WI – From Afternoon Teas to Meeting Al Fresco!

WI Friends Reunited!

As Covid restrictions eased, our Institute’s were able to get together for WI meetings with a difference!

 

Armoy WI

The Armoy ladies held their first ever outdoor Committee meeting – apparently the sun always shines in Armoy!  The group got together for a garden party at the home of President Ruth Ramsay. Everyone enjoyed being able to meet up again, catching up with friends.  They took this opportunity to invite guests from Ballymoney WI, to act as officials for their first outdoor AGM!  Anne Kirkwood chaired the proceedings and, after declaring all posts vacant, members voted in a new 2021-22 Committee, as well as a new President – Katy McCurdy!  Katy is pictured below (left) after receiving the President’s chain of office from Anne Kirkwood.

 

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Ballyrashane WI

The ladies of Ballyrashane WI were reunited recently (socially distanced of course), enjoying chat, games and supper. Many members also walked in aid of ACWW’s Women Walk the World campaign, raising £180. Well done!

 

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Ballievey WI

12 members of the Ballievey Institute were recently able to hold their first meeting since March 2019!  The ladies met on the steps of Solitude Park on 1st September 2021.

    

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Boardmills WI

The ladies of the Boardmills Institute took advantage of the lovely weather and met outdoors on a sunny Saturday, in the garden of President Agnes Black.  Everyone enjoyed catching up over a delicious afternoon tea which was supplied by George Hanna from the Mulberry Tree.  It was lovely to see so many members – many of whom had not been in each other’s company since March 2020!  The ladies are looking forward to meeting again in September at Temple Golf Club.

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Derriaghy WI

The Derriaghy ladies were recently able to get together for an al fresco afternoon tea in the sun!

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Gracehill & Galgorm WI

In June, President Lynda Brooks welcomed members to an informal open-air meeting in her garden!  Elizabeth Pritchard showcased her ‘lockdown project – a throw for a double bed!  Each side was made up of 144 knitted squares, using a very wide range of stitches. She talked about the work involved and the tricky process of getting all the squares assembled.  The Committee members had worked hard during the periods of lockdown to keep the Institute in touch via Zoom, etc. but it was so good to be able to meet up again in person and see all the familiar faces.

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Jerrettspass WI

The Jerrettspass ladies were reunited on a summer night in June – their first proper meeting since March 2020!  As you can imagine, there was plenty of chat, with so much catching up to do.  At this meeting, the group said goodbye to Beryl Drage who has been a faithful member for 17 years and has held the post of President several times. Beryl is moving to England and was presented with a gift by President Anne Lutton.

These photos were taken in the garden of Jerrettspass Village Hall…

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Kesh WI

In July, the Kesh ladies gathered a Rossigh Bay for a BBQ organised by President Jackie Savva and Treasurer Audry Reid.  Jackie’s husband, George, was chef for the day, assisted by Audry’s husband, Ken, and by Stephen Hey. The food was absolutely delicious!  This BBQ was also an opportunity to celebrate three members becoming octogenarians during lockdown – Anna Marshall, Sylvia Johnston and Molly Linton (pictured).  Norma Heap, outgoing Erne Area Executive Member, provided liquid refreshments for everyone.  Musician Stephen Hey performed the soundtrack to this lovely afternoon.

  

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Maghaberry WI

The Maghaberry ladies met on 29th July for a BBQ and a catch up. Lynsay Johnson commented, “It was a real delight to be able to get together again as an Institute, meeting outside and catching up with everyone.”

 

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Maze WI

The members of Maze WI were reunited with a socially distanced meeting, both inside and outside of their meeting place. The ladies enjoyed a great night’s craic and lots of lovely ballot prizes were won.

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Randalstown WI

As Covid-19 restrictions were eased to allow us to eat out again, Randalstown WI didn’t waste any time! The ladies treated themselves to a wonderful afternoon tea at the Ross Park Hotel. President Moyra Mills told us, “It was a great opportunity for friends to catch up and for everyone to enjoy some time together. We even brought along the Ulster Countrywoman, however, the company was so good, we didn’t get time to open it!”

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Richhill WI

With restrictions relaxing, the Richhill ladies were able to get together for afternoon tea and fun! Newly elected Federation Vice-Chairman Kathleen Verner joined the festivities, bringing everyone up to date with the ladies WINI news, as well as presenting raffle prizes to lots of lucky winners.

We are loving the WI colour coordination, ladies!

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Waringstown WI

During the hot spell of weather in July, the Waringstown ladies enjoyed an outdoor gathering, complete with tea, strawberry sandwiches and a walk in Lurgan Park!  Everyone who came along had a seat under the super shade of the trees and conversation flowed as members enjoyed catching up.

 

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