Autumn Council Meeting 2016
The Autumn Council Meeting was held in the Loughshore Hotel, Carrickfergus on Saturday 15th October after the WRWD meeting. Federation President Lady Anthony Hamilton chaired the proceedings and greetings were received from Councillor Cheryl Johnston on behalf of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council. Reports were presented by Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden and Federation Treasurer Elsie Loughlin. Written reports were also provided by all six of the Sub-Committee Chairmen.
The guest speaker was Susie Millar who told her very moving personal account of the connection that her late great-grandfather had with the ill-fated Titanic and the story of the two pennies which he entrusted to his two sons before he set off on his final journey. Following the presentation, Nuala Doran of Armoy WI led the members in the singing of Carrickfergus.
Federation trophies and awards were presented to members for recent achievements and the meeting closed with the singing of A Countrywoman’s Song.
The award winners were:
Macausland Rosebowl – Institute of the Year: Drumbeg WI
Northern Bank Trophy – City of Belfast Autumn Flower Show Homeskills & Handcrafts: Ben Madigan WI
Hobbycraft Trophy (Homecraft): Ruth McCracken, Mosside WI
Home & Garden Perpetual Trophy- Best in show floral art at Balmoral Show: Marie Cairns, Glenanne WI
Home & Garden Shield – Institute gaining most points in floral art at Balmoral Show: Downpatrick WI
Evelyn Lord Trophy (International): Betty Brace, Leckpatrick WI
Kathleen Maconaghie Rosebowl – Photographic Competition Winner: Noreen Smith, Rathfriland WI
Dorman Trophy – Best original article written by a WI member published in the Ulster Countrywoman: Lynda Pollock, Milford WI
Lynda Pollock of Milford WI (pictured right), who was awarded the Dorman Trophy at the ACM for the third year in a row, pictured with proud Executive Member Carole Baird.
Mary Cairns of Glenanne WI (pictured right) receiving the Home & Garden Perpetual Trophy from Federation President Lady Anthony Hamilton at the ACM.
