Local man recipient of Erland Lee award from Women's Institute

Robert (Bob) Wood recently received the prestigious national Erland Lee Award from the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada (FWIC), as nominated by the Tec-We-Gwill Women’s Institute (WI) based in Newton Robinson.

According to its website, the FWIC is “a national network for women and families to promote leadership and personal development opportunities through education and fellowship."

The award is given to a man who exemplifies the qualities of Erland Lee, whose support led to the founding of the Women’s Institute in Stoney Creek, in 1897. WI expanded from there to become a national and international organization whose work is ongoing.

The Tec-We-Gwill branch of the Women’s Institute began in 1947 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary. In nominating Robert Wood for the Erland Lee Award, the group cited his willingness to assist over the past 40 years whenever help was needed.

Wood helps in various capacities to support the WI, including working in the kitchen at community lunches, dinners and special events. He recalls one of the first things he did after being semi-retired from farming was create a flower garden on the property. He also recalls screwing down loose metal on the roof of the building and helping to take out the old kitchen to make space for a new one.

When asked how it felt to be given the award, Wood said, “I only know one other man that's got it and he's a neighbour, and he's a pretty upstanding guy, so I feel honoured to be in the same category.”

He also mentioned the 1991 Ontario recipient of the Erland Lee Award, Wally Knapp, who was a prominent Holstein farmer and breeder.

Wood, a retired dairy farmer, has deep roots in the community with his family living in the area since the mid-1800s. His mother was a member of the Tec-We-Gwill WI and his wife Patricia remains an active member. He spoke of all the special events that have taken place in the hall over the years, and its continuing importance as a community hub. One of its early educational components was the 4H Club teaching youth farming and life skills. Also, the WI keeps what is known as the Tweedsmuir Community History Books where local history is documented. Wood sees WI continuing while keeping things current on what’s happening today.

Not many WIs have their own halls and meet in homes instead. The hall in Newton Robinson was originally an Orange Lodge and was sold to the WI in 1986 for a dollar. The WI looked after the building until selling it to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury seven or eight years ago.

The Tec-We-Gwill WI has 31 members and many supporters who attend events, workshops and lunches. The lunches often reach capacity with people eating in or taking out and offer a great opportunity to connect to the community.

Incoming president, Andrea Nolan-Parry is looking forward to building events and workshops as things restart after the past two years. The hall has much to offer including the kitchen, the workshop/eating area on the lower level, and a stage and performance hall upstairs. It has an accessible entrance with an elevator to the upper level. The focus on sharing skills and knowledge continues.

The Erland Lee Museum in Stoney Creek is a National Historic Site due to the home’s significance in starting what became an international organization. “Inspired by domestic science reformer Adelaide Hoodless, and supported by her husband Erland, Janet Lee drafted the constitution of the Stoney Creek Women's Institute here in 1897,” says Parks Canada website.

In the spirit of Erland Lee’s support for the WI, Wood said, “As long as I am able, and my wife Pat is a member, I’ll be here to help.”

Rosaleen Egan is a freelance journalist, storyteller, and playwright. She blogs on her website.