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Branch Profile SOUTH LOBO WI The South Lobo WI (Middlesex District, Southern Area) was organized on February 4, 1904 when a group of interested women met in Wilson's Hall over the blacksmith shop in Lobo Village. The initial enrolment was 15 Members. Over the years, the Branch's membership has been as high as over 50 Members and presently there are 17 active Members and 4 Honourary Life Members. Initially, Branch meetings consisted of topics such as bathing and care of a newborn, how to entertain, a monthly poem, music and demonstrations on glove making, jellied salads and candle making. Meetings were always in the afternoon and often Members brought their younger children, where dainty refreshments were served. Meetings would close with the singing of God Save the King. Presently, the Branch has guest speakers and travelogues and often go on tours. They still have demonstrations on food items and crafts. Refreshments vary but certainly aren't "dainty" and meetings are now held in the afternoon and evening. To make the world better for everyone, South Lobo WI Members have made several resolutions over the years, such as having the staples removed from brown sugar packages, the immunization of all domestic animals against rabies, licensing of nursing homes and making vehicles stop in both directions when a school bus is taking on or unloading students. Like other Branches, South Lobo WI has compiled Tweedsmuir Histories, which document the history of rural communities by recording the stories of buildings, people, farms and industries. The Branch's books have been used for research projects, as they have been microfilmed and are available in a local library. They also hold Tweedsmuir History Days when the actual books are on display for the public to view as well as learn more about Women's Institute. South Lobo WI cares for communities by providing assistance to people in need, such as fire and tornado victims. Red Cross work during two World Wars included sewing, knitting and sending boxes overseas, while money was also given to the mobile canteens. The Branch has donated money to many local organizations towards such things as a defibrillator for the firefighters, dishwasher for the community centre, equipment for the hospital and books for the library. They still help sponsor local 4-H clubs and donate to VON and the Children's Hospital as well as several Women's Institute projects. They give an award at a local high school, provide a scholarship at a local fair as well as sponsor several classes at the fair. Money is raised mainly by providing meals for the local Lion's club twice a month. Over the years, Members have taken many home economics short courses and then have passed the information on to people in the community. They have had ROSE programs in the community to educate the public on various topics. As an active Branch, South Lobo WI continues to work today as they did 112 years ago, "For Home and Country", to make it a better place for everyone to live now and for generations to come. Branch Members, because of the leadership skills that they have developed, are leaders not only in all levels of the Women's Institute but also in many other community organizations. It is the Branch's hope that it will be able to continue educating and supporting members of the community. Pictured, back row (L-R): Rie Van Steeg, Gertie Dieleman, Sieka Van Steeg, Mary Giles, Diane Noordhof, Glenna Ladell, Dorothy Walsh and Muriel Scott. Middle row: Colleen Tuckwood, Jean Stevenson, Vera McLean, Marg Harris and Vivian Ireland. Front row: Marg Cormier. 6