Annalong Women’s Institute – 80th Anniversary Celebrations – April 2017
ANNALONG W.I. 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER
On April 6th in the picturesque setting of The Burrendale Hotel & Country Club Newcastle, Annalong Women’s Institute held their 80th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. The Castle Suite was tastefully decorated in the blue & yellow W.I. colours President Sylvia Newell warmly welcomed 57 members ,friends & guests which included W.I Federation Chairman N.I. Mrs. Elizabeth Warden, Mrs. Edwina Marr Quoile Area Executive Member, Mrs.Violet Bell past Mourne Area Executive member, past Presidents Of Annalong W.I. Mrs. Jessie Herron & Mrs. Sheila Walker. Also present were Quoile Area Institutes Presidents and Rathfriland. Mrs. Aileen Midgley who sets and judges the primary schools art competition. and M/s Briege Jennings from Down Rural Community Network .
In her opening remarks Sylvia paid tribute to the Foundation Members and others who were no longer with us. Vice President Olive Gordon said Grace and everyone tucked into a delicious meal.
The Anniversary Cake Cutting Ceremony was carried out by Honorary Member Elizabeth Mc Bride M. B. E, longest serving member of Annalong W.I., and Elizabeth Warden -Chairman Of Federation of W.I. N.I.
Edwina Marr, Quoile Area Executive Member, Sylvia Newell President of Annalong and past Presidents Jessie Herron, Sheila Walker, Olive Gordon, Iris Gordon and Mary Burns.
After dinner we all sat back and were entertained by Glassdrumman Ballad Group of which Niamh Mc Dowell All Ireland Scor Solo Singer Finalist is part. Cara Smith danced a. reel.
Secretary Olive Hanna thanked the Group and presented them with a token of appreciation. Olive also thanked the management and staff of The Burrendale.
After dinner speeches were commenced with Mrs. Warden thanking Annalong for the invitation which she was happy to accept and said how much she had enjoyed the entertainment and was happy to see young people being involved. Mrs. Warden paid tribute to the last Mourne Area Executive Member Jean Gordon for all she contributed to Annalong W.I. , The Federation and A.C.C.W. The Federation Toast was proposed by Iris Gordon and Elizaabeth Warden responded. A toast to Annalong was proposed by Elizabeth Warden and Sylvia Newell responded. Elizabeth presented an Inscribed Galway Crystal Vase to Annalong to mark their special milestone. Fellow member, Evelyn Trimble presented a beaten Copper plaque to Annalong to mark the special event. Greetings from the Executive were conveyed by Edwina Marr who spoke briefly on supporting the nominated charities of A.C.W.W . President Sylvia then recalled many amusing snippets from the minute books over the 80 years from when Mrs. Windram who was the first President ,through the war years when the ladies of Annalong certainly made a remarkable contribution to the betterment of rural life in the sea side village. Meetings were first held in Kilhorne School and later in The Good Templars Hall and in recent years in the local Community Hall . A table with memorabilia was of much interest. Sylvia expressed the good wishes of the Institute to Honorary Member Jean Gordon, members Norma Fisher and Rhoda Newell who were unable to be present. Many greetings cards were received.
The Presentation Of Annual Awards followed and were carried out By The Federation Chairman
Binnian Bowl; Yvonne Adams
Dorothy Purdy Cup; Charlotte Campbell & Mary Burns (Joint Winners)
Winifred Mc Kibben Cup; Rose Allan
Windram Dish; Ann Rice
Evelyn Trimble Trophy; Sylvia Newell
Rosemary Nelson Quiz Trophy; Wendy Laffin
Founder Members Shield ; Lorna Sloan
80th Anniversary Dish (New Award); Marie Mc Glue
Marie Mc Glue was also the winner of the scholarship to An Grianan Adult Education I.C.A. College.
Sylvia thanked Briege Jennings Down Rural Community Network for her input by securing part funding for the celebrations from The Big Lottery and also to Briege’s colleague Janine Connolly who was unable to attend also the committee for their support and dedication. Secretary Olive Hanna suitably replied. Averil Thompson President Of Ardglass proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the visitors.
The Singing Of The Country Woman;s Song brought a very enjoyable and memorable evening to a close.
Next meeting of Annalong W.I. will be held on Thursday May 11th @7.30 p.m.
Andrew Boyd —- “ Kilmegan Cider “ will be the Speaker
Members please note change of date.
Flower Arranging weekly classes are currently running and 80 th Anniversary Celebration will conclude with June outing to Hillsborough Castle.
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