Lakefield Herald Special Report

Women’s Institute started Seniors Club in Apsley

by Roy Allen

From the Women’s Institute Archives

The Apsley Women’s Institute (WI) archives contain over 60 years of club records for community assistance and historical events.

One of their many achievements is the founding of the first seniors club in Apsley called Anstruther, Chandos, Burleigh (ACB) Seniors Club later known as ABC Seniors.

Isobel Tucker, a resident of Apsley and member of the WI for over five decades recorded the story:

In November of 1973 the women of the Apsley Women’s Institute celebrated their 45th anniversary having been organized in 1928.

The branch wanted to make this event something special and after some discussion a proposal by Mrs. Rosalie McColl that we invite the seniors of our community for an afternoon of entertainment.

There was a wonderful response from our senior residents. The Legion hall was rented, cards were played and Mrs. Eva Fitzgerald brought her Junior Church Choir for some wonderful singing.

There was delicious food served from a decorated table of flowers and candles and of course a birthday cake.

As the afternoon was enjoyed so much by the seniors, at the next WI meeting the ladies felt that inquiries should be made to form a senior citizens club in Apsley.

Contact was made with a member of the Ontario government and a local NDP member came to a well attended meeting in the municipality sponsored by the WI in the spring of 1974. The member explained how to organize a senior citizens club.

A following meeting sponsored by the Women’s Institute was held at that time and Mrs. Rosalie McColl put forth a motion to start the first seniors club to be named Anstruther, Chandos, Burleigh.

Mr. Ernest Lee was appointed President, Mrs. Ruby Lee Secretary, and Mrs. Ruth Tanner Treasurer.

Over 100 seniors attended the meeting that day. The Apsley WI donated $1,000 to support the seniors club followed by over $3,000 donated by the community.

Isobel Tucker and Rosalie McColl, now in their 80s and early 90s are still active in their community, church, and the Women’s Institute.

Congratulations Apsley Seniors on your 35th birthday.

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