June 11, 2026
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The Bruce County District Women's Institute annual meeting was held May 28, at the Ripley-Huron Legion, with 37 W.I. members in attendance.
District president Bren de Leeuw called the meeting to order with "O Canada," the Ode and Mary Stewart Collect.
The theme was "Voices of Women in Agriculture," and Purple Valley members Jane Forbes and Barrie Owen welcomed everyone with some "corny" jokes.
Roll Call was answered by eight branch representatives telling of a woman in agriculture that they admire and why. Several mothers and grandmothers were recognized for their work as "women farmers" in the community and how that influenced the choice of careers today.
The District directors were ratified and minutes of the 2025 annual meeting were approved. The financial report was given by treasurer Flora Becker.
Linda Freiburger, ROSE co-ordinator, reported that 14,640 volunteer hours by Bruce County W.I. members were submitted for the 2025-26 year. The Roots of Bruce event had 600 students over the two days in April, and about 100 volunteers were fed lunch each day. Linda also reported on the scholarship award winners - the apprenticeship and workplace scholarship went to Tristan Bender who attends F.E. Madill Second School in Wingham and is pursuing a career as a salon owner and operator, and the open scholarship was presented to Abby Miller of Teeswater who is a second-year student at Fanshawe College in the Pre-Health Science Medical Radiation Technologist program.
Ellen Waye has the District Tweedsmuir books which will be taken to the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, when completed.
Betty Anne Thompson introduced the guests: Grey Bruce Area president Ellen Waye, Grey County District president Linda Tottenham, Area voting delegate Alyssa Phillippi and Provincial board member Fran Farrell.
The election and slate of officers were presented for the 2026-27 year: president Betty Anne Thompson, vice-president Fran Farrell, treasurer Flora Becker, ROSE co-ordinator Linda Freiburger, the scholarship committee: Linda Freiburger, Betty Anne Thompson and Bren de Leeuw, financial examiners Carol Ann Wright and Jane Forbes, and the secretary position to filled. Area board director Alyssa Phillippi installed the new executive.
The Bruce County District W.I. executive includes treasurer Flora Becker (left), ROSE co-ordinator and scholarship committee Linda Freiburger, financial examiners Jane Forbes and Carol Wright, scholarship committee Sandra MacDonald, president Betty Anne Thompson, past-president Bren de Leeuw, vice-president Fran Farrell, and Area voting delegate Alyssa Phillippi
Bren de Leeuw presented Marion Leifso a small gift and token of appreciation for serving as District secretary for 17 years. She will certainly be missed in filling this role for Bruce County W.I.
The Purple Grove W.I. led the sing-song entertainment with Women's Institute rally songs. A delicious lunch of sandwiches, salad and squares, prepared by the Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies' Auxiliary, was enjoyed by all and Betty Anne Thompson thanked the ladies.
The afternoon program consisted of a speaker panel, with Jennifer Bryson of Tara, Kayla Lowry and Janice Needham of Ripley, introduced by Serena Harris of the Purple Grove W.I., who was moderator.
The women shared their challenges, experiences and future hopes for women in agricultural careers, and recognized and acknowledged the huge changes in agriculture from just their immediate family generations of women farmers to the careers they now have and enjoy. Each of them would encourage women to continue to share in agricultural production and related careers, finding huge reward and connection to living in rural communities and the land where they farm with their families.
Purple Valley W.I. member Jane Forbes expressed appreciation to Kayla, Jennifer and Janice for sharing their stories as farm women.
Guest speakers Kayla Lowry (left), Jennifer Bryson and Janice Needham are joined by moderator Serena Harris
Barrie Owen and Jane Forbes conducted the memorial service, recognizing the life and work of three Women's Institute members of Bruce County who had passed away since last May.
In her president's remarks, Bren de Leeuw expressed how much she enjoyed working and visiting with Bruce County W.I. members and attending events on their behalf.
Bonnie Boyle and Donna Watke of the Purple Grove branch finalized the silent auction, with proceeds of $210 to the District finances.
News and business to share with the branches included the opportunity to purchase a three-flag table-topper for $36 from Grey Bruce Area. The Bruce County W.I. will be at the International Plowing Match doing demonstrations in the quilt tent - volunteers are to sign up on the IPM volunteer website, with Betty Anne Thompson and Sandra MacDonald organizing branches for each day. And Bruce County has a new branch starting, called the "Ladies of Saugeen Shores W.I."
Attendees at the Bruce County District W.I. annual meeting hear about women in agriculture, May 28, in Ripley
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