WI members from North Cornwall travelled from ‘England’s green and pleasant land’ to Canada to visit the Erland Lee Museum — recognised as the birthplace of the Women’s Institute.

The women were accompanied by an 80-strong male voice choir, which included members from both the Launceston and Tintagel Male Voice Choirs, in a rendition of ‘Jerusalem’ to help in celebrating the WI’s centenary year in the UK.

Along with 201 choristers and supporters of the Trelawney Male Voice Choir from September 6 to 23, a party of 25 women, including Alison Gribble and Daphne Tucker of Coads Green WI, Eva Paynter of North Petherwyn WI and Valerie Stephens of Tintagel WI, plus other members from all over Cornwall, travelled from Toronto to Stoney Creek, the home of the first Women’s Institute Movement — all wore rosettes in green, black and white especially made for them in Cornwall.

Eva said: “It was wonderful to sing Jeruselum with the 80-strong male voice choir and supporters from Launceston and Tintagel male voice choirs.

“It was really rousing for us to sing with such a large group of male voices at the Erland Lee Museum where the first WI meeting was held and we all had a fantastic time.”

Members from all over Cornwall arrived at the home of Erland and Janet Lee to a welcoming party of WI members. They were shown around the museum and the room and table where the first constitution was written in 1897. There is a full time curator and each room in the house was a treasure trove of delightful items, many belonging to the Lee family.

“Across the garden was the original carriage house, again with lots to see. We were given lunch and each WI member was presented with a certificate to take back to their WI from the Ontario Federation.”

On September 15 after a sell-out concert by the choir, choristers and supporters were invited to share in an afterglow party and all sang ‘Jerusalem’ to celebrate the centenary of the first WI being formed in Anglesey in 1915 — Eva said, “What a sound with supporters and male voices!”

The visit meant WI members on the tour celebrated the centenary of the WI while in Canada — and as they were five hours in front of the UK were probably the first to celebrate the important anniversary.

The Trelawney Male Choir sang in five concerts, which were all sell-out performances. The musical director was Elaine Tangye with assistant director and organist Phil Taylor and pianist Elizabeth Sidebotham. The 80-strong choir was made up from 18 choirs in Cornwall, including members from Launceston and Tintagel Male Voice Choirs.

The first concert was arranged by the Canada/Cornwall Association in Toronto, then to Ottawa, Quebec, Montreal, The City of Cornwall and Niagra by the Lake.

The choir promoted Cornwall to delighted audiences — many had travelled great distances to hear them. All arrived back full of new friendships made and memories of a wonderful trip.