Celebrating 100 Years of the Women’s Institute – Clyde River Style
[slideshow]This year marks 100 years of Women’s Institute on Prince Edward Island. Many events are being held to celebrate this milestone. A history of the Women’s Institute has been written, and these books are for sale at the WI Office. A float entitled “WI – the Legacy Continues” has been part of every parade held across PEI. Each area/district is holding a special event for the branches within that area.
On July 24, 2013, the Clyde River Women’s Institute hosted a celebration at the Riverview Community Centre in Clyde River for the 13 WI branches of District Area 9. It was a lovely evening and there was a great turnout of representatives from the various branches for this well-planned event.
Carol Connick representing the Provincial Board of Women’s Institute brought greetings and presented a 100 year certificate to Norma Yeo representing the Meadowbank Women’s Institute. Each group had been asked in advance to prepare a few highlights from their particular branch, such as the year their branch was formed, a major achievement, etc. Betty Watts, President of the Clyde River Women’s Institute, chaired the event and as she called on each branch, a member would share their group’s interesting facts. Clyde River was the final group to report and Helen MacPhail gave a wonderful overview of this community’s experience with Women’s Institute.
Ferne Halman planned a fun program and got other good sports to participate in two hilarious skits. Following this, and with ample time to socialize, the ladies of the Clyde River group served a delightful cake, tea and other goodies. The noise level rose considerably as members from the various WI branches enjoyed each other’s company.
Special thanks to the Executive of CRWI, Betty Watts, Helen MacPhail, and Audrey MacPhee for taking on this project. Thank you to Ferne Halman for the program and to Jean MacLean for the beautiful table decorations featuring blooms from her heritage rose bushes. Everyone in attendance went home happy and glad to belong to the prestigious group of Women’s Institute.