Welcome to Example Federation

Elizabeth CochraneFederation Chairman

Bedfordshire is the smallest Shire County in England and has borders with Cambridgeshire in the east, Hertfordshire in the south, Northamptonshire in the north and Buckinghamshire in the west. We currently have 70 WIs with a membership of over 2300.Our first WI was formed in 1917, six of the inaugural WIs have survived and they celebrated their centenaries in 2018. The Federation was formed in September, 1919 and we are celebrated our Centenary in 2019.

Every WI is unique, some are very small others much larger with over 100 members. They are based in villages and towns and their activities vary as to their size, location and collective interests. As well as their regular monthly meeting when members listen to a speaker, learn a new skill and enjoy a cup of tea or glass of wine they read the Federation newsletter, the 'Bedfordshire WI News' plan their own outings or book on to events the Federation have organised. Our members enjoy a wide variety of actives, including ladies that lunch, coffee mornings, walking/rambling, book and craft clubs and get involved with National Campaigns.

The one thing our WIs share is that they will ensure you receive a warm welcome. If you visit a WI for the first time and it does not suit your needs, please do visit another WI within your vicinity. The WI is what you make of it and is a wonderful way to make new friends when you move to a new area.

Bedfordshire has significant new developments and we are very keen to form new WIs in the new communities being created. Our WI Advisors would be only too pleased to assist in looking to form a new WI in your area if there isn’t one.

If you are interested in joining a Bedfordshire WI, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please do not hesitate in contacting our County Office on 01234 359538 or email: FedSec@Bedfordshirewis.org.uk.

Elizabeth Cochrane

Federation Chairman