01/11/2025
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Issue 60: November 2025
Welcome to the November newsletter!
November has arrived, and while the days are darker and the nights longer, there are plenty of seasonal treats and Autumnal pleasures to enjoy in this time of year. But before you skip to the (whisper it) festive items available in your WI shop, let's reflect on an absolutely bumper October, and look ahead to what's coming up this month...
The Queen comes to Corsham
Her Majesty The Queen visited Corsham in Wiltshire on Tuesday 28 October 2025 to celebrate The Poppy Project — a beautiful community initiative driven by Peacock WI, Corsham; and brought to life by thousands of knitters and crocheters from across the UK - and beyond.
The Poppy Project marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II, and what began as a plan to create 10,000 poppies, blossomed into an awe-inspiring display of more than 31,000 handmade flowers, now adorning Corsham Town Centre and St Bartholomew’s Church.
During her visit, The Queen met volunteers, community leaders and members of Peacock WI; joining a poppy-making workshop at the Martingate Shopping Centre before viewing the beautifully decorated shopfronts, planters and displays around the town. The Queen was greeted by hundreds of local well-wishers, many of whom she met personally.
The Queen then placed the final poppy on the church’s spectacular cascade, completing a moving tribute that honours both those who served and the community spirit that unites Corsham today. Well done to all at Peacock WI, and the Wiltshire Federation for a truly wonderful occasion that will live on the memories of the whole town for years to come.
Photo: Chris Jackson/PA
Black History Month at the WI, and Women of the World (WoW)
We marked Black History Month with a fascinating webinar celebrating Black dance with our panel of experts Dr Sandie Bourne, Dr ‘Funmi Adewole Elliot and Mercy Nabirye. If you're a member, you can catch this again on demand over on the WI Learning Hub.
We were also thrilled to welcome and showcase two food creatives who shared a selection of delicious recipes celebrating Caribbean cuisine with us. Melissa Thompson is an award-winning writer, cook and broadcaster whose writing has graced the pages of BBC Good Food, The Guardian, Stylist and Waitrose Magazine.
Marie Mitchell is a cook, writer and champion of inclusive, sustainable food culture. Marie is also the winner of the Fortnum and Mason debut cookery book award 2025.
Check out their recipes now on the WI Learning Hub, and both Melissa and Marie's cookery books are part of the Black History Month curated book selection on the WI Shop.
Meanwhile, The WI was out and about in October, with a stand at the Women of the World (WoW) Festival North East in Durham. We had a brilliant day talking to lots of different women about our campaigns, WI membership and pointing women to local WIs in the area. Special thanks to mother and daughter team Ellie and Susan (Rowlands Gill WI) for helping out of the stand.
November Campaigns Update
Bystander Can Be Lifesavers: Cardiac Arrest is a Feminist Issue.
October was Restart a Heart Month, the perfect time of year to spread awareness that cardiac arrest is a feminist issue. To mark Restart a Heart Month, members across Kent wore their bras over their clothing to highlight that the fear of touching a woman’s chest is costing their lives. Joined by the wonderful St John Ambulance team, Kent Air Ambulance team, and Mayor of Margate Katie Pope, members received CPR training on Margate Sands and called for change so that women don’t have to worry that they’re less likely to survive cardiac arrest than men.
Thinking Differently: NFWI Trustee discusses menopause and neurodiversity with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting.
NFWI Trustee and Thinking Differently Advisory Group member, Paula Peirce, represented the Thinking Differently campaign in Westminster in October at an event for Menopause Awareness Month, organised by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, and Wellbeing of Women. At the event, Paula spoke to Streeting about the intersection of menopause and neurodiversity, sharing her own lived experience, and calling for better support for neurodivergent women going through menopause.
Thinking Differently: ADHD Awareness Month X Black History Month Blog: NFWI in conversation with ADHD Babes.
ADHD Awareness Month coincided with Black History Month in October, and we took the opportunity to explore the powerful intersection between race, gender, and neurodivergence. We were proud to spotlight ADHD Babes, an award-winning community organisation creating safe, affirming spaces for Black women and Black non-binary people of African-Caribbean descent living with ADHD.
You can read the blog written by Vivienne, Founder of ADHD Babes, on the WI website.
Rallying for Change on the River Wye.
The end of River Action Week culminated in a vibrant campaign rally in Monmouth, where members - and a rather eye-catching WI Loch "Mess" Monster - gathered on the banks of the River Wye to call for stronger protections for our rivers, soil, and communities.
Jill Rundle, Chair of NFWI-Wales, addressed the crowd with a powerful call for immediate testing and regulation of microplastics in sewage. She also urged the government to adopt upstream solutions, such as installing microplastic filters in washing machines and improving product design.
We were honoured to be joined by the Mayor of Monmouth, Jackie Atkin, and local MP Catherine Fookes, who stood in solidarity with our campaign. Our research shows that the UK public overwhelmingly supports stronger regulation and testing of microplastics in sewage - it's time for the government to act.
End Plastic Soup
On 20 October, the WI's Emma Holland-Lindsay and Tobias Arno met with Alberto Costa MP and Water Minister Emma Hardy MP to discuss the urgent need to tackle microplastic pollution - including why all new washing machines should be fitted with microplastic filters.
On 22 October, the APPG on Microplastics, which we provide the secretariat for, held an Extraordinary General Meeting to elect a new officer and outline plans for a fresh Call for Evidence on microplastic pollution. This will help capture the latest research and policy developments and inform an upcoming update to the group’s landmark 2021 report.
We need the government to get serious about microplastic pollution, by setting out a coherent plan for upstream solutions to microplastic pollution. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue pushing for action to protect our waters, farmland and health from plastic pollution.
NFWI-Wales Autumn updates
Events at the Senedd to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
We will be hosting 2 events at the Senedd/Welsh Parliament in Cardiff Bay on Monday 17 November, sponsored by Joyce Watson MS - a hybrid stakeholder event on the theme of online harm (11am until 1pm) and a candlelight vigil on the Senedd steps (6pm until 7.30pm).
Find out more and register here.
Winter Fair
We will have a presence at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd on 24 and 25 November. If you are planning a visit to the Winter Fair, don’t forget to come and say hello. You will find our stand in the Food Hall where we will have promotional materials about the WI and will be displaying members’ entries in our craft and produce competitions. Find out more about the Winter Fair here.
WI Learning Hub: October
At this time of year, life can feel full of plans, commitments and endless to-do lists all competing for attention. The WI Learning Hub offers a gentle pause, a space to slow down, focus on yourself and rediscover the pleasure of learning or doing something just for you.
This month, Scents of Calm: Aromatherapy with Jane Aebi is the perfect place to start. In this one-hour session, you’ll explore how essential oils can ease stress, support emotional wellbeing and bring a sense of calm to your day. With two simple recipes to recreate at home, you’ll leave with something soothing for both body and mind.
Whether you’re joining a creative workshop, brushing up on practical skills or simply taking a mindful hour to yourself, the Learning Hub is your invitation to keep learning at your own pace, in your own way.
Your WI Shop
The WI Shop has had a seasonal refresh, and we’re thrilled to introduce a range of unique, ethically sourced products and accessories that are perfect for gifting season. Whether you're shopping for others or treating yourself, every item supports talented makers, and every purchase supports the WI.
Now in the shop:
Handmade by Tinni – Bold Textile Jewellery
Discover vibrant, hand-crafted cotton necklaces by Handmade by Tinni, a UK-based brand founded by award-winning designer Paulomi Debnath. Inspired by her Indian heritage and love for bold colours, Paulomi uses macrame and rope knotting techniques to create wearable art. She champions sustainability, creativity, and ethical production.
Namaste – Ethical, Fair-Trade Decorations
Our new holiday decorations come from Namaste, a Fair-Trade company that partners with small-scale artisans across India and Nepal. Namaste’s mission is to promote traditional crafts and empower local communities through ethical trade. Many of their products are handmade using natural materials, and some of their original artisan partners are still part of the journey today.
New Seasonal Books
Explore our latest festive reads, including:
Green Christmas – sustainable ideas for low-impact celebrations
The Veggie Christmas Cookbook – delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes
The Brussels Sprout Cookbook – over 60 fun and flavourful ways to enjoy this seasonal staple.
Stylish Accessories & Cosy Treats
You’ll also find seasonal accessories, with hand creams, artisan soaps and perfect stocking fillers arriving soon. Cosy British wool throws and hot water bottles are coming in November, just in time for the winter chill.
It’s a great time to browse and shop with purpose. Every item supports creative makers and helps fund the work of the WI.
Plus, don’t forget: free delivery on all orders over £60.
Click on the image above to visit your WI Shop here.
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