To ensure the smooth running of the WI as an organisation, it has been structured on a local, regional and national level.

28 local WIs on the Isle of Wight

Each WI on the Island differs in size, the time and the day that they meet, and each one offers a different variety of activities and events. Each WI is run by a Committee, and each must have a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. However, the number of Committee members, and their roles, will differ for each individual WI. Every individual WI meets 11 times a year (usually not in August).

There is usually a speaker, demonstration or activity at every meeting for members to learn and develop a range of different skills. Most of the WIs have sub-groups that you can attend, which may offer craft activities, book clubs, walking groups, theatre outings etc. If you want to suggest a new sub-group activity, you can.

We have just under 900 members on the Island. You can belong to more than one WI at the same time.

Regional Federations

Every WI is self-governing within the framework of the WI constitution and belongs to a regional office, known as a federation. Federations are the link between the WI in their area and the WI’s national office in London.

The Isle of Wight Federation started in 1919. Our office is located in Newport, at 42 Carisbrooke Road. We are open Tuesdays, 0930-1430. Visitors and members are always welcome. Our Federation Chairman is Sue Biss. Our Federation Treasurer is Hazel Breach, and our Federation Secretary is Georgina Moon. Our Office Manager is Valerie Andrews. In addition, we have a further eight members who, in addition to the four named above, make up the Board of Trustees.

Everyone involved in the day-to-day running of the Isle of Wight Federation is a unpaid volunteer. Even the Chairman!

National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI)

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation as a whole. Its headquarters are located in London.