THIS WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING CHANGES. SOME DETAILS MAY NOT YET BE ACCURATE. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING.
MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 7.30PM. TO BE INFORMED OF WHAT WE ARE DOING PLEASE FOLLOW OUR BLOG
The De Beauvoir WI meet in the Crypt at St Peter’s Church, Northchurch Terrace, De Beauvoir in the borough of Hackney. Each month, except August, we have speakers on a number of topics or activities including history talks, craft demonstrations and dancing. We serve free hot and cold drinks, cakes, and snacks.
Our meetings are free to members (please see the members area for details about joining) and £5 for guests (for the year 2023-2024 we have a special offer of the first meeting absolutely free with £5 payable from the second meeting as a guest).
COMING IN APRIL

WHAT WE DO
We have several interest groups open to all members of the DBWI. To join us please come along as a guest to one of our meetings, or email our main address (featured on the poster above) for details. Once you are a member you can be added to group WhatsApp chats and email lists.
Book. Organised by Nichola.
This group is held on the third Tuesday of the month. Just now we are meeting at a rather good brasserie in Newington Green, but there is no compulsion on anyone to spend any money. We choose the next book between us and it is announced at the next WI meeting. There is a list of the most recent books we’ve read in the Book Group page.
BST walking. Organised by Nichola and Debby L.
Meets formally during British Summer Time on the last Friday of the month in the evening. Off season members can arrange walks informally through the WhatsApp Group
Knitting and Stitching.
This group meets intermittently, depending on what we are working on. We knit, crochet, stitch and chat.
We’ve created yarn bombs, crafted for climate change, made goody bags and scrubs for the NHS.
Jams and Preserves workshops.
Meets seasonally to make delicious jars of sweet goodness to sell at community events.
Jogging, Gym and Swim. Organised by Heather F.
NEW – details to be confirmed.
Campaigns. Organised by Fiona K.
This group will meet on an occasional basis to attend marches, events and activities relevant to campaigns run by the National Federation. The organiser is particularly keen to host crafting evenings, for up to four people, when appropriate to make items that highlight the campaigns
We arrange regular trips to places of interest or theatre shows – see the DBWI Trips Out page to see past excursions.
We get involved in local community events and initiatives – please visit the page here
Covid compliance notice
Please continue to follow the DBWI precautions regarding Covid. We would also encourage everyone to book their next jab when called to do so.
In line with guidance from the NFWI masks are optional but we encourage members and guests to wear one when in more crowded areas, such as queueing for refreshments. Now the temperatures have dropped it is too cold to keep the windows and doors open in the crypt. Therefore, if you feel unwell at all, or live with someone who has Covid, please do not come along to the meeting as a number of our members are vulnerable. Wash hands in the toilets and/or use sanitiser, which we will provide hand sanitiser if you cannot bring your own but please bring your own if you can. All surfaces on tables and at the hatch will be wiped down with disinfectant before your arrival. If you can do a lateral flow test before attending meetings and contact us if you develop symptoms after attending.
As all WI groups we are inclusive of all women over the age of 18. Our ‘flavour’ aims to include activities that interest our entire membership but we welcome all suggestions and ideas if people feel we are not as broad as we could be. Our committee are friendly and approachable; we want everyone to enjoy their time with us and feel able to confidently speak up if they don’t.