Gloucestershire Federation of WIs

22/06/2026

We wish all our members a safe heatwave. With temperatures due to exceed 30 degrees for the next few days, we're reminded to stay out of the sun if possible, drink lots (don't forget water for wildlife too) and be sensible about physical activities. Stay safe everyone 😎

19/06/2026

The bags we made for the NHS Trust appeal have all been labelled up (looking very smart) and delivered to Sue over at the NHS offices today. Sue says:

'Please can you pass on our thanks and gratitude to your members for their thoughtfulness and kindness. It is very much appreciated.'

We are hoping to run a number of sessions to make more, we'll post here when we have dates arranged.

15/06/2026

Leckhampton WI choir was one of the groups that sang this in the RAH, then later in the year in Cheltenham Town Hall

On this day in 1950, Folk Songs of the Four Seasons was first performed by the massed choirs of The National Federation of Women's Institutes. A fully orchestral version was arranged by Vaughan Williams' musical assistant and amanuensis Roy Douglas in 1952. Vaughan Williams considered the orchestral suite to be so much the work of Roy Douglas, that he arranged for it to be published as Douglas's composition based on his own, rather than his own arrangement of an earlier work

14/06/2026

Meanwhile Liz Goldie and Sue Davies have had their pic taken with Adam Henson!

14/06/2026

We were asked on Thursday if we had any bunting to spare. An outside trader with no stand needed everything. They managed to borrow a stock trailer, picket fencing, and lots of our bunting. And they won a bronze certificate for their stand!

14/06/2026

Back British (women) farmers

13/06/2026

And another!

13/06/2026

What would we do without out WIOHs? All ‘volunteers’!

12/06/2026

We loved our visit from Bishop Rachel, she comes to see us for a cup of tea and a chat every year.

12/06/2026

There has been a bit of concern about our competition rules. The Tim Poole Cup competition was judged blind by Asmaa Al-Allak. There were no criteria on her judging. Only one of her favourite three was anything to do with CPR (the other two about mental health matters and care for the environment.)

At the Three Counties Show we are using ALL the bra entries, plus a few others from WIs, to highlight our campaign Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers. It has certainly attracted attention! There will be a “People’s Vote” of the three finalists as a bit of fun and promote the discussion, in particular men’s reluctance to carry out CPR on women.