Mary Boyd Competition – 2022 Winners Revealed!

Posted March 2, 2023 by WI Staff in Event Reports

As the Federation celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2022 and members embarked on a mission to tackle climate change, the International Sub-Committee thought it would be appropriate to incorporate a Recycling theme into its annual Mary Boyd challenge, which was open to all WI members. Entrants were tasked with repurposing a used item of clothing, ‘upcycling’ it into something new to wear! For example – a scarf made from a jumper; a hat created from trousers, etc. The competition was deliberately left open to interpretation to allow creative freedom.

The brief stipulated that the transformation had to be documented with both a ‘before’ and ‘after’ photograph. The items were judged by an outside adjudicator who was looking for artistry and ingenuity – and they certainly found it!

Congratulations to the follow winning ladies:

Overall winner in 1st place – Jennifer Skelly of Moneyrea WI (Jennifer will be awarded the Mary Boyd Trophy at the AGM)

2nd place runner-up – Christina Haycock of Newtownbreda WI (Christina will be presented with the Margaret McMillan Bowl at the AGM)

Special bonus prizes for Highly Commended pieces will be awarded to – Brenda Richardson (Executive Member) of Moneyrea WI, Olga O’Neill of Kells & Connor WI and Barbara Huss of Drumbeg WI.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to upcycle an entry!

*For details of the 2023 Mary Boyd Competition, click the following link:

http://www.wini.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Mary-Boyd-Competition-2023.pdf

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Now let’s admire the winning entries…

1st Place – Jennifer Skelly of Moneyrea WI

“This was a wonderful example of repurposing using a raincoat. As you can see, it was transformed into a very wearable, fashionable gilet. Outer and inner fabrics were utilised and finishing details were beautifully constructed. Lovely neckline and fastenings. Good attention to detail. Overall a very well finished item that deserves first prize.”

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2nd Place – Christina Haycock of Newtownbreda WI

“This was one of the most striking transformations – a dress to shoulder bag! The belt used for the closure was a nice feature and there was a lot of interesting detail. There was much debate over whether one ‘wears’ a bag or not! After some research, it was decided that you do indeed wear a shoulder bag!”

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Special Bonus Prizes

Due to the large number of entries, all of a very high standard, it was decided to give three additional bonus prizes as follows:

Bonus Prize 1 – Brenda Richardson of Moneyrea WI

“Brenda had created a beautiful gilet using two items of clothing and hadn’t quite kept to the original brief. However, the judge felt that she deserved this additional prize as the attention to detail was fabulous. A terrific transformation!”

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Bonus Prize 2 – Olga O’Neill of Kells & Connor WI

“Another very striking transformation. Olga first wore this halter neck sun top on her honeymoon 42 years ago! She used the lining of the sun top for the underside and the bow is made from part of the halter neck.”

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Bonus Prize 3 – Barbara Huss of Drumbeg WI

“Barbara’s piece had originally been a man’s shirt, which she then converted into a beautifully stitched lady’s blouse. There was immaculate stitching throughout. A really pretty blouse that would be great to wear in the summer months.”