Lynnford Unveils Commemorative Bench at Willowby Pool for Centennial Celebration

A new bench has been installed at the Willowby pool to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Rural Women New Zealand. The unveiling took place at a gathering of community members, including Lynnford president Bev Bagrie, who presented the bench to pool committee chair Mark Shera in the presence of supporters from both the pool committee and Longbeach School.

The initiative to provide a bench arose from the strong connections that Lynnford members have to the area. Bagrie, aged 79, shared that she attended the former Willowby School as a child, and many Lynnford members have children and grandchildren currently enrolled at Longbeach School. The event included a barbecue lunch for the pupils, generously sponsored by Lynnford members and prepared by staff from Aon – Ashburton.

Celebrating a Century of Support for Rural Women

In his remarks, Shera expressed gratitude on behalf of the pool committee, stating that the bench would be a valuable addition to the site alongside existing picnic tables. The head pupils, Sammy Wood and Flynn Hill, also thanked the Lynnford group for their contributions, leading their classmates in a round of applause.

The bench, crafted by Dayle Pritchard, features a dedication plaque made by KJB Systems. It acknowledges the significant milestone of 100 years of support from Rural Women New Zealand, an organization that has played a pivotal role in the lives of rural women for generations.

Bagrie reflected on the challenges faced by women in rural areas in 1925, highlighting the isolation and economic hardship of the time. “Electricity did not reach many rural areas until between 1930 and 1940, and when it finally came, it was primarily used for farm operations rather than household needs,” she explained.

She further emphasized that during the late 1920s and 1930s, the Great Depression brought severe economic strain, with rural families often suffering the hardest. “Women were the backbone of these families, stretching every resource and providing emotional support that kept communities intact,” Bagrie noted.

As World War II began, rural women assumed greater responsibilities, managing farms while the men were away. Today, Bagrie urged the community to draw inspiration from this remarkable history and to continue building strong local networks that advocate for rural voices.

“Let us ensure that every rural woman has the resources and support she needs to thrive,” she concluded, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity and ongoing support for rural women.