NFWI is the largest charity for women in England, Wales and the Islands, and OFWI is affiliated to it. A list of all the 70 Federations and further details can be found on their site at www.theWI.org.uk
The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) publishes its own magazine called WI LIFE. WI Life, launched in 2007, enables the organisation to communicate directly with its 200,000 members for the first time in its 90 year history. WI Life is published eight times a year and replaces WI Home and Country, a subscription only magazine which ceased publication in December 2006. WI Life features WI-focused articles and news stories, including updates on campaigning activities and training opportunities at the organisation's adult education centre, Denman College. |
![]() |
The WI offers a wide range of opportunities for life-long learning at
![]() |
the WI's own national residential adult education college which is situated at Marcham in Oxfordshire. The college offers approximately 500 short courses each year, which are attended by over 6,000 students. The Oxfordshire Federation and many WIs, offer bursaries in order to give all members the opportunity of attending their college. Denman College is now also open to non-WI members. Most bedrooms at Denman College are named after a Federation, which is responsible for the soft furnishings, redecoration and provision of those "little extras" that make for comfort and serve to recollect the county concerned. In the Oxfordshire bedroom, pictured
below, are paintings and books of the local area for guests to see the beautiful countryside
and views over Oxford City. The Oxfordshire bedroom is a single room with spacious en-suite
facilities on the ground floor of Maple Cottage. This is near the teaching block in the lovely grounds,
just a short stroll from the Main House, which is where all meals are taken. |
If you book a course at Denman, the staff will try to allocate your own Federation room, where possible. There are gracious two, and even three-bedded rooms in the House if you prefer to share but wherever you are allocated you can be sure it will be a comfortable, well appointed home from home. | ![]() |
Denman College underwent some refurbishment in 2007 and members are enjoying a more modern comfortable setting in the bar and hall area. Major developments are now underway for a new residential block, conference room and plans are also afoot to make the Brunner rooms ensuite. For a full list of courses and more information on the college please visit www.theWI.org.uk
![]() |
OFWI is a member of this, the largest
international organisation for rural women active in over 70 countries. It aims to raise the
standard of living of rural women and their families mainly through education, self-help schemes, and by
giving them a voice at international level through links with U.N. agencies. |
Formerly known as WI Markets, these markets are held around the county selling home-made produce,
flowers, plants and crafts. Markets
also operate a parcel scheme, in which customers can order parcels of goods to be delivered
in the local area. Members and non-members can become producers and take a share in the profits.
Markets, open to the public, are held in Abingdon, Banbury, Bloxham,
Chipping Norton, Eynsham, Faringdon, Henley, Wallingford, Wantage and Witney.
Country Markets National Website is at www.country-markets.co.uk