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Meninmunt Eight members and sixteen guests gathered to celebrate the Women's Institute Centennial. We followed the set patter-n, singing the Anniversary song and taking up a collection for the Headquarters' fund. Our guests were presented with Anniversary pens. Greetings and certificates were received form local dignitaries. We enjoyed a skit presented by the Washago Branch. 3311251 (Shore West Shore Women's Institute, along with daughters and granddaughters decorated our President's van for the Santa Claus Parade. All the ladies dressed in heritage costumes and carried baskets of candy to distribute. Our Parade Float iKrtttpmfrlht Bintrtrt On February 19, 1997, Mitchell Square branch was hosted other branches in Kempenfeldt District at the Centennial Celebration at the OMAFRA office in Barrie Fifiy-five women attended, representing nine of the ten branches. Vice-President, Jean Crawford welcomed all present. During the planned prograrrune District President, Marjorie Bell led the ceremony to light the special candle marking the 100 years of the Women's Institute. The speaker, Helen Coutts, along time member of WI and Mayor of Springwater Township gave a spirited and inspirational address about the Institute. She recalled attending meetings as a little girl with her mother and of other anniversaries. Jean Crawford thanked Helen and presented her with a copy of "Outhouses and Apple Pie" written by one of our members, Loreen Rice-Lucas. Branches are: Clowes, Craighurst, Dalston, Crown Hill, Guthrie, Little's Hill, Mitchell Square, Stroud and Thornton Bernice Hickling, Barbara Robertson, Marjorie Bell Glimmer: Clowes Women's Institute celebrated on Feb. 19, 1997 at the Edgar Community Centre. Present were our present and former members, husbands and local dignitaries. The evening began with "O Canmia" followed with the welcome by President, Louise Martin and greetings from M.P.P,, Allan McLean, Ian Beard, Mayor of Oro-Medonte and Marjorie Bell, Kempenfeldt District President. The minutes of the first meeting held on Nov. 27th, 1924, of Clowes Branch were read. Hazel Shellswell lit the Centennial Candle and dinner followed. Entertainment was provided by Becky Desroches on juitar and Elaine Miller at the piano. Glraighurai On February 19, 1997 our branch held a special meeting to commemorate 100 years of Women's Institute. We had learned the WI. Centennial song and everyone sang with gusto and lit the blue candle (which we continue to light at all subsequent meetings). Betty Veitch (F WIO Board Director) gave everyone an overview of Women's Institute in Ontario Fay Craig presented a historical report on Craighurst. Barb Robertson gave a synopsis on Craighurst today. Barb Dunsmore gave us a glimpse into possible future of Craighurst. Betty Veitch presented Fay Craig with her 50 year pin and a special certificate. A picture was taken of the members present; Back - Pat Toal, Doris Robson, Joyce Simon, TrishByers, Elaine Joyce, Barb Sirrton, Fran Baker, Jenny Cooper, Rae Smith, Mary Caston Front - Ilene Cook, Fay Craig, Coreen Tatton, BArb Robertson, Mavis Burnham, Barb Anne Dunsmore, Betty Veitch Absent - Anna Small-Adams, Betty Lou Carr, Brenda Hore, Ann Wilson This picture was the: ariarged and mounted and place in Craighurst Community Hall. This past year we enlarged, mounted and hung picture of bygone days in Craighurst at the ball as well. alntnn A number of our members attended special celebrations at Guthrie mighditchell Square. The members celebrated in their own special way on Feb. 24, 1997 by holding a meeting as it may have been held 100 years ago. Members wore hats from that time period. Our programme recounted the accomplishments of the Institute over this period of time. Some of the planned programme was used. Tweedsmuir books were on display. An old fashioned lunch of hard boiled eggs and homemade bread, ginger bead and whipped cream was served. Tea was served from a silver tea service as in days gone by.