December 1969 The Christmas party and regular meeting took place at Mrs. Foster Smallman’s. Nineteen members arrived with gifts for Sunshine Pal. Minutes of previous minutes were read and

approved.

Mrs. Robert Woodside said if the district sign were taken down and if she could take it home, her

husband would paint it.

The hospital convenor gave a report on the year’s work done by the aid, and that $34 was raised by them for the hospital. All members agreed to bring a toy for next roll call to be given to the

hospital. It was reported that “a tidy sum” of $81 was raised from catering the Mason’s banquet.

Names were exchanged and everyone got a new Sunshine Pal for the New Year. Gifts were exchanged and all secrets revealed. While lunch was being prepared and then served, everyone joined in singing familiar Christmas carols. Best wishes were exchanged before departing into

the cold December night.

In the 70s people could smoke cigarettes just about anywhere, even in a hospital. Many nurses and doctors smoked, and you could stamp a cigarette on the floor of the cinema. The ashtrays in airplanes were used and no one was kicked off if they chose to light up. It is not surprising, then, that the Knutsford Women’s Institute donated ashtrays to the hospital in January of 1970. Mrs. Lawrence Harris entertained 13 members and they answered roll call by handing in

ashtrays. Donations were also handed in for a layette. A member going to Charlottetown said she would pick up cod liver oil pills and a box of Red Cross sewing. Meeting closed with Auld

Lang Syne.

February was a very busy month, first off, all members answered roll call with a Valentine verse. Articles were handed in for the layette and members were to make an effort to have it completed by next meeting, as well as the Red Cross sewing. Correspondence was sent in regarding the Centennial of Confederation reaching out for historic items from districts. The annual report from the Ladies Aid at the Community Hospital was presented by Mrs. Reg Adams, and a letter from the music festival scholarship fund asking for financial assistance was read. It was moved and seconded $5 be given. Roll call at next meeting will be answered with facecloths for the

hospital.

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