‘Talking Rubbish’ and flower arranging chats

‘Talking Rubbish’ and flower arranging chats

17 April 2024

THE president, Sandra Philips, welcomed members to the April meeting of Crossgar Women’s Institute.

She also took the opportunity to congratulate Elizabeth Hutchinson and her husband on their 60th wedding anniversary. 

The guest speaker was Mr Noel Lyons, from Arc2, who began with a few reminders about suitable items everyone should be recycling and spoke about the various activities he organises in council areas throughout Northern Ireland. 

The activity for the evening was painting stones. Mr Lyons guided encouraged the ladies to produce their own individual stone art designs. 

Ann Patterson gave the vote of thanks to Mr Lyons, and his assistant, Rebecca, for inspiring the group to create so many fun items.

Joan Gordon was awarded first place for her stone painting with Frances Price second and Sonya Boyd third.

The monthly competition for a hand-painted stone was won by Maureen Lyons for her sailing boats theme. Second place went Patricia Murray for her colour floral design and in third place was Lourdy Conlan with her little ladybirds. 

The ballot winner was Sheila McMurray and the April birthday girl was Christine Glover. 

Downpatrick

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

The theme for the evening was ‘Talking Rubbish’ and was organised by member and general hon secretary Lorraine Girvan, who gave a very informative talk on recycling.

She then split the members into groups for an educational and fun quiz on recycling, which produced some interesting answers.

Lorraine finished by reciting a poem and presenting packets of flower seeds, which were gratefully received.

The president gave the vote of thanks before a well-deserved cup of tea, which was provided by Karen Walker and Sharon McVeigh.

The competition for a recycled shoe box was won by Sharon McVeigh. Paddy Burns won the ballot, and the birthday girl was Anne Liggett.

The president gave an update on the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). The date for the next meeting of the Literacy Ladies was set and members were asked to bring along poems about summer holidays. The spring Area meeting, Balmoral Show and the June outing were also mentioned.

The next meeting is also the AGM and will take place in Downpatrick Presbyterian Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 8. It will be followed by line dancing and the competition will be for a flower arrangement in a teapot. New members will be welcome.

Seaforde

MEMBERS of Seaforde Women’s Institute enjoyed an evening of beautiful flower arranging at their April meeting.

The ladies were welcomed by the president, Annabel Cleland, and were then shown how to arrange flowers neatly by Lorraine Bothwell.

The ladies were practising for the Quoile Area Spring Meeting which takes place tonight at the YFC Hall, where fellow members of Annalong, Crossgar, Killinchy, Downpatrick, Slievenaman and Spa will be gathering to receive awards. The guest speaker will be Dame Mary Peters.

This month’s ballot was won by Sally Broome and the birthday girl was Susan McDowell. The competition was the choice of Lorraine, who had difficulty selecting a winner as all the flower arrangements were excellent. Annabel Cleland was the eventual winner with Eileen Milligan second and Joan Law third.

The Book Club’s choice this month is ‘Factory Girls’ by Michelle Gallen, which is set in Northern Ireland in 1994.

The next meeting takes place on May 13 and will include a healthy dessert competition.