Christmas Event 2016 – Christmas Sparkle!
Five hundred and seventy ladies from WIs all over Northern Ireland attended the Home and Garden Christmas event in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 19th November 2016. This year’s event was entitled ‘Christmas Sparkle’ and eyes were certainly twinkling as the ladies descended upon the hotel, ready for a festive, fun-packed day. The programme of entertainment was fantastic – there was a flower arranging demonstration from the artistic hands of floral art expert Milton Porter; a witty and wonderful cookery presentation from the delightful Paula McIntyre; a fashion show featuring lovely local WI ladies modelling the latest trends from Gasp and Lila’s boutiques in Armagh; and an amazing cocktail display conducted by the very talented Kyle, a skilled barman at the Hotel. A delicious Christmas lunch was enjoyed and there were plenty of shopping opportunities with a variety of stalls – with retail therapy as an added bonus, how could the ladies fail to have a great day out?! Some enjoyed browsing, while many started their Christmas shopping early. The title of the Competition at this year’s event was ‘Four Festive Biscuits’ and there was a good number of entries, with a variety of colourful, seasonal designs. The overall winner was Valerie Hall of Pomeroy WI, who was awarded the prestigious Romanian Platter award. A raffle took place and there were lots of lucky winners. Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden thanked Home and Garden Sub-Committee Chairman Collette Craig and her Committee members for organising such a successful event. Collette Craig in turn thanked the hotel staff, demonstrators, stall holders, her fellow members on Committee and all the WI members and friends who supported this event and helped to make it so enjoyable. It was a brilliant day!
Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden presenting to Romanian Platter to Valerie Hall of Pomeroy WI, winner of the Competition ‘Four Festive Biscuits’.
Fashionistas Daphne Forbes and Jewel Fleming from the Gosford Area, who both featured as models in the fashion show.
A full house! Faces in the crowd.
Renowned chef Paula McIntyre cooking up a storm during her demonstration.
Floral artist Milton Porter and one of his fabulous festive flower arrangements, pictured with Home and Garden Sub-Committee Chairman Collette Craig and Nora Lennon.
Some of the entries in the Competition ‘Four Festive Biscuits’.
