The Oamaru resident has competed in Otago and Southland Combined Women's Institute and Rural Women competitions for 54 years, and keeps all the certificates for her prize-winning baking and sewing entries in an old shoe box in the back of her wardrobe.
Mrs Clarke is one of the longest-participating members of the institute and, while she has not competed or judged in the competition for the past two years, she still "pops along" to see the entries.
"I've got silly hands now. They don't let me stir or sew anymore.
"I still like to go to the meetings though.
"It's the getting together and talking out our problems and putting the world to rights that I like."
This year, there were 156 entries of embroidery, knitted socks, thread work, baking, handcraft and photography on display at the annual competition, held at the Zingari Richmond Rugby Club Football clubrooms in Dunedin yesterday.
Mrs Clarke cast her experienced eye over the entries and was impressed with the quality.
"Even today, I'm still learning techniques from other people's exhibits.
"That's what it's all about - sharing expertise in crafts and cooking," she said.
