‘ V/n-aal nd country†on Southline The membership has had its ups and downs throughout the years, at one point in the late '60’s the membership was down to eight, but today the group stands strong with 20 members and is a welcoming presence in the Hanover community. Outngoing President Joan Grubb has been a member of the group for 14 years, a relative new comer considering two members, Leona Francis and Anna Oehring, have been a part of the group for 55 and 44 years, respectively. There are four others who have achieved 25 year pins. Mrs. Grubb was brought into the group through a friend. “I’m not sorry at allâ€"it's a happy go~lucky group here." she said. Both happy go»lucky, and happy to help out, the ladies of Southline run “Ye Olde Tea Room at the Heritage Fair, lunch booths at farm sales, and make quilts for Participation Lodge. They will also hold birthday parties at Waikertonll-lanover hospital when asked, or at nursing homes. Every March the ladies hold an Easter parade at the Walkerton Hospital and sing a t variety of songs to them. This year they held it on March 25 and their selection of songs ranged from, “You Are My Sunshine" to “The Old Rugged Cross". They had a full 20 minute program lined up for the Walk- erton patiean to enjoy. Since 1934, when the Southline branch of the Women‘s Institute was ï¬rst formed by Mrs. Joseph Kirstine. the ladies have worked to keep the t homestead. During World War 11 the ‘ group knitted clothing, sent food boxes and money to bombed out areas of great ' Britain Closer to home, the ladies main- '___ lained a ward at the Bruce County Hospital by buying drapes. woollen blankets. chairs, bedside tables and paint. Money was donated to Hanover Memorial to buy equipment. as well as donating to organizations like the CNIB. Arthritis, and the Cancer Society. They still have their association with the Cancer Society. and both canvas for, and donate to, the March of Dimes. The ladies meet every second Wednes- day of the month at one of the mem- ber's homes. have a family picnic each summer in July or August, and a Christmas party in December. Each meeting will have a topic that particular members will research and bring back to the group. For instance, Febmary’s meeting was 3 "Fun Night" where members were to bring a guest and introduce her. Last June. the topic up for discussion was Education and Culture Activities. The meetings are educational, as well as social. And, “Everyone, and anyone is welcome." said Mrs. Grubb.