Womens Institute

Women's Institute

The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI), the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK with 211,000 members in England, Wales and the Islands. They play 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.

There is a branch in Old Marston. Visitors are welcome to come along to find out more. There are twelve meetings a year.

When: 7.30pm every second Tuesday of the month

Where: St Nicholas Church Hall.

Cost: £27.00 per year

Meetings usually consist of twenty minutes for general business, a guest speaker, refreshments and a range of activities. New members are welcome!

For more information contact:

Theresa Bentley

Tel: 01865-725925

Or visit their Website

History of Marston Women’s Institute

Launched in 1915, the Wl is as relevant today as it was all those years ago. Marston Wl was founded in May 1921 and has continued to make an important contribution at local, county and national level ever since. Many of you will remember the marvellous 85th anniversary history exhibition that we staged in the Church Hall in 2006.This enabled us to demonstrate our many talents - and not a jam-pot in sight!

We meet in the Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. every second Tuesday in the month, which enables those who go out to work to join us. In fact we are delighted to hear that new groups are actually forming in places of work, so we are definitely in the 21st century.

Our annual membership fee is £27, which is more expensive than most groups, but there is so much available to us, should we so choose. Also we receive regularly an excellent Women's magazine, and in Marston a monthly 'News and Views' from the County. This keeps us up to date with our County and National events and useful 'bits and pieces'.

Of particular importance to the Wl is our very own college: Denman, which is in Marcham, right on our doorstep. There it is possible to participate in an amazing array of courses, lasting for one to several days. It is possible to be non-resident, thus reducing the cost, but if you can stay, it is well worth it. The food, company, house, grounds and bedrooms all contribute to a memorable stay and the tuition is of an excellent standard.

We would love to welcome new members to our meetings. Usually we have an interesting speaker, but sometimes we arrange in-house evenings run by the committee and/or members. Full details appear in each month's Marston Times. Our next meeting will be on 'Cotswolds Curiosities' on 8th January 2008. There is no charge for visitors, but a donation is always appreciated!

Hope to see you, Theresa Bentley - secretary Tel: 725925