WINS celebrates 100th with tea and Grannies to Grannies jewelry sale this Saturday at HMCC

Members of the Lockhartville WINS include (LR) Faye Singleton, Carolyn MacLeod, Marilyn Thornley, Lynda Andres, and Glenda Braham. 

In 1983, when Hazel Beckwith was looking for a social group to join, she found the Women’s Institute.The Lockhartville branch was just  in its infancy having formed the year before in  October.

Women’s Institute is an international organization, but it’s roots are pure Canadian. 

The WI movement began at Stoney Creek, Ontario in Canada in 1897 when Adelaide Hoodless addressed a meeting for the wives of members of the Farmers' Institute. Hoodless had lost a child to an infection caused by contaminated milk. This led her to champion the education of women in the safe handling of food.

In 1913, Jennie Fraser of New Glasgow was appointed superintendent of Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia, with the first branch organized in Salt Springs, Pictou County, making 2013 the 100^th anniversary of this proud oraqgnization.

The movement took off worldwide and now even has a seat at the United Nations.

Hazel still loves the social aspect of the Women‘s Institute and remains deeply involved in not only communal outings and gatherings, but also the charitable works of the group.

For instance, Lockhartville Women’s Institute has donated layettes to the Kentville Hospital, finger puppets for kiddies having blood work done, and pillows for cancer patients .

One work that is near and dear to Hazel’s heart is knitting Cuddle Bears, specially designed for Alzheimer  patients –she alone has knit 350 for patient at the Windsor Elms. Her 300^th bear, knit in the blue and yellow colors of the WI, landed her a Maritimer of the Week Award.

They have also donated funds to the IWK and the Valley Hospice and even given a helping hand up to  someone who may be down on their luck.

All requires a certain amount of fundraising. In order to fund their philanthropic endeavours, the Lockhartville Women’s Institute  cater meals, hold ‘Touch and Take “events and yearly, host a Women’s Institute Harvest Tea, this year marking the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Institute in Nova scotia 

This year’s tea marking , the 100^th Anniversary of Women’s Institute in Nova Scotia is scheduled  for Oct 19^th 2-4pm at Historic Church House in Hantsport. Free will offering.

Susan Carey’s article. Photo submitted.