Bervie W.I. members reflect on years past

The Bervie Women’s Institute met Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m., in the Bervie United Church. President Bev Berndt welcomed everyone, and nine members joined in the usual openings.

Roll Call was answered with "Reflections or Memories of our Women’s Institute." Minutes of the last meeting were read by Betty Jean White. Maria Hodgins reported that several quilts had been given to  victims of an accident.

The treasurer's report and the Sunshine Report were given by Sandra MacDonald, and Ellen Waye gave the Tweedsmuir report. She will connect, by Zoom, to the AGM next week.

For the February meeting, we can donate to the Books, Bears and Blankets project. Suggestions for the program ideas are to be given to Diane and Betty Jean. A donation will be sent to Home and Community Support Services Grey-Bruce.

For the program, Bev Berndt went through some history for the "Reflections of the Bervie Women’s Institute." A book of handwritten accounts had been put together after the 100th anniversary. The write-ups included mottoes from over the years, the purchase of the W.I. hall for the 50 members to gather in rather than homes, donations made to the hospital and the cancer society, many improvements made to the hall to modernize it.

A quilt made in 1967 as a 4-H project, was brought out to show our members. Community involvement with card parties, teas, showers, sponsoring 4-H clubs, Ontario agriculture ministry (OMAF) courses for cooking, sewing, etc. Our hall was the centre of the community where good friends met.

The meeting closed with the Closing Ode and singing of the Royal Anthem.

The next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., in the Bervie United Church. Mental Health is the theme. We continue to welcome those interested in the Women's Institute.