Who Is Eligible To Join?
5W is open to women all women from the age of 18 years upwards.
How Much Will My Membership Cost?
The recommended donation to join 5W is currently £47 with an annual renewal of £37 for continuous membership.
Can I Complete My Application Form Online?
Yes, you can complete an online application form, which will be automatically forwarded to the 5W office. Once you have completed the form, you will be forwarded to the online payment section to make your joining donation. Your application will only be processed once both forms have been completed. Sign up here.
Can I Send My Application Form And Joining Donation By Post?
If you prefer, you can download a copy of the application form from the website under the ‘Sign Up’ section. Please remember to download a copy of the Donation Form, which provides full information on payment options. Your completed form and donation should then be mailed to the 5W Office.
When Will I Receive My Membership Directory?
Once your application has been accepted at the 5W Office, your details will be entered onto the database. You can choose how to receive your membership list, by selecting an option on the application form. For the most up-to-date version, we recommend using the online membership list, for which you will receive your personal login details. If you prefer a printed version or a CD, this will take a little longer for you to receive by post. We aim to process all applications in 1-2 days from receipt, excepting weekends and holidays.
Is The Membership List Included Online?
Yes, the membership list is available online from our website. Each member has her own secure login details. The online list is updated daily and provides search facilities, via country, area and member’s surname.
What Happens Once I Have Joined And Received My Membership List?
The choice is yours! The membership list contains information on every current member of 5W, including contact details and interests. You choose who you would like to contact. If you are planning to travel and visit other members, please remember that the best friendships are made when members have taken the time to correspond before travelling. Please plan any visits well in advance and never turn up unannounced or at short notice. We recommend that you don’t ask to stay for more than three nights, if you have never met before.
I am a 5W Member, how do I access the Member Only area of the website?
As soon as you click on any of the items under the Member Only section, you will be prompted to enter the current password. A new password is circulated to all members every 4 months. Only current members are able to view items in this section, such as news on the latest Gatherings and Get-Togethers, useful hints for travellers and the latest Newsletter.
In Which Countries Does 5W Currently Have Members?
Click Here to see how many members we have in each country.-
5W Local Groups
Local Groups are arranged by local members for local members and visitors to their area. You can meet for coffee, visit places of interest, make new friends… These Groups are a perfect way for new members to take their first step into the world of 5W!
We currently have 50 Local Groups based all around the world, so check to see if there is one in your area – Australia – Adelaide, Blue Mountains of Australia, Canberra, Darwin, Lake Macquarie, Port Macquarie, SE Queensland, Sydney, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia; Austria; Belgium; Canada – Vancouver, Vancouver Island; Copenhagen; Finland; Germany – Berlin, Bremen, Dusselforf/Niederrhein, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Kassel, Munich, Stuttgart; Budapest; Japan – Fuji, Nagoya, Tokyo; Kisumu; Helsingborg; Basel; UK – Scotland, Cambridge, Devon, Kent, Manchester, Oxford, South Yorkshire, Welsh Borders, Wessex, Yorkshire/Lancashire; USA – Boston, Chicago, Midwest/Great Lakes, Minnesota, New York/New Jersey/Connecticut, San Diego
5W Gatherings
These are vents arranged by groups of members in their home town for other members who may come from nearby or from anywhere in the world. They have ranged from one day to six weeks, but more usually last three to five days. Programmes include visits to places of interest, special projects, theatres, museums, walks – but always time for talking, sharing meals and just being together. Those attending Gatherings make their own travel arrangements but accommodation, usually with local members, is arranged by the organisers.
Each Gathering is different, having its own character and flavour, depending on organisers and location.
Attending a Gathering is a good way for new members to learn about the spirit of 5W and for longer-standing members to meet up again with old friends.
Since the first Gathering in Belgium in 1986, these events have taken place all over the world, including Iceland, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, USA, Australia, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, India, Ghana, Hungary, Sweden, Italy, Czech Republic, Canada and the UK.
Read what members had to say about their 5W Gathering experiences!
Japan, March 2018 Japan, March 2018
Alaska, March 2018 Alaska, Feb March 2018
Beverley, UK September 2017 Beverley, September 2017
Germany, Rhine/Main/Neckar June 2017 German Gathering 2017
London Calling – Get-Together in November 2016 London Calling
Tours, France and Manchester, UK – 2016 5W VIP Treatment
Japan 2016
Ypres 2012
Is 5W For Single Women Only?
No, we have many members who are married or living with partners. You are asked to provide this information on the application form, for inclusion on the membership list.
Can I Travel With A Non-Member, Such As A Partner Or Child?
Yes, this is possible, providing your hostess is happy to accommodate a non-member. When you receive your membership list, you will see that members can select if they are able to offer accommodation to husbands, partners or children. We do ask that members send an additional donation of £37 to the office if they plan to travel with a non-member. Of course, if the non-member is female, it would be more advantageous for them to take up membership themselves.
Do I Have To Offer Accommodation Before I Can Accept Hospitality From Others?
No, it is appreciated that not all members are able to offer accommodation and you would indicate this in your membership details. You may not have the space in your home for a visitor, you could be travelling or have other commitments. In this case, you can choose to be a Day Hostess, which means you are happy to show other members around, meet up for coffee or a meal but are unable to offer accommodation. Of course, if you are able to open your home to other members, this is an enjoyable and enriching experience..
Is There A Charge For Staying With Other Members?
We simply ask that you treat your hostess with respect and courtesy, exactly as you would treat a friend. Offering to pay something towards the cost of your stay, buying a small gift or taking your hostess for a meal is always appreciated.
When Is The 5W Office Open?
Normal office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm.
