A very warm welcome to Kirtlington WI
The Women’s Institute (WI) was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then, our aims have broadened and we are now the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK. There are around 180,000 members in approximately 5,500 WIs.
Kirtlington WI has been active in the village for over 100 years. We aim to be a safe space for members of all ages (18+) and with diverse backgrounds and interests to get together to meet up with friends old and new, share their life experiences, and have fun together learning new things.
We meet on the second Thursday of each month, usually in the Village Hall, at 7pm.
Our programme is interesting, varied and always social and fun, ranging from Korean cookery, wine tasting, yoga, crafts and photography, to learning all about the power of gardening for mental health recovery. Members usually bring ‘shared plates’ for a light supper (many of our members are excellent cooks but home baking is most definitely not expected!) and a variety of ‘liquid refreshments’ are always available.
We also have an active book group, monthly coffee mornings, a regular newsletter, organise various social trips and get involved with local events – one of our members even offers Spanish lessons!
On a county and national basis you can get involved with WI campaigns and initiatives and attend in-person or virtual seminars, courses and educational events.
New members and visitors are always warmly welcomed (we charge a small fee for non-members). You do not need to live in Kirtlington to join us.
The WI is an inclusive organisation and we adhere to the Code of Conduct, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding and other relevant policies of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.
Please email kirtlingtonwi@oxfordshirewi.co.uk and we’ll be pleased to tell you more.
We look forward to welcoming you!