Christmas Event 2017 – Christmas Carols!
Hundreds of ladies from Institutes across the province descended on the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena on Saturday 25th November 2017 to celebrate the Home and Garden Sub-Committee’s annual Christmas Event. This year’s event was entitled ‘Christmas Carols’ and everyone in attendance certainly got into the seasonal spirit for this special occasion on the WI calendar. An action-packed programme had been organised for the day, including a fashion clinic featuring style advice from fashionista Jude Law, a mouth-watering chocolate demonstration led by expert chocolatier Geri Martin from The Chocolate Manor and a presentation of fabulous festive floral creations by talented floral artist Ross McGookin. A delicious Christmas lunch was served and there were plenty of shopping opportunities with a wide variety of stalls to tempt the ladies into starting their Christmas shopping early!
For the Competition at this year’s event entrants were asked to get creative and produce an original Christmas card design illustrating the theme ‘A Christmas Carol’ and using any medium of their choice. There was a good number of entries, with a variety of colourful, seasonal designs and these made a very eye-catching display, drawing lots of admiring glances on the day. The overall winner of the Competition was Kathleen Moore of Ballievey WI who was awarded the prestigious Romanian Platter.
A raffle was also held and there were lots of lucky winners. As the day drew to a close, 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 out!
Federation Treasurer Elsie Loughlin (left) pictured at the Christmas Event with style expert Jude Law.
Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden (right) presenting the Romanian Platter to Kathleen Moore of Ballievey WI, winner of the ‘Create A Christmas Card’ Competition.
The winning entry – Kathleen Moore’s beautiful, intricate Christmas card design illustrating ‘A Christmas Carol’.
A selection of the delightful Competition entries on display.
Some members of Carryduff WI enjoying the festive fun.
Professional chocolatier Geri Martin from The Chocolate Manor showcasing her delicious chocolate delicacies.
Jude Law takes to the stage with her ‘Fashion Clinic’.
Ross McGookin on stage demonstrating her floral art expertise as the audience marvels at her stunning arrangements.
Two of the striking pieces created by floral artist Ross McGookin.
Some more of Ross McGookin’s fabulous floral creations.
