Round-up of the 2026 Wales Annual Conference

Around 440 members joined us in Aberystwyth on 26 March for our 2026 Wales Conference.

During the morning session, we were welcomed to Ceredigion by Gay Evans, Chair of Ceredigion Federation. Jill Rundle, NFWI-Wales Chair reflected on how the WI had responded to change and adapted over the last 111 years and Rhian Connick, Head of NFWI-Wales presented a report of the work carried out over the last year. Pam Beedan, NFWI Vice Chair shared her WI journey.

Linking in with the WI’s Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers campaign, Julie Starling from Save a Life Cymru discussed ‘Developing a Nation of Lifesavers’ and launched a CPR video for the WI.

The winners of the NFWI-Wales 2025 Recruitment Awards were announced. Congratulations to Rhoose WI, Glamorgan Federation for winning the award for WIs with 24 members and under and to Ton Pentre & Gelli WI, Glamorgan Federation for winning the award for WIs with 25 members and over.

Awards were also presented to the winners of the Rose Bowl and Brecon Cup competitions on the theme ‘Shades of One Colour’. Congratulations to Glamorgan Federation who was awarded winner of both competitions.

In the afternoon, the Conference was addressed by guest speakers Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Chief Executive, National Library of Wales.

Eurig Salisbury, Poet, Novelist and Lecturer.

And Ann Jones, High Sheriff of Dyfed.

Mim Roberts, Chair of Gwynedd Meirionnydd Federation thanked everyone involved in the Conference and invited members to attend the 2027 Wales Conference in Porthmadog on 18 March.