NFWI Annual Review 2015-2016

THIS PAGE: WI members taking
part in courses at the WI Cookery
School in Denman
IMAGES: All Jackson Hammond
s a result, each WI – and even each
federation – is completely different. With
every WI setting their own programmes
and agendas, and federations offering
many different opportunities to members
through their annual programme of events, the
possibilities available through the WI are endless, and
the NFWI team is continually amazed and inspired
by what WI members get up to.
Denman has enjoyed a successful year with some
great events for members including an Associated
Country Women of the World (ACWW) event, lunch
with the Calendar Girls, two London Riverside
History Cruises, a Fawlty Towers evening, and a
variety of sponsored
Denman Days. The
average number of
residents per night has
increased to 58.5
people, up from 54 last
year, which means the
college has reached a
surplus of £98,837. The
Saving Denman Appeal, the member-led appeal to
raise money for the ongoing maintenance of the
house and grounds, reached £132,500, which is
positive looking forward to next year.
WI members and federations never fail to impress
when they’re planning events for their members, and
this year has been no exception. Offering something
to tempt everyone into learning more is no easy feat,
and some federations have really been striving to
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A
EVENTS INCLUDED DNA
PROFILING AND A
BLOOD SPLATTER ANALYSIS
ensure that a whole range of events and activities
are on offer to capture the interest of every member
across their WIs.
In Northamptonshire, their Science Representative
has been working very hard over the past couple of
years to bring events to members across the
federation. They planned DNA Profiling events, an
event at the Shoe
Museum in
Northampton detailing
the preservation of
shoes, and organised a
blood spatter analysis
talk that was so popular
it had to be repeated.
One of the federation’s
most successful trips was run by their Travel
Committee who contacted their local MP who
agreed to host groups of 25 members in the Houses
of Parliament. Having advertised the trip in their
newsletter, they were inundated with applications
and eventually had over 300 members and friends
apply so they organised six coaches to London over
six months, with huge thanks to their MP’s office
for organising the trips and tours. The final trip
took place on the day after the Brexit vote
DENMAN DOES IT AGAIN!
“What makes Denman such a special place and
why do I want to return? The fabulous food…
the warm traditional accommodation…the
friendship from those you meet…the serenity
and beauty of the grounds…and the skills learnt
on yet another great course! For those who
have never been please do, because you will
not be disappointed. I promise once you have
been you will want to return!”
- Debbie Bull, Swaffham Evening WI,
Norfolk Federation
WELL DONE DENMAN
“I have had a wonderful time! The
accommodation was excellent, good food
and very friendly staff. The host was
approachable and nothing was too much
trouble. I came away feeling determined
that I will return. Ladies, do not feel
reluctant to go on your own, you will very
quickly feel part of the Denman family.”
- Shirley Franklin, New Barkby WI,
Leicestershire and Rutland Federation
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