WI Members Support ACWW’s ‘Women Walk The World’ Campaign 2023!

Posted June 15, 2023 by WI Staff in Event Reports

On ACWW Day, 29th April (or close to this date), Women Walk The World events commence around the globe! Lots of our WI Areas and Institutes support this great cause each year, embarking on sponsored strolls across the province – and even hosting tea parties for the non-walkers – all raising funds for the Associated Country Women of the World.

ACWW offers support, friendship and practical help to improve the lives of women and their families, empowering communities around the world. The ‘walk money’ raised will finance ACWW’s great work worldwide and proceeds this year will go towards the new Rural Women in Action Fund.

Well done to the WI Areas and Institutes that have held sponsored walk events so far. Some of the groups are featured below – and I’m sure many more will follow in their footsteps as we step into Summer!

Abercorn Area WIs

Institutes in the Abercorn Area joined forces for their sponsored walk around Castlederg, County Tyrone. They are all pictured here, along with their Executive Member Joan Beattie, after their jaunt around the town, enjoying a welcome tea/coffee break in Walls.

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Ballyclare WI

Ballyclare members and friends travelled by train to Castlerock for their sponsored walk. They enjoyed a scenic stroll along the beach and explored Black Glen Forest and Demesne, before rewarding themselves with light refreshments and catching the return train home. A lovely day out – and all for a great cause!

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Clogher Valley Area WIs

Members of WIs in the Clogher Valley Area got together on for a sponsored stroll around the wonderful wildlife garden of Sir Bob Salisbury, situated just outside Omagh. Everyone enjoyed exploring Sir Bob’s surroundings and Greenmount Lodge was the destination for rewarding refreshments afterwards.

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Donaghadee WI

An eager group of Donaghadee WI members set off early for their sponsored steps in Cromellin Wood, Donaghadee, stopping by the tree nursery along the way. They were supported by other members of the Institute for morning coffee and scones. Two younger family members also accompanied the ladies (and enjoyed exploring the trees too!)

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Garvagh WI

Walking, lunch and some retail therapy was the order of the day for the Garvagh group, who made the most of the coast, enjoying a great day out as part of their sponsored stroll, all while supporting this worthy cause.

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Glenanne WI

The Glenanne girlies returned to one of their favourite spots for their sponsored walk – The Glen at Glenanne, a hidden gem in the heart of the Armagh countryside. They enjoyed exploring the forest pathways of this recently refurbished beauty spot and admired the magnificent Walled Garden.

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Islandmagee North WI

The Islandmagee North gang embarked on an early morning stroll around the coastal village of Carnlough, setting off from the harbour, up past the old Gortin Quarry, before stopping at the famous Cranny Falls waterfall for a photo. The aroma of all the wild garlic growing could be smelt along the way!

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Mountnorris WI

The Mountnorris members, pictured here in their ‘selfie’ snap, were a step ahead, holding their sponsored walk a week earlier than ACWW Day, on 20th April. The group gathered in The Glen at Glenanne, exploring the forest trails, pollinator garden and the walled walkway. They are pictured enjoying a well-earned picnic pit stop, with flasks at the ready – a welcome reward!

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Muckamore WI

Muckamore members gathered at Antrim Castle Gardens for their sponsored walk. They were delighted to be joined by International stalwart Margaret Stokes from the Knockagh Area and several friends. Afterwards, afternoon tea was enjoyed in Clotworthy House.

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Newtownbreda WI

Newtownbreda members and their President Jenny Stewart ignored the promise of rain and set off along the Lagan Towpath in South Belfast to explore the beauty of Shaw’s Bridge! Coffee, chat and catch-ups were on the menu midway in The Lock Keeper’s Café. International Officer Elizabeth Gowdy told us, “We were accompanied by a myriad of birdsong and admired many bluebells and wildflowers along the pathways, pausing for a photocall under the beautiful Willow Arch. So far this year, Newtownbreda WI has collected £286 towards the worthy projects of ACWW – and I’m pleased to say the rain didn’t materialise on the day of our walk!”