Welome to Arundel WI

Thinking about joining the Women's Institute?

The WI is the largest women's organisation in the UK and it prides itself on being a trusted place for all women of all generations, to share experiences and learn from each other. A WI membership offers the opportunity to meet women in your local area in-person and virtually, to make friends and make a difference in your community. 

In 1915, the WI set out to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community.  Since then, our members and our ambitions alike have grown tremendously.  We campaign nationally on a wide range of issues and provide life-long learning and self-development opportunities for women in England and Wales.

There are WI groups across the country and there is going to be at least one in a reasonable travelling distance from where you live. There are also a number of virtual or on-line WI's.  Every WI has its own personality - before you join one, try a few and work out which is the right 'fit' for you. 

Why join the Arundel WI?

Arundel is a relatively new WI, our first meeting was in August 2022. Those of us involved in setting it up wanted it to be a group for women in 'Arundel & the surrounding areas' over the age of 18 where you could meet old and make new friends, learn something new, share skills & experiences, be in a place of safety & sanctuary without judgement, enjoy the company of other women, help others and hopefully have fun at the same time? 

Monthly Meetings

The best way of seeing if it's for you is to come along to one of our monthly meetings and see for yourself - they are held every 1st Wednesday in the month between 7 and 9pm at the Cathedral Centre, London Road, Arundel.  The first meeting is free, the second will cost £7 after which time we would ask you to join. Membership for the year 2025/6 April - March is  £51.  (if you join later in the year it will be lower). The staple of any WI, the meetings are included in your membership fees and give members the chance to learn new skills, listen to interesting speakers, find out about national WI campaign issues and to meet and make friends. (Some meetings may only be open to members and we cannot accept visitors at them, this will be explained on the meetings programme - but please ask if you are uncertain. )

(To find out more about this years programme go to Our Monthly Meetings)

Groups, Events & Activities

Being a member of AWI gives you access to a selection of groups & activities. 

We currently have a number of groups including Book Club, Cinema Group, Craft Club, WI Arundel Gastronomy Society (WAGS), Family History Group, Monthly Social and more. We intend starting a new group or holding an event wherever there is interest shown to do so and support from members to organise it. Groups are organised outside of the AWI main meetings by members of Arundel WI and are often held in members homes or local pubs. Any additional cost involved in these groups are in addition to the annual WI membership fee.

We often arrange 'visits' to places of interest which have included local restaurants, Nutbourne Vineyard, Aldingbourne Trust and the House of Commons. We visited Crosslands Nursery , Wiston Vineyard, London Museum(s), HMS Victory and more in 2024. 

Plans for 2025 so far have included  a visit to RHS Hampton Court, Dinner at La Campagnia, Private visit to Arundel Castle Queen Victoria's Bedroom by kind invitation of Chica the Duchess of Norfolk - others will be announced as they are organised.

Membership Involvement

We are really keen to get as much membership involvement in everything we do - from setting up and serving refreshments to organising outings or events. If you would be interested in getting more involved please let the committee know.