Oxfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes

17/06/2026

Create your own Mini Beaded Bonsai Beaded Tree!
Thursday July 23rd
Oxfordshire Federation Office, Tackley OX5 3AL
Choose either the morning or afternoon workshop.

You don't need to be green fingered to join in!

Learn how to make your very own beaded mini-bonsai tree using beads or semi-precious stone chips. Experiment with different colours and types of beads/semi-precious stone chips and layering of "branches" to make your own unique decoration or "tree of life".

You'll be shown how to add beads of your choice to wire to create "leaves", and how to twist them together into branches and a trunk before securing them to an attractive base dish of your choice to enable them to be displayed. You'll be making a tree approximately 7cm to 10cm high, plus base. Chatting and sipping on tea and coffee is encouraged!

Please note: This activity requires repetitive twisting of soft metal craft wire and reasonable strength in the fingers and wrist towards the end of the activity to twist your branches together to form the trunk – your tutor will be able to assist.

This hands-on workshop is a great relaxing activity. No experience is necessary, as the tutor will guide you through each step of the process, and all materials will be provided.

There are two workshops so choose whichever suits you best.
For the morning session please click this link to book your place https://www.oxfordshirewi.co.uk/event-details/mini-bonsai-beaded-tree-morning-workshop
For the afternoon session please click this link https://www.oxfordshirewi.co.uk/event-details/mini-bonsai-beaded-tree-afternoon-workshop
Or call the office on 01869331081

Join a small group to learn how to turn your old, tired jewellery into trendy necklaces, bracelets, and earrings within a couple of hours. Learn a few simple techniques and tricks to make bespoke items that will enhance any outfit. Tools and equipment and a selection of beads will be supplied, bu...

16/06/2026

Bystanders can be lifesavers
Do you know where your closest defibrillator is and how you can access it if you ever need to? It may be a lifesaver so do check it out if you are able to.

Over 40,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals in the UK each year, and defibrillators can significantly increase the chance of survival, but only if they’re working.

This week is Check Your Defib Week, and we’re encouraging all defib Guardians to ensure their device is working and accurately listed on The Circuit. It could help save lives.

Not a defib Guardian? You can still take part in Check Your Defib Week by downloading our Defibrillator (AED) guide. It's full of practical information to help you raise awareness on the importance of defibrillators (AEDs) and includes clear, accessible guidance on AEDs and offers many ways for WI members to get involved to make a lifesaving difference.

You can find it here: https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/public-affairs-and-campaigns/news-and-actions/new-bystanders-can-be-lifesavers-defibrillator-aed-resource-guide

15/06/2026

It’s summer fete time and many of our WIs are enjoying being part of this quintessentially British tradition. It looks as though Wallingford WI had a wonderful day this year in glorious summer sunshine. We hope everyone who has a fete planned has a happy, successful and sunny day. We’d love to see your photos.

13/06/2026

Good Luck Melissa and all our fellow WI members who are taking on this challenge from all of us in Oxfordshire WI

12/06/2026

Come and join us for this free event for Oxfordshire WI members.

Volunteering & the Art of Dressing A Charity Shop Window
Thursday 2nd July 2026 10am-12 noon
Mercy in Action Boutique Charity Shop, Eynsham

Building on the workshops already on offer as part of the Denman Grant Funding project this workshop builds on volunteering, the art of dressing a charity shop window and encourages community engagement

Workshop Content

• About the charity, learn their story, mission
• How do clothes get donated? What happens from the donor to shop rail
• Why is the shop window important? How it draws in customers and tells a story
• Is there always a window theme? Seasonal and campaign-led displays
• How are clothes selected for the window? Tips on choosing standout piece.
• What commitments are there as a volunteer? roles, responsibilities, rewards

Why come along?

• Gain insight into how charity shops work
• Learn creative display skills that make a difference
• Connect with fellow WI members in a hands-on, supportive environment
• Consider community impact whilst enjoying a sociable morning

Refreshments
Coffee and cake will be served at the café locally.

Doors open: 9.45am
This is a free event for members of Oxfordshire WI only.
To book a place please click this link https://www.oxfordshirewi.co.uk/event-details/volunteering-and-the-art-of-dressing-a-charity-shop-window-2
Or call the office on 01869 331081

This workshop will be useful for all WI Treasurers, experienced and new. If you have been a Treasurer for a while, come along and refresh any areas you’re not sure about - there's always new questions that crop up. Also, those who are new in-post will benefit from you sharing...

11/06/2026

The Art of Geli Printing
Thank you to the Oxfordshire WI Home & Gardens Committee who hosted this lovely workshop yesterday. The resulting artwork looks amazing!

10/06/2026

Can you help?

The WI Magazine is on the hunt for very sporty and active WIs to feature in an upcoming issue.

Perhaps you play team sports, hold weekly rambling expeditions, play Padel or walking rugby... or maybe you are wellbeing-focused and do yoga and tai chi in a local beauty spot? Is your WI full of Parkrunners or do you have a dance subgroup?

If you like to move and have organised exercise, walking, or sport as a regular part of your WI timetable, please get in touch ASAP: [email protected], writing 'Get a move on!' in the subject line.

(It may involve an interview and group photoshoot. Oh, and PS: age and fitness levels are irrelevant; all that counts is your WI's enjoyment of movement!)

09/06/2026

Thank you to our friends in the Surrey Federation for sharing this. Have you checked out the new WI Learning Hub yet?

08/06/2026

Thank you Hampshire WI for reminding us about this important campaign

Alongisde important breakthroughs for the treatment of Ovarian Cancer published this week, the WI continues to raise awareness of the signs to look out for.

06/06/2026

Thank you all from Oxfordshire WI 👏