Whitfield WI

27/08/2026

A Fascinating Evening at Slaley WI 🎩✨

A few photos from last night’s fascinating talk at Slaley WI, where we had the pleasure of hearing from Margaret Woodliff Wright, The Northumberland Milliner.

Margaret designs and creates couture hats, and she gave us a wonderful insight into the skill, creativity and craftsmanship behind millinery. She explained the different techniques and materials she uses and showed us some of the traditional hat blocks used to shape and create particular styles of hats. Some of the blocks even came from her early days of learning the craft.

Margaret’s work has taken her well beyond Northumberland. She has travelled to competitions in both the USA and Australia, where she has enjoyed considerable success, winning competitions along the way. Her work has also been worn on some very special occasions, including a hat she made for Dame Chi Onwurah DBE for her investiture.

She has also created hats for fashion student Lamin Gibbs’ runway show, “Shy Bairns Get Nowt”, showcasing the wonderful combination of traditional millinery skills and contemporary fashion.

We were also treated to a lovely showcase from Margaret’s student Helen, who brought along hats she had created during the various courses she has attended with Margaret. It was a fabulous opportunity to see how students can develop their own skills and creativity under Margaret’s guidance.

A fascinating evening celebrating craftsmanship, creativity and the wonderful art of millinery, and perhaps a few of us left wondering whether every outfit really does need a fabulous hat!

Thank you, Margaret, for such an interesting and inspiring evening. ❤️

13/08/2026

13/08/2026

The Whitfield Girls Take on the Toon!

The Whitfield girls were out on the Toon last night, and what a brilliant evening we had!

We started the evening with some refreshments at Bella Italia Newcastle before heading off for a fascinating guided walk around the city with Helen from Adventours.

Our chosen tour was “Votes for Women”, exploring the story of the Suffragettes in Newcastle and the remarkable women who fought for the right to vote. Helen’s passion for the subject really brought the stories, characters and events to life. It’s amazing how much history is right under your feet when you know where to look!

If you haven’t experienced one of Helen’s Adventours yet, we would definitely recommend one for your meeting meeting, we have had 2, they’re informative, entertaining and a wonderful way to discover Newcastle from a completely different perspective.

And, of course, we had picked a rather eventful night to visit the city! . It was eclipse night, so Newcastle was buzzing, the streets were busy and the evening was wonderfully warm. There were plenty of interesting characters wandering around, some fascinating sights to see, and just enough people-watching opportunities to keep the Whitfield girls entertained! 😂

There really is something special about a trip into the city. You come home having learned something new, seen something interesting and, most importantly, spent a lovely evening together.

Another fantastic Whitfield WI night out, good food, great company, fascinating history and plenty of laughs along the way. ❤️

https://www.adventoursuk.com/

02/08/2026

🎉🚶‍♀️ WE DID IT! 🚶‍♂️🎉

The Wombling Walkers have officially completed the Trek26 sponsored walk at Wells-next-the-Sea! 💙

Thirteen miles, plenty of laughs, aching feet, a few “whose idea was this?” moments, and enough determination to keep us all going right to the finish line. Every step was taken in support of the incredible work of Alzheimer’s charities and in memory of those affected by this cruel disease.

We couldn’t have done it without the amazing encouragement from everyone who sponsored us, sent messages of support, and cheered us on along the way. Your generosity kept us smiling, even when our legs were trying to negotiate a sit-down protest!

To my wonderful fellow Wombling Walkers – what a team! We laughed, we encouraged each other, we put the world to rights, and together we crossed that finish line. 💜

From the beautiful Norfolk coastline to the final triumphant steps into Wells, it’s been a day we’ll never forget.

Thank you, everyone, for helping us make a difference. Every pound raised will help bring hope to those living with Alzheimer’s and their families.

Now, if anyone needs us… we’ll be somewhere with our feet up and a well-earned cuppa (or something a little stronger! 🍷😉).

18/07/2026

The ladies of Whitfield WI have certainly been keeping themselves busy over the last couple of days!

When a lovely local couple asked if we’d provide the buffet for their wedding, there was only ever going to be one answer… of course we would. After all, we’re rather proud of our reputation for putting on a cracking spread!

So the ovens went into overdrive as we whipped up mountains of quiches, cakes, sharing boards and plenty of other homemade treats. Between us, we must have clocked up at least 60 hours of chopping, baking, decorating and, naturally, the all-important quality control (someone has to taste the cakes!).

That’s what community is all about. We love working together, rolling up our sleeves and helping where we can. We’re a small WI with a big heart, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of such a fantastic team.

Go Team Whitfield! 💜

10/07/2026

Unfortunately, I missed the sushi demo on Wednesday. Susan kindly recorded the event, and I have to say I'm sorry I missed it. It sounded like a great evening, as always.
Maureen Haney who has been a chef came to indoctrinate Whitfield WI in the art of sushi making. Sushi started in Cambodia, where they preserved fish with rice and vinegar, and Japan took it to new heights. Sushi was first served in England in 1953 to Queen Elizabeth when Prince Akihito visited. We were treated to a wide range of fillings and Maureen stressed no filling is inappropriate it’s what you like. We had ham, peas pudding and beetroot followed by smoked salmon on cream cheese with cucumber and red peppers. Everyone was keen to make their own version with the vast array of ingredients that Maureen supplied. Needless to say, we were all well sated and all that was missing was some Saki!

18/06/2026

WHITFIELD WI – NOT WHAT YOU THINK!

Think Women’s Institute and imagine jam, knitting and cucumber sandwiches?

Think again!

Whitfield WI is a vibrant, welcoming group of women who love making the most of life. We’re fun, friendly, sociable, adventurous and always ready to try something new.

From fascinating speakers and hands-on workshops to theatre trips, walks, quizzes, meals out, community projects and plenty of laughter, there’s always something happening. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, make new friends, explore new places or simply enjoy a great night out, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.

No experience required.No cliques. Just a fantastic group of women who enjoy good company and great adventures.

Come along and discover what modern WI is all about.

Whitfield WI – Friendship, Fun and a Little Bit of Adventure.

New members and visitors are always welcome!
Check out our FB page.

15/06/2026

Whitfield wombling walkers.

Today the Wombling Walkers set off on what was supposed to be a “lovely little practice walk” from Plenmellor to Twice Brewed along Hadrian’s Wall and back. According to Hayley, it was going to be a very sensible 10 miles. Sensible being the key word there.

Armed with layers, snacks and blind faith in Fiona’s phone directions, we headed off across the countryside. Fiona’s phone, however, clearly fancied an adventure of its own and took us on a few “bonus miles” via routes nobody had planned. Still, we didn’t complain too much, mainly because the alternative routes thankfully avoided cows, horses, sheep with attitude, or anything else that looked remotely bitey.

By the time we finally got back, our “10 mile stroll” had somehow become over 13 miles! We were tired, slightly achey, probably a bit muddier than when we started, but very proud of ourselves.

At this rate, the Alzheimer’s walk in August will feel like a quick trip to the shops… provided Fiona’s phone stays at home.