Ards Peninsula – Spring Area Meeting
*Photograph courtesy of The Newtownards Chronicle.
The Spring Area Meeting was held in Portaferry on Wednesday 27th April in the Church of Ireland hall. As there has not been an Area Meeting since April 2019 due to the pandemic, members from the six Institutes in the Area group appreciated the opportunity to meet up once again.
Area President Helen Robinson (Ballywalter WI) welcomed everyone, including the guest speaker, Rev Derek Kerr of Randalstown. She introduced the platform party, welcoming three guests from the Scrabo Area. A message of greeting was read by the Secretary from The Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Mark Brooks in which he mentioned the Council’s appreciation for the contribution WI members make to their communities within the Borough.
The guest speaker, an avid collector of Royal memorabilia and admirer of our Queen, held up various items from his collection on display and related their significance. He also gave a quick potted genealogy of the Royal Family with a few witty asides. Rev Kerr also related how excited he had been to shake Her Majesty’s hand. A vote of thanks was given by Faye Higgins (Ballygrainey WI).
Supper was served by members of the Portaferry Institute and much appreciated.
The Arts Sub-Committee report was presented by Lesley Dowds, Scrabo Area Executive Member; the Federation, Magazine and Leisure reports were given by Christine Rankin, Ards Peninsula Executive Member; the Home and Garden report was by Betty Lyttle (Portaferry WI), and the International report by Sandra Marshall (Portaferry WI); Institute reports were presented by Catherine Champion (Ballyblack WI) and Barbara Lee (Portaferry WI).
Trophies were presented by Christine Rankin for the various competitions on display:
*Maud Boyd Trophy (4 German Biscuits) – Muriel Smyth, Portaferry WI
*Alma Lennox Cup (Scrapbook Page) – Joan Cree, Donaghadee WI
*Johnston Cup (Handknitted Adult Scarf) – Noelle Rolston, Portaferry WI
*Turkington Cup (Photograph entitled ‘End of the Day’) – Irene Moore, Ballyblack WI
*Nithsdale Trophy (Recycled Item of Clothing) – Anne Johnston, Donaghadee WI
*Henderson Cup (Institute Gaining Overall Most Points in the Competitions) – Portaferry WI
*Ballymaconnell Clock (2nd Most Points in the Competitions) – Donaghadee WI
*Ballyhalbert Clock (3rd Most Points in the Competitions) – Ballyblack WI
Entertainment followed with Ballyblack WI Choir performing three lovely pieces to an appreciative audience.
A general vote of thanks was given by Anne Beggs (Ballyholme WI) and President Helen Robinson wished all a safe journey home.
The evening ended in traditional WI style with the singing of ‘A Countrywoman’s Song’.
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