WI Friends Reunited!
Government restrictions surrounding Covid-19 have been changing as the weeks go by – tightened to local lockdowns, then relaxed a little, and repeat! Thankfully, during the in-between moments when rules were eased, some of our WI groups were able to take the opportunity to meet outside for casual catch-ups at a safe social distance! Of course, it’s not quite the same as the pre-Covid days, but it still feels good to be reunited! Hopefully this a sign of change, that better times are ahead…
Annalong WI
The ladies of Annalong WI enjoyed a special socially distanced meeting with an evening stroll by the sea. A few members even came prepared with picnic style refreshments – some WI traditions just have to be upheld you know!
Armoy WI
The Armoy ladies met for a socially distanced garden party (hats optional!) at the home of President Ruth Ramsay.
Ballyblack WI
In this ‘new normal’, members of Ballyblack WI met outside the Cloud 9 cafe in Newtownards for a Committee meeting. Luckily the weather was kind to and the group enjoyed tea, coffee and traybakes.
One member commented, “It was lovely to get together again. Phone calls, emails, WhatsApp groups and Zoom chats have kept us in touch, but nothing compares to meeting up face to face!”
Beragh WI
President Agnes Hawkes-Good hosted a Beragh WI Committee meeting with a difference – outdoors and socially distanced, of course! It was agreed that all office bearers would remain in their posts until Oct 2021.
Broughshane WI
Annie Davidson recently led the Broughshane ladies on a walking adventure. The group embarked on a route along the River Bann and through Portglenone Forest, which was carpeted with bluebells in bloom.
Culmore WI
Some members of the Culmore Institute were able to attend a multicultural event held by Derry City Council in the Victoria Hall, Culmore, along with members of the Chinese, Polish, Indian and Filipino community from the city.
Drumbeg WI
Members of the Drumbeg Walking Group and friends have been able to return to their rambling!
Eglinton WI
The Eglinton ladies were able to enjoy a socially distanced meeting in Faughanvale Church Hall and have since been meeting outdoors for weekly walks. The group even enjoyed an outdoor Christmas party in December ’20, complete with non-alcoholic mulled wine! Cheers to that!
Moira WI
While the Moira members have been extremely busy behind the scenes during lockdown – volunteering in the community, making masks and scrubs, and donating to local foodbanks and hospitals – a more light-hearted moment of their WI season came when rules relaxed and the ladies were actually able to meet together in person! Here they are enjoying a socially distanced coffee, al fresco at one of their local coffee shops!
Randalstown WI
The Randalstown ladies can now get together in a different way – for Monday evening walks! (Restrictions permitting and all while social distancing, of course!)
You may not recognise some of them here with the masks on, but their weekly walking group has proved very popular and has been growing in numbers as Government regulations continue to relax.
Rathfriland WI
Cheers to 75 years! Before restrictions were tightened further, the Rathfriland Committee members were able to get together to mark the 75th anniversary of their Institute (while social distancing) in Margot’s garden! Pictured (L-R): Caroline McCreight, Martha Pollock, Sally McDowell-Veitch, Ada Elliott, Noreen Smith, Margot Groves, Janice Bell, Rosemary Harbinson and Sharon Will.
Richhill WI
With restrictions easing, some members of the Richhill WI Choir were able to enjoy a picnic in Loughgall Country Park and a fabulous garden party get-together!
Slemish Area
Back when regulations permitted, Slemish Area Executive Member Sophia Maybin was able to host an afternoon tea party in her garden – and even organised two separate sittings to comply with Government guidelines! Various trophies and awards were presented, and all the ladies had a great time catching up.
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