News from the WI branches

Unfortunately founder member Mrs Elza McClelland was unable to attend.

The birthday cake, which was beautifully made by Anna McCartney, was cut by Maureen McGaughey and Anita Maxwell.

Members then enjoyed an excellent meal served by the staff of Lynden Heights. Joan McMullan toasted the continued success of Cairncastle WI and Maureen replied in verse on behalf of the Institute.

The evening continued with a hilarious game of guess the unusual items including glove stretchers, a nose band for a donkey, an antique massage machine and a BBQ chicken stuffer.

Competition winner for a pretty handkerchief was Mary Rainey, second Jeannie Hunter and third Anita Maxwell. Mary Rainey finished the evening with a very funny reading to the poem The AI man.

ISLANDMAGEE NORTH - At the March meeting, vice president Sally Cooke welcomed two ladies from Cairncastle WI who exhibited a collection of beautiful craft items they had produced over the years, including tablecloths, rugs, pictures, embroidery and many other exquisite items.

Meriel Templeton thanked the ladies on behalf ot he members.

After the guests had judged the compeittion ofr the best Irish soda bread which was won by Liz Brown, with Heather Baird second, the bread was sliced and buttered and enjoyed for supper.

The ballot was won by Heather Baird.

GLENO - The March meeting took place at Sentry Hill, the former home of the McKinney family. After a look round the museum and a very welcome cup of tea, members had a short business meeting.

Then followed a very informative and enjoyable evening. Some of the ladies number knew Dr Joe Dundee, the last resident of the house and seeing his photographs up on the walls made it even more nostalgic and meaningful.

When the tour around the house was over, many of the ladies decided that they would return with their families when the days were longer so that they could enjoy the beautiful garden also.

President Tracey McIlwaine thanked the two ladies who had made the visitors feel so welcome and who obviously loved the house and all the stories connected with it.

Two days later, Gleno WI's choir won the Alice Chestnut Shield at the annual WI music festival in Comber. The competition from the other four choirs in the class was very strong, but Gleno gained a total of 95 marks for their rendering of The Sally Gardens, the set piece and their own choice of The Dandlin Song.

Congratulations are extended to the choir, their conductor John Dooris and their accompanist Richard Barnes.

LARNE - The March meeting took the form of visitors’ night and president Elena Ferguson welcomed visitors from Ballycarry, Gleno, Cairncastle and Magheramourne.

Irish stew, apple tart, tea and coffee and shortbread were enjoyed by all present.

Carole Huston, Elena Ferguson and Jean Kane brought a touch of humour to the evening with their monologues. The committee entertained with songs by Percy French, followed by wonderful Irish dancers. The evening ended with community singing and a most enjoyable time was had by all.

Winners of the competition for “a leprechaun” were: 1. Margaret White, 2. Isabel Clarke, 3. Jean Kane.