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✍️ The Edith Buckley Poetry Competition 2027 ✍️We are delighted to invite members to take part in this year’s Edith Buck...
13/10/2026

✍️ The Edith Buckley Poetry Competition 2027 ✍️

We are delighted to invite members to take part in this year’s Edith Buckley Poetry Competition, held in memory of Edith Buckley, a Founder Member of Blackfordby WI.

🌼 This year’s theme: Childhood Memories

Think back to a time from your childhood that was particularly special or meaningful. Capture the sights, sounds and memories of that moment and what it meant to you then – and now.

Your poem can be written in any poetic form, with a maximum of 150 words.

📄 Entries must be typed on white A4 paper and must not include your name on the entry itself. Please attach your completed entry form with your contact details instead.

💷 Entry fee: £1
📅 Closing date: Thursday 18th February 2027
🏆 The winner will receive the Edith Buckley Trophy Cup at our Annual Council Meeting on Saturday 6th March 2027, where the entries will also be displayed.

One entry per member.

We’d love to see as many members as possible get creative and share a treasured childhood memory through poetry. 💭❤️

Broughton Astley WIIn September Alistair Crooks from MAF UK (Mission Aviation Fellowship), the world's largest humanitar...
13/10/2026

Broughton Astley WI

In September Alistair Crooks from MAF UK (Mission Aviation Fellowship), the world's largest humanitarian airline gave us his 'Flying For Life' presentation. Despite them working along side some very well known charity partners providing Help, Hope and Healing to some of the most isolated places in the world and celebrating their 80th Anniversary last year, the majority of us had never heard of this amazing organisation which is a travesty.
After the summer break, Coffee & Chat meets resumed with a visit to a new venue The Elephant & Castle pub in Thurlaston.
At the first match of the skittles tournament the team played Fleckney, the next match in October will see them face Ullesthorpe

📣 Annual Council Meeting 2027 – Bookings are now open!We’re delighted to share the details of our 2027 Annual Council Me...
12/10/2026

📣 Annual Council Meeting 2027 – Bookings are now open!

We’re delighted to share the details of our 2027 Annual Council Meeting, with three fantastic speakers joining us for what promises to be a brilliant day! 🌟

📅 Saturday 6th March 2027
📍 Leicester Grammar School, Great Glen
⏰ 10.30am–3.30pm – doors open at 9.30am
🎟️ Tickets £18 | Stewards £9

Our speakers are:

🏠 Anna Iliffe – The Bridge – sharing an insight into their vital work supporting women experiencing homelessness within our community.

🌌 Wil Cheung – award-winning astrophotographer and passionate stargazer, sharing his enthusiasm for astronomy and spectacular images of the night sky.

🧬 Professor Turi King – renowned geneticist and science communicator, best known for leading the DNA analysis that confirmed the identity of King Richard III.

There will also be stalls, competitions and committee displays to enjoy before the meeting begins.

🎟️ Each WI has been allocated tickets, so please contact your WI Secretary to book. Additional tickets may also be available once allocations have been made.

We’re really pleased to have kept tickets at the same price as last year, and members who volunteer as stewards can attend for just £9.

✨ The WI is here to inspire YOU.

Wigston Magna WIOur talk in July was “The Royal Yacht Britannia” by Bill Haley. Bill served in the Royal Navy and spent...
12/10/2026

Wigston Magna WI

Our talk in July was “The Royal Yacht Britannia” by Bill Haley. Bill served in the Royal Navy and spent 7 years on the Royal Yacht which he said was a wonderful experience. It sailed for 43 years taking the Queen and Prince Phillip to as many countries as possible. It was also to be a hospital ship in the event of a war. Promoting the UK abroad was also in its remit.

In August we had an enjoyable lunch out at our local garden centre and in September we had a lovely evening out at an Italian restaurant.

Our speaker in September was Sue Meeks who gave us her experience working for The Red Cross.

✍️ Margaret Johnston Trophy Competition 2027 ✍️Calling all our budding writers! This year’s Margaret Johnston Trophy wri...
11/10/2026

✍️ Margaret Johnston Trophy Competition 2027 ✍️

Calling all our budding writers! This year’s Margaret Johnston Trophy writing challenge is:

🌿 “My Favourite Place to Visit” 🌿

Where is that special place you love returning to? Perhaps it’s somewhere close to home, a favourite holiday destination, a peaceful countryside spot or somewhere filled with treasured memories.

We’d love you to bring that place to life in a poem or short story of no more than 250 words.

📝 Entries should be typed, if possible, on A4 paper and must not have your name written on the entry itself. Please complete and attach the entry slip instead.

💷 Entry fee: £1
📅 Closing date: 26th February 2027

🏆 The winning entry will be published in County News, posted on Facebook and displayed at our Annual Council Meeting in March 2027.

So, get creative and take us somewhere special through your writing! 🌳🏞️✨

The WI is here to inspire YOU.

Coleorton WIOur September meeting took place on Wednesday 2nd at the Beaumont centre in Peggs Green where we welcomed 48...
11/10/2026

Coleorton WI

Our September meeting took place on Wednesday 2nd at the Beaumont centre in Peggs Green where we welcomed 48 members and 3 visitors. Jerusalem was sung and Liz thanked for the flowers. There was a lot of business to get through as last month’s meeting was largely a social occasion. Forthcoming events and trips were discussed including the revisit to the Amazon facility in Castle Donington and the 2 upcoming trips to Haddon Hall for Christmas inspiration. The new craft group was discussed and arrangements made for the first meeting on Thursday 16th September. It is hoped that this will become an established part of our WI group.

The speaker was Bob Booth and he spoke about his life in Bournville where he has spent his whole life. He gave a very interesting talk, which he illustrated with photographs throughout. He gave a potted history of the Cadbury family and spoke of the care the family gave for their employees. He also gave an insight into what Bournville is like today. The competition was for a photo of a village sign and after he had judged the competition the members enjoyed tea and cakes provided by the rota ladies.

🌿 Cricket St Thomas, Somerset Holiday 🌿18th – 22nd January 2027Join us for a relaxing 4-night break at the beautiful Cri...
10/10/2026

🌿 Cricket St Thomas, Somerset Holiday 🌿
18th – 22nd January 2027

Join us for a relaxing 4-night break at the beautiful Cricket St Thomas manor house in Somerset, with dinner, bed & breakfast, drinks inclusive package, coach travel and excursions included.

✨ Single rooms are now FULL ✨
Twin and double rooms are still available.

If you would like a booking form or more information, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

Don’t miss out — book early to avoid disappointment!

Sheepy WIPicnic in the ParkSheepy WI members enjoyed a lovely summer evening at our summer Picnic in the Park. Good fo...
10/10/2026

Sheepy WI
Picnic in the Park

Sheepy WI members enjoyed a lovely summer evening at our summer Picnic in the Park. Good food and plenty of laughter was had.

We welcomed Matthew from Sticky Fingers, a local mobile food company, who gave us an insight into how the business began from scratch and has developed over the years.
It was interesting hearing about their homemade ice cream and the carefully selected ingredients used to create their delicious flavours. Of course, the best part was having the opportunity to sample some for ourselves!

We enjoyed a tempting selection of delicious and unusual flavours, providing a memorable finale to the evening. It was wonderful to combine a summer picnic with the story of a thriving local business — and, of course, some excellent ice cream.

We had a very enjoyable evening and we look forward to welcoming Sticky Fingers back in the future.

The Sheepy WI Committee Members made the most of the hot weather at our July committee meeting by holding it outdoors! We were all looking forward to watching England play in the World Cup later that evening!

🎄 Leisure Activities Committee Fundraising Event – Stratford Christmas Market 🎄** BOOK NOW **📅 Saturday 28th November 20...
09/10/2026

🎄 Leisure Activities Committee Fundraising Event – Stratford Christmas Market 🎄

** BOOK NOW **

📅 Saturday 28th November 2026
💷 £20 per person

Get into the festive spirit with a magical day out at the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market! ✨

With over 200 high-quality stalls, this much-loved market offers a truly special shopping experience. Enjoy browsing unique gifts, festive treats, and seasonal delights, all set against the backdrop of historic streets sparkling with Christmas lights. Along the way, soak up the atmosphere with live entertainment and performers bringing the town to life — a wonderfully immersive festive experience for all! 🎁

🚌 Coach Details:
Coach 1: Oakham Bus Station, John Street – departs 9.30am
Coach 2: WI House – departs 10.00am
Burbage (Three Pots Rd bus stop LE10 2JJ) – departs 10.30am
Return: Leaving Stratford at 4.00pm

📩 Booking Information:
Please book via your WI or send a completed booking form to WI House and pay by BACS by 11th November 2026.
👉 Please include any mobility requirements when booking.
✅ A completed booking form is essential to secure your ticket.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and friends are welcome!
⚠️ Our events are often oversubscribed, so book early to avoid disappointment.

📸 This event may be photographed; we will presume permission unless otherwise informed.

Hathern WIOur September meeting was held on 21st September, just after WI Day. In memory of the suffragettes and to cel...
09/10/2026

Hathern WI

Our September meeting was held on 21st September, just after WI Day. In memory of the suffragettes and to celebrate 111 years of the WI our members came wearing something purple.
Our speaker for the evening was Jenny from 'Rainbows Childrens Hospice' which is based in the East Midlands. They care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions from birth up to the age of 18. Jenny showed us around the hospice with her slide show and the technology and adaptations for everything to make life that little bit easier was amazing.
Members always dropped off unwanted handbags for the 'Rainbows Handbag Amnesty' collection and many members bought refurbished bags that Rainbows had brought along to sell to raise money.
The evening finished off with tea and biscuits and a natter.

Address

135 Loughborough Road
Leicester
LE45LQ

Telephone

0116 2661342

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