Avon Federation of WIs

Avon Federation of WIs We represent all WIs in the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area. Avon Federation was established in 1975.

This page is about sharing ideas and interests, advertising events, making friends, connecting people, and fun. We hope to help play a part in building new skills, introducing you to new hobbies and friends.

18/12/2025

Reminder - WI House: Closure for Christmas Break
Please be advised that the last working day for staff in the office will be today,
Thursday 18 December 2025. The office will re-open Tuesday 6
January 2026. On behalf of Sarah Birch, Belinda Hudson, Debbie Storey
and all the Trustees, We would like to take this opportunity to wish members
across the Federation a Happy Festive Holiday, and we look forward to
supporting you next year.

12/12/2025

Looking forward to seeing you all at our Carol Service on Tuesday 16th December, don't forget we can now take cash on the door .

10/12/2025

EVENT REMINDER!
PLEASE APPLY BY MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2025

HISTORY TALK: 'AMY JOHNSON' THE REAL STORY WITH CANDY ADKINS
Wednesday 21 January 2026
From 2.00pm (for a 2.15pm start) to 4.00pm
Failand Village Hall, Oxhouse Lane, Failand, BS8 3TS
Candy Adkins is back by popular demand following her talk on the 'Spitfire Girl' last year.
AMY JOHNSON - THE REAL STORY
Amy's life was fast, fearless and fated. She was the first woman to risk flying solo from London to Australia, followed by hair-raising, record-breaking flights from London to South Africa and then across the Atlantic to the USA. The Americans loved her, and she landed to cheering crowds wherever she went. War broke out and she wanted to do her bit, but her pioneering life was mysteriously cut short!
What really happened when she disappeared in 1941?
There is plenty of parking at this venue and Tea/Coffee will be provided.
Members: £12.50
Non-Members: £14.50
Closing Date: Monday 15 December 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

05/12/2025

WI Avon Winners 👏👏.
Decembers 200 Club Winner - Westbury-on-Trym WI, Christmas Winners - Redhill WI and Timsbury WI. We've also had a monetary WI Lottery Winner within the Avon Federation.
Congratulations all.

We are looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, can't wait to see the pictures of your creations.WIRE WORK WORKSHOP...
28/11/2025

We are looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, can't wait to see the pictures of your creations.

WIRE WORK WORKSHOP

Tuesday 2 December 2025, from 10.00am to 12.00 noon, at the Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, Nr Bath, BA2 0JQ Holly Berkley is a wire worker and teacher based in Somerset. With 37 years’
experience in wire working and ten years in teaching, Holly has been featured in the national press, including Vogue magazine, and on live TV.
During this project we will be using hammers and miniature
anvils, wire winders and pliers to make either a cushioned ‘A Christmas Star Decoration’ with beautiful beaten spiral accents or ‘A Tree of life pendant and jewellery set’, which would make a great gift or to keep for yourself.
Suitable for all abilities, all tools and materials are
supplied. Refreshments will be provided.

Event Reminder - AFWI CAROL SERVICETuesday 16 December 2025From 2.00pm to 3.00pmSt Mary's Church, Castle Street, Thornbu...
09/11/2025

Event Reminder - AFWI CAROL SERVICE

Tuesday 16 December 2025
From 2.00pm to 3.00pm
St Mary's Church, Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HQ

The Federation’s Carol Service this year will be held at St Mary’s Church in Thornbury where the AFWI Choir, conducted by Jane Kern, will lead the singing, accompanied by the church organist.

There is limited parking on the road outside the church and in adjacent roads, as well as three public car parks in Thornbury. The town is also on several bus routes so please use public transport and car shares where possible.

Thornbury is known for its historic high street which has a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The church is an approximate 10 minute walk from the town centre. So, why not have a break from the madness that is Christmas preparation and enjoy a day out with friends and join in the Carol Service to really get into the Christmas spirit?

Members: £7.00
Non-Members: £9.00
Cash on the day, please bring correct change if possible.

Avon Federation of Women's Institutes celebrates its 50th Anniversary and 110 years of the WI movement:September's Annua...
29/10/2025

Avon Federation of Women's Institutes celebrates its 50th Anniversary and 110 years of the WI movement:

September's Annual Meeting brought together members from across the Federation for a day of inspiration, friendship and celebration. Local dignitaries Helen Godwin, West of England Mayor, and Cllr Henry Michallat, Lord Mayor of Bristol, addressed the meeting and praised the WIs role in the community. Jeryl Stone, NFWI Chair, looked ahead to the next 110 years stressing the WI's democratic roots and commitment to meeting women's changing needs. Sustainable stylist Becky Barnes urged members to think differently about 'fast fashion' and the environmental cost of clothing, whilst guest speaker Ann Widdecombe entertained members with anecdotes of her life since leaving politics. The day also showcased creative talent with crafted post box toppers, entered in this year's competition for local WIs, and banners and wall hangings from the past 50 years of the Federation. The meeting closed with raffle prizes and commemorative certificates. Members agreed it was a fitting way to celebrate a milestone year for the Federation and the WI.

HISTORY TALK: 'AMY JOHNSON' THE REAL STORY WITH CANDY ADKINSWednesday 21 January 2026From 2.00pm (for a 2.15pm start) to...
08/10/2025

HISTORY TALK: 'AMY JOHNSON' THE REAL STORY WITH CANDY ADKINS
Wednesday 21 January 2026
From 2.00pm (for a 2.15pm start) to 4.00pm
Failand Village Hall, Oxhouse Lane, Failand, BS8 3TS

Candy Adkins is back by popular demand following her talk on the 'Spitfire Girl' last year.

AMY JOHNSON - THE REAL STORY

Amy's life was fast, fearless and fated. She was the first woman to risk flying solo from London to Australia, followed by hair-raising, record-breaking flights from London to South Africa and then across the Atlantic to the USA. The Americans loved her, and she landed to cheering crowds wherever she went. War broke out and she wanted to do her bit, but her pioneering life was mysteriously cut short!

What really happened when she disappeared in 1941?

There is plenty of parking at this venue and Tea/Coffee will be provided.

Members: £12.50
Non-Members: £14.50
Closing Date: Monday 15 December 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY!HISTORY TALK: THE WOMEN WHO BUILT BRISTOL - VOLUME THREEWednesday 29 October 20252.00pm to 3.30pmC...
10/09/2025

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY!

HISTORY TALK: THE WOMEN WHO BUILT BRISTOL - VOLUME THREE
Wednesday 29 October 2025
2.00pm to 3.30pm
Cleeve Village Hall, Main Road, Cleeve, Bristol, BS49 4PF (A370)
Jane Duffus returns by popular demand to give her talk based on The Women who built Bristol - Volume Three.
Jane has worked in journalism/publishing for more than 25 years, whether on bestselling news stand magazines or as the author of six books about social history, including 'The Women who built Bristol'. Jane's latest book was published in March 2025, so all new details for us to hear about.
In addition, to doing all her own research and writing, Jane works as an editor for other writers, has contributed chapters to other people's books, and is a popular public speaker.
For more information visit: www.janduffus.com
Tea and Coffee will be provided.
Members: £12.00
Non-Members: £14.00
Closing Date: Monday 22 September 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY!HISTORY TALK: THE NEWPORT MEDIEVAL SHIPThursday 23 October 20252.00pm to 3.30pmSt Edyth's Church H...
28/08/2025

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY!

HISTORY TALK: THE NEWPORT MEDIEVAL SHIP
Thursday 23 October 2025
2.00pm to 3.30pm
St Edyth's Church Hall, Avonleaze, Sea Mills, Bristol BS9 2HU

We are privileged to have Dr Toby Jones, curator of the Newport Medieval Ship Project, present the first of our History Talks for 2025.
The Newport Medieval Ship: 'The Fascinating Journey from Discovery to Future', is an insight into the work that has taken place on this project, since the shipwreck was discovered and raised between 2002 and 2003, and how our understanding of this 15th century merchant vessel has progressed through cleaning, digital documentation, analysis, and conservation.
Dr Toby Jones reveals the secrets behind this enigmatic vessel and explores what it can tell us about medieval life aboard and in Newport. He will also discuss plans for the reassembly and display of this unique international treasure.
Tea and Coffee will be provided.

Members: £12.00
Non-Members: £14.00
Closing Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

AFWI CAROL SERVICETuesday 16 December 2025From 2.00pm to 3.00pmSt Mary's Church, Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 ...
27/08/2025

AFWI CAROL SERVICE

Tuesday 16 December 2025
From 2.00pm to 3.00pm
St Mary's Church, Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HQ

The Federation’s Carol Service this year will be held at St Mary’s Church in Thornbury where the AFWI Choir, conducted by Jane Kern, will lead the singing, accompanied by the church organist.

There is limited parking on the road outside the church and in adjacent roads, as well as three public car parks in Thornbury. The town is also on several bus routes so please use public transport and car shares where possible.

Thornbury is known for its historic high street which has a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The church is an approximate 10 minute walk from the town centre. So, why not have a break from the madness that is Christmas preparation and enjoy a day out with friends and join in the Carol Service to really get into the Christmas spirit?

Members: £7.00
Non-Members: £9.00
Closing Date: Monday 3 November 2025
Please apply through your WI Secretary

Address

WI House 11 Station Road
Bristol
BS312BH

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

0117 9864782

Alerts

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