Royal flavour to Women’s Institute Lower Bann Area Spring Meeting

Rev. Derek Kerr, guest speaker from Randalstown who gave a talk about his collection of Royal Treasures, pictured with Joyce McLenaghan, Garvagh President and also Area President, during the Lower Bann Area W.I. Spring Area meeting held at Agherton Parish Centre on Thursday evening. CR18-413PL

The guest speaker was Rev. Derek Kerr from Randalstown who related his experiences when visiting London on several occasions for special events in the Royal calendar, namely Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday celebrations, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

He had a display of Royal Memorabilia collected over many years and his humorous stories had the audience enthralled. Mrs. Ann Pollock, Exorna W.I. thanked Rev Kerr and handed over a donation for his chosen charity ‘Fields of Life’.

Following supper served by Portstewart W.I., business was conducted by Mrs. Joyce McLenaghan, Area Chairman and President of Garvagh W.I. Mrs. Agnes Kennedy, Lower Bann Executive Member brought greetings from the Federation and gave reports on Balmoral, International and Executive Committees.

Other sub-committee reports were given by Mrs. Dorothy Duffin, Mrs. Helen Jamieson & Mrs. Irma Kee.

Trophies were presented to members from Exorna, Garvagh and Kilrea won at various Headquarters and Area Competitions. Crafts ribbons and silver

awards were also presented by Mrs. Agnes Kennedy. The Area Competition for a photograph ‘Spring is here’ was won by Mrs. Anne Millen, Macosquin W.I. and the Prettiest Necklace made by a W.I. member was won by Mrs. Betty Kennedy from Aghadowey. Macosquin W.I. were in charge of the entertainment.

A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs.

Maud Steele from Kilrea W.I. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close as everyone sang ‘The Country Woman’s Song’.