provided opportunities for district gatherings and took pride in caring 
     
     for the total welfare of the Community. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The School and students for many years were a priority. The first 
     
     music teacher was hired by and paid for by the W.I. and a piano was 
     
     purchased for their use. This continued until music became a part of 
     
     the regular school courses. Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety 
     
     Classes, another program offered to the children of the district, were 
     
     supported by the W.I. both financially and with volunteer assistance. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Fire protection service was another concern which became a 
     
     reality and the responsibility of the W.I. Arrangements were made 
     
     with Parkdale Fire Department and the annual household fee 
     
     collected. 
     
    
   
   
    
     When School Consolidation removed the local school, concern for 
     
     the continuing identity of the Community brought about the W.I.’s 
     
     initiative in the promotion of a Community Improvement Committee in 
     
     1973. Further to this effort the W.I. purchased the Cross Roads School 
     
     property, acquired a Winter Works Grant, and raised several thousand 
     
     dollars to renovate and add a kitchen to the building. Now known as 
     
     Cross Roads Community Centre, maintained by the W.I., this serves as 
     
     the physical focal point for many activities, serving 4-H, cubs, 
     
     brownies, Sunday School, social activities and community meetings. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The most recent assistance has been support to help develop a 
     
     land purchase into a Community Park and Playground. The official 
     
     opening took place on July 14, 1979. 
     
    
   
   
    
     HAMPSHIRE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1963-1979 
     
     Hampshire Women’s Institute reports entering Rural 
     
    
   
   
    
     Beautification Contest in 1978 and winning a prize of $100. 
     
    
   
   
    
     They were instrumental in getting a warning light at Hampshire 
     
     Corner. 
     
    
   
   
    
     They have purchased a projector for the community. 
     
     MARGATE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 
     
    
   
   
    
     In 1973, the enterprising Members of Margate Women’s Institute 
     
     published a Community History, which won first prize in the History 
     
     Competition. 
     
    
   
   
    
     A member of Margate Institute, Mrs. Keith Warren, was given 
     
     the honor of quilting a spread for the Queen’s Room at Government 
     
     House. The Motif of Lady Slipper was beautifully quilted on a white 
     
     background. 
     
    
   
   
    
     In 1978 the first community Family Night was sponsored by the 
     
     Women’s Institute. This was well attended and received favorable 
     
     congratulations and commendation from those in attendance. 
     
    
   
   
    
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