Christmas Event 2019 – ‘Christmas Joy!’
Almost 500 ladies from Institutes across the province descended on the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 23rd November for the Home and Garden Sub-Committee’s annual Christmas Event. This year’s gathering was entitled ‘Christmas Joy’ and it certainly proved to be a joyous occasion!
An action-packed programme had been organised, including a fashion show featuring clothing from Gasp boutique, festive floral art with Elaine Taylor and a cookery demonstration by Ian Hunter from Belfast Cookery School. A delicious 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, entrants were tasked with baking 4 festive mince pies. The overall winner was Joan Busby of Moneyrea WI who was awarded the prestigious Romanian Platter. Orla McAlister, who recently joined the WI, placed second and Jennifer Tweed of Moneyrea WI came third.
A raffle was also held, with lots of lucky ladies winning prizes. As the day drew to a close, Federation Chairman Collette Craig thanked Home and Garden Sub-Committee Chairman Margaret Kelso and her Committee members for organising such a brilliant day out.
Federation Chairman Collette Craig with country singing sensation Susan McCann who compered the fashion show (centre) and Ann Doyle, owner of Gasp boutique, who supplied the clothing.
Our beautiful models!
Strike a pose!
Executive Member Joan Beattie (seated right) with Audrey, Wendy and Audrey, all from Newtownstewart WI.
Moneyrea member Joan Busby receiving the Romanian Platter from Federation Chairman Collette Craig. Joan obtained first prize in the Competition for 4 festive mince pies.
Joan Busby’s winning mince pies!
Moneyrea WI members enjoying the day out.
Moneyrea member Jacqueline Scott manning her stall at the event, with Ruth Buchanan and Anne Stewart, both also of Moneyrea WI, ready to peruse her crafts for sale.
Mother and daughter duo Joan Busby and Jennifer Tweed, both of Moneyrea WI.
Feeling festive – (L-R) Jean Paul, Executive Member Margaret McCracken and Linda Bolton, all from Maghera WI.
Kesh WI ladies enjoying the festivities – (L-R) Sylvia Johnston, Jackie Savva and Laura Lyttle.
Margaret Gray of Irvinestown WI with Audry Reid and Pat Hey, both of Kesh WI.
Kesh ladies admiring Jackie’s lovely ballot prize!
Festive floral art by guest demonstrator Elaine Taylor.
