SWRI Orkney Federation

Orkney Federation was founded in 1925 and comprises twenty Institutes, which includes five island Institutes with a membership of round about 500. Institutes meet regularly once a month and the Federation meetings are held in the SWRI Hall, 10 Bridge Street Wynd, Kirkwall, in spring, summer and autumn.

The Federation is very active and forward-looking, having a one-day Bulb Show in March, a Handcraft Show in July (during Stromness Shopping Week) which runs for five days and a one-day Baking Show in October. All shows are well supported, with many Institutes taking part. Shows can be hard work and great enjoyment can be had with members and Institutes working together.

Various classes and schools are held in the Federation. Every other year there is a 2-day practical handcraft class and a cookery demonstration. Every second year there is a weekend school with several different subjects being taught at venues throughout the country. The last weekend school was held in Holm in March 2006 with bird watching, cookery, card making, sketching and two levels of digital photography being taught. Each year in May there is the inter-Federation bowling match with Caithness which is held in Orkney and Caithness in alternate years.

Being part of the SWRI national organisation (with Headquarters in Edinburgh) the Federation, Institutes and members may participate in SWRI national events such as conferences, summer schools, study tours and other events. For example, the Variations on a Theme Competition starts with a Federation round from which the winner goes on to the National Final. The Federation, Institutes and members co-operate with other local groups such as Countryside and Access Forum, Community Councils, Girl Guide Movement, Red Cross and many others making sure that SWRI's voice is heard. Members who have passed proficiency tests in handcrafts and housewives crafts are popular as judges. In some districts primary school children are taught crafts.

ORKNEY INSTITUTES