WI Members Supporting ACWW’s ‘Women Walk the World’ Campaign 2018

Posted May 24, 2018 by WI Staff in Event Reports

Women Walking Worldwide in aid of ACWW!

The Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) held its international Women Walk the World Day on Sunday 29th April 2018. On days in and around this special date, a number of WI Areas and Institutes took part in sponsored walks at various beauty spots across the province to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. ACWW offers support, friendship and practical help to improve the lives of women and their families, and empower communities around the world. Women Walk the World is a global event and the WI ladies were proud to get involved.

Well done to all the WI members who participated and supported this event, a selection of whom are featured here…

Abercorn Area

The ladies from the Abercorn Area gathered slightly earlier in the week before 29th April to undertake their sponsored walk. Once again, the group was lucky with the beautiful weather. They raised the mighty sum of £822.75. Outgoing International Sub-Committee member Betty Brace of Leckpatrick WI commented, “I want to thank everyone who took part in the Abercorn walk and those who kindly sponsored the walkers. Also, many thanks to Angela and Ivy for making the very welcome cups of tea upon the group’s return. You are a great lot of ladies, saving the 20ps! The final amount of £822.75 is amazing, once again. Thank you and well done!”

The Abercorn Area walkers.

Ards, Rowallane & Scrabo Areas

Ladies from the Ards, Rowallane and Scrabo Areas joined forces for their sponsored walk, meeting on Saturday 28th April in Crawfordsburn Country Park for their annual walk in support of ACWW. Twenty-five ladies took part and together covered 125,000 steps! The weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed the craic and camaraderie whilst walking, however, the coffee and scones in the cafe afterwards were certainly very welcome! The group raised £400 for ACWW to continue it great aid work around the world.

The Ards, Scrabo and Rowallane ladies at Crawfordsburn.

Clogher Valley Area

Ladies from Institutes in the Clogher Valley Area held their sponsored walk through the picturesque surroundings of the Colebrooke Estate, Fivemiletown.

The Clogher Valley walkers – including Alfie the dog!

Crumlin WI

The ladies from Crumlin WI enjoyed the company of members of Maghaberry WI for their sponsored walk around the beautiful grounds of Moira Demesne. Afterwards, the Crumlin group gathered for a rewarding cuppa!

Crumlin WI members relaxing after their walk (L-R): Elizabeth Mackey, Hazel Brown, Theresa McLaughlin, Ruth Graham and Iris Graham.

Cullybackey WI

The Cullybackey group enjoyed a lovely relaxing walk on 17th May, strolling along the banks of the river Maine in support of ACWW. Those who didn’t take part in the walk prepared a delicious supper for the returning walkers.

The Cullybackey walkers.

Desertcreat & Pomeroy WIs

Members of Pomeroy WI and Desertcreat WI combined for a joint effort on their annual sponsored walk. The weather was kind as the group trekked through Pomeroy Forest in aid of ACWW.

The Desertcreat and Pomeroy ladies, accompanied by their canine friends.

Donaghadee WI

On a lovely, sunny morning (Saturday 12th May), a group of Donaghadee members, led by Frances and Anne, enjoyed their hour long sponsored walk around Donaghadee. Along their stroll, the group took in the pier and lighthouse, headed across the Commons and up around the water tower for a panoramic view of the town, before returning to their meeting room in High Street where tea/coffee and Maureen’s scrumptious scones were greatly appreciated. A collection of £89 was raised for ACWW.

The Donaghadee group.

Gleno WI

For their sponsored stroll, the Gleno ladies walked from Larne Promenade to Carnfunnock Country Park and back. A beautiful day beside the sea, all for a great cause!

The Gleno walkers by the shore.

Iveagh Area

Ladies from the Waringstown, Ballievey, Dollingstown and Artana Institutes in the Iveagh Area – accompanied by one husband! – all got together for their sponsored walk in the picturesque grounds of Lurgan Park. It was a lovely morning and after a very pleasant stroll, the group enjoyed coffee and plenty of chat in Brownlow House.

The Iveagh WI walkers (plus one husband!) in Lurgan Park.

Killyman WI

Seven members of Killyman WI embarked on their sponsored walk on 25th April, taking in the picturesque scenes of Dungannon Park. The Killyman ladies were accompanied by Barney the dog and two ladies from Dungannon WI. En route, the group stopped for a well-earned break at Applejacks in Moygashel, where very welcome cups of coffee were enjoyed. So far, the ladies have raised £161 for ACWW.

The Killyman group prepared for the elements with their ACWW umbrella!

Londonderry Area
On Saturday 28th April, ladies from Institutes in the Londonderry Area embarked on their annual sponsored walk through St. Columb’s Park, Londonderry. To date, the group has raised £75.00 in aid of ACWW.

The Londonderry group with Collette Craig (centre).

Macosquin WI

The Mascosquin ladies enjoyed their sponsored walk along Castlerock Beach, followed by a rewarding coffee afterwards in Cruseo’s.

The Macosquin group with their outgoing Executive Member Agnes Kennedy.

Mountnorris WI

On 3rd May 2018, some of the Mountnorris WI ladies donned their walking shoes and embarked on their sponsored stroll around the beautiful grounds of Derrymore House.

The Mountnorris ramblers posing for a ‘selfie’ with their President Hazel McKee after their walk.

Muckamore WI

The Muckamore ladies held their sponsored walk on Saturday 28th April, exploring the stunning grounds of Antrim Castle in aid of ACWW.

The Muckamore ladies.

Newtownbreda WI

On Saturday 28th April, twenty ladies from Newtownbreda WI enjoyed their sponsored walk around the majestic surroundings of Malone House, on the outskirts of Belfast. The sun shone brightly as the group strolled around the beautiful parkland, meadows and woodland, with superb views over the attractive landscape of Lagan Valley. Along the way, many ladies stopped to admire the various species of flowers and daffodils nodding happily at the feet of magnificent rhododendrons in the walled garden. As it was such a pretty sight, the group gathered for a photograph around the old oak chair – this photo just happened to be captured by a passing gent whose mother had been a member of the WI! What a coincidence! At the end of the walk, delicious scones and coffee awaited the ladies in the delightful dining room of Malone House. So far, the Newtownbreda ladies have contributed £450 towards the Projects of ACWW.

The Newtownbreda group gathered at the old oak chair.

Quoile Area

The ladies from WIs in the Quoile Area embarked on their sponsored walk through Delamont Country Park, near Killyleagh, County Down – all whilst enjoying the beautiful sunshine. The ladies rewarded themselves afterwards with a scrumptious lunch in the Smuggler’s Table restaurant. So far, the Quoile ladies have raised £460 for ACWW Projects.