Steeple Aston Women’s Institute (WI) has been in existence for over a century, since it was started in 1918. The WI is non-partisan and takes no political position, but nationally it is a powerful agent for change in society, and has helped to bring about such things as equal pay for equal work, organ donation, and the provision of more midwives. Current WI campaigns include ending plastic pollution, and expanding the network of stem-cell transplant donors.
The Steeple Aston branch is affiliated to both the National WI and also to the Oxfordshire federation, and members are free to choose their degree of participation. Some may wish to get involved in the national campaigns, others are content to just be active in the village branch.
We meet regularly on the second Tuesday of each month except August. There are a variety of events scheduled throughout the year: speakers, social evenings, meals out, craft workshops, excursions and the occasional party. There is also a book group, a lunch club, walking netball group and a walking group who explore the local countryside and usually finish up at a friendly pub or café. And at every event, there is plenty of time to socialise, catch up with old friends and make new ones.
We are always ready to accept new members – any woman over 18 is welcome, young or old, married or single, parent or not, working or retired, of any faith or none.
Meetings are held in the Village Hall. Details of WI events can be found below and in both the print version and the online version of Steeple Aston Life. Look out for the WI Report and for entries in the Calendar.
If you are interested in joining please call one of the contacts listed below for more information.
Contacts
Julie Hillier – President
Tel: 01869 349185 Email: j.hillier3@hotmail.co.uk
Merrill Bayley
Tel: 01869 347802 Email: merrill.bayley@gmail.com
Website: https://www.oxfordshirewi.co.uk/ (Oxfordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes)
Programme for 2026/27
2026
12 May Talk – Graham Porcas – his trip with Driving to Ukraine taking vehicles and aid to Ukraine.
9 June Talk – Sue Smith “Felt like…” Visiting textile artists in Australia with a demonstration.
12 July Sunday – Church fete – WI stall promotional event.
14 July Summer tea party – village hall 4pm. Afternoon tea provided and served for us!
31 August Monday – Steeple Aston Horticultural show stall Fundraising event with cake jams etc
8 September Talk – Nicola Whybrow “Hue Knew?” Nicola is a colour & style consultant.
13 October. Talk – Keith Westcott. Archaeological Discoveries on the Broughton Castle Estate
28 October North Ploughly Group Meeting, Bucknell VH 7pm – 9pm. Refreshments and Raffle
10 November Talk Graham Davison. “Three Chemists & a Doctor you should know”
8 December Christmas Lunch – Venue tbn.
2027
12 January Talk – Ken Lusted “The Palace of Westminster”
9 February Talk – from a member of Katherine House Hospice
9 March 109 Birthday Night. Talk – Katrina van Grouw “From Art to Zoology A story of Evolution
13 April. AGM – voting for Committee a president. Poetry Please! A social evening with poetry.