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x Christine Preston is shown with a few of the rolls of knlrted lengths. Brtmmpark Women‘s Institute (WI) rom Durham, England. decided to make the world’s longest scarf for their millennium project. They started in l998 nd it‘s taken three years to complete. Coâ€" ordinator, Christine Preston. said the aim was to beat theexisting world record ofjust over 20 miles, while at the same time providing knitted pieces to eventually transform into blankets for Charity. With only 20 members in their Branch. they knew they couldn’t knit a mile each, so they advertised for help from their Wl friends. Because the W1 is affiliated with groups around the globe, Broompark re- ceived knitting from Canada, the USA. France, Germany, Australia. Sweden and Switzerland. The first length from abroad was received from the Stoney Creek WI. Ontario, Canada. “That's my favourite Piece," said Preston, “with Stoney Creek written on it, where the WI began more than 100 years ago." As the project progressed, Preston learned that the Women‘s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) had begun a similar un- dertaking. After talking with them, the WI and the WRVS agreed to join forces. They edicated one day a week stitching knitted engths into 100 yard pieces, Near the end. That Knit Wit Preston! they transported more than 300 rolls of knitting In Ushaw College, where about a dozen women assembled them into one length or scarf 7 by hand as outlined in the record-breaking rules. The gargantuan garment was measured last September and now holds the record as the world‘s longest knitted scarf. Broom- park WI member Olive Loughlin also set a record for the longest scarf knitted by an individual person with a 996 foot section. After the nCWspapers, radio and television recorded and filmed the big event. the Broompurk ladies spent several days dis- mantling the scarf, The knitted lengths were headed for Low Newton Prison in Durham where female prisoners would be converting them into blankets for various charities. In a letter ol appreciation to the many Women's Institutes involved. Preston writes: “We at Broompark WI and our friends would like to thank you and your friends who knitted or otherwise contrib- uted to the successful completion of the Longest Scarf In the World." She con- cluded: “Someone. somewhere. will feel the warmth ofyour friendship this winter.” Extracted fmm new; clippings from Durham, England, and a letter of appreciation written by Christine Preston tn WIS in Canada. Submitted by Gladys MeOuii/um, Strabansl WI, Wentworrh, andEdna Ward. Cariuke Wl, Wentworth. Report of the FWIO Executive Officer to FWIC Revitaliwtion Summary The Federated Women's Institutes of Canada (FWIC) received over 500 responses to their survey on how to revitalize the organization. Sev» eral points were apparent in the final analysis: - that members joined and continue their membership for the betterment of their communities; - that fellowship and friendships are a priority (One member commented: “it only we could market iriendshipl"); - that as many members were in favour of rats- ing the tees as were against doing so: and. a that six topics were most often listed for programming ideas â€" health. child/family concerns. agriculture. violence/abuse issues, literacy and education. Recruitment Committee The FWIC Recruitment Committee will be inter viewing a new Women's Institute member and a member of one year standing. The interview. along with a photograph. will be printed in an upcoming Federated News and on their website. All provrncial presidents have been asked to sub- mit names for this effort. Who knows? You may be the chosen onel Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead Due to dire financial circumstances. the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead will be closing its doors during the offâ€"season from September 1 to May 15. The Homestead will only be open from May 16 to August 31 this Year. The FWIC Hoodless Committee is investigating moving the national office to the Homestead. Marg Eberle. FWIO Executive Oflicer to FWIC. asked all members present at the Annual Meeting to brainstorm during lunch in the hopes that dis- cussions might spark an idea to help the situation at the Hoodless. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Please contact the Hoodless Committee. Federated News A subscription to the Federated News is now $5. To subscribe, contact the FWIC Office at 251 Bank St. Suite 606. Ottawa ON K2P 1X3, Phone/Fax: 613-234â€"1090. Make cheques pay- able to FWIC. Marg Eberie is the FWIO Execur‘we Officer to FWIC. She can be reachedat RR 1, Highgate ON NDP 1T0, Phone: 519-678-3289] Fax: 519678â€"3313, Email: [Eberle@netmver. com Home Ltounhy, Spring 2002 13