Bampton in Devon

The Women's' Institute first came to Britain in 1915 when it was founded in Anglesey. Its purpose was to give Countrywomen, who often lived in very isolated areas, an opportunity to meet and socialise with other women in similar circumstances. It aimed to broaden their lives and to improve the life of both themselves and their families. Today is no different - in the 21st century some women are still isolated, and in spite of TV and the mass media, there is a need for human contact and companionship.

W.I. is a totally non-politically aligned group, but nevertheless politics and government policy are often under discussion when their are local problems or national issues which concern members. With about two million members countrywide, our opinions can and do have impact. Our aims are still relevant today: concern with the environment, and care of the less fortunate.

Bampton W.I. meet on the first Wednesday of each month in the Community Hall, at 2.30pm in the winter (October - March), and 7.00pm in the summer (April - September). There are a variety of speakers - with often something new to learn - competitions, outings, garden days, and fun days.

Always a cup of tea and lots of laughs - come and join us, you won't be disappointed!

Hospitality Visits: bring your group for home-made Afternoon Teas, Monday to Friday (pre-booking essential).

Events involving the W.I. in Bampton may also be found here on the web site in the Bampton Calendar of what's on in the town.

Telephone: 01884-243340

Email:

The national W.I. web-site can be found here.

The scenic village of Bampton in Devon serves as our test ground to assess what positive impact local sourcing and better collaboration between the community and its business can have.

The aim is to show that through education, involvement and feedback uptake of local sourcing can be increased thereby improving local sustainability. The ultimate aim is the development of a toolkit which would take this project beyond just Bampton, and give communities across the UK suggestions on how to increase local sustainability.

Please click here to download a leaflet explaining the project. (Broadband required!).
You can also download a questionnaire here. (MS Word)
Or you can fill in a questionnaire on-line by clicking here.

The research part of the project is conducted by the nef (new economics foundation) with the aim to provide insight into the impact of local souring. For more information on the nef please visit www.neweconomics.org

Local residents of the Bampton area are asked to fill out a questionnaire assessing current level of local sourcing and involvement in the community. Please click here for a copy of the questionnaire.

The project will entail a series of activities some of which are listed here:

• Stand and launch of project at Bampton Open Day (28th August)
• Educational visit to local primary school (October2006)
• Events at Bampton Fair (26th October)

As part of the Living Local project in Bampton we are looking for your suggestions of suppliers of local or regional* products and retail services that you would like to see in Bampton.

We will then contact these suppliers and assess the viability of supplying goods and retail services to the Bampton community.
If you have any suggestions please email them to the contacts below stating:

• Your contact details
• Name and address of potential supplier
• Type of product or service

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please contact Cornelia Closhen at SPAR: cornelia.closhen@spar.co.uk or for a local contact: Julia Wheare on or 01398 331179 or via email wheare@btinternet.com