Oxfordshire WI committees and their activities
Oxfordshire WI offers an enormous variety of other meetings, trips, talks lectures and workshops to meet the needs, interests, and pursuits of our members. There are several committees that organise these activities. Some events are also open to Non-Members so for more details please go to the Contact Us page.
Combined Arts: Chairman - Teresa Allen
This committee gives members opportunities to grow their knowledge across all aspects of the arts. Visits to museums, theatres, and art galleries, are arranged by this group, as well as organising the annual Christmas social evening. Any speaker listed in the Talks, Demonstrations and Entertainers section on page 44 of this OFWI Directory, will have attended an audition organised by the Combined Arts committee.
Communications & Marketing: Chairman - Linda Mustill
This committee looks after all communications both within our organisation and to the wider community in the county. It oversees “Oxfordshire Inspires” magazine, the Directory and regular communication via email. It also manages Facebook and the website which promote the organisation across the whole of Oxfordshire. The Press Officer liaises with a variety of county wide and area publications
Culture & Science: Chairman - Catherine Blaxhall
This committee organises a range of events highlighting science, heritage, and history at home and abroad. The group enjoys exploring areas of science and culture and organising events and presentations that are of interest members.
Previous events have included: ‘Secret Gardens’ Discovering 17th century gardens in Oxfordshire, and ‘Inside Diamond’, explaining what really happens the behind the scenes at the Diamond Light Synchrotron at Harwell.
Holidays - Holiday Team
This team organises holidays both in the UK and abroad for both WI members and non-members to a variety of places of interest – historic houses and gardens, towns with a rich heritage – something for everyone. Travel is by coach and all holidays include excursions, dinner, bed and breakfast. Those travelling alone are especially welcome.
Home & Garden: Chairman - Graeme Gettings
This committee covers cookery, crafts, horticulture, flower arranging and home design. It offers opportunities for members to improve on and learn new skills by organising demonstrations, workshops, competitions, and outings. The annual craft competition allows members to showcase their talents and covers a different topic each year.
Membership Support: Chairman - Hilary Dix
This committee consists primarily of the WI Advisers and is responsible for all aspects of training and development of WIs across the county. Help and advice is available to members to encourage the charity's promotion of the WI's aims of Educating Women and Girls. Workshops are provided to help committee members run their WI. These include Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers as well as Programme Planning and Marketing.
Out & About: Chairman - Julie Pearce
This committee is very much about what you would like from a day coach trip out. Be it a National Trust property, various venues in London, see spectacular scenery, or even go back in time to see how history has evolved– we travel in all directions, and visit wonderful places. The opportunities are endless so come and join us.
Public Affairs & Campaigns: Chairman - Sarah Griffey
This committee promotes and supports WI campaigns and organizes inspiring events. It also backs Oxfordshire's WI Climate Ambassador team and their local efforts to achieve the Clean Rivers mandate. The committee plans and supports both virtual and in-person events for WIs, focusing on important issues such as women's health, ADHD, domestic abuse, and the significance of campaigning. Members are informed about all initiatives through the in-house magazine, Oxfordshire Inspires. Collaborative efforts with charities like Reducing the Risk (of domestic abuse) and Friends of the Earth help to create a shared understanding of the broader issues affecting women and society, enhancing the committee's work.