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
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 will have attended an audition organised by the Combined Arts committee.
Committee Members:
Teresa Allen (Chair)
Mary Bakewell (Vice Chair)
Gillian Norman (Secretary)
Hilary Dix
Daphne Hunt
Communications & Marketing
This committee looks after all communications both within our organisation and to the wider community in Oxfordshire. It oversees our magazine “Oxfordshire Inspires,” the OFWI Directory and regular communication via email. It also manages Facebook, the website which promotes the organisation across the whole of Oxfordshire and liaises with a variety of county wide and area publications.
Committee Members:
Tracy Strain (Chair)
Alison Jenner (Vice Chair)
Office Administrator (Secretary)
Debbie Black
Catherine Blaxhall
Hilary Dix
Sarah Griffey
Culture & Science
This committee organises a range of events highlighting science, heritage, and history at home and abroad, giving members the chance to enjoy and explore areas of science and culture by attend events and presentations that are of interest to members. Previous events have included: ‘Secret Gardens’ discovering 17th century gardens in Oxfordshire, and ‘Inside Diamond’, explaining what really happens behind the scenes at the Diamond Light Synchrotron at Harwell.
Committee Members:
Catherine Blaxhall (Chair)
Jenny Ward (Vice Chair)
Cynthia Warmington (Secretary)
Hilary Dix
Moira Hinckley-Smith
Trine Lucy
Linda Mustill
Fay Pendell
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
This committee covers cookery, crafts, horticulture, flower arranging, and home design. It offers opportunities for members to improve 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.
Committee Members:
Virginia Lawrence (Chair)
Jan Divall (Vice Chair)
Eileen Bracken (Secretary)
Hilary Dix
Graeme Gettings
Louise Lyne
Jill Mavin
Susan Palmer
Kay Shortland
Membership Support
This committee consists primarily of the WI Advisers and is responsible for all support and development of WIs within Oxfordshire. Help and advice is available to members to encourage the WI's aim of Educating Women and Girls. Online workshops are available to help committee members run their WI. These include Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, and occasional face to face events.
Committee Members:
Hilary Dix (Chair)
Catherine Blaxhall (Vice Chair)
Office Administrator (Secretary)
Jane Finnerty
Kay Shortland
Veronica Wilson
Out & About
This Committee is very much about you getting the most a from a day trip out on a coach. be it a National Trust property, various venues in London, spectacular scenery, or even going back in time to see how history has evolved – this committee will give you the opportunity travel in all directions and visit wonderful places. The opportunities are endless so come and join us.
Committee Members:
Tracy Strain (Chair)
Hilary Dix (Secretary)
Lesley Hunter
Julie Pearce
Gillian Pett
Public Affairs & Campaigns
The Public Affairs and Campaigns committee supports national WI campaigns and member-led campaign activities in the county. We raise awareness of the climate emergency and the part that the WI members can play in reducing our carbon footprint, supported by Oxfordshire's WI Climate Ambassador team. Our good working relationship with Reducing the Risk (of domestic abuse) and Friends of the Earth helps to build a shared understanding of the broader issues affecting women and society.
Committee Members:
Sarah Griffey (Chair)
Jane Finnerty (Secretary)
Debbie Black
Stella Kendall
Dawn Taylor
Veronica Wilson
Climate Ambassadors April 2026 Newsletter
Climate Ambassadors March 2026 Newsletter
Climate Ambassadors February 2026 Newsletter
Climate Ambassadors December 2025 Newsletter
400 Club
The 400 Club provides valuable support to the Federation as well as offering members the opportunity to win prizes. It is easy to join and is open to all Oxfordshire members. Full updates and application forms are sent out in October and the £10 Annual Subscription is payable by BACS (preferred option) or by cheque. Further details are available in Oxfordshire Inspires or by contacting the Management team on 400club@oxfordshirewi.co.uk.
Committee Members:
Committee Members:
Julie Pearce (Chair)
Christine Denton (Secretary)
Tracy Strain
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