Chair's Letter - July/August 2026
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Dear All
I can’t believe partway through the year, we find ourselves here with our summer double edition. That means come August we should be taking a well-earned WI break! Keep those photographs coming for OTY so we can all see what we have been up to over the summer break.
It seems just yesterday that we had our Annual Meeting but that was March – so planning starts again. Lots to consider when planning a meeting that offers representation from every WI in Oxfordshire. Whilst we have been very happy at Worton Hall, the time has come for a change. A new venue, comfortable seating for the meeting, more room for the lunch break and stalls. So, we are off to the Amey Theatre in Abingdon, located just off the A34 on the outskirts of the lovely market town of Abingdon. Keep Tuesday 30 March in your diaries. Amongst the feedback was as a women’s organisation, should we not be having women speakers. Watch this space!!
I hope by now that you are enjoying your recently published copy of the OFWI Directory. The Directory has a myriad of information for all Wis: information about your Board, subcommittees, Groups, a list of all WIs and, of course, our speakers and organisations lists. A publication not to be missed. All WIs receive one hard copy, together with an electronic version, which contains the speakers and organisations section.
In the meantime, the Board is reviewing the website, making a few small content changes to Oxfordshire Inspires. Hopefully still time for a mini break! Any thoughts on either are always
welcome.
Trustee of the month for this summer edition is Sarah Griffey, with her thoughts on being an OFWI trustee:
OFWI’s virtual Board of Trustees who held the fort during COVID, were an example to me of grace under pressure, offering a great magazine with insightful reports of WIs across the county doing amazing things. It was a high point during a difficult time for so
many WI folks.
When the advertisement for Trustees cropped up in the magazine, I wanted to be part of that Board.
Fast forward to the present, and in my second go-around as a Trustee, I can say I have learnt a lot about the inner workings of the Federation at county and National level, and the boundless energy and optimism that flows from all the Trustees to support Members and to keep the Federation on the road. I am proud to be part of OFWI’s Denman Grant Fund team, and Chair of the Public Affairs and Campaigns Committee.
Enjoy the summer.
With love and best wishes.
Tracy
Tracy Strain
OFWI Chair
01235 765285
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