Rowallane – Spring Area Meeting
The Rowallane Area Meeting was held on 26th April 2022 in Knockbreda Parish Church hall at 7:30PM. The 55 members who attended admired the flower arrangements by Carryduff WI and were met by the efficient stewards from Moneyrea WI who had set up the Federation sales table.
Miriam Hunter from Annahilt WI welcomed everyone back after a break of 2 years due to Covid-19. Emergency exits were pointed out, the roll call was taken and no apologies were received.
The Minutes of the 2019 Area Meeting had been circulated to all Institutes and as there were no amendments they were taken as read agreed and signed by the Chairman.
Institute reports were given by Annahilt WI and Boardmills WI.
Laura McAleese reported on the latest news from the Homecraft Sub-Committee. One Homecraft Ribbon was awarded in the Rowallane Area – to Brenda Richardson for rug making. At Federation level, Laura McAleese won the Roe Valley Tophy for Full Circle holders with her patchwork quilt . One Day Schools have been held for sprigging, applique, hinged boxes, goldwork and tatting, plus 2 creative workshop classes. Laura explained that the revised 2021 Homecraft Syllabus is now in use and should be followed.
Noreen Martin then outlined the latest developments from the International Sub-Committee and discussed the work of ACWW. Noreen thanked the members for their donations of £5,700 last year. She also reminded everyone that the deadline for entries to the Mary Boyd Competition is 31st August 2022 and entrants are tasked with repurposing a used item of clothing into something new to wear. For the Women Walk the World sponsored walks, Newtownbreda WI held a walk along the Lagan Towpath and a combined Rowallane, Scrabo and Ards Peninsula Area walk was held at Crawfordsburn Country Park. Noreen also told members to note the following dates – 8th October 2022 for World Rural Women’s Day and 19th—23rd September for the ACWW European Area Conference in Glasgow
Rowallane Area Executive Member Brenda Richardson brought greetings from the Federation and thanked the Institutes for their support and making her first year on the Executive so enjoyable.
Brenda also updated members on the latest Federation news and competitions, including the WI’s 90th anniversary celebrations, Balmoral Show, the Golfer of the Year tournamenrt and the ‘WI Against Climate Change’ initiative.
In other news, Therese Mageean of Saintfield WI was congratulated on winning the Arts Sub-Committee’s creative competition to design a modern ladies fashion scarf for WI members. Therese’s winning design is based on the lyrics of ‘A Countrywoman’s Song’. Therese was presented with a special cushion made up of her original artwork.
Brenda Richardson and Elizabeth Moore carried out the presentation of the following awards:
Cookery
1st (Molly Brown Cup) – Irene Craig, Saintfield WI
2nd (Saintfield Cup) – Gillian McBride, Newtownbreda WI
3rd (Annahilt Salver) – June Beer, Moneyrea WI
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Craft
1st (Moneyrea Cup) – Elizabeth Moore, Saintfield WI
2nd (Saintfield Cup) – June Kilpatrick, Boardmills WI
3rd (Boardmills Clock) – Jennifer Skelly, Moneyrea WI
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Floral Art
1st (Irene Craig Trophy) – Ruth Maxwell, Boardmills WI
2nd (Irene Craig Trophy) – Elizabeth Moore, Saintfield WI
3rd (Agnes Black Trophy) – Gillian McBride, Newtownbreda WI
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Other Awards
Homecraft Ribbon (Rug Making) – Brenda Richardson, Moneyrea WI
Roe Valley Trophy (Homecraft Full Circle Holders) – Laura McAleese, Moneyrea WI
Emily Blair Trophy (Homecraft) – Jane Laverick , Newtownbreda WI
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Miriam introduced the guest speaker, Wilson Johnston, who is a member of The Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group. Wilson gave an interesting and informative talk on the population of red squirrels in Northern Ireland. Fortunately they are on the increase but the grey squirrels are decreasing.
A vote of thanks was given by Joan Crothers of Carryduff WI.
After supper provided by Newtownbreda WI, the entertainment was led by members of Boardmills WI.
The general vote of thanks was given by Joan, followed by closing remarks from the Chairman.
The evening closed with singing of A Countrywoman’s Song.
Three talented trophy award winners at the Rowallane Area Meeting.
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