“WYNNDEL ANGRY

Members of Wynndel WI are very angry over the felling of their Coronation Oak tree by a Department of Highways employee to make way for a new sidewalk. The tree had been send to the Institute by the British Government in 1934 and was from the Great Oak Forest in England, to commemorate the the crowning of King George and Queen Elizabeth. Walter Copper, and experienced  gardener, nurtured the small seedling for seven years. The tree was  admired and written about many times and was an historical landmark. WI members in the Creston area are very angry over this needless destruction  without a chance to work out a solution.”

For many years the question on a flower emblem for BC was a matter of debate. Many people felt that it should be the dogwood which grows in such glorious profusion in the Coastal area. But objections came from those living in colder regions of the province where the dogwood did not grow. And then a book on flowers of BC was published by Chess Lyons and in that book he listed the red osier as a member of the dogwood family.

“Women of any nation have  a special part to play

But it is hard to tell it in a simple sort of way.

One Christmas Carol that has always baffled me: what in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially a partridge that won't

come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

Every year from November 25 to December 10 is the 16 Days  international campaign aimed at raising awareness and calling for the  end of violence against women and girls. It starts on the International  Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concludes on  International Human Rights Day, linking gender-based violence to human  rights. The campaign encourages collective action through public events,  advocacy, and supporting organizations that work to prevent violence,  challenge harmful social norms, and support survivors. 

In November our thoughts turn to Remembrance Day and the ceremonies held in our communities to acknowledge the heroism and sacrifices made by the combatants. We remember the military leaders and the young men who followed them – those who never came home - many of them in unmarked graves.

Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir served as the vice Regal couple in Canada from 1935 until 1940. Both were writers of some note in their native England, and Lady Tweedsmuir was an avid supporter of the Women's Institute – in fact she was a member of the British WI as well as a member here in Canada.

In this column I wish to draw the members attention to the diverse programs the Women's Institutes have been involved with over many years.

July 25, 1913 – October 27, 2014

It is with great sadness that the family of Elizabeth (Betty) Golata announce her passing on October 27, 2014 at the age of 101 years, 3 months.

For 75 years the International Peace Garden has been a unique  tribute to the peace and friendship between the people of Canada and the United States of America. Dedication of the International Peace Garden (on the border of Manitoba and North Dakota) took place on July 14, 1932. The simple boundary marker (a cairn built of stones gathered from both sided of the border) bears a plaque reading:

In the early 1920's there were no special health services in British Columbia to serve the special needs of children with health issues. When the Women's Institute were contacted by Mrs. Edith Scott who was seeking health care for her 10 year old daughter who suffered from an injured spine, she could not find the assistance the girl needed. Finally she wrote to the British Columbia Women's Institute with a plea for help.

In the course of the 1939 Royal Visit of King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth, the King at one point made this observation:

The founder of the Women's Institutes was recognized  in the Canadian Heritage Garden at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. It was one of 293 roses included in the Garden, which was opened late in 1999 on the grounds of the Governor General's estate.

Over the 114 years the British Columbia Women's Institute has existed, there have been many leaders and followers, each with their own story and achievements.

This month we salute Adelaide Hunter Hoodless – a woman born and raised in Ontario, who married a Hamilton businessman and bore him four children before the following announcement appeared in a local newspaper:

Women of any nation have a special part to play

But it is hard to tell it in a simple sort of way.

Good wives and mothers they must be, but that is not enough
For should they not smooth the road for those who find it hard?

In 2022, only 14 per cent of all women and girls were living in countries with robust legal protection to guarantee women’s fundamental human rights.

Even when laws exist, this does not guarantee that they are compliant with international standards and recommendations, or are actively implemented and enforced. While countries are increasingly enacting legislation against domestic violence it is vital that they are enforced too, and that everyone is aware of the laws, rights and protections in place.

In the early years, Ukrainian Christmas began with a forty day fast, during which no meat was served, and ended with the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve. Before the meal was served, as the table was prepared, Ukrainian mountaineers observed certain superstitions which were centuries old. These included tying strings around the legs of the table with a wish that the fruit trees would not break in the wind, and laying a small ax head under the table with the wish that tools would be saved from rust or breakage.

Unite to end violence against women and girls – by building networks to advocate for and support women and girls who are affected by violence, we are helping to make a difference Here are stories from our members doing just that, and how you can support too:

In Iceland, ACWW Coordinator for Kvenfélagasamband Íslands shares how they have collaborated with societies in their area:

ACWW Member societies are actively supporting rural women, both in their communities and worldwide. Their stories of action offer insight and inspiration

One of our member societies from Zimbabwe, Ntengwe for community development (PVO 42/10), share what they are doing to support action against gender-based violence in their communities: