NFWI Annual Review 2015-2016

IMAGE: Andy Lane
WELCOME
JANICE LANGLEY
Chair of the NFWI
W
hat another amazing
year to be a part of the
WI! Whilst this year
has been a little
quieter than 2015, things have
been anything but ordinary. This
year we evaluated the final
centenary activities and all of the
media attention, but with 168 new
WIs and 36,630 new members
joining, bringing the total to
224,624 WI members, this
definitely isn’t the time for us to
rest on our laurels.
Hearing from WI members who
are happy to share their views on
the direction of the organisation
has led to the development of a
monumental project that will
evaluate the thoughts and feelings
of every single WI member. I hope
that everyone submitted
responses to the Our WI, Our
Future questionnaire to make
their voices heard and have a real
stake in the future of the WI. The
resulting report promises to
influence and update many
elements of the organisation and
make the WI stronger than ever.
As a three-tier organisation, the
WI works to ensure that the best
opportunities are on offer to every
member, and this research will
provide vital information to direct
the WI into the future, and
guarantee that all members have
played a part in the direction that
the organisation takes. It really is
an exciting project and I know
that everyone at the NFWI is
looking forward to sharing the
findings.
Following testing times, this year I
have more positive news from
Denman. This year’s results are
encouraging, with an increase in
the average number of people
staying overnight and over half of
our 69 federations making a trip.
The launch of the Saving Denman
Appeal, an appeal run by WI
members to develop specific funds
to underwrite the maintenance of
the building, had a positive start
and many
fundraising activities
have been planned.
Having said this,
Denman is not out of
the woods: an
increase in student
numbers is essential
for the college to
survive. These funds
are dedicated to
essential
maintenance to keep the building
running; Denman needs course
bookings to be able to continue
offering its unique educational
experience. I know there are
thousands of keen Denman
supporters out there who are
“This
definitely
isn’t the time
for us to rest
on our
laurels.”
already planning their next visit.
The seminal report produced last
year – The WI at 100 – not only
reflected on the wealth of
campaigning work that members
have undertaken since 1915, but
sought to find out what members
really think about pressing issues
the organisation should address.
Whilst the results will guide future
projects in line with previous
mandates, members’ continuing
interest in making a positive
difference in the world was
reflected in the two new mandates
voted for in Brighton. It is
particularly exciting that we will
be working on two diverse topics
after our very special
centenary year.
After another
amazing year, thank
you to all of the NFWI
Trustees who
dedicate so much to
ensure that we can all
do our best for all
members. Personal
thanks go to all WIs
and federations who
have invited me to special events
this year. Sincere thanks go to Jana
Osborne and all of the staff who
work tirelessly to ensure that WI
members can enjoy every aspect
of their membership – here’s to
another inspiring WI year!
IMAGE: Pershore WI
THE WI IS HERE TO
INSPIRE YOU
SINCE THE VERY BEGINNINGS OF THE ORGANISATION, THE
NFWI HAS BEEN THE BACKBONE AND SUPPORT FOR ALL
MEMBERS TO LEARN NEW SKILLS AND STRIVE TO ACHIEVE
EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAVE WANTED TO THROUGH THEIR
WI MEMBERSHIP
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