About us and Membership

First Ladies Barking and Dagenham is a Women’s Institute group created on 6th October 2010.

We welcome women of all ages and backgrounds to join us - the more the merrier!  Prospective members can visit the group for free on their first visit and £5 for a second visit. Thereafter you will be required to join the WI.

The membership subscription is £46.00

Since January 2015 new arrangements have applied for anyone joining the WI for the first time, i.e. who has not previously been a member of any WI. New members will pay a pro-rata subscription depending on the quarter in which they join, as shown below:
Date of joining 2023Total subscription due
1st April to 30th June£46.00
1st July to 30th September£34.50
1st October to 31st December£23.00
1st January to 31st March£11.50

Dual Membership: If you are a member of another WI you may join our group at a reduced rate of £22.60

Where to find us
If you would like to find out more about our group or have any questions please email us at wifirstladies@gmail.com

We meet at The Ripple Centre 
on the first Wednesday of every month (except August) 7pm-9pm. Arrive early for a cup of tea before the meeting.

The Ripple Centre is a modern venue located in East London and sits on the border of the Barking Abbey & Town Centre Conservation Area.  The venue is fully accessible with an adjacent private and secure car park.  It is conveniently situated just off the A13 with links to City and Docklands, M25 and A406 and a 5 minute walk from Barking station with Underground, Overground and Rail service links directly into Central London. Buses 287, 387, EL1, EL2, 368, 687, 62.
IG11 7FN



The Committee puts together a programme for the year which aims to be interesting and varied, encompassing learning, fun and friendship. 
If you are a member and have any interesting ideas of activities, or speakers please let us know!     

Some of the benefits of joining the WI membership are:


  • Monthly First Ladies WI meetings
  • Membership of the largest national women's organisation and the opportunity to participate in national campaigns.
  • Receive 8 copies per year of the magazine WI Life.
  • Access to thousands of courses at  Denman at Home the WI College.