We cover a huge geographical area from the more industrial south east, along the beautiful coastline and into the more rural villages north of the County. Our WI Office is in Hatfield Peverel, easily accessible from the A12, where in addition to the office, Chelmsford is our County town and Stansted Airport is on the western border. There is ample parking at the Centre which is situated on a Business Park. Hatfield Peverel Railway Station is only a mile away so volunteers are always available to pick up visitors and return them in time to catch their train after the event. We have a large room which will seat up to 55 members for special interest days which include Resolutions meetings, Womens Interest days, Textiles and Natural History. We also hold auditions for prospective candidates for our Panel of Speakers. These auditions involve up to six speakers giving an abridged version of their talk to a group of members who then decide whether or not they are suitable speakers for WIs' monthly meetings. This room doubles as the Board Room where we hold our Trustees meetings and sub committee meetings as well as educational classes and workshops as diverse as computer workshops and crafts. We have 176 WIs in Essex, meeting either in the morning, afternoon or evening. Meetings usually follow a similar pattern with a Speaker or Demonstrator followed by refreshments with time to socialise. Information on forthcoming events within the WI are discussed as well as news from headquarters on national events, current campaign issues, competitions and items relating to activities within Essex are included . Many WIs also meet during the month for more specialist activities often a book or lunch club, rambling or craft group or a choir or drama section. Note: The Essex Federation Office is fully accessible for the disabled including toilet facilities. See more at: http://www.thewi.org.uk/become-a-member/structure-of-the-wi/england/essex/about-us .AHXNOpdp.dpuf
