The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities. Learning and development has always been an integral part of the WI.

Federation Essex provides training and courses specifically for WI members at our FEWI premises at Whitelands Business Centre in Terling.

Essex Based Courses & Events

For Essex events, please see our Essex Events page.

Denman At Home Courses

Founded by the NFWI in 1948, Denman College offered day schools and residential courses in cookery, craft and lifestyle to members, as well a variety of events, conferences and weddings however, in July 2020 the NFWI trustees announced the permanent closure and sale of the college premises.

In May 2020, during lockdown, NFWI introduced Denman At Home online courses instead, with a new series of informative, entertaining shared virtual experiences. There are courses to suit all tastes from only £5 per session.  Some are pre-recorded and can be purchased and watched at a time of your choice, but most are live on Zoom at specific times.

The courses range from curries, to cakes and crochet, to papercutting, photography and Pilates. Everyone is welcome – men and women, members and non-members, beginners and more accomplished practitioners. Click to find out more about what Denman At Home can offer you!

Federation and National WI Roles

As well as learning new skills or crafts, there are also a range of roles are available for WI members to undertake either for the NFWI or within their local federation. These include:

WI Advisers

WIAs are responsible for forming, suspending and closing WIs as well as making sure members are aware of what opportunities are available to them within the WI.

Federation Representatives

Volunteers within their federation who act as a liaison between the NFWI and members in promoting and raising awareness of sport and leisure, science and combined arts.

NFWI Judges

OCN qualified and have sound technical knowledge in specific areas such as cookery, preservation, craft, floral art and staging and interpretation and to act as an educator whilst helping to improve the standard of show entries.

To find out more about these roles please contact Sarah Lawton, your Federation Secretary, at fedsec@essexwi.org.uk.