lic events and many helped provide sandwiches and other food to feed the men who were fighting the forest fires in 1960.

WI. branches contribute to the Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day observance by purchasing a wreath, a cross or making a donation to the Poppy Fund. In 1985 tulip bulbs were bought from the Legion and planted at the Post Office. After the consolidation of elementary schools in 1972 and the establishment of Regional High Schools in 1975 and 1979, the district schools were no longer used for classes. The Institute Branch in some districts obtained the school building and maintain it as a Community Centre. In Tyne Valley the building is used for Day Care. In Ellerslie and Bideford the school buildings were sold and moved. In Bideford the Women’s Institute obtained possession of the lot of land that had been the schoolyard. They leased it to the Ellerslie-Bideford Community Improvement Committee (CIC) and helped to develop it as a picnic site. A cairn has been erected bearing a plaque inscribed with information about the pioneer shipbuilders and the fact that it was on that site that Lucy Maud Montgomery first taught school. (The school building in which she taught, burned on December 13, 1914.) Shrubs, trees and flowers have been planted at the site. The CIC erected a flag;— pole and fly the Canada and Prince Edward Island flags.

In some districts, new home—owners are welcomed by an Institute mem— ber bringing her a small gift and an invitation to attend a WI meeting. Sometimes a member will show pictures and tell of a travelling experi— ence. Occasionally one Branch invites one or more other branches to see a film or video or to hear a Guest Speaker or just to enjoy an evening of fellowship. Get well and sympathy cards are sent to sick or bereaved members and Christmas cards sent to former members who have moved away. Women’s Institute branches in the area support the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival by entering floats in the parade and helping to prepare and serve the meals.

The Provincial WI Office corresponds monthly with the various branch- es. Program kits that are educational and interesting are available on loan. Fall Workshops are held each year. Sometimes Branches were twinned resulting in visits exchanged and new friendships made. SuppOft is given to PEIWI projects, the District Area Convention projects and expenses. An IN MEMORIAM is given in memory of a deceased member and her name sent in to the Provincial Office to be recorded in the Memorial Book. Also a written tribute may be sent to the Institute NeWS~ Each year, the PEIWI. sponsors the Roadside Clean-up with garbage bags

90 Roors & BRANCHES