Winnie-the-Pooh fans young and old visited the home of Stark’s Corners Women’s Institute (SCWI) president Susanne Gardiner on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the 100th birthday of the beloved children’s book character.
Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by the make-shift 100 Acre Woods in Gardiner’s garden.
Throughout the 100 Acre Woods, 21 “hunny” pots highlighted the characters who have filled the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh over the past hundred years.
A spring was used to represent Tigger’s bounce house, and a blue blanket to represent Eeyore’s home. Kids were encouraged to hopscotch and make colourful rocks along the route, emulating the playful nature of Pooh’s adventures.
Gardiner saw the opportunity to promote Pooh’s Canadian connection. The real-life black bear was named Winnipeg “Winnie” Bear after being bought by Canadian soldier Harry Bolbourne who eventually gave her to the London Zoo in the United Kingdom. Author A. A. Milne’s son Christopher Robin later renamed his toy bear in her honour, which inspired the iconic children’s franchise.
“Winnie-the-Pooh, that’s one of the first books, I always think, that parents might read to their kids,” Gardiner said. “But, also, a lot of people don’t realize that it was a Canadian soldier who [gave us] the story of Winnie.”
Visitors were offered a cupcake, punch and a small sample of honey harvested by Gardiner’s husband Scott upon reaching the end of the 100 Acre-circuit. All children who attended also received a free English book donated by the Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC).
“I wanted to give the children something more than just come to play and get a cupcake,” said Gardiner said, who is also a part of the WQLC. Gardiner said she also hoped the event could increase public awareness of the Women’s Institute’s work.
“I’ve only lived [in Litchfield] for eight years, so I’m still a newbie,” Gardiner said. “When I talk to people in the community that I’m part of the women’s institute they go, ‘I’ve never heard of that.’”
The SCWI combined with the Clarendon Women’s Institute, making up the larger Pontiac County’s Women’s Institute. The SCWI works to promote agriculture, education and personal development in the community.
The SCWI meets monthly to discuss community-related programs and fundraisers. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member may contact Gardiner at ssgardiner72@gmail.com or phone her at 819-635-7865.
