to Tiptree for lunch at The New Times Restaurant in Tiptree.Cat is a senior Leader in Essex Police who is currently Head of Investigations for the West Local Policing Area, is an accredited Tactical Firearms Commander and is the Chair of the Women's Leadership & Development Forum. […]

Come and join us for a lovely lunch overlooking the picturesque River Crouch in the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham on Crouch!Following lunch we will again hear from local Border Force Maritime Intelligence Officer Fiona Craven. Based in Tilbury, Fiona will tell us about her work in and around Essex.Friday 16th August12 for 12.30pm start£22.00 […]

Join Wickhams St Pauls WI (who are leading the walk) to Gestingthorpe's Roman Settlement. A walk across farmland to Hill Farm, owned by local historian Ashley Cooper. Many interesting Roman remains found on the farm during the last century together with old agricultural artefacts, can be viewed in his museums. Time will be allowed for us […]

"The Arts and Leisure Wellness Day planned for the 21st September has been withdrawn from our 2019 programme.  Apologies to our members who have already purchased tickets and full refunds will be made. It's not all bad news - we will be running a Wellness Day in our 2020 programme so please look out for […]

We understand that new ideas can be hard to come by, so to assist with this, Your Federation is awarding you the opportunity to attend a workshop in Hatfield Peverel on the 26th September 2019. The aims of this workshop are to help boost your committees and your general membership by encouraging fresh ideas and input […]

Come along for a night to remember at the Genting Casino at Westcliff The Western Esplanade Westcliff on Sea SS0 7QY on Friday 27th September 2019 at 8 pm.We have booked the Big Deal package where you will get a welcome complimentary drink from the bar, a free bet including a learn to play session. […]

Kumihimo is a type of braiding traditionally used to create finishes for soft furnishings and upholstery, however in this class run by Michele Turner, (Website craftyheffalump.co.uk) you will be using your new found Kumihimo skills to create jewellery and accessories like necklaces, bracelets, key holders, stitch marker holders or even scissor keepers.This class is suitable for […]

The Cookery & Creative Crafts Committee are off to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexander Palace C&CC have organised this special day to the Knitting and Stitching Show on Thursday 10th October this year. Would you like to go with us on a great day out where your crafting interests will soar in the company […]

Cookery &Creative Crafts are delighted to announce that the amazing Katie Lynn is coming back to WI Centre.Following a hugely successful workshop here, Katie will be sharing the delights of her Fused Glass with us and once again we will create 4 pieces.The workshop is on Saturday 19 October 2019 where you will make a […]

Many of you will have seen the TV programme and seen family histories come to life and interesting lives come to light. Have you ever thought that could be your family?Unless you dig deeper you will never know!!!A this workshop you can start exploring your family history or, if you have made a start, we […]

LIBERTY LAWN IPAD MINI/KINDLE COVER With Pat LumsdaleThursday 24th October10.00-3.00 Price £34.50 CCC are pleased to be welcoming Denman tutor, Pat Lumsdale to WI Centre for this creative workshop exploring the art of strip piercing. In the morning you will be making either a iPad mini cover or Kindle cover with Liberty Lawn material and […]

Hazel Ridgwell will be demonstrating how to make the dough, prove it, shape it into different loaves and rolls and a lardy cake, and bake it!Following the demonstration, you will be served a light lunch of homemade soup and fresh bread, followed by cake. This promises to be a fun and informative morning so do […]

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!Your Cookery & Creative Crafts Committee is hosting a Christmas Craft Dabble day on Saturday 16th November when you will be able to have a go at 4 different crafts all with a Christmas theme. The CCC committee members will be your tutors and hosts for the day so Save the Date!!More information […]

 Why not come along for another New Speakers Day and see if any if there are any that you would like to book for next year!

You will create two items - a door swag which can be placed on a table, mantelpiece etc. and a more contemporary Christmas arrangement using flowers and a selection of other items such as cones, fruit, nuts and baubles.The price includes container and oasis. Wires, spray paint, tape etc will be available for general use […]

This year we have two events on Friday 14th of Feb 2020. We will meet again at the WI Centre in Hatfield Peverel with speakers Andrea Speranza, Traid Head of Campaigns and Education, talking on "Fashion in an era of Climate Change", Doug Parr, Chief Scientist and Policy Director at Greenpeace and John Whittingdale MP. […]

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

President, Secretary, Treasurer or WI Adviser..... Ever wondered about being an officer at your WI? Helping at Fed?Being a WI Adviser?Drop in between 10 & 12 noon, Wednesday March 4th @ The WI CentreCome at chat with WI advisers and find out more information.Tea, coffee and cake available too! Email tickets@essexwi.org.uk if interested.  

2020 County Annual MeetingFELSTED SCHOOLLord Riche Hall, Felsted School, Felsted, Essex, CM6 3LLSATURDAY 14th March 2020 - Doors open 9.15am for 10.15am – 3.30pm/4.00pm (approx.)The guest speakers for both venues are Dawn Wood – Skipper of the Essex Police Launch and the Second Fastest Female to row across the Atlantic solo and unsupported,Caroline Wheeler – […]

Top Secret We are going toBletchley Park!!!Friday,12 June 2020Shhh – don’t tell anyone!£45 members£49 non-members Our Arts and Leisure Committee are delighted to announce that our trip this year will be to Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers and is now a vibrant heritage attraction. Coach 1 will leave from Hatfield […]

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

Come and spend the day listening to 5/6 possible New Speakers.Two tickets per WI, please bring your lunch, mug and pen and paper!

Meet fellow delegates, learn about your role and what happens at National federation of Wis Annual Meetings.£7.50 per person01245 382233 or email tickets@essexwi.org.uk to book

This is your opportunity to learn and develop two different skills with this exciting workshop completed over two sessions (14 & 28 April) . In the first session you will be painting a scene on fabric, which you will then embellish with silks and metallic thread in the second session. The workshop will be led […]

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

Blue House Farm - North Fambridge, A Beautiful setting next to the River Crouch. The Warden, Harry will lead us around the wonderful natural site.

After the second re-visit at the WI Centre last year, fellow members enjoyed the class so much, they have asked for another!The tutor Simon Bridge has kindly agreed to return in April with another inspirational (but light hearted) workshop, on the World of Shakespeare.Tea and coffee will be available (please bring your own cup) from […]

This is your opportunity to learn and develop two different skills with this exciting workshop completed over two sessions (14 & 28 April) . In the first session you will be painting a scene on fabric, which you will then embellish with silks and metallic thread in the second session. The workshop will be led […]

Nautical River Walk along the banks of the River Blackwater

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

A lovely walk around Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, accompanied by Essex Wildlife Member Bill

By popular demand, Cookery and Creative Crafts are delighted to welcome Katie Lynn of molten wonky back to WI Centre. Following on from the successful and hugely enjoyable Festive Fusion Workshop, you can make 3 different items in beautiful summer colours. Suitable for all abilities – arty or not! All materials supplied – just bring […]

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

A circular walk from the High Street across Farmland to the Sea wall and back

Come and spend the day listening to 5/6 possible New Speakers.Two tickets per WI, please bring your lunch, mug and pen and paper!

Historical walk through Elsenham and surrounding area, a lovely walk including all you need to know about Jam, Gin and Elsenham

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

Walk from the Community Centre Braintree to Bocking Windmill and via other places of interest

Come along as and when you like! Bring whatever craft/s you are currently doing, for a day of craft and natter!Please bring packed lunch and your mug. No need to book!£3.00 nominal charge.

Come and join us for a 2-course lunch at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club . Our speakers for the day will be Ruth Dugdall a novelist from Suffolk. As a former Probation Officer her fiction falls in the genre of crime writing, with a focus upon forensics. She specialises in domestic noir. A lovely person […]

A town walk around historic Coggeshall guided by a local historian

 A lively and entertaining show in which Saffron plays classical, Spanish and Mississippi Blues guitar music along with her own songs and tunes on 2 Guitars and South American Cuatro. There will also be a brief history of the guitar and anecdotes and stories from a career in music which included performing live on John […]

 We are so excited to be joined by Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Collection Curator, who has been Chief Executive of the RSN since 2007.Her talk will cover the history of the RSN, the work they do, their educational focus and the notable pieces of embroidery that they have been involved in such as the Duchess of […]

 Have some fun and learn to make your own Christmas trees using everyday items and small pieces of fabric. Why not make a whole forest of these little Scandinavian style potted trees to decorate a festive windowsill or mantelpiece. Using basic machine or hand sewing and some embellishments these are also great fun to make […]

 THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER – 7pm Wish you had started a journal this year? Or want to give the one you have some ‘va va voom’? Then this is the talk for you. Jackie’s maxim is that anyone can keep a journal; you don’t need to draw or be an artist to have a beautiful and memorable […]

 Join Kelly Mauger as she demonstrates how to make some simple and versatile biscuits to suit any palette which can be enjoyed and gifted over the festive period. Recipes will include Fruit and Nut Biscotti, Cheese and Walnut Shortbread and Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies.It’s up to you if you would like to cook alongside Kelly […]

 Using materials most of you will find in the home, this is a workshop with some fun ideas using any kind of paper – colourful catalogues/magazines/ Christmas or birthday wrapping paper. The technique is fun and suited to any skill level, you’ll start with a hanging ornament and from there on to a ball/lollipop and […]

Fine Cell Work is a charity which makes beautiful handmade products in British prisons.  In this talk you will learn how they were formed and the work they do to train prisoners in high-quality needlework. Their aim is to boost prisoners' self-worth, instilling self-discipline which in turn fosters hope and encourages them to lead independent, crime free lives.

 A royal-themed talk taking us behind the curtains of Sandringham House, the beloved private Norfolk home of HM Queen Elizabeth IHear the fascinating history of this grand Edwardian house . . . a treasure trove of priceless arts brought alive by Susan’s excellent narrative. Discover secrets and stories you never knew about the kings and […]

 Mark describes himself as Sewer, Pianist, Whovian, Dog father and husband, not forgetting he is also a Great British Sewing Bee Quarter Finalist 2020. So, please join Mark as he talks about his time on the show. He will also be able to share with us some of his GBSB creations and transformations and what […]

We very much hope you will join us to hear our inspiring speakers at this year’s Show the Love Zoom meeting.This is a great opportunity for us all, not just to learn more about the climate crisis and what we can do to help, but to make it clear to our MPs that we expect […]

Whether you belong to an established WI and are interested to know more. Or you are new to the WI and would like to find out what the WI has to offer you. Here is your opportunity to be part of a completely new kind of WI.  The WI has been successful for 105 years and although our values stay the same we are always looking forward to the next new […]

   Join Simon for a virtual tour of London at night told through photographs and poetry.  Simon is a graduate of Cambridge University and is a professional photographer and tour guide. Simon is one of the regular Denman at Home speakers and we are delighted that he is joining us as part of our Arts and […]

Back by popular demand!This is a return of Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Royal School of Needlework Collection Curator and Archivist.. It will include a look at some of the interesting, unusual, beautiful and fascinating items in the RSN Collection of textiles and archive of designs and images from the 17th to the 21st Century.An event not […]

RHS Garden, Hyde Hall is presently one of four RHS gardens. Hyde Hall is undergoing major garden development including a new Winter Garden, large scale Perennial Meadow and a new Global Growth Vegetable Garden.With The Delights and Possibilities of RHS Hyde Hall, Robert Brett, the new Curator takes us on a journey detailing the changes […]

Pat will be  demonstrating how to make a useful sturdy tote bag. The bag can have sides made up using a patchwork technique or a single piece of fabric.  The demonstration will show you how to construct the bag itself and also how to use one of the techniques to make up the sides.If you […]

By popular demand, and on Shakespeare’s birthday, the wonderful Simon Bridge is coming back to Essex WI with his fabulous take on Shakespeare. This time you can see him from the comfort of your own home. Simon will explore just what life was like for William Shakespeare, his actors and his audience and will try […]

If, like me you still have awful memories of being taught to write at school and never quite being happy with your handwriting, FEWI Presents once again comes to your rescue with their latest in their Series of Zoom Talks and Workshops.   We bring you an opportunity to hear the renowned Jane Lappage talk […]

If you are sitting enjoying a mug of tea or coffee as you read this, chances are it could be in an Essex WI Centenary Mug! The Arts & Leisure Committee are delighted that the designer of the mugs, Alison Gardiner, will be joining us by Zoom to talk about her life as an Illustrator […]

Our rescheduled Resolutions Pros and Cons Virtual Event - FREE with speakers on this years selected resolution plus resolution process, resolution reps and WI/Federation resolutions.  To book your place go to: ticketsource.co.uk/fewi or call: 0333 666 3366 (booking line open Mon-Fri 9-5, £1.80 fee per booking via the telephone, free to book via the website)  

If you like to ‘Shake It All About’ in the kitchen and dance like no one’s watching, then Arts & Leisure have the perfect event for you!   Liz Scholey is a highly qualified dance teacher and teaches line dance, salsa, Zumba, Bollywood and DDMIX (Darcey Bussell’s dance fitness programme). She brings her witty, glamorous […]

Aligning with May’s NFWI initiative Me, Myself and WI; FEWI presents the award-winning authors of Knit and Nibble and founders of the art of Knititation -James McIntosh and Dr Thomas A. Ernst FRCP.   James grew up on a farm in Portadown; by 35 a presenter on China Food TV and the Global Ambassador for […]

When Rachel was on maternity leave she picked up her love of crafting again and after asking her sister Siobhan to design her something to create she felt that these designs were too beautiful not to share and The Modern Crafter,their business selling DIY craft kits based on traditional crafts, punch needle and embroidery was […]

Clothes, what would we do without them? On the other hand, we tend to take them for granted, easily available, cheap and disposable. This talk from Towse Harrison of Sun Jester re-introduces the ‘invisible history’ of textiles from thread and weaving, to decorationand the clothes and fastenings of our ancestors in the near and far […]

Join us online for our 2021 County Annual Meeting. A virtual hybrid meeting. On Friday 25th June 2021. Time 10.30 - 12.30 With special guests Danny Crates (TV presenter, Paralympic icon and former world record holder) and Nick Newland (Policy and Communications Manager for Associated Country Women of the World). One delegate per WI. Observer […]

FEWI presents Roz Hall at Clacton on Sea Golf Club.  Join us for a three course lunch and coffee, plus light hearted poems read and written by local poet Roz Hall. To book your place go to: ticketsource.co.UK/fewi (there is NO booking fee when booking online) or call 0333 666 3366 (booking line open M-F […]

Sarah doesn’t like to restrict herself to one genre so there’s something for everyone at her talks, especially as she is also a comedian and performer!  Lunch included. To book your place go to: ticketsource.co.UK/fewi (there is NO booking fee when booking online) or call 0333 666 3366 (booking line open M-F 9-5pm, £1.80 fee […]

Have you spent weeks wishing you were able to go out, able to wear that special dress, have a drink and a nice meal, and importantly meet up with your friends again. Well the Arts and Leisure Committee have the answer. This is the first of four Literary lunches we are holding around Essex, for […]

          We are pleased to welcome Mary Long to lead this morning workshop.   Using straight stitches on gingham material you will learn some decorative stitches and will make your own personalised, unique bookmark. Once you have learnt the principles of gingham embroidery you will be able to transfer these to […]

This event is for Essex WI members only. Come and join us at our virtual New Speakers Day to be the first to hear the newest speakers around. A great way to find new ideas for meetings as well as to socialise with members from other WIs. To book your place go to ticketsource.co.uk/fewi (no […]

Have you ever looked at a bottle or jar you are about to put in the recycle bin and thought it’s a nice shape? Well, let Hayley Dell introduce you to her decoupage technique and maybe you will see things in a slightly different way! Her demonstration will show you how to transform glass into […]

Are you a new treasurer for your WI?   Or have you been doing it for a while but are still unsure about things?  This is the event for you! Come along to WI Centre and we will show you the ropes.  We will give you hints and tips on keeping all your WI's financial […]

This is your opportunity to learn and develop two different skills with this exciting workshop completed over 2 sessions. In the first session you will be painting a scene on fabric  which you will embellish with silks and metallic thread in the second session. The workshop will be lead by Pam Jermy  and all your […]

John’s talk ‘A Village Headmaster’ is set against a backdrop of rapid and unrelenting educational change following the 1988 Education Reform Act. The establishment of Ofsted, the National Curriculum and compulsory testing for primary school children, redefined what was expected of teachers. Even with these pressures village primary schools continued to nurture their pupils and […]

For those who have already learned the basics of Tunisian crochet you will be crocheting a hat in the round. Materials included. To book your place go to: ticketsource.co.UK/fewi (there is NO booking fee when booking online) or call 0333 666 3366 (booking line open M-F 9-5 pm, £1.80 fee per phone booking)

Are you a new treasurer for your WI?   Or have you been doing it for a while but are still unsure about things?  This is the event for you! Come along to WI Centre and we will show you the ropes.  We will give you hints and tips on keeping all your WI's financial […]

Trapunto is a padded and raised technique that will add an interesting aspect of texture to a piece of material . In this workshop, you will sew a little Victorian style draw string bag. with a trapunto design in the traditional white on white colourway. However, you can select your favourite fat quarter design and […]

Rembrandt the master of the selfie, left us a path through his extraordinary life as illustrated by a passion for depicting his own changing face. Vincent Van Gogh said "Rembrandt is so deeply mysterious that he says things for which there are no words in any language." Allow me to lead you on a journey […]

FROM PAPER TO STITCH Remember the fun of drawing and colouring? Now is your opportunity to enjoy this experience again and develop your design into a piece of unique needlework.  In the morning, led by Shelia Gunson, you will be drawing and colouring your own design in the Zentangle style.   Inspirational materials will be […]

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese versatile cloths, in various sizes, designs and materials, with many different possible applications.  Originally they were used in traditional Japanese public baths (Onsen), to wrap up your clothes to avoid a mix-up with other people. Their use was slowly declining due to the massive production and availability of plastic bags. Recently […]

This is your opportunity to give plain baubles a makeover with a bead netting cover in time for Christmas. You will learn the basic method for bead netting with variations for adding fringes, swags, and dangles. Two baubles will be completed on the day and beads will be provided. Your tutor for this workshop will […]

As we have not been able to hold our InterWI Quiz tournament again this year, we are bringing you a general Fun Quiz by Zoom.  There are no prizes, just a little brain teasing with your own refreshments on your sofa. We look forward to seeing you there! To book your place go to ticketsource.co.uk/fewi […]

FEWI Trustees invite all new and existing Presidents and Secretaries to come along to share ideas and discuss any concerns that you may have.  We look forward to seeing you. This is a member only event. To book your place go to ticketsource.co.uk/fewi (no booking fee for booking online) or call  0333 666 3366 (Booking […]

Steve was a Primary School teacher, and his initial specialism was science, however, he has for many years developed a passion for history and over 20 years. He has extensive experience of delivering presentations in museums, heritage sites and TV and film work and have developed a series of characters and presentations for interest groups, […]

How to appliqué this adorable hound, "Waggle Tails", will be demonstrated in a 1 ½ hour zoom session by textile artist and designer Gary Mills. This workshop with Gary is a ‘skills bomb’ of processes for you to learn.  Tailored for the beginner in the art of firstly transferring the image, then how to use […]

The Cookery and Creative Crafts committee are so pleased to be offering this Powertex workshop for the first time at WI Centre.  Powertex is a non-toxic, water-based, environmentally friendly textile hardener which can harden absorbent materials such as textiles, fabric, leather, paper, and fibreglass.  On the day you will be decorating a bottle and glass […]

Make a super free-standing decoration with a seasonal touch! Needle felt with wool “tops” and add your own style to a robin with character! All materials will be supplied, but remember your glasses, so that you can spend an enjoyable day, using a unique pattern creating your own Christmas robin, with a surprise at the […]

This month CCC are bringing you the very talented Christine Pearce, a NAFAS area demonstrator in flower arranging, and a tutor at Denman for 12 years. Christine loves to share her passion of flower arranging and during this event she will be demonstrating how to put together 2 – 3 different Christmas floral arrangements for […]

We are delighted to welcome back Jane Cobbett. Jane is a tutor and collector of vintage patchwork, based in the West Midlands, she has a passion for old textiles and the methods used to create unusual and beautiful pieces from the smallest Victorian Love Token to full size quilts. In her second talk with FEWI, […]

You can learn self-care treatments that are nearly as good as the real thing (massage in-person). It might sound strange, but it does actually work! The idea came when Lana was chatting with a friend on Zoom, who said she had a sore neck and shoulders. Lana offered to show her some techniques that she […]

2pm - 4pm OR 7pm - 8.30pm   Ever thought about becoming a Federation Trustee? Then come along to our FREE informal drop-in session at WI Centre to find out more. Meet some of the existing Trustees and chat about the role. Tea/Coffee and cake supplied. 2pm - 4pm OR 7pm - 8.30pm

Welcome to the extraordinary world of Victorian Etiquette. You are all invited to attend a Victorian Finishing School for Young Ladies where you will discover the Do’s and Don’ts of courtship, calling cards, dinner party etiquette and the mysterious language of the fan. It’s great fun!! Please note that since the talk is interactive, attendees […]

  We are delighted to welcome members back to WI Centre with an opportunity to help choose speakers for our Panel of Speakers Book.  You will experience taster presentations from up to 6 new speakers.   Teas and coffees will be available but please bring your own mug.  You are welcome to bring a packed […]

Are you a new or existing MCS (Membership Communication System) Rep? Do you need help or a refresher with MCS? We are here to help you keep your WI records up to date and answer any questions. Book a place on our FREE MCS Drop-In session at WI Centre.