The Provincial President, Mrs. Doreen Maclnnis , brought greeting and congratulatory mes¬ sages. Mrs. Helen MacEwen presented a history of the Institute and Mrs. Jean Simpson had composed two appropriate poems for this special occasion. The guest speaker, Rev. Francis Bolger , gave a stimulating presentation on the many accomplishments of Sterling W.I. The anniversary cake for this occasion was made by Allison MacLeod , and decorated by Mrs. Helen MacEwen and Miss Beryl Fyfe . In the 1980's Institutes were encouraged to "twin" with a neighbouring Institute to meet new friends, share ideas and celebrate special events. Sterling W.I . used the occasion of their 75th Anniversary to share this celebration with W.I. This event was held in the Stanley Bridge Institute Hall on October 4, 1988. A pot luck supper turned into a veritable feast for all. The Honorary President, Hilda Fyfe , in her presentation highlighted the achievements of the past 75 years. The President, Anita Gallant, presided over a very successful and entertaining evening. A banquet at the C.P Hotel in 1993 marked the 80th Anniversary of Sterling W.I. November 22, 1995, the Institute members met at the Courtyard Restaurant at Confederation Centre. On this occasion, three W.I . members were honoured with Life Memberships. They were the President, Mrs. Dorothy Simpson , Mrs. Marion Reid , and Mrs. Jean Harding . These special celebrations served to strengthen the bonds of friendships and mutual respect. For rural women, the commonality of sharing farm experiences, the successes, the disappoint¬ ments, the joys and sorrows created a bond of empathy that only those who had traveled that road would understand. Faith is a necessary attribute for a successful farming operation. The success or failure of crops is often contingent on forces over which one had little or no control. However, faith that a new day or a new season will turn out better, helps to develop an attitude of acceptance and gives a strength of character that comes with adversity. Rural women know all about the vicissitudes of life, and have learned acceptance, which in turn is passed on to their children by precept and example. Celebrations of happy times and events create a balance that enriches and sustains the spiritual and physical well-being of the mind and body. 80th Anniversary Celebration Sterling W.I . at Government House 1993 seated - Lt. Gov. Marion Reid , Florence Woolner 2nd Row - Annie Douglas , Anita Gallant, Olga Woolner , Marina MacKay 3rd Row - Hilda Fyfe , Jean Harding , Helen MacEwen , Dorothy Simpson , Jean Simpson , Eileen Ferguson 176