What's on

The SWI is passionate about lifelong learning and helping women live their best lives. With a range of online and in-person events such as Skill Share Sessions, Expert Talks, National Events and Competitions and Celebrity Showcases, there's something for everyone!

National Summer School 2024

15-19 August 2024 | Strathallan School, Perthshire

We're delighted to announce a new-look SWI Summer School for 2024. Come for a long weekend of learning and having fun with like-minded women in a beautiful environment. There are residential and non-residential spaces for both members and non-members.

A variety of expert tutors have been hand picked to offer the best classes across a range of handcrafts and activities. Each subject will be taught in a 3-day workshop, so you can choose one course to take for the duration of the school. You can choose from heritage crafts such as Willow Basketry and Shetland Lace Knitting, or needlecraft courses such as Quilting, Sashiko and Crochet, or indulge your artistic side with 3D Decoupage, Painting, Floral Art, and Beadwork.

See all courses here


Outstanding Member Award 2024

The award is named after Margaret Whiteford, who was a member of Ratho SWI. She was passionate about the SWI and enjoyed attending events like the SWI Summer School and Study Tour. 

This unique award celebrates members who are great ambassadors for everything we hold dear – friendship, lifelong learning, and sharing skills – and who get the most out of volunteering for the charity. Take your time to think about who goes that extra mile for you/your institute/your Federation?

It is as simple as filling out this form HERE and sending it to charlotte.hughes@theswi.org.uk before the deadline of Friday 26th of July 2024.All nominations are confidential. Both individual and group nominations will be accepted!


National Study Tour 2024

 SWI Tour | In person Event | May 3rd - May 6th 

This event is now SOLD OUT. If you wish to be put on a waiting list in the case of a cancellation, please email hello@theswi.org.uk with your information. Pick up points for attendees are as follows:

Departing Friday 3rd of May:

  • Depart from Broxden Park and Ride 8am
  • From Edinburgh Engliston Park and Ride 9.30am
  • From Glasgow, Kelvinbridge SPT Park and Ride 11.00am
  • From Gretna Green Services, A74M 1pm
  • Continue journey to the Leonardo Hotel, Derby

Falkirk Women's Group Launch

In person | April 28th | Falkirk Football Stadium | 2pm

If you want to make friends and be part of something new and exciting please register to come along, bring a friend or friends to find out more... all women are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there and you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and a big friendly smile.

 

Click to book HERE


SWI Expert Talk: Understanding how to start archiving your own records

Online event | May 16th | 7pm-8pm

The SWI is committed to lifelong learning and these online sessions are aimed at bringing women together to learn from experts and each other.

To celebrate SWI heritage, this informative online presentation on archiving should help members discover the potential of the wider SWI Heritage across Scotland.

Book your place here


National Annual General Meeting 2024

AGM | Online event | May 18th, 2024 | 10.30am-12pm

All members are invited to attend the SWI AGM which takes place online on Saturday 18th May from 10.30am-noon.   Attending the AGM will provide members with insight into the SWI performance and direction of the organisation. Audited financial statements will be presented and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Please register here to attend.


SWI Heritage Project Group Monthly Meeting

Online event | May 23rd | 6pm-7pm

The Heritage group meet on a monthly basis to drive forward progress for the SWI Heritage project, with an objective on preparinga ready to go collection for the planned Visitor Learning Centre.

Any member is welcomed to join this group, whether you have a specific story to share or simply want to stay informed, to join us for an informal online evening session.

Join the meeting here.


Newhaven Women's Group Launch

In Person | May 26th | 2.30pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community

If you want to make friends and be part of something new and exciting please register to come along, bring a friend or friends to find out more... all women are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there and you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and a big friendly smile.

Click to book here


SWI National Outdoor Bowling Competition

National competition | In Person | Helensburgh Bowling Club | August 26th

Federations are invited to send one or two teams to this year’s National Outdoor Bowling competition which will be hosted by Dunbartonshire Federation at Helensburgh Bowling Club, on 26th August 2024.

Enter teams for this event here.

Please contact charlotte.hughes@theswi.org.uk for further info if required, forms can be emailed on request.


National Photography Competition 2024

National Competition | Deadline November 4th 2024 | Open for entries

Theme - Our Fragile World

Harness the potential of your camera in this year's photography competition. We encourage members to delve into the theme of 'Our Fragile World' by entering your compelling photos.

The competition prizes are:
1st place - £25 voucher for SWI's online shop
2nd place - £15 voucher for SWI's online shop
3rd place - £10 voucher for SWI's online shop

Please email your photographs as Jpegs to hello@theswi.org.uk before the deadline of Monday the 4th of November 2024. Entries will be judged after the deadline and the winners will be announced by the end of November 2024.

Click here to register and pay on Beacon - if you need a form emailed to you seperately, please contact us to request one. Have fun and good luck!


National Writing Competition 2024

National Competition | Deadline September 30th 2024 | Open for entries

Theme - If you know a good thing, pass it on

Unlock the power of your pen in this year's writing competition. We invite participants to explore the theme of 'If you know a good thing, pass it on' by submitting your captivating written pieces in the form of an inspirational letter.

The competition prizes are:
1st place - £25 voucher for SWI's online shop
2nd place - £15 voucher for SWI's online shop
3rd place - £10 voucher for SWI's online shop

Please email your inspirational letter on a Word document to hello@theswi.org.uk before the deadline of Monday the 30th of September, 2024. Entries will be judged after the deadline and the winners will be announced by the end of October 2024.

Click here to register and pay on Beacon - if you need a form emailed to you seperately, please contact us to request one. Have fun and good luck!