Award-winners receive recognition at Quoile Women’s Institute spring meeting

Award-winners receive recognition at Quoile Women’s Institute spring meeting

4 May 2022

THE spring meeting of Quoile Area Women’s Institutes took place in the Arnold Hall, Spa, recently and featured a talk on women’s pivotal roles in the Second World War. 

The evening, hosted by Spa WI, was chaired by Pamela Shanks, president of Killinchy WI, accompanied by Seaforde WI secretary Judith Wainwright and and Federation chairperson Margaret Broome, international officer with Seaforde WI.

All eight institutes were represented, including Annalong, Adglass, Crossgar, Downpatrick, Seaforde, Slievenaman and Spa.

Following a minute’s silence, observed for Pearl Shaw, Joan Shanks, Avril Thompson and other past members, committee reports were delivered, including the Associated Country Women of the World, whose name is set to change to Rural Women in Action

An excellent supper was served by the hosts, followed by the evening’s speaker, Michael Fryer, Outreach Officer of the Belfast War Museum, who gave an insightful talk on women’s contribution to World War Two.

The competitions were judged and trophies were awarded and presented by Federation chairperson Margaret Broome.

Pearl Shaw Cup for the Institute awarded the most points for Federation competitions:  won by Crossgar and was collected by Lorna Stevenson.

Joan Shanks Cup for a pair of knitted adult socks: 1st Libby Brown, Crossgar; 2nd Ruby Hunter, Spa; 3rd Babs Bassett, Spa

Nora Lennon Cup for a decorated chocolate cake fit for a Queen: 1st Sandra Connolly, Spa; 2nd Lorna Stevenson, Crossgar; 3rd Babs Bassett, Spa.

Petal and Pots Cup for a flower arrangement in a WI mug: 1st Geraldine Gray, Downpatrick; 2nd Helen Newell, Seaforde; 3rd Margaret McCall, Seaforde.

The Quiz Cup was presented to Seaforde and collected by Susan McDowell, while the Bowls Cup was presented to Babs Bassett. 

Federation Awards: the Silver Spinning Wheel, awarded by the Homecraft Committee for six full ribbons, went to Babs Bassett, Spa, and Helen Newell, Seaforde; Silver Spinning Wheel, awarded for knitting, macrame and millinery was presented to Libby Brown, Crossgar.

Entertainment was provided by Crossgar Institute which treated attendees to a display of line dancing from the Inch Line Dancing Troupe, while the vote of thanks for a memorable evening was given by Julia Robinson, Downpatrick.

After the singing of the Country Women’s Song everyone was wished a safe journey home by our chairperson, Pamels Shanks.