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Elgitt 131251 Etatrttt Branches of Elgin West District met at Gmce Lutheran Church to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Women's Institute on Feb. 19, 1997 . Hostess branch West Lorne decorated the hall in W.I. colors and an Anniversary cake was the centrepiece on the dessert table. A bountiful pot luck supper was enjoyed by the 66 members and guests. The planned programme was followed with each branch contributing a display featuring something related to past W.I. activities. To help celebrate, guests were present from Elgin East District, Pauline Lindsay; Area President of Elgin County and Chairman of the Lee Museum Home Committee. (Merchant Clachan Women's Institute enjoyed a special 100th celebration of the founding of the W1. at Clachan Hall, on Feb. 19, 1997. Twenty-four members and guests were present. The suggested programme was used with members taking part. A sing-song was led by Hilde Morden, with Shirley Johnston as pianist. There was a display of clothing and articles of 100 years ago by Shirley Johnston and Lois Woolner called "Inherited Treasures". Tweedsmuir curator Betty Purcell displayed the branch books bringing back many happy memories of oomrnunity and W.I. meetings. Lunch was as it may have been in 1897. Nellie Campbell relating her sea voyage from Scotland in 1819 as portrayed by Alice Paterson > (flnfnnl Cowal W.I. formed in May, 1925 and has been an active part of the community, In the early years their membership was 22. QRifier album We celebrated the 100'h Anniversary with other branches on Feb 19th, in West Lorne. Eight members were warmly welcomed with a lunch and a tour of the grounds at the Redtail Golf Course in West Lome.. Shortly thereafter the W.I. was asked if they would like to make a presentation to the Queen of behalf of the organization. This they did, coming up with a most appropriate gift. Member, Gail Flanagan obtained a copy of the new history book "For Home and Country" Gail's husband Simon created a pine gift box which Gail beautifully carved Lillian Ross handled the inscription and it was presented to the Queen through a member of her entourage. On the day of her arrival, members and family met on the Palmer's front lawn to wait the royal motorcade, in May of '97 Later a leuer arrived from the Queen's Lady-in--waiting thanking the ladies for the gift, which the Queen enjoyed looking at and particulary commented on the carved gift box. { Gail Flanagan in front of Antique Display. mgrmnrtell In the 1940's the branch organized with 20 ladies. Today membership has declined to 11 but they remain active, supporting various organizations. 333251: cjfinrrte West Lorne Women's Institute hosted over 100 ladies from the ten branches in the District on Feb. 19th. Many members came dressed in period costumes was one of the recipients of the 100th anniversary award. In September Aldborough Community held their Fair and Institutes of the area were asked to open the Fair. We entered a float in the parade celebrating the centennial and set up a display in the hall. A copy of the W.I. history book was donated to the local Library. Representing the ""Past on their float are - Olive Chambers, Shirley Walker, Marybelle Cook and Tanya VanRaes. Representing the "Present" - Anita VanRaes, Stephanie Zavitz, Krista VanRaes and Caitlin VanRaes. } filtehhnn To begin the February 19th meeting of the Shedden Women's Institute, President Connie Silcox lit a candle in celebration of the 100 years of W.I. President Silcox welcomed members and guests. The planned program was used, with members taking part. Life members in attendance were Maxine Silcox, Jean Palmer and Beth Vicary. A naditional lunch similar to what might have been served at the turn of the century was enjoyed Members of the branch are Pat Palmer, Eileen Carr, Kay Chamberlain, . , Sharon weICl-i, Lorie Jones, Ruth Hunter, Lois Oldham, Pauline Silcox, Dorothy ' d b_ McLaughlin, Brenda Silcox, Margaret Campbell, Connie Silcox, Maxine Silcox, . Carol Gordon, Beth Vicary, Cher Garvin and Jean Palmer. ..