National Film Board to show films. They helped entrants in the Music Festival by paying for music used and the entrance fees. They obtained

help through the Red Cross for a child who had been badly burned and required skin grafting in Montreal.

During the war of 1939—45, many women knit articles of clothing for the soldiers overseas. The Canadian Red Cross Society provided yarn and issued knitting instructions for socks, mitts, sweaters and other types of clothing needed and looked after sending the finished articles to the men in the services. Before the Bideford W.I. was formed, there was a Red Cross Group for Bideford and East Bideford who were very active in knitting for the soldiers.

Members of the Women’s Institute continued to work for the Red Cross knitting and sewing. They made quilts using remnants of material obtained from mail order companies with bleached flour bags for backing. They also made articles of clothing that were given along with the quilts wher— ever there was a need—the Red Cross, the Orphanage, a family who had lost everything in a fire or were needy due to other circumstances. In Bideford, a sewing club for girls was organized. Many WI. members obtained Home Nursing Manuals when the Red Cross offered them.

For several years beginning in 1948, old woolens could be shipped to a mill in Winnipeg where they were used in making blankets. These were then sold at a reasonable price. WI. members worked together shipping woolens and ordering blankets.

The ACWW met in Tyne Valley in 1953. Several members in Tyne Valley and surrounding communities hosted the delegates.

In 1955, through the efforts of some members of the Bideford Women’s Institute, Red Cross swimming classes were started at Bideford Wharf, Continuing nearly every summer until 1973 when they were held at Green Park in Port Hill. Several years later, they were moved to a pool in SUmmerside.

In some districts, the Institutes have had signs made and installed to wel— COme people to the community.

Various fundraisers have been held including sales of all kinds, catering, and bottle drives.

Support is given to other organizations, hospitals, community schools and any worthy cause. Members help with tea parties, festivals and other pub-

CHAPTER FOUR ~ MOVING ON 89