Sub Committees
Arts & Leisure covers events and workshops, including the theatre, photography, poetry, literary lunches, Christmas Carol concert/services. They organise our darts tournament, inter-WI quiz tournament, walks, relaxing and informative days out, and the occasional sporting activity. For more information click here.
Sue MacEwen, Purleigh WI | Chair | |
Moyra Jackson, Elsenham WI | ||
Kay Lodge, Sandon & Marconi Belles WIs | ||
Gill Sewell, Great Hallingbury WI | ||
Kate Clarke, Orchard Springs WI | ||
Penny Patman, Burnham on Crouch WI |

We organise day courses and demonstrations in all aspects of Cookery, Flower Arranging and a wide variety of Crafts, to appeal to as wide a cross section of members as possible, in line with the WI ethos to offer opportunities for enjoyable learning for life. For more information click here.
We welcome suggestions for future workshops from our members.
Fiona Cattermole, Hatfield Broad Oak WI | Chair |
Lesley Evans, Dolphin WI | Vice Chair |
Gill Hathaway, Elsenham WI | |
Paulette Brabin, Great Hallingbury WI | |
Angela Flynn, Chignals & Mashbury WI | |
Moyra Jackson, Elsenham WI | |
Margaret Cooper, (Country Markets), Woodham Ferrers WI |
Members Advisory Team (MAT):
The Members Advisory Team or MAT as it’s often referred to, comprises the WI Advisers, (some of whom are Federation Trustees), Trainee WI Advisers and MAT helpers. WI Advisers are voluntary WI members who have undergone training provided by the NFWI, which enables them to help and support members in every aspect of their WI life. They provide the vital link between WIs, Federation and the National levels of the organisation. For more information click here.
MAT is a fully inclusive team offering flexible working for any member to train as an Adviser regardless of her work, family or care commitments.
WI Advisers
Angie Stephenson, Eastons & Tilty & Dunmow WIs | ||
Jan Curtis, Bulphan WI |
Kay Lodge, Sandon & Marconi Belles WIs | |
Pat Pratley, Manuden WI |
MAT Helper
Diane Tyrrell, Harold Wood Evening WI | |
Tricia Evans, Shenfield & Hutton Morning WI | |
Sue MacEwen, Purleigh WI | |
Shirley Perkins, Leigh Evening WI | |
Jan Nash, Buttsbury WI |
PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Public Affairs aims to help members turn their concerns in to resolutions be they at local, Federation or NFWI level.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution Coordinator can advise on the process to take your resolution forward across these levels. The Resolution Coordinator is also the go to person for updates on NFWI campaigns and finding out how to become the Resolution Representative for your WI, please contact publicaffairs@essexwi.org.uk for more information or click here to visit their page.
Laura Pisaneschi, Chafford Hundred WI, Resolution Coordinator
CLIMATE AMBASSADORS
Essex are lucky to have several Climate Ambassadors who discuss and work on matters relating to Climate Change, our Lead Climate Ambassador coordinates meetings, contacting MPs and arranging events and welcomes members interested in this topic, email publicaffairs@essexwi.org.uk if you’d like to find out more about becoming a Climate Ambassador or click here to visit their page.

Jill Bruce
Chappel & Wakes Colne WI
Lead Climate Ambassador
ACWW
Essex Federation are an Associate Member of ACWW – take a look at the ACWW section under Links for more information and updates or contact acww@essexwi.org.uk for more details.

Philippa Croft
Guildhall Girls WI
ACWW Representative
I have been a WI member for 36 years – a natural progression from Brownies and Guides in my distant youth, where I learnt crafts, home-skills, a love of the countryside, community involvement and making friends from a wide range of backgrounds.
I was brought up in Kent, moved to north London when I married and after several job and house moves finally settled in the Cambs/Essex borders area near Saffron Walden. My career in computing included working in a variety of industries (sometimes in Europe), and as General Sec. for Girlguiding Anglia region. When my daughter was small I took time out to train as a teacher and enjoyed the adult learning experience so much that I went on to study for a degree with the Open University – I love a challenge!
I’ve been a member of five different WIs, currently at Guildhall Girls (Thaxted) and Radwinter, taking on various committee roles along the way. This included being on the Community & International Committee in Cambridge, participating in the ‘Think Romania’ campaign.
The invitation to be further involved at committee level for Essex Federation was an opportunity to gain a wider understanding of WI matters. Since 2012 I’ve been part of the Public Affairs team and took on the role of FEWI Rep for ACWW shortly after. Initially I knew very little about this amazing organisation (Associated Country Women of the World) but am now a passionate advocate for everything it stands for and works to achieve towards international friendship and the empowerment of women.
I enjoy promoting ACWW to WIs in Essex, and especially meeting Reps from other Federations at ACWW events and Conferences, both in the UK and abroad.
MEDIA/DIGITAL TEAM:
Website, Publicity, Social Media and Digital Team:
Janet Attewell (Mayflowers WI), Eileen Brown (Great Bromley WI), Jan Curtis (Bulphan WI), Sue MacEwan (Purleigh WI), Dora Bowes (First Ladies Barking and Dagenham WI) and Clare Wood (Witham WI)
EWIN Editorial Team:
Lesley Crisp (Bulphan WI), Jan Curtis (Bulphan WI), Tracey Enderby (Associate) and Clare Wood (Witham WI)
ARCHIVE TEAM:
For more information click here.
Liz Buxton (Shenfield & Hutton Morning WI), Jan Curtis (Bulphan WI), Tina Holland (Paycocks WI) and Hazel Welch (Wanstead WI).