Welcome to the SWI Events. We host many events and competitions throughout the year and across Scotland.
Due to the Covid restrictions, many events have been postponed, rescheduled or moved online. Please continue to check this page and the latest information on events which is published in our News section.
The SWI have the responsibility for managing the RHS Handcrafts Pavilion at the 2022 Royal Highland Show. Arrangements are now being finalised for the Show and we are looking for Volunteer Stewards to cover the Pavilion.
In order to cover the Pavilion, volunteer stewards are required for two x two-hour shifts during the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The shifts on Thursday, Friday and Sunday are from 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, 3pm to 5pm, and 5pm to 7pm.
The shifts on Saturday are 9am -10.30am, 10.30am – 12.30pm, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, 2.30pm-4.30pm and 4.30pm – 7pm (this is to stop a shift change during the prize giving).
If you would like to volunteer to be a steward, entry tickets will be available for these stewards on the understanding that they are on duty for two sessions of two hours. Anyone willing to steward for two hours will be most welcome but no entry ticket will be supplied. No expenses are paid.
If you are willing to steward, please complete the form below and return to Headquarters by 27th May 2022. We require the names by then in order to finalise the rota. You will be contacted directly by Headquarters after the 27th May.
The Lanarkshire Federation will host the 2022 Golf Competition at Carnwath Golf Club, 1 Main St, Carnwath, Lanark, ML11 8JX, on Monday 22nd August, 2022. If your Federation wishes to compete, please complete and return the attached form no later than Friday 1st July 2022. Further information has been sent to Federation Secretaries.
The 2022 SWI National Outdoor Bowling Competition will take place at the Bainfield Bowling Club, 34 Hutchison Crossway, Edinburgh EH14 1RU on Tuesday 13th September 2022 from 9.30am. Please note that this is a triples competition.
If your Federation wishes to compete, please complete and return form no later than Monday, 8th August 2022.
Members are warmly invited to register to attend the online Scottish Women's Institute AGM on Saturday 28th May 10.30am -12.30pm.
This year's AGM will have a new format including an update on the new SWI strategy, a guest speaker and a membership discussion panel. To book your place at the AGM, please follow this link https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/whats-on-66729
Theme: Celebration of the Countryside
Royal Highland Show 23-26 June 2022
The Handcrafts Schedule for the 2022 Royal Highland Show can be downloaded below. Entries should be made by 15th April
For all enquiries please contact:
Competitions Department, Royal Highland Show: Telephone: +44(0)131 335 6200 Email: competitions@rhass.org.uk
The Soloists, Duets and Choirs Competition, has been confirmed to take place on 1st October 2022 at 10.30am.
The Education and International Committee January/February newsletter has been sent to Federation Secretaries. It can also be downloaded below.
The January/February Handcrafts & Homeksills Committee newsletter has been sent to Federation Secretaries. It can also be downloaded below.
The Scottish Women’s Institutes will be hosting the next ACWW European Conference in Glasgow 2022. The Conference will take place at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in Clydebank. Please note the closing date for booking is 28th May 2022.
Booking forms are available on request, please email Carrie: educ.int@theswi.org.uk
The Education & International Committee Proficiency Certificate Schedule is under review. If you require any information, please email educ.int@theswi.org.uk
SWI organises national competitions in curling, stadium bowling, outdoor bowling and golf. Federations select a team(s), usually by competition, to represent them in the competition. Further information can be obtained from the Education and International Events Co-ordinator - educ.int@theswi.org.uk. The website will be update with any future sporting events.
*Please click the side arrow to access the Guidelines relating to events.
Handcrafts & Homeskills Proficiency & Judges Certificates
Proficiency Certificate
The SWI offers members the opportunity to sit certificates to become proficient in various handcraft and cooking subjects. For example: Applique & Knitting. Afternoon Tea & Baking. In addition new proficiency certificates have been introduced such as Bag Making, Basic Plain Sewing, Core Skills, Needle Felting and Special Dietary requirement and Vegan Meal.
Members who gain Honours and First-class passes are awarded a certificate and can purchase a proficiency badge. Federations are eligible to apply every three years through application forms which are sent out to Federation Handcrafts & Homeskills secretaries. Deadlines for applications are the 1st of March 2022 the 1st of March for Autumn certificates and 1st of October 2022 for next Spring certificates.
Handcraft Judges Certificates
Members who have achieved passes in proficiency certificates can apply for a certificate to become a judge in the same subject(s). For example if they have passed the knitting proficiency certificate, then they can apply to be a judge for this subject. These are held annually and different subjects are offered each year in rotation. Once qualified the candidate can then go on to Judge proficiency certificates and also at local shows.
Homeskills Judges Certificates – These are held with the Federation sitting proficiency certificates.
Floral Art Proficiency and Judges Certificates are offered in alternate years. North Federations can apply one year and South Federations the following year.
Proficiency Schedules
For more details on the certificates on offer there are both Handcraft & Homeskills Proficiency Schedules available to download in the members area of the website.
SWI offers members the opportunity to attend weekend schools, particularly in handcrafts and Scottish Country Dancing. These are held in suitable venues in various parts of the Scotland.
The next Scottish Country Dance Weekend for SWI members will take place in 2023.
The next Handcrafts Weekend School will take place in 2023.