Steeple Aston Women’s Institute (WI) has been in existence for over a century, ever since it 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 action for clean rivers and stopping modern slavery.
The Steeple Aston branch is affiliated to 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 be active just in the village branch.
We meet regularly on the second Tuesday of every month except August. A variety of events are scheduled throughout the year: speakers, social evenings, meals out, craft workshops, excursions and the occasional party. There is also a weekly walking netball group, and we meet irregularly for pub lunches. We walk to explore the local countryside and usually finish up at a friendly pub or café. At every event there is 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.
Details of WI events are in Steeple Aston Life magazine. Look out for the WI Report and for entries in the Calendar. Information can also be found on the village website.
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 – “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 – WI 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.