WI celebrates its 88th anniversary
The Waihi Women’s Institute recently turned 88.
To celebrate the club’s anniversary, the women had lunch and shared memories at the Waihi RSA.
The Women’s Institute (WI), a community-based organisation for women, was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, by Adelaide Hoodless in 1897.
But it was not until 1915 that it was established in the United Kingdom to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during World War I. Since then the organisation’s aims have broadened.
WI plays provides women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.
Throughout New Zealand, there are 40 Federations, and the local WI belongs to the Thames-Hauraki Plains District Federation.
Every individual WI meets at least once a month and there is usually a speaker, demonstration or activity at every meeting for members to learn and develop a range of different skills. Waihi WI meets every first Thursday of the month.
During the luncheon at the RSA, Waihi WI President Shirley Harding said that two of the members won competitions during the THPDF Council Meeting held on October 2.
Coralie Greenhalgh won the Judy Cole Cup — first place in craft — for her Faberge´ decorated Egg and the Kelland Cup as runner-up for her ginger schnapps biscuits, and Shirley Harding, third place for photography on the theme Bees and Birds. With all the points earned in these winning entries, Waihi WI won the Joan Fulton Cup, and was runner-up in the overall category.
There were seven raffles drawn, won by Ann Wilson, Ruth Robinson, Shirley Harding, Jenny Leahy, Clarice Beaumont, Evangeline Miles and Jan Whitt.
The women spent time sharing stories as they enjoyed their celebratory lunch.