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.

Do you want to set up social media or a website for your WI? Do you have questions about how best to promote your WI on social media? Have you got a new phone or tablet that you need help with? If the answer is yes, then book a place on our FREE Digital Drop-In […]

Murray Jacobs a Cambridge Green Badge Guide running ‘Hidden Cambridge.co.uk ‘.  He will introduce you to the must see streets in Cambridge including stories of a rather eventful visit by a monarch, student antics that hit the front page and intriguing details of Kings College Chapel, to name just a few.  Whether you know Cambridge […]

Calling All Treasurers!  At last – a chance to get together in person and meet other Treasurers.  No matter how long you have been a Treasurer it is always good to share some of your best practices and pick up some tips. You may have a concern you want to chat over or you a […]

Calling All Treasurers! At last – a chance to get together in person and meet other Treasurers.  No matter how long you have been a Treasurer it is always good to share some of your best practices and pick up some tips. You may have a concern you want to chat over or you a […]

Calling All Treasurers! At last – a chance to get together in person and meet other Treasurers.  No matter how long you have been a Treasurer it is always good to share some of your best practices and pick up some tips. You may have a concern you want to chat over or you a […]

EARLY BIRD BOOKING DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS - BOOK BY 31st JANUARY @ £22.50 Non member price £28pp Would you like your cupcakes to WOW? Now is your opportunity to develop the skills to do so at this cake decorating workshop. In the morning you will learn how to colour and condition fondant so that you […]

Come and enjoy a morning of fun, learning the art of Belly Dancing.  No experience necessary.  The Tutor, Kay Beighton, will provide costumes to wear during the workshop.

Dust off those walking boots for our first walk of 2022 at Blue House Farm Nature Reserve, North Fambridge. A beautiful setting next to the River Crouch. The warden, Harry, will lead us around this wonderful natural area. Lunch can be ordered at the newly renovated Ferry Boat Inn on the day. All welcome! Meet […]

At this interesting meeting you will have the opportunity to hear details of each of the Resolutions on this year's short-list. There will also be the chance to discuss and debate these choices and find out more about the resolution process.  Hosted by FEWI's Resolutions Co-ordinator Laura Pisaneschi. Everyone is welcome - if you are […]

EARLY BIRD MEMBERS TICKET BOOK BY 21st FEBRUARY £27 NON MEMBERS £33 Would you like to learn the skills that are tested on the BBC's Great British Sewing Bee? If yes then why not join our workshop to learn/improve your machine sewing techniques and knowledge.   The workshop will cover: pattern markings, checking a pattern […]

Why not join us to try out Bowling on an outdoor artificial Bowling Green. Find out how addictive Bowling can be, it gets you out in the fresh air and helps you exercise without you really knowing it. It is a good way of making new friends and is a lot of fun. Join us […]

EARLY BIRD RATE £20 - BOOK BY 28TH FEBRUARY 2022 NON MEMBER RATE £23 We last dabbled together in 2019 so we are delighted to announce that we will be dabbling again at WI centre. This day will consist of two crafts for you to participate in - a Dorset button and a Fabric Flower […]

We are delighted to welcome members to WI Centre for the 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 lunch and stay […]

Are you new to the roles or just thinking of taking on the role of President or Secretary?  Then come along to a training session with WI Advisers, Jan and Angie, and allow us to take the uncertainties away.  The roles are important but only as onerous as you want them to be.  As with […]

Are you new to the roles or just thinking of taking on the role of President or Secretary?  Then come along to a training session with WI Advisers, Jan and Angie, and allow us to take the uncertainties away.  The roles are important but only as onerous as you want them to be.  As with […]

EARLY BIRD TICKET £48 Book by 31st March 2022 NON MEMBERS £55 Just in time for those of you planning to complete flower arrangements for the Jubilee Weekend we are offering a jubilee themed floral workshop at WI Centre. Your tutor for the workshop is Susan Horne, NAFAS Qualified Area Demonstrator and Tutor, who has […]

EARLY BIRD MEMBER PRICE £40 - BOOK BY 31ST MARCH 2022 NON MEMBER PRICE £49 The Cookery & Creative Crafts Committee is pleased to welcome a new Tutor, Nik Ravenscroft, to run a goldwork workshop. Goldwork embroidery dates back thousands of years with its roots in religious and royal embroidery and the English were renowned […]

All FEWI Climate Ambassadors are warmly welcomed to the WI Centre for a good catch up, sharing ideas and experiences over afternoon tea. All WI members who are concerned about climate change and would like to know, or do, more, or those wanting to find out about being a Climate Ambassador are very welcome to […]

FEWI is delighted to invite members to our 105th County Annual Meeting.  Along with our usual business of the day we are pleased to confirm that our speaker will be broadcaster and journalist Jennie Bond and our entertainment will be provided by community choir The Big Sing.  We are also inviting a selection of traders to tempt you […]

EARLY BIRD PRICE £32 - BOOK BY 30/04/22 NON MEMBERS £38 We are delighted to welcome back to WI Centre the fabulous Pat Lumsdale who will teach you how to make a handy tote bag and quilt it too. This 12”x 12” x 5” bag is a useful size for your bits and pieces whether […]

Meeting at Liverpool Street Station at 10am, we will travel by underground to Westminster and walk to Buckingham Palace where you will witness the Guard Change (if scheduled this day) and be given an explanation of the history of Buckingham Palace and its day-to-day workings. From here witness the new Cavalry Guard making its way […]

Welcoming all new Treasurers (plus any treasurers who would like a refresher). We will cover many of the areas of your role and you will have a chance to meet other new Treasurers. Some of our Independent Financial Examiners (IFEs) will be on hand with Federation Treasurer Moyra Jackson and, together, we can hopefully answer […]

We are delighted to welcome members to WI Centre for the 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 lunch and stay […]

Come and join us for a Summer Literary Lunch, as part of our celebrations of our Queen’s Platinum Anniversary. A two course lunch will be served at this delightful venue Our after lunch speaker will be the very entertaining author, Sarah Harrison. Your choice of menu: MAINS:   Chicken Supreme with white wine & mushroom sauce, […]

Ever wanted to learn to crochet or know somebody who does? You will learn basic crochet stitches and complete a “granny square”. Our crochet tutors will provide guidance and advice on developing your newfound crochet skills and future projects you may feel inspired to try.  All the materials for the morning session will be provided […]

Are you new to the roles or just thinking of taking on the role of President or Secretary?  Then come along to a training session with WI Advisers, Jan and Angie, and allow us to take the uncertainties away.  The roles are important but only as onerous as you want them to be.  As with […]

Are you new to the roles or just thinking of taking on the role of President or Secretary?  Then come along to a training session with WI Advisers, Jan and Angie, and allow us to take the uncertainties away.  The roles are important but only as onerous as you want them to be.  As with […]

Early bird ticket price £28 if booked before 31st May Non members £33 Ever wanted to learn to patchwork. Now C&CC are offering you the opportunity to try this diverse craft. This workshop is concentrating on one aspect of patchwork, American blocks, and you will also learn a basic quilting technique.   At the end […]

    As part of our programme of Literary Lunches, come and join us for a sumptuous lunch. Our after lunch speaker will be the very entertaining author, Amanda Campbell. Bestselling author AJ Campbell is an alumna of the Faber Academy and published her debut novel Leave Well Alone in August 2020, described as ‘a gripping story […]