Festival of the Spoken Word 2017
The Federation’s annual Festival of Spoken Word was held on Saturday 14th October 2017 in Ballygawley Presbyterian Church Hall, County Tyrone. Mr Paul Coote, Clerk of Session, warmly welcomed everyone to Ballygawley and handed the proceedings over to Carole Baird, Arts Sub-Committee Chairman.
The adjudicator was Geradine McGivern M.Ed., L.N.E.A. All of the performers confidently took to the stage and held the audience captive with their delivery of an eclectic array of emphatic speeches and poetry. Geradine commented that she was very impressed by the amazing talent within the Women’s Institute. The caterers from Ballygawley provided delicious tea and scones with jam and fresh cream in the morning. Hearty vegetable soup, wheaten bread and sandwiches were then served at lunchtime, followed by scrumptious tray bakes, tea and coffee.
Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden presented the awards to the winners and Kay Campbell proposed a comprehensive Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Arts Sub-Committee. All in all, it was very entertaining day and a wonderful showcase of WI talent. The afternoon closed in traditional style with the singing of A Countrywoman’s Song.
The award winners were:
Class 1 – Magherafelt Trophy – Prepared Speech
1st – Nancy Orr, Armoy WI
2nd – Edwina Marr, Downpatrick WI
Class 2 – Armoy Trophy – Sight Reading
1st – Ellen McKenna, Donaghmore WI
2nd – Edwina Marr, Downpatrick WI
Class 3 – Lambeg Trophy – Poem by an Irish Poet
1st – Nancy Orr, Armoy WI
2nd – Elizabeth Patterson, Kilrea WI
Class 4 – Phillipine McCoy Trophy – Humorous Verse
1st – Pat Harrison, Richill WI
2nd – Anna Murphy, Kells & Connor WI
Class 5 – Aileen Chapman Trophy – Poem written by a WI Member
1st – Anna Murphy, Kells & Connor WI
2nd – Wilma Buick, Kells & Connor WI
Class 6 – Downpatrick Trophy – Prepared Prose
1st – Maud Steele, Kilrea WI
2nd – Patricia Gilchrist, Downpatrick WI
The talented award winners with Arts Sub-Committee Chairman Carole Baird, Federation Chairman Elizabeth Warden and Federation Vice-Chairman Beth Irwin at the Festival of the Spoken Word 2017.
