Streatham WI

Meet & Eat found that on a Tuesday night, the Bedford in Balham is the place to be, due to their half price dining offer.

Book Club read A Family Matter by Claire Lynch. All about a couple divorcing in the early 80s, and the impact on those involved. Devastatingly sad, but agreed by the group as one of the best books we’ve read 📚

Thank you to who joined a recent monthly meeting to give us a fascinating talk on the history of Chinese Calligraphy. We saw samples of her beautiful work, and tried it out ourselves.

💚 Deadline for survey - end of August 💚

Make your voice heard about community life in the UK

We know WI members are at the heart of our communities up and down the UK, Wales, and the islands; but too often our voices aren't heard or heeded by those making decisions or shaping policy.

That's why NFWI is supporting the National Conversation - one of the biggest listening surveys in a generation, asking one simple question: what kind of country and community do you want to live in?

It's independent, run by Nuffield College, University of Oxford. It's anonymous. And it takes just 12 minutes. The answers will shape the work of the Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion, co-chaired by Sir Sajid Javid and Jon Cruddas.

We're supporting the National Conversation because the WI's community deserves to be heard. Please take part today.

Please make sure you have your say by completing the survey before the end of August → https://www.national-conversation.ox.ac.uk/?lang=en&channel=thewi&utm_source=thewi&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=national_conversation&utm_id=thewi&utm_content=en

Book Club continues with a wide range of picks this year, including this non-fiction book. It was written in the pandemic by a Westminster workaholic, who moves to the country. It’s a delightful, but sometimes harrowing, tale of hares. Described by the majority as a gentle read. One member predicts a film.

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We are delighted to share a new resource for the Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers campaign, the Defibrillator (AED) Guidance Resource.

The guide is full of practical information to help you raise awareness on the importance of defibrillators (AEDs) and includes clear, accessible guidance and resources on AEDs and offers a number of ways for WI members to get involved to make a lifesaving difference.

Increasing confidence and understanding around defibrillator use directly supports the aims of the Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers campaign, empowering bystanders to act quickly and effectively during a cardiac arrest. This guide will act as a vital tool for you to raise awareness on the importance of having AEDs in your communities.

To download the guide, head to My WI: https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/public-affairs-and-campaigns/news-and-actions/new-bystanders-can-be-lifesavers-defibrillator-aed-resource-guide

We’ve had a couple of crafty monthly meetings recently, starting in April making clay trinket trays. With thanks to Lorna from Balham WI for leading the session, and very patiently showing us all what to do.

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It is finally here - our newly rebranded WI Magazine: and a new way to provide you deep-dives and longer interviews on all things NFWI.

Fittingly for a summer issue, we present 10 pages on beach life, and spotlight some wonderful coastal WIs. We've also got a new section where your questions are answered by a WI panel in 'WIsdom'; a piece on slow crafting; and all your favourites from recipes to campaign updates.

We really hope you enjoy your new magazine, and that you find it a great read for the summer!

Read more about The WI Magazine here: https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/blog/blog-listing/2026/introducing-the-wi-magazine

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✨ Just over one week to go! ✨

There’s still time to purchase your tickets for the 2026 NFWI Annual Meeting 💜

Join us online on 4th June 2026 for a truly inspiring event featuring:

🎤 Three incredible guest speakers
🗳 Debate on two important resolutions
📖 Highlights from the past year
✨ A look ahead at what’s to come
🎉 And maybe even a few surprises along the way…

Members can purchase tickets via My WI through the link on our website.

A huge thank you to our sponsor Irwin Mitchell for supporting the 2026 NFWI Annual Meeting.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit: https://www.thewi.org.uk/annual-meeting