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THE Kloof Women’s Institute (KWI) celebrated their 80th birthday with the ladies from the Hillcrest Hospital on Wednesday, August 8.
KWI President Margaret Gardner explained that the Women’s Institute originated in Canada, in 1897, when farmers wives decided to improve their domestic skills by sharing their knowledge and learning from each other.
“Over the years, so much has happened at the Kloof Women’s Institute. A few notable moments included making parcels for soldiers and prisoners of war and setting-up a nursing division during the second World War; music and drama festivals held in the 1950’s , 60’s and 70’s,” she explained.
In celebrating their 80th birthday, the Kloof Women’s Institute hosted a tea party for the patients and staff members at the Hillcrest Hospital, with Gardner saying of the event: “We wanted to celebrate with women and we chose to be with the ladies who are patients at the Hillcrest Government Hospital.”
Gardner said they were welcomed with smiles and greetings from the patients as well as the kind and caring hospital staff.
“Over the last few weeks, the KWI ladies have been knitting scarves, beanies and gloves for all the ladies as well as sewing beautiful bags.
“All the lady patients received beautiful gift bags with all the handmade items and these were well received.
“While this was happening, the KWI choir ladies sang songs to entertain the patients,” explained the president.
Gardner ended off by encouraging women to join their local Women’s Institute gatherings, saying: “The highway group has seven institutes and their motto is For Home and Country — they strive to bring something of value to the people whose lives they touch.”
“Women have so much to gain by joining a Women’s Institute branch in their area.
“This is a truly wonderful organisation established for the upliftment of women,” she said.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month from 9 am until noon at Kloof Civic Hall and visitors are always welcome.
