The Women’s Institute is National (England, Wales and the Islands), with each WI having their own HQ. These are run by a board of trustees who are voted in every two years. One AGM is held nationally each year with delegates from across each county.

The WI also has a college in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, which runs a range of day and residential courses. The WI is divided into sections by County, known as Federations. The Weybridge WI is under the Surrey Federation. HQ is in Guildford and the board is made up of Surrey WI members. They organise county-wide events, Surrey Fed WI magazine etc. 2018 was our centenary year, so they organised celebrations across the county. They also put on training courses and have advisors available to guide each WI if they need help. Council meetings for Surrey Federation are held twice a year with a free space for one person per WI and other members welcome to attend. These are usually held in Dorking.

Groups of WI’s – closely located can opt to join together and arrange additional meetings/events, which is the case for the Weybridge WI –  we are in the Emlyn Vale Group. Meetings tend to be March and September, with the Presidents of the WI’s involved meeting a few more times throughout the year to plan, and to exchange ideas.

Local WI’s – usually on a village/suburb, some places may have more than one local WI. Meet at least 11 times a year, we met on 3rd Thursday. Depending on the WI, they may meet in the evening, or during the day.