Christmas Event 2012
Christmas at the Lakes
On a picturesque frosty morning over 400 members, many of whom had travelled a very long distance, attended the Home & Garden Sub-Committee annual Christmas event in the Killyhevlin Hotel on 24th November 2012. A welcome cup of tea/coffee and scones with jam and cream was provided on arrival. There were also many stalls to browse.
Due to a technical hitch the morning programme was unfortunately delayed by 20 minutes. Federation Chairman Margaret Collinson began proceedings by presenting President Lady Anthony Hamilton with a beautiful Christmas cake. Our first speaker was Pat O’Doherty, who is famous for his black bacon in his butchers’ shops in Enniskillen. Pat explained how he sourced and cured his products, preferring good quality natural food without all the e-numbers, and not mass produced. He has appeared on TV, and has just been awarded butcher of the year for N. Ireland at an awards ceremony in London. His stories and humorous talk were enjoyed by all.
John Newell from Kenwood, a creator of food mixers, gave an insight into how the company began and how reliable the machines are. The new flexible blade on the market was of great interest, which cleans inside of the bowl. It is also colour co-ordinated to suit your kitchen.
Members’ Christmas cakes will surely have a new look this year after watching Lynn Winslow, who is a member of Clogher WI. Lynn’s artistic work icing many different shapes of cakes made it all look so easy. A very talented and entertaining lady.
Following lunch, Timothy Elliot – a renowned flower arranger – showed off his skills. Timothy produced wonderful arrangements in record time. He finished by making a palm tree, which was greatly admired.
The competition for a box of edible Christmas delights was judged by our three office bearers:
- 1st – Mary Walker, Loughgall WI
- 2nd – Irene Boggs, Eglinton WI
- 3rd – June Beer, Moneyrea WI
- Highly Commended – Pamela Brown, Ballywalter WI
Ballot prizes were drawn by the Federation Chairman. We were grateful to all who donated such a wide variety of gifts, especially to Killyhevlin Hotel for their generosity. A very lucky member received a voucher for two nights B&B and one dinner for two.
A general vote of thanks was given by Home & Garden Sub-Committee Chairman to all involved for their support, along with the hotel and the Sub-Committee for all their hard work, and the members for coming and supporting us once again.
The singing of A Countrywoman’s Song ended a happy day.
Nora Lennon
Home & Garden Sub-Committee Chairman
