The Christmas Event 2014 – The Spirit Of Christmas

Posted January 13, 2015 by WI Staff in Event Reports

On Saturday 29th November 2014 the Home & Garden Sub-Committee’s annual Christmas event, this year entitled The Spirit Of Christmas, took place at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena. The response was exceptional with four hundred and ninety-seven ladies attending. On arrival everyone was treated to beautiful fresh scones with jam and cream as well as tea or coffee.

The first demonstrator was Francis Mc Collum, a member of Ballyrashane WI, who gave a wonderful cookery presentation of mouth-watering dishes expertly turned out in her usual efficient and calm manner. Frances also included a variety of recipes to try at home.

This was followed by a ‘feast of fashion’ modelled by our very own WI fashionistas (Collette, Mary ,Betty, Lita and Sandra) who wore garments kindly supplied by Vogue Fashions of Ballymena. Liz Houston was the compere who very efficiently described the apparel on show and also kept the audience entertained with her wit and craic.

Mr Norman Murray delivered a presentation about his local company, Glenarm Organic Salmon Ltd. He discussed the company’s success in the world market and told how they produce their product.

A delicious lunch of turkey and ham with all the trimmings, dessert, tea/coffee and shortbread was served efficiently by the hotel staff. Some ladies also got to sample the Glenarm salmon which Norman had generously brought along.

The afternoon programme was a floral art display by Beverly Palmer-Hill, a young member of the Home & Garden Sub-Committee. This was Beverly’s first time demonstrating at such a large event but she had readily agreed to take on this daunting task and she certainly rose to the challenge. Her floral creations had a WI theme throughout with arrangements representing each of the six Sub-Committees. It was an excellent display. We can certainly be proud of the talent that exists in our great organization.

The Competition at this year’s event was entitled ‘An Arrangement In A Brandy Glass’ and the winners were as follows:

1st Place – Jean Sturgeon, Warringstown WI (Jean was awarded the Romanian Platter)

2nd Place – Florence Johnston, Carrickfergus WI

3rd Place – Mary Knox, Broughshane WI

Highly Commended – Margaret McConaghie, Ballymoney WI

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supported the Competition!

Ballot Prizes were the drawn by Federation Chairman Margaret Collinson and Vice-Chairman Irene Craig. Thank you to all who generously donated the gifts.

At the end of a great day Home & Garden Sub-Committee Chairman Nora Lennon gave a general Vote of Thanks to all the members for their support once again, to the demonstrators, the Tullyglass Hotel, the Audio Visual team, the office staff at WI Headquarters, the Office Bearers Margaret Collinson, Irene Craig and Anne Kirkwood, and a special thanks to her very hard working Home & Garden Sub-Committee members.

After wishing everyone a ‘Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year’ the singing of A Countrywoman’s Song brought the wonderful day to a close.