COMPETITIONS

GFWI organises a number of competitions every year, open to all members in the county.  A regular is the county calendar competition: members are invited to submit photos on a different theme each year, for selection and inclusion in the GFWI calendar for the following year. 

Also every year the Tim Poole Cup takes place, named after Mrs Tim Poole, who was a Trustee 1965 -1981 and Vice Chairman 1971-1977.  It was first inaugurated in 1988 as the Tim Poole Poster Competition, followed in 1989 by the WI Logo competition.  The topic for the Tim Poole Cup is now being set by the GFWI subcommittees in turn. 

Every other year WIs are invited to submit teams to the County Quiz, which usually has heats taking place around the county followed by a grand final in the autumn. 

We also have a skittles competition between WIs and members’ scrabble challenges.

And we often have an extra competition to record some national event of note, such as HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, and the coronation of King Charles III. 

2027 GFWI County Calendar Competition “Reflections of Gloucestershire”

The 2027 calendar competition has been judged and the 12 best photos are included in the 2027 calendar now on sale.  The overall winner was Anne Field from Marle Hill WI with a photo of the Cheltenham Promenade.  LINK to order form

THE TIM POOLE CUP

The competition changes every year, sometimes a craft or make, others a written submission, to encourage as many members as possible to have the opportunity to take part.  The 2024 competition was a request for a piece of writing on the theme: “What the WI means to me”.  There were many entries from members around the county, reflecting the friendship, opportunities, education and entertainment they have enjoy as part of their membership.  The highly commended runner up was Elisabeth Parker-Jervis of Southfield WI and the worthy winner was Jenny Cooper of Southam WI, reflecting on how first her mother became a member of Birdlip WI due to the welcome and encouragement of her neighbour, then Jenny herself followed a similar experience herself a generation later.   

“As I reflect on almost a century of WI in Gloucestershire, I cannot help but realise what a profound effect for the better this organisation has had, not only on the lot of women, but on society in general.  I shall be forever grateful to that very kind neighbour.  WI has enriched the life of the whole family, my husband included, who is always made so very welcome whether it be on walks or at Open Meetings.” 

For the 2025 competition there was a more practical challenge to make a decorative door wreath from any materials, to reflect different reasons and seasons. The winning wreath was made by Ruth Davies from Ebrington WI and was on display at the ACM in April 2025.

Decorated bra challenge!

WIs were challenged with decorating a bra in any creative way they chose. Embroidery, glue, paint, patchwork, lace and tassels, flowers, greenery: the choice was endless. Although it was only one entry per WI, there was nothing to stop them having their own mini competition to get lost of members involved and voting for the one they thought should go forward to the county competition. The competition was judged by Consultant Breast Surgeon, Asmaa Al-Allak. Asmaa is best known as the winner of The Great British Sewing Bee 2023.

All the entries were also all on display at the 2026 Royal Three Counties Show as part of our highlight on WI campaigns over the years.  It was a good opportunity to emphasise to all those passing through the importance of the current campaign Bystanders can be Lifesavers and reflect that many men are uncomfortable with doing CPR or using a defibrillator on women.

Asmaa had selected her favourite three bras, and a ‘people’s vote’ at the show between the three was awarded to the bra from Twyver WI focussing on mental health awareness and support, with the runners up being the bras from Edge WI highlighting Bystanders can be Lifesavers, and Central Cheltenham WI inspired by a Near to Nature theme.

THE 200 CLUB

Enjoy the thrill of a prize draw? The GFWI 200 Club offers frequent opportunities to win fantastic cash prizes while supporting Federation activities. The 200 Club started in 1982. While not really a competition, it is worth a mention. The GFWI 200 Club is just like having a season ticket to an ongoing raffle. If you pay for a share in our 200 Club you stand a chance of winning a cash prize every month from April to March. The rules are very simple. On receipt of your application with the correct fee, a unique share number is issued and a certificate will be emailed to you. All valid share numbers are entered into the draw each month. You can have as many shares as you wish.

What’s in it for you?

  • Participate in our monthly draw with a chance to win a £25 prize every month.
  • Enjoy bonus prizes drawn at the ACM.
  • For just £10, you’ll be automatically entered into every draw – no hassle, no forgetting to buy tickets.
  • Any WI member aged 18 or over may hold one or more shares.
  • Please note: WI funds can no longer be used to purchase shares.

Link to application form: