Latest News
There's always something going on
With thousands of members across the county there's always something interesting going an and so much we want to share with you. Keep up to date with all our latest news and check back regularly for updates and details of events and meetings.
Jigsaw Race – 18th November – Eastham Rake
Cheshire News – October Edition
We are delighted to post the October Cheshire News featuring all the news from across the Federation including the Cheshire Virtual Fun Show. Why not take a seat with a nice warm drink and have a read. The Trustees have…
The Shortlisted Resolution results are in!
Final Resolutions Shortlist 2021/22 Following the NFWI Resolution Shortlist Selection meeting on 5th October 2021, here is the final shortlist chosen by member and federation delegates. Each member has one vote which needs to be returned to the Federation Resolutions…
Turning Cheshire Federation Green
Ahead of COP26 in November The Climate Coalition planned for a Great Big Green Week. The idea was to let individuals and community groups come together to plan events to raise awareness of climate change and flag our concerns. The…
Art and Craft – Decorate your Tote Bag
Decorate Your Tote Bag Did you join the Arts and Craft Sub-Committee for the Decorate Your Tote Bag workshop ? If you didn’t make it don’t worry you can have a go from the comfort of your own. Here are…
Virtual Literary Lunch – Simon Michael – 4th October 2021
On Monday 4th October we welcomed 63 members to our first virtual literary lunch. We enjoyed having a lovely chat whilst eating a variety of lunches including radish leaves, salads and soup and one member even joined us doing her…
Virtual Fun Show – 2021
Video with Judges comments can be found at the bottom of the report. Photographs of Winners and Highly Commended for Each Category Please press the link to see all the entries received and the judges comments Virtual Fun Show –…
Crochet for Beginners – 17th August 2021
Did you join the Arts and Craft Sub-Committee for the first in a series of workshops to help your get to grips with crochet? Some 75 members popped in to see if they could start of the challenge of learning…
Cheshire News – June 21 Edition
Thank you for all those who completed the Membership Survey in 2020. We found that 73.5% of the respondents found the majority of their information from both the Cheshire News and 86.63% from their own WIs. However, we are aware…
Knitting for Beginners – 22nd June 2021
Did you join the Arts and Craft Sub-Committee for the first in a series of workshops to help get you started to knit? Don’t worry if you didn’t make it there is still time to join in. Try and follow…
NFWI Virtual Annual Meeting Report- 8th June 2021
THE NFWI VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING 2021 A warm welcome from Lynne Stubbings (chair NFWI) opened this historic day for the NFWI as it was the first time, they were holding a hybrid Annual Meeting which was being broadcast live to…
Virtual Meeting – Ailsa Holland – 9th June 2021
On Wednesday the 9th June we had the pleasure in welcoming Dr Ailsa Holland co-creator of the feminist history Twitter account @OnThisDayShe and co-author of On This Day She: Putting Women Back into History, One Day at a Time…
Virtual Meeting – Souriyat across Borders – 27th May 2021
We welcomed over 140 members to this meeting and had an incredible response with many saying they felt humbled. We heard from 2 of the 5 founding members of SAB, Samera Zeitoun, Samara Atassi and Bara’a al Dalati. All 3…
Thread Catcher – 25th May 2021
Tricia Jones helped 36 women to make a thread catcher last night using things found around the home. Well you might need to eat a few Pringles to start with! What great fun was had by all! Some of the…
April 21 – Cheshire News
Thank you for all those who completed the Membership Survey in 2020. We found that 73.5% of the respondents found the majority of their information from both the Cheshire News and 86.63% from their own WIs. However, we are aware…
New Information for Produce Judges / Organisers – 13.5.21
The following is an update and advice I have received from NFWI for Judges which will also be useful Information for WIs who are considering holding a Produce show. * The Food standards Agency website states that ‘Coronavirus(COVID-19): it is…
Virtual Meeting – Dorothy Byrne – Editor in Chief Channel Four News and Current Affairs – 10th May 21
Dorothy Byrne was a great fit for our theme of hearing from inspiring women when she joined 172 members on the 10th May. She has just stood down as Editor at Large at Channel 4 Television having joined this profession…
Report of CFWI Virtual Resolution Meeting 6th May 2021
CFWI Resolution Meeting 6th May 2021 We were delighted to welcome over 120 members to our virtual resolution meeting. For those of you who were not able to attend here is a brief write up of the evening. And for…
Denman Blood Bike Name Announced!
Cheshire Federation names the newest Blood Bike for Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bike. Helen Bundy – Blood Bikes Co-ordinator writes – SHROPSHIRE, STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE BLOOD…
Virtual Meeting – Claire Birkenshaw – 28th April 2021
On Wednesday the 28th April at 7.30pm start we were delighted to welcome Claire Birkenshaw. Claire taught in secondary schools during her 26-year teaching career culminating in the role of principal at an Alternative Provision Academy where she has gained…
Virtual Meetings – Ruth Rabet – Hidden Disabilities – 22nd April 21
On Thursday the 22nd April at 7.30pm we were delighted to welcome Ruth Rabét – Business Development Director of The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited. It was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and discuss members experiences within their own…
Virtual Meeting – Sue Kendall – Mastermind – 21st April 21
On Wednesday the 21st April at 1.15pm we were delighted to welcome Sue Kendall for our first lunch time session. Seventy six members ate their lunch and chattered prior to the start whilst waiting to be entertained. Sue responded to…
Virtual Meeting – Kirsty Murphy – Red Arrows Pilot – 14th April 2021
On Wednesday the 14th April we had the pleasure in welcoming 348 members to listen to Kirsty Murphy the world’s first, and only, female Red Arrows pilot. Photos courtesy of Kirsty Murphy She is as much at home in the…
Upcycle a Sweater – 13th April 2021
Susan Leicester presented a number of ways to upcycle a wool sweater in an entertaining and at times hilarious way to 68 members. Everyone seemed to have a great time with lots of ideas to get crafting and upcycling as…
Virtual Fun Show – FINAL DATE for entries 30th July 2021
Would you appreciate an opportunity to have fun when entering a Show where your items are not marked but prizes are awarded? Well, now is your opportunity! The Federation is holding a virtual free FUN show. Prizes will be awarded…
Bee Imports from Italy – Take Action
Here in Cheshire we have our own CFWI Bee Resolution Mandate. Sybil Graham – Trustee – was heavily involved in the bee resolution/mandate at a national level and attended several events in Parliament and at London conferences on behalf of…
NFWI News – 24.3.21
Good Afternoon, I hope this email finds you well. NEW! Me, Myself & WI On behalf of the NFWI Activities Committee, I’m pleased to write and announce details of an exciting new activity taking place in May for WI members…
Virtual Meeting – Chris Duffin – 22nd March 2021
On Monday the 22nd March we had the pleasure in welcoming Chris Duffin. This meeting produced our highest attended Zoom meeting with 443 Cheshire Federation members attending. As the first female governor into HMP Strangeways and the notorious Dartmoor Prison,…
Virtual Meeting – Toto James – 9th March 2020
On Tuesday the 9th March at 7pm for a 7.30pm start we had the pleasure in welcoming Toto James. Toto was co-opted to the Board of Trustees in November 2019. She is also Vice Chairman and a Trustee of Surrey…
Virtual Craft – Celebration Shoe
Christmas (or any other celebration) Shoe – Zoom Meeting showed us a way to re-use greetings cards. Fifty eight members watched Tricia gave us hints and tips to work our magic to produce little shoes ideal for Christmas, Easter, Baby…
Virtual Meeting – Katie Awdas – Living with Endometriosis
On Thursday the 25th February at 7pm for a 7.30 start we had the pleasure in welcoming Katie Awdas talking about Living with Endometriosis. It is thought that around 176 million girls and women suffer from endometriosis worldwide.…
Virtual Meeting – Jackie Bell – 10th February 2021
On Wednesday the 10th February at 7pm for a 7.30 start we had the pleasure in welcoming Dr Jackie Bell a Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London and Honorary Fellow of the University of Liverpool Mathematics Department. Having always…
Virtual Talk – Jacqui Felix-Mitchell – 28th January 2021
On Thursday the 28th January at 7pm for a 7.30pm start we had the pleasure in welcoming Jacqui Felix- Mitchell – Member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and RHS Garden Design Consultancy. Thank you to the 375 members who…
Arts and Craft Committee – Virtual Meeting – Felt Bauble – 19th January 2021
Arts & Crafts Sub-Committee Zoom Workshop – PDF Instructions posted here Bauble – not just for Christmas! MaryAnn Dryer showed 85 members how to make a felt bauble from the comfort of their own homes. Some were following along and…
Virtual Meeting – Clare Pooley – 13th January 2021
On Wednesday the 13th January we have the pleasure in welcoming Clare Pooley. Over 200 members joined us to be inspired by Clare’s story from alcoholism and breast cancer. She was honest and upbeat. The Q & A was wonderful…
Virtual Meeting – Julia Fawcett – 17th December 2020
We were delighted to be able to welcome Julia Fawcett, CEO of The Lowry Theatre to speak to us in December. The Lowry, is the ‘go to’ theatre for many members of the Cheshire Federation. It is one of the…
Virtual Christmas Celebration – 22nd December 2020
Helen is a member of Cale Green WI, Stockport, Cheshire Federation On Tuesday the 22nd December Cheshire Federation Trustees we had the pleasure of inviting members to a Christmas Celebration for a musical evening of much needed Christmas merriment with…
Table Runner – Arts & Craft Sub-Committee – 1.12.20
Arts & Crafts Sub- Committee Zoom Workshop – PDF Instructions Attached The Roger Bannister of Table Runner On the 1st December 2020 Bev Langham showed members how to make possibly the fastest sewn table runner. Make as last-minute gifts for…
Virtual Meeting – Sarah Drew Jones – 26th November 2020
On Thursday 26th November at 7pm for a 7.30 start we had the pleasure in welcoming Sarah Drew Jones, journalist and editor of WI Life. One hundred and sixty three members attended the event We discovered the reason articles are…
Centenary Day – 17th November 2020
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHESHIRE FEDERATION. IT IS A OUR 100TH BIRTHDAY!! BEST WISHES TO ALL MEMBERS. HERE IS A VIDEO I MADE TO MARK THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY. JEAN, FEDERATION CHAIRMAN. Jean Harding – Chairman Today is Cheshire Federations Centenary Birthday.…
Resolution Shortlist Discussion Meeting – 12th November 2020
We had 104 participants at the peak of our federation resolution shortlist discussion meeting tonight. Run by members of our Public Affairs team and other enthusiastic members we had 5 different members present each of the proposed resolutions and then…
Virtual Meeting – Jen Gale – Sustainable-ish – 9th November 2020
On 9th November we had the pleasure in welcoming our next inspirational women, Jen Gale. An author, public speaker with an online following of 50k and a campaigner with kindness for being Sustainable-ish. This is for absolutely anyone who wants…
Virtual Meeting – Wendy Mitchell – 12th October 2020
On Monday 12th October 2020 we welcomed our next inspirational women, Wendy Mitchell, author of the bestselling book and Richard & Judy selection ‘Somebody I Used to Know’. Highly recommended and definitely uplifting. Workaholic Wendy spent 20 years working for…
Virtual Meeting – Ann Featherstone – 28th October 2020
On Wednesday 28th October 2020 we had the pleasure in welcoming Dr Ann Featherstone who will be talking to us about ‘A Storm in a Teashop the waitresses’ strike of 1908’ Who knew this happened? At lunch time, 8th April 1908,…
Virtual Meeting – Sarah Slater – 29th September 2020
On Tuesday 29th September 2020 we welcomed Susan Slater. Affiliate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, qualified White Badge for Hampton Court Palace. Leading guided tours of Hampton Court Palace, Guide Lecturer, Hampton Court Palace. Amazing 300 members attended the…
16th September 2020 – WI Day – Videos with Lynne Stubbings and Melissa Green
16th September 2020 – Celebrate WI DAY – Lynne Stubbings – NFWI Chair – 16th September 2020 Melissa Green – General Secretary – 16th September 2020 WI DAY 2020 – VIdeo
Denman Clearance of Cheshire Bedroom – Update – 23rd September 2020
Denman Closure You will be aware that earlier in the year in order to make Denman profitable and ready for a wider clientele plans were made for a revamp of the bedrooms. Federations were asked to collect items from sponsored…
Virtual Meeting – Elizabeth Gowing – 16thSeptember 2020
On Wednesday the 16th September we had the pleasure in welcoming Elizabeth Gowing speaking to us direct from Kosovo. Elizabeth is a trained teacher and a travel writer. She has written 5 travel books, 4 about Kosovo and in 2016…
Denman Weekend – October 2019
On Friday 25th October 2019 – 52 members travelled to Denman for a weekend of learning, fun and relaxation. After settling into their room tea and cake was the introduction to the delicious food enjoyed throughout the…
Chester Cathedral Community Cross
Chester Cathedral Community Cross and WI plaque These pictures show the Community Cross on display in Chester cathedral. Patricia Faraday, Hough WI who…
Asian Hornet Watch Week – 7th September 2020
Jane Parry has highlighted that threat of the Asian Hornet on our local Bees. The aims is to engage the public to download the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app onto their phones so they have the information ready to hand to…
Zoom License – 4th September 2020
Zoom license Unfortunately despite Jason’s valiant efforts, we have not been able to make any progress with Zoom to get an enhanced NFWI-discount code for federation/WI use. Youthful as we are, they reserve their corporate discounts for organisations working directly…
Denman Update 4th September 2020
Dear Members, Last month, you will have hopefully received via your Federation a letter from Jeryl Stone and Lynne Stubbings regarding the NFWI Board of Trustees difficult decision to propose the closure of Denman College (dated 21 July 2020). In…
Denman At Home – Zeta J Emmett – CFWI Trustee
DENMAN AT HOME I would never have had the time, energy or resources to attend 10 Denman courses in as many weeks but that is what Denman at Home has empowered me to do .No travel ,no stress and the…
Board of Trustees Meeting – 18th August 2020
Ever wondered how your Federation Trustees conduct their Board Meetings? Warm meeting room, coffee and cakes? Or a leaky barn all socially distanced with two Trustees on Zoom. Whilst fulfilling our legal obligations, in not too perfect conditions, it was…
Virtual Talk – Stacey Copeland – 17th August 2020
On Monday we had the pleasure to hear Stacey Copeland speak to us. What a breath of fresh air she was. As a child she has no interest in playing with “that thing with elastic bands” and loved to play…
Virtual Meeting – Millys Shoes – 21st July 2020
Last night we had the privilege of inviting Emily from Milly J Shoes, Norwich to give her talk ‘Walk in Your Own Shoes’ to over 150 ladies for our final Federation virtual event of July. Emily was abandoned on a…
CFWI Virtual Resolutions Meeting
Stem Cell Resolution Meeting 2/7/20 Everyone had the best seat in the house for our first Virtual Resolution meeting to hear all about Stem Cells and how to increase potential Stem Cell donor registrations. We heard from Peter McCleave, who…
NFWI – Trustee Self Nomination
Welcome My name is Melissa Green and I am the General Secretary of the NFWI. I am proud to lead a diverse staff team of around 90 who are based in offices in London, Oxfordshire and Cardiff. I am equally…
Denman College Announcement
We hope that you are all safe and well. We are delighted that ‘Denman at Home’ has allowed many of you to keep in touch with us and benefit from the variety of courses on offer, just delivered a different…
Darts Competition – 3rd March 2020
On Tuesday 3rd March twelve teams gathered at Winnington Park Recreation Club to compete in the Federation Darts Competition . After a bit of a hiccup at the beginning as our organiser was stuck on the M56 due to a…