Do you always wish that you could draw? Well now is your chance to learn. come and join in the fun at the WI Centre with the summer holiday special learn to draw day. Your tutor will be Robert Finlay (Chairman of the Witham Art and Sketch Club). An ideal day for Mothers, Grandmothers and Grand-daughters […]

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE RE-SCHEDULED DATE FROM THE CANCELLED EVENT ON MAY THE 14TH. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED AND BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THE CANCELLED EVENT THERE IS NO NEED TO APPLY FOR THIS EVENT.Back by popular demand Melinda Berkowitz returns to tutor a further workshop. Melinda sais.........'This workshop will explore the numerous possibilities […]

Get out those Walking Boots!A scenic walk to visit Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park in the Roach Valley to view the picturesque lake area. The 200 acre wildlife park was opened on former agriculture land in 2003, and to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar an avenue of some 200 oak trees were […]

A wonderful opportunity to learn more about these roles within the WI. You may have just taken on the role or may be thinking about it, please come along and learn more!  Tickets are £5.00 per person.

Sat 15th Sept 2018, 10am to 4pm, at Rainham Hall, EssexCome and join us on a great day out in support of the WI campaign on food waste.Entrance is free apart from entrance to the Hall itself, where normal NT admission fees apply.The WI has always been in the forefront of issues over food particularly during […]

IRIS FOLDINGTUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2018WI CENTRE10.30am to 1pmIris Folding is a lovely way to recycle paper, whether it is old envelopes or wrapping paper they can all be transformed into beautiful cards you will be proud to give to family and friends.This workshop is suitable for those new to this craft and under Sheila Gunson's […]

Join us for a walk around the picturesque village of Radwinter, through meadow and farmland beside the River Pant.Wednesday 26th September 2018Meet at 10.15 for 10.30 start.The walk is approximately 3 miles and we will meet at the Radwinter Recreation ground, Water Lane CB10 2TY.Radwinter WI have kindly offered to serve us light lunch after […]

With the luck the sun will be shining as you read this and September seems a long way ahead, but we would like to invite you to another of our literary lunches, this time with local author Liz Trenow, as the after lunch speaker! The menu will be Lemon Roast Chicken followed by Peach Melba Roulade! […]

Never visited Denman College or would like to take a friend or your partner to show them why you love Denman so much or perhaps you would just like a good day out? Here is a good opportunity to have a true Taste of Denman on Monday 1st October 2018. You will join the coach at the […]

The Trustees are pleased to announce that Helen Pankhurst - Great Grand-Daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst has been confirmed as one of the speakers at this event.  Helen will be bringing along her latest book and will happily sign any copies you purchase. The book will be on sale for £20.00 (RRP £25) but if there […]

Do you have not-so-fond memories of Shakespeare from your schooldays? All those long speeches and strange words and worst of all being made to read them out in from of class? Well, 30 of your fellow members would disagree with you! the recent Shakespeare Workshop that was held at WI HQ was such a success that […]

Now is the time to banish your old plastic lunch bag for good!This workshop, led by tutor Debbie Gair of C and G Crafts, means that you can create your own unique lunch bag.All the materials will be provided for you, but each kit will be slightly different.Please note that this workshop involves the use […]

This workshop hosted by Cookery and Creative Crafts offers the opportunity to try two different seasonal crafts. Julie Alen will lead a morning workshop ,when you will make 3 different Christmas Gift Bags. You will need to bring a roll of wrapping paper (min 3m ),scissors, ruler, pencil and double sided tape (thin width), Never again […]

The Celebrations will include guest entertainers at both services,Baynards School choir in the afternoon, and theEssex Police Choir in the evening.Also, Roger & Ruth Montgomery will return this year to entertain us with their music on flute and guitar.  Not forgetting the favourite seasonal carols and readings!All this will bring an enjoyable start to the […]

The Celebrations will include guest entertainers at both services,Baynards School choir in the afternoon, and theEssex Police Choir in the evening.Also, Roger & Ruth Montgomery will return this year to entertain us with their music on flute and guitar.  Not forgetting the favourite seasonal carols and readings!All this will bring an enjoyable start to the […]

The beginners workshop will be areal opportunity to re-learn the hows and whys of watercolour painting. Both colour and texture will be tackled, along with plenty of demonstrations and personal attention from a very experienced tutor. All the equipment will be provided but please bring a large apron nor an old shirt to protect your clothes.Tea […]

Don't miss out! Only a couple of places left on our members only 2 day long, Mental Health First Aid training.9.30am - 4.30pm both daysHeld at the WI Centre.£32 pp. BYO packed lunch.Book by emailing tickets@essexwi.org.uk

SHOW THE LOVE !Come to the WI Centre 10am - 3pm on Friday 1st March to seeHow many Green Hearts can you pin on your MP!Let’s all share our Green Heart ideas in an exhibition.Find out how to get your MP working for you - Invite your MP to pop in and join us!speakers include:Ann […]

Is it your Wis turn to convene the group meeting?Have you been out in charge?Come along to this workshop for hints and tips on running a successful event!Doors open at 9.45am please bring your own mug, £7.50pp

For this year's Meeting we are delighted to announce our special guest is BBC Radio 4's Rev'd Richard Coles.Reverend Coles is the host Radio 4's Saturday Live, and former competitor on Strictly Come Dancing as well as a musician, journalist and Church of England priest, who was one half of The Communards, a popular 80's band whose […]

Learn how to make these unique brooches using zips and a variety of techniques with wool felting and fabric. All the materials for the course are included in the price, all you need to bring is your sewing kit with scissors, sewing needles and dont forget your glasses.Your tutor for the workshop is Marian Chapman, […]

Discover the hidden gardens of the City of London.Sunday 31st March. 10.15am for 10.30am start.Meet at Liverpool Street Station (outside the toiletsPlease see your Essex News for full details! "End time is unknown"

Along the river into Rowhedge and up through the gardens of Donyland Hall.Call the office for more detailsEnd time is approx, could take longer!!

10.15am for a 10.30 start (Duration approx. 1 hour)We are going on a short walk around Hornchurch Country Park, the walk will be led by one of the members of Hornchurch Harmonies and is to mark ACWW Day, the Associated Country Women of the World. The walk is to recognise and support women of the […]

Gift Aid has been around for a long time now and it is surprising how few WIs claim, so we are putting on two working sessions to help you set up your own Wis claim on your laptop.These sessions will be hands on working time to enable your WI to claim money back from HMRC […]

The Arts and Leisure Committee is delighted to offer our members a chance to visit the Historic Chatham Docks for the highly acclaimed ‘Call The Midwife’ Tour. The tour itself takes around 90 minutes and there will be lots of time to see some of the other attractions at the Docks including three historic warships […]

Gift Aid has been around for a long time now and it is surprising how few WIs claim, so we are putting on two working sessions to help you set up your own Wis claim on your laptop.These sessions will be hands on working time to enable your WI to claim money back from HMRC […]

Join us for an invigorating 3 mile walk along the sea wall on Canvey Island. We will be able to take in the fresh sea air, the surrounding views and look at all the lovely murals painted on the sea wall.Wednesday 15th May.   10.15 - 10.30 start.Meet at Labworth Car Park. Post Code SS8 7NQCar […]

Come along to one of the upcoming New Speakers Days and get a head start on booking them for your future meetings. Bring along your lunch and mug. 

Intermediate EmbroideryTuesdays - June 11th, June 25th, July 9th and July 16th. 10.00 – 1.00Doors open at 9.45WI centreFollowing on from our successful Learn to Embroider class, the Cookery and Creative Crafts committee have organised a series of four three hour workshops for members wishing to develop their embroidery skills. This class is suitable for […]

The Cookery and Creative Crafts Committee are delighted to welcome the amazingly talented Katie Lynn, a glass artist producing quirky and original glass pieces, based at Molten Wonky in Saffron Walden.With Katie you will have the opportunity to make 4 pieces from a selection of items such as coasters, pictures, suncatchers or hearts – and […]

We are pleased to be able to offer this screening service again at the WI Centre on the 3rd of July. The screening itself is completely painless, with good guidance given should any follow-up be necessary.All consultations are completely private and you receive the results immediately.The cost is £25 per person for a 10 minute […]

Join us for a cruise on an old Thames Barge, sailing on the picturesque River Blackwater. Meet at 1.30pm on the Hythe Quay - MaldonThere are various car parks around the town a short walk from Hythe Quay. Please be sure to wear suitable clothing and flat shoes. This trip may not be suitable for anyone with […]

GET OUT THOSE WALKING BOOTS Join us for a 3 mile walk along the beach (depending on tides) and back along the cliff top, ending at the Naze Tower and Essex Wildlife Trust Centre.Wednesday 10th July 2019Meet at 10.15 for 10.30 start, The walk will start at the Naze Car Park CO1 48LF. Pay and […]

The County's biggest Food Festival returns to Cressing Temple Barns on the 13th and 14th July!Over 100 food and drink stands, 3 chef demonstrations stages, 2 food courts, live music, talks and tastings and free kids activities. A fantastic foodie weekend for all the family. Visit www.essexfoodfestival.co.uk to buy your advanced tickets and to find […]

Come and join us for a relaxing afternoon (hopefully the sun will shine) Bring your favourite poems, and/or write your own poetry to enjoy with a glass or two of Pimms (alcoholic or non alcoholic) or tea, along with a cream tea. £10.00 per person.Closing date 11 July 2019

A Wonderful lunch is planned on Monday the 5th of August - 12.30pm for 1pm start.Later we will hear from a local rep of the RNLI who will tell us about their work along this coastal area of Essex.£21.00 per head for Members£23.00 Non Members

We hope that you can join us for lunch at Tilbury Community Centre on the 13th for August 1pm for 1.30pm start.Your speaker for the afternoon will be Fiona Craven a Border Force Maritime Intelligence Officer covering a large area including hr entire Essex Coast Line. The role of her team is to gather information […]

Get out those Walking Shoes!!!!Approximately 3 mile walk on public footpaths around the picturesque village of Colne Engaine. We will be showing local points of interest and also asking walkers to answer a few simple questions, the answers to which will become evident during the walk.Wednesday 14th August 201910.15am -10.30am start, meeting at Courtauld Memorial […]

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 […]