The New WI Season & The New Normal! – More WI Meetings

Posted December 8, 2021 by WI Staff in Local Areas

Where there’s a will, there’s a way – Official WI meetings resume!

Our Institutes missed a lot of regular meetings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but now members are looking to the future. Meetings are certainly a little bit different these days, but we are facing the changes and adapting accordingly – WI is back in business!

Aghanloo WI

The Aghanloo ladies were able to meet face to face again in November, when they welcomed fellow member Clare Robertson as their guest speaker. Clare gave an insight into her nursing career and the vital role she has as Deputy Lead of Infection Prevention Control at Altnagelvin Hospital and what that entails. In addition to outlining the rigorous steps taken to try and prevent infection outbreaks at the Western Trust, Clare highlighted severe concerns regarding the misuse of antibiotics. The widespread over-prescribing of antibiotics is leading to them becoming much less effective and there is now a campaign urging both health professionals and the general public to become ‘Antibiotic Guardians’ – visit www.antibioticguardian.com for more information.

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Armoy WI

There was lots of chatter in Armoy (at 1m apart and behind masks) as members got together for the second meeting of the new season to hear about the history of linen – ‘Mother Nature’s Greatest Fabric’! – from guest speaker Dr. Deidre Mullan, who shared a wealth of interesting facts about this industry – once one of the backbone industries of Ireland. For the evening’s competition members were tasked with producing a homemade poppy and Helen McVicker was judged to be the winner, with Valerie Tweed placing second. After some WI business, the ladies queued up in a socially distanced manner to enjoy refreshments provided by the hospitality team. The group is looking forward to the annual Christmas Dinner, to be held in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle on 6th December, when everyone will hopefully be able to enjoy a fun Christmas rendezvous!

Dr. Deidre Mullan led a fascinating talk on the linen industry, assisted by Sandra Eakin. (Hoke out those linens ladies, they’re worth a fortune!)

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Ballyblack WI

With numbers slightly restricted due to social distancing, members of Ballyblack WI were able to meet in the Pavilion, Londonderry Park for their first official Institute meeting since March 2020!

Everyone really enjoyed just being able to get together again and catch up with friends.

It was decided that the Committee would remain in place for another year and plans were discussed for future activities.

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Beragh WI

The Beragh ladies were able to hold their AGM in October, in the new venue of Donaghanie Hall. Adhering to Covid guidelines, members ventured out for their first official meeting since their annual dinner in March 2020! Outgoing President Agnes Hawkes-Good welcomed everyone and expressed her delight at meetings being able to resume. Clogher Valley Area Executive Member Violet Little chaired the proceedings, assisted by tellers Dorothy King and Ruth Kyle from Clanabogan WI. The new 2021-22 Committee was duly elected, with Evelyn Armstrong at the helm as President. The Agnes Hawkes-Good Cup for the greatest contribution to the Institute was presented to Sarah Cathers, the outgoing Secretary, for her work on behalf of the Institute during lockdown. A message of thanks was conveyed to Agnes Hawkes-Good for her dedication to the Institute during the pandemic, one of the most difficult times that members have experienced. A short Committee meeting concluded the evening.

Beragh WI’s new 2021-22 Committee with President Evelyn Armstrong seated second from the right. (Missing from the photograph are Pat O’Loughlin and Hazel Shortt).

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Crumlin WI

In October, the Crumlin ladies welcomed Kenny Bradley, proprietor of Greens Food Fare, Lisburn as their guest speaker. Kenny discussed the history of the store and outlined the extensive improvements that are being made to the premises at the moment, including plans that Greens very popular cafe would hopefully be reopening in the New Year. Everyone enjoyed the tasty scones and pastries that the store’s baker, Robert had brought along to be sampled. The AGM followed, chaired by Lisnagarvey Area Executive Member Marie Darrah. The 2021-22 Committee was elected, with Iris Graham as President. The other new Committee members are: Hazel Brown, Sandra Belshaw, Hazel Campbell, Jenny McClenaghan, Gwen Mackey, Joan Stevens and Cherith Wilson.

Crumlin Secretary Hazel Campbell with Kenny Bradley and Robert Houston from Greens Food Fare, Lisburn.

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Culmore WI

The Culmore ladies were back to business at last – returning to familiar surroundings again after over 18 months, for their first official WI meeting in October 2021. In the chair was Collette Craig who welcomed everyone back and was pleased to see such a great turnout. (President Dawn was still in recovery from Covid-19 at this time, but members were pleased to learn that she is now on the mend). The ladies enjoyed a Halloween themed night with ghost stories from guest speaker Ken McCormack. Many of Ken’s spooky tales focused on the local area. The competition challenged members to make a Halloween decorated and the winner was Milda Campbell, with Margaret Thompson runner-up. The night closed with a lovely supper and everyone agreed that it was “great to be back!”

Collette Craig and friends, including Milda Campbell – winner of the creative competition for a Halloween decoration.

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Gleno WI

Covid regulations were adhered to as outgoing President Wilma Thomson welcomed members back for the Institute’s AGM. Wilma thanked the outgoing Committee members for all their support and hard work, particularly during such a difficult time. Regular newsletters, Facebook posts and magazine deliveries had kept the ladies up to date during lockdown when meetings couldn’t be held. Despite only having a few meetings before lockdown, a cheque for £500 was sent to NI Chest Heart and Stroke on behalf of the Institute. Inver Area Executive Member Heather Adamson oversaw the election for the 2021-22 Committee and Tracey McIlwaine was voted in as the new President.

Outgoing President Wilma Thomson handing over the chain of office and congratulating new President Tracey McIlwaine with an elbow bump!

Outgoing President Wilma Thomson showing Gleno members the charity cheque of £500 for NI Chest Heart and Stroke.

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Kilrea WI

During the summer months, the Kilrea ladies had met up regularly, when regulations permitted, for walks, chats and to collect their WI magazines. However, the members had expressed much interest in getting back together and meeting indoors again. In October, their wishes came true, as 30 members were able to meet for the Institute’s 85th AGM – their first indoor meeting in 19 months!

Former Lower Bann Executive Member Helen Jamieson chaired the meeting, assisted by teller Alison Lamont from Portstewart WI. Jennifer Gardiner was elected as the new President, with the rest of the 2021-22 Committee as follows: Margaret Bamford, Margaret Caldwell, Muriel Campbell, Teresa Darragh, Joan Dunlop, Sandra Gamble, Mary Gibson, Betty Graham, Margaret Hanna, Sharon Moon, Joan Murdoch, Geri O’Kane and Sandra Taylor. Pearl Hutchinson entertained with some of her original poetry and everyone enjoyed refreshments and a much-needed chat!

It is hoped that this will be the first of many more meetings of Kilrea WI for the new President and her Committee!

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Moneyrea WI

President Anne Graham was delighted to welcome members to the November meeting, in their new venue – The Auld House, Moneyreagh. The ladies were able to make plans for future get-togethers, including the Christmas dinner and the Area Competitions. The guest speaker was Jill Robinson from the charity Flourish NI. Jill gave an emotive presentation on the issue of human trafficking, outlining the work that Flourish does across the province to help and empower survivors. Jennifer Skelly was the winner of the creative competition for a handmade ‘Get Well’ card. The Birthday Girl was Wilma Barr and Noreen Martin was the lucky ballot winner. How wonderful to be able to meet again indoors and return to WI traditions and some form of normality!

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Mosside WI

The Mosside ladies recently met face to face, for the first time since March 2020, in Toberdoney Presbyterian Church Hall, adhering to all Covid restrictions and guidelines. The occasion was the Institute’s AGM and the proceedings were chaired by Lorna McClure, Riada Area Executive Member. A message of thanks was conveyed to outgoing President Elaine McConaghie and the outgoing Committee members, for their hard work and support during a very difficult year. Lorna gave an update of the ongoing work of the six Sub-Committees and shared details of upcoming Federation events. Voting commenced and Mary McCracken was elected as Mosside’s new President, with the following ladies as the 2021-22 Committee members: Mandy Christie, Kathleen McConaghie, Ruth McCracken, Lynsey Mooney, Roberta Morrison, Teresa Patton and Betty Scott.