Larne WI is Institute of the Year

In the absence of president Eilish Gorman, Frances Hamilton welcomed everyone to the AGM.

A special welcome was extended to Tracey McIlwaine, executive officer Isobel Bingham and Roberta Stitt, our tellers for the evening, from Ballynure WI.

The meeting was informed that Larne WI has been selected as the Institute of the Year and will be awarded the McCausland Rosebowl Trophy at the autumn council in October.

Mrs McIlwaine expressed her delight at the win and commended Larne for bringing the McCausland Trophy to the Inver Area. A letter from Mrs Gorman was read by Tracey in which she thanked everyone for their support throughout the year, and in particular, the committee for its hard work.

In addition, she thanked Madge McConnell, Sheila Thompson and June Stirling who helped out as volunteers throughout the year. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as was the annual report. Nora Evans gave the financial report.

The following members were selected to serve on the committee; Mary Breen; Denise Erskine; Moira Hastings; Jean Haveron; Betty Kirby; Elaine Kirkpatrick; Margaret Lloyd; Marilla Macauley; Norma Millar and Sheila Rodgers before Mrs Kirkpatrick was elected as president.

To celebrate Larne WI’s recent success, a delightful supper of scones and tray bakes was provided by Carole Houston.

The Competition Cup for the member who acquired the most points at the monthly competition was won by Jean Haveron; The Friendship Cup, Frances Hamilton. The Ballycarry Vase for the member obtaining the most points at the Area Competition was won by Isobel Clark. Tracey selected Madge McConnell as the winner of the Briggs Picture for the coaster and the monthly competition for ‘an ugly mug’, was Isobel Clark; second, Ima Kohne and third. Michelle McAuley.

Members wished the new president every success for the incoming year and the meeting ended with Olive Nelson leading the ladies in the “Countrywoman’s Song”.