Talk on cruising holidays, theatre trip to see Little Women, school dinner supervisor demonstration

Talk on cruising holidays, theatre trip to see Little Women, school dinner supervisor demonstration

20 March 2024

THE president, Sandra Phillips, welcomed everyone to the March meeting of Crossgar Women’s Institute.

The guest speaker was Marie Gallagher of Downe Travel, who gave an interesting travel talk on cruising holidays.

Marie explained the different cruise options available, ranging from five-star ocean cruise liners to smaller, more intimate, ships including yachts and a choice of relaxing river cruises. 

She shared her wide knowledge of the various cruises she has enjoyed over the years and entertained the group with a few amusing stories of life aboard a cruise ship.

Oriel Nesbitt thanked Marie on behalf of the group for an informative insight into cruising as a wonderful way to explore the world.

Elizabeth Hutchinson won the competition for a travel tip, with Eithne Douglas and Libby Browne the runners-up.  Deirdre Kennedy was the lucky winner of the ballot and Anne Davey was the birthday girl for March.

Downpatrick WI

PRESIDENT Deirdre Ferris welcomed everyone to the March meeting of Downpatrick Women’s Institute.

After the minutes of the previous meeting were read, it was reported that the meeting of the Literacy Ladies has taken place and members enjoyed an outing to the theatre to see Little Women.

Congratulations were extended to Mary, Judith and Deirdre for taking part in the recent Quoile Area quiz. 

The theme for the evening was Irish history and the guest speaker was Dr Finbar McCormick, who gave a most interesting talk on St Brigid, who is buried in Downpatrick.

St Brigid’s feast day is February 1 and this year marked the 1500th anniversary of her death.

She was renowned for performing many miracles during her lifetime, her generosity, giving food to the poor, and the St Brigid’s Cross named in her honour.

Dr McCormick ended his talk by sharing a reading on his favourite St Brigid miracle. Mrs Ferris gave the vote of thanks. 

Veronica McVeigh provided the tea along with an array of healthy treats and delicious homemade flapjacks by Pat Mulhall.

The competition for how many five-letter words or more can be made out of ‘Saint Patrick’ was won by Mary Magee.  The ballot prize winner was Marie Laverty and the birthday girl was Brenda Rea. 

Edwina Marr gave and update on the Associated Country Women of the World and it was announced that the spring Area meeting will take place on April 17. 

The Institute’s next meeting will take place in Downpatrick Presbyterian Church Hall on Wednesday, April 10, at 7.30pm. The theme for the evening will be ‘Talking Rubbish’ and the competition will be for a recycled shoe box.

Seaforde WI

THE president, Annabel Cleland, welcomed members and guests to the March meeting of Seaforde Women’s Institute.

The ladies were treated to a cookery demonstration for busy women by Stephanie, of Steph’s Treats.

Using a slow cooker barbecue, she made barbecue pulled pork with homemade coleslaw, followed by a lemon cheesecake with a ginger biscuit base.

A mother-of-two and supervisor of school dinners, Stephanie also shared her journey in the world of catering.

Stephanie judged the competition for an old kitchen utensil still in use, which was won by Tracey Lambert, with Elizabeth Fleming second and Helen Newell third.

The birthday girl was Emily McCort and the ballot was won by Margaret Broome

Vivienne Dumigan recieved a card from the ladies on her and her husband Brian’s diamond wedding anniversary.

The book of the month ‘All the Lonely People’ by Mike Gayle, which will be reviewed over scones and coffee at the Mulberry Tree in Seaforde on Tuesday, April 9. Visitors are welcome to come along

The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 8, at 7.30 in the YFC Hall, Seaforde, when there will be a flower arranging demonstration by Lorraine Bothwell.