About Us

Chairman Pauline Goddard and the Oxfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes (OFWI) welcome you to our website.   We are part of the National Federation of Women's Institutes - the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK with over 200,000 members in 70 Federations throughout England, Wales and the Islands.

The OFWI was set up in 1919 in order to guide, assist, form and encourage WIs specifically within Oxfordshire whilst benefiting from being part of a large nationwide organisation and all the resources it has to offer.

We put great emphasis on friendship and fun and offer all our members opportunities to:
  

• Widen their horizons and discover their personal potential
• Develop new skills and talents at the WI's own adult education college
• Join in many events and workshops run throughout the county and further afield
• Improve the local quality of life
• Influence local, national and international affairs
• Enjoy friendship within their local communities

  Did you know there is so much on offer? We are a modern voice for women. The WI is for ALL women of ALL ages and interests - it is non-sectarian and non-party political. There is something for everyone in the WI - click on Join Us to learn more about the Federation and Activities to find out what is currently being offered to members.

  Our own headquarters are in attractive offices in Tackley (directions below) and are serviced by a welcoming and efficient team of three staff. With the help of a large band of volunteers they use the latest technology to serve the needs and demands of running an organisation encompassing 145 individual WIs and nearly 4,500 members. We are proud of them all, as together they represent the friendly and welcoming face which is above all the ethos of the WI.

  Subscriptions are paid in January but new members can join at any time throughout the year. Our friendly office staff will be happy to put you in touch with your chosen Institute from the Nearest WI list.

  Any organisation visiting the Oxfordshire area can sample some top class hospitality in the form of teas or lunches prepared by Institute members. Contact the office for a list of participating WIs around the county - the emphasis is on 'homemade' and 'friendly'.

  If you would like to send a message to Pauline or the Board of Trustees, you can do so by clicking on Contact Us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Directions to Tackley

- Tackley can be found on www.maps.google.co.uk

From Oxford and the South - take the A44 Yarnton to Enstone Road. Right at the roundabout just before Woodstock and Blenheim Palace, direction of Bicester. Left on to the next main road A4260 the Kidlington to Banbury road. *Take the turning for Tackley opposite the Sturdys Castle Pub. Medcroft Road winds down to the village, with the Court Farm Barns on your right, clearly signed (see photo). The OFWI office is number 5 in the far left corner across the car park.

From Bicester and the East

- follow the A4096 through Kirtlington and eventually right turn on to the A4260. Follow from * above.

From Banbury and the North

- take the A4260 through Deddington and Tackley is a left turn opposite the Sturdys Castle Pub. Follow from * above.

From Witney and the West

- taking the A40, follow signs for Kidlington and at the Sainsbury's roundabout in Kidlington, turn left on to the A4260 for Banbury. Follow from * above.