On Saturday, she was the only surviving original member of what is now the Glenavy Women's Institute to attend its 75th jubilee celebrations in the Glenavy Hall.
Mrs Allnutt (92) recalled a CWI voluntary organiser, Josie Hurst from Waihaorunga, calling a meeting in the Glenavy Hall in the middle of July 1933 to discuss forming a branch in the area.
"There was a lot of interest from farmers' wives and daughters," she said.
Mrs Allnutt joined the new branch, and remained a member until 1945, when she moved to Waimate.
"A lot of women joined for the company - to beat country loneliness among women, particularly those that lived further away from towns," she said.
About 60 members, former members and visitors attended the 75th jubilee celebrations and lunch.
