The Women's Institute was formed in 1915 with two clear aims: to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then, their aims have broadened and they are now the largest women's organisation in the UK.

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The Women's Institute plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

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The national headquarters of the WI is in London and they also have a residential college in Oxfordshire called Denman College. They produce a membership magazine WI Life. WI Enterprises is the trading arm of the organisation and exists to raise funds and provide benefits for members. 

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The WI is broken down into Federations and Old Town Belles belong to The Wiltshire Federation of WIs. Based in Devizes, The Wiltshire Federation focus on friendship, learning new skills, campaigning on important issues and of course, having lots of fun! 

 

The Federation regularly holds craft workshops as well as social and educational outings. You can contact the Federation at:

Address: WI House, 17 Couch Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire

Postcode: SN10 1EB

Telephone: 01380 739340