THE members of Crossgar Women’s Institute celebrated their 70th anniversary at a dinner in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, on Saturday night.
The president, Mrs Nora Lennon, welcomed members and guests from each of the Institutes in the Quoile Area to the special evening.
Mrs Edwina Marr, Executive member and Federation vice-chairman, graciously responded to Mrs Lennon’s welcome.
The president then presented Mrs Rhona Niblock, one of Crossgar WI’s longest serving members, with an honorary membership certificate.
Following a most enjoyable dinner, entertainment was provided by Miss Sionan Mullan, who was accompanied by Miss Lauren Bingham. Their musical talents was a delight to all present.
Mrs Lorna Stevenson then gave a resumé of the past 70 years of Crossgar WI, which was most interesting and entertaining.
Mrs Sheila McMurray gave the vote of thanks to all who made the evening a great success, including the Burrendale Hotel and, in particular, all the business people and friends in Crossgar who kindly made donations.
The most successful evening concluded with the singing of the Countrywoman’s Song.
At Crossgar WI’s September meeting the guest speaker was Sandra Robinson, who gave a very interesting talk and demonstration on wire sculpture.
This craft was unknown to the majority of members and turned out to be most informative and enjoyable.
The competition, for an egg cup floral arrangement, was won by Ethna Douglas, the birthday girl was Eileen Smyth and the ballot was won by a guest, Moya Miskelly.
Downpatrick WI
THE president, Deirdre Ferris, welcomed everyone to the AGM of Downpatrick Women’s Institute, including new member Linda Sales.
Former executive member Nora Lennon chaired the proceedings while the annual report and financial statement were read and approved.
Mrs Ferris was re-elected as president with Patricia Gilchrist as honorary secretary and Margaret Orr as minutes secretary. The vice-president is Gladys Taylor and the treasurer is Julia Robinson.
The competition was guessing the outgoing committee members as young schoolgirls — which proved quite difficult for some. A lovely supper was served.
In October local farmer Damian Tumelty from Castlescreen Farm gave a talk and cookery demonstration using his grass-fed Dexter beef and lamb, after which members enjoyed many lovely samples. The vote of thanks was given by Hazel Dunford.
The competition for a decorated pumpkin was won by Linda Sales with Jane Kirkpatrick second and Geraldine Gray third. The competition cup was presented to Sharon McVeigh, who also won the raffle.
Downpatrick WI meets in the hall at Downpatrick Presbyterian Church on the second Wednesday of the month and would welcome new members. The next meeting is on November 14 at 7.30pm when the speaker will be Richard Gill from the Ulster Bank, who will talk about crime prevention and scams, among other things.
Saintfield WI
THE September meeting of Saintfield Women’s Institute began with the president, Elizabeth Moore, introducing her new committee and welcoming a new member, Yvonne McConnell.
The secretary then read the minutes from the anniversary dinner and June outing.
The guest speaker for the evening was Marie Therese Rogers-Moloney, author of For the Sins of My Mother, which tells the story of how Marie Therese was left to face a life of misery in Nazareth House orphanage.
Her mother, a respectable widow, had come to Belfast from Killybegs to conceal her pregnancy after an affair.
Determined to find out who she really was, Marie Therese set out to trace a mother she was told did not exist. It was a very compelling, but fascinating story.
The competition for a harvest picture was won by Jean Linton. The birthday girl was Gertie Walsh and the ballot was won by Jenny Fulton.