The Future of the Knutsford Women’s Institute

The future of the Knutsford Women’s Institute is unclear. However, it seems the biggest challenge would be new members and how to interest them with joining. Wanda Adams, a life-time member, said, “When the KWI was formed it was an outing for farm women and we worked hard for Home and Country. Now so many of us are older, two of us are in our 90s. So many branches have disbanded of the WI in West Prince area, Alberton, Freeland, Tignish, and West Devon. I think we are the only institute in the Western part of the Island. We’ve got to do something. We used to have over 30 members; now we have around eight. We need new members and fresh ideas, to entice them to a meeting and encourage them to join. Recently we’ve had yoga classes and it’s those kinds of ideas that is needed to bring the institute into the future with new members.” When Wanda joined the KWI in 1971, being encouraged by her mother-in-law Hattie Adams, she couldn’t have known she would still be a member in 2022. She held many positions such as president, vice president and treasurer. Wanda is now a home member and resides at Burnside Community Care, located in Clyde River near her family, but keeps in touch with her dearest friends and sister members in Knutsford and O’ Leary.

Susan Smallman is the youngest member of the KW I. She is 63 years young and doesn’t plan on quitting soon. “I have only been a member for 10 years but have so enjoyed the friendships I have made with the ladies. I do not know what the future holds for Knutsford Women’s Institute but as I collected for Diabetics and Heart and Stroke in the community, I tried to get some new members, without success. The members have put so much into the community centre. It is what it is because of them. I hate to have to see them lose it.”

According to KWI, President Fairley Yeo, there is no sign of that happening if she has anything to do about it.

“The Knutsford WI at present is a strong, active, well-organized group, working for Home and Country in a beautiful rural agricultural community. And in the heart of the community is the well-kept Knutsford WI Centre. It is adesignated "Heritage Place" owned and maintained by the Knutsford WI. It is surrounded by lush farmland and well- maintained Heritage Homes and now, new modern homes.

“The Knutsford WI Community Centre is available to Knutsford residents and the surrounding communities. The Knutsford WI is a respected organization. After the Covid-19 Pandemic settles down, there will still be a place for the Women's Institute in this community once again. There will be Community Christmas Concerts for all ages, Halloween parties, Heritage afternoon teas, yoga, wedding and baby showers. Bake sales, rummage sales and whatever the community is interested in partaking in. The KWI centre is just that - a community centre for all to enjoy and where the institute members can

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