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 2025/26
2025
13 May Talk – Lasting Power of Attorney made simple. Book & Magazine sale.
10 June BBQ demonstration at Sally’s. Food & drink provided.
14 June Saturday Workshop VH – Chutney Making with a difference! All ingredients provided.
8 July Talk – Liz Wooley – Brewing in Oxford – From Medieval times until the twentieth century.
10 July Walk with Liz Wooley following on from her earlier talk.
13 July Sunday Church Fete – WI stall
25 July Monday – Steeple Aston Summer Show – WI stall fundraising event – cake, jams, chutney and much more!
9 September Talk – Beth Astle on Reflexology – with demonstration on one lucky person!
14 October Talk – Janine Kilroe on Being a Drone Pilot – Images and video and possible demonstration!
11 November Talk – Block Print Card Making – Demonstration and hands on make your own cards.
6 December. Saturday workshop – Christmas Wreath Making – Led by Lynn Humberstone
9 December. Christmas lunch – Venue not confirmed yet!
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2026
13 January Talk – Sue Smith – Climate ambassador for Oxfordshire WI
10 February. Talk – Hildy Frenken on Waling the Camino de Santiago – Hildy’s fundraising 900km walk
10 March. 108th Birthday Night – Talk – Charlie Ross, Auctioneer, TV Personality & Author
14 April Talk – Alison Jaycock – Being a Celebrant