New president in Downpatrick, talk on crochet work and flower show success

20 November 2024

CROSSGAR Women’s Institute have had a successful autumn of monthly meetings.

In September, Lorna Stevenson was voted in as the new president, while at October’s meeting, the group were impressed by the work of Matthew Knowles from Shorelineartistry, who presented artworks he had made from items found in his garage, charity shops and along beaches

At the meeting in November, one of the members, Pam Nugent, spoke about the loss of her son to an eating disorder.

In what was a moving and emotive evening, Pam discussed the work of The Laurence Trust, which was set up as a lasting legacy to her son and provides support to men living with eating disorders and their families.

Crossgar WI now look forward to their December Christmas event and January dinner. The group meets at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month in Crossgar Masonic Hall. New members are welcome.

Downpatrick

THE president, Edwina Marr, opened Downpatrick Women’s Institute’s November meeting by welcoming everyone, especially new members Vivienne Jordan, Allison Crichton, Joan Cochrane, Geraldine Magill and Vivienne Shepherd.

The guest speaker was Dorothy Tinsley who enlightened everyone with her marvellous skills and her display of knitted and crocheted crafts.

The ladies were enthralled with her skills and craftwork. Thanks were extended to Dorothy by Kate Beattie.

Everyone enjoyed a cuppa with beautiful Christmas delights of cake and mince pies provided and served by Karen Walker and Pat Mulhall.

The winner of the ‘Knitted Christmas Novelty’ was Margaret Orr and the runner-up was Rosemary McVeigh, who was also the birthday girl. Edwina Marr won the ballot.

The December meeting will be the Christmas lunch and the competition will be for ‘three pieces of confectionery well presented’. New members will be welcome.

Seaforde

THE president, Margaret McDowell Wilcox, welcomed members to the November meeting of Seaforde Women’s Institute.

Proudly displayed was The City of Belfast Northern Ireland Bank Perpetual Trophy which Seaforde won at the Belfast Autumn Flower Show in September

The trophy was presented to Margaret Broome and Judith Wainwright at the Women’s Institute Autumn council meeting by the Federation chairman, Brenda Richardson.

The president also received the Evelyn Lord Trophy for outstanding contributions to the Associated Country Women of the World.

After business was conducted the ballot was won by Donna Wightman and the birthday girl was Audrey Briggs

The members enjoyed a fabulous craft evening under the expert instruction of Helen Newell, who spent hours preparing for the evening. Napkin art was explained and the ladies got to choose from a variety of napkins, Christmas scenes or Remembrance motifs,We certainly enjoyed our cup of tea with the odd tray bake or two

Seaforde WI is hosting an event about getting to know the Northern Ireland Assembly in the YFC Hall tonight at 7.30pm. People are invited to come along and learn how laws are made and how to raise issues.

The next meeting takes place in the YFC Hall on December 9 at 7.30pm. New members are welcome.

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