From the organizational meeting on September 15, 1909 in a small brick house, to the present time in our welcoming community centre, the ladies of our Institute have been a constant strength in our community. From the very beginning, the WI motto has guided our Members as they strive to provide a wholesome, healthy atmosphere for their families. Even though the roles of our Members have changed drastically during the past 105 years, WI has always accentuated "Home and Countryâ€, with an emphasis on good nutrition. It is therefore some small comfort for Members to see many of oururbanfriends‘getting back to the basics’, pursuing a lifestyle that we have always known to be beneï¬cial. Our community has continually been a place where people care about people. Over the years, the WI has shown this concern by being involved in a number of important projects. Now, the WI supports the 4â€"H program and provides academic scholarships at the local secondary school graduation. The tradition of helping ï¬re victims and assisting the elderly and shutâ€"ins is also maintained. Codrington WI also supports four cemetery boards, two local hospitals and a health centre, as well as helping with the upkeep at the community centre. For 13 years, Codrington WI has presented ROSE Programs with a variety of interesting topics such as health issues, using herbs, beneï¬ts of exercise, cooking, gardening and birding with good response from the wider community. Codrington WI has always championed worthy causes and lobbied for improvements, both locally and provincially. Resolutions relating to mandatory nutrition education Pictured: Members of Codrington WI at their December 10, 2014 meeting where they each made a Christmas centerpiece. and health beneï¬ts are presently being supported by FWIO and numerous local Branches. In the beginning, WI meetings were held during the daylight hours, and younger children were brought along. Many of our older Members have recollections of attending WI meetings as children with their mothers. During the late 50’s, with many more women entering the workforce outside the home, meeting times were changed from afternoon to evening. Senior Members of our group had the foresight and the willingness to change with the times and to consider the wishes of the younger Members. Younger Members in return, have shown a willingness to shoulder some of the responsibilities and to share the load of leading our WI into the future. know of no other organization where you could ï¬nd a group of Members, with an age range of 20 to 80 plus years, having common interests and goals, getting together on a regular basis, working for the betterment of the community where they live â€" learning from each other and enjoying themselves so much. The oldest organization in Codrington is proud that we continue to educate, activate, challenge, develop and amuse our Members and the community at large. We are indeed fortunate to be such a unique group. By Cathy McCann, President and 54 year Member, Codrington WI (Northumberland East District, Trent Valley Area) To read the full version of this Branch Proï¬le, visit the FWIO website. â€" revel/(mng