"And each of them was to bring a plate. Well you can imagine how they went all out in total competition with each other which meant the array of baking on offer was incredible."
The Country Women's Institute started after WWI in 1921 but numbers have dwindled now in New Zealand, she said.
"In Britain it is as strong as ever."
She said the women's institute in Britain had hit the headlines when the award-winning movie Calendar Girls was released in 2003.
The film, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, was loved worldwide. It was about a Women's Institute chapter's fundraising effort for a local hospital by posing nude for a calendar which became a media sensation.
Mrs Futcher said even though they might not have as many members as other areas the Marton institute remained a group of very keen women.
"At our meeting last week at one of our member's homes for lunch we sat afterwards and made over 30 hospital dolls."
Hospital dolls are calico-stuffed dolls with no features. They are given to hospitals and the doctors.
"For when they have a small child patient they can draw on the doll to illustrate where the various affected areas or area is."
The point of difference at the Crafts Alive show at Memorial Hall next month will be that the artists will be there too showcasing their art.
"So if anyone wants to learn or just be shown how it's done will be most welcome.
"And the institute is all about friendship, really good friendship. We teach and share our homemaking skills, swap recipes, have small drama groups, enjoy floral art and especially enjoy helping others."
The local community is very important to us, she said.
Project Marton manager Cath Ash said collaborating to get this new kind of craft show going was special for Marton.
"We have so many talented artists and crafts people in this small town it will be an amazing show."
The show will run next month on the weekend of September 23 and 24.
