Sandy Robley of  Sunset Farm was named the Rural Woman of the Year at a South Vancouver Island District Women’s Institute event on Friday.Members of the Salt Spring Island Women’s Institute hosted a special luncheon in the United Church basement in Robley’s honour with District President Donna Jack, District Agricultural Convener Jessie Anderson and several more regional members in attendance.“Today it gives us great pleasure to gather here to make this announcement, and to acknowledge the service this recipient has made to her community,” Jack said before bestowing the award. “[Robley] is one of those community-minded individuals who share their knowledge and experience with those who want to learn more about their agricultural ventures.”Community support for Robley’s nomination included letters from Margaret Thomson and Rick Vipond, representing the Salt Spring Livestock Producers and the Farmers’ Institute.Participants heard that Robley is a farmer who raises chickens both as laying hens and meat birds. She is well known for her lamb and wool products, which she sells at her farm stand and studio and at the Saturday Market and Christmas Fairs.“She is active in the Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Institute, hosting seminars and farm tours at her farm for local sheep breeders, and for the Vancouver Island Sheep Breeders Association. A lamb from her 2,000 flock won the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the Pacific National Exhibition,” Jack read.“Since the change in provincial meat regulations, she has been a key member of the livestock producers, which was formed to organize the fundraising for and building of a local abattoir.”Robley is the second person to receive the award. Jessie Anderson of Cobble Hill was its first recipient Republished  from  post by  Elizabeth Nolan  reporter for  the Gulf Islands Driftwood.Photo by Elizabeth Nolan