50 golden years for Drumahoe WI ladies

At the start of proceedings all members and guests, including Federation Chairman Mrs Ethel Patterson, Executive member for the Londonderry area Mrs Irene Boggs, Presidents and members from local area institutes Culmore, Claudy, Eglinton and Gransha, and three past Presidents, now non-members, were all warmly received in the foyer by the President, Mrs Daisy Mawhinney, where a delicious blending of fruit juices was served before the meal.

After being seated in the dining room Grace was said by Minutes Secretary Mrs Lynn Lapsley.

Following a well-served sumptuous meal the first toast was proposed by Hon Secretary Mrs Margaret Buchanan, to the Federation. Being a very worthy Chairman, held in high esteem, Mrs Ethel Patterson ably replied, bringing greetings from Federation House, and expressing congratulations to Drumahoe WI.

During three years as Chairman Mrs Patterson has travelled widely over many parts of Northern Ireland and further afield attending a wide variety of functions.

Mrs Irene Boggs proposed a toast to the Institute, the reply was made by the President, Mrs Mawhinney, who presented the early history of Drumahoe WI, since its inception in November 1961.

This was most interesting as many members relived thee years with much reflection mixed with laughter.

The Institute was founded by Mrs Gretta McFarland, now sadly passed away, and the current President.

Since that important and pleasing decision was taken, that set the seed for Drumahoe WI. Of the first committee Mrs Hilary McLean, Mrs Elizabeth Hawthorn and Mrs Margaret Buchanan are still active members.

The ‘Birthday Cake’ which was baked and iced by the President, and decorated with the WI crest, and suitable WI colours, was cut by the Chairman, President and Executive member.

Of the three past Presidents visiting Mrs Dorothy Campbell, Mrs Hazel Canning and Mrs Margaret Vine, Mrs Vine whose husband was a member of the Du Pont staff, had travelled all the way from Switzerland where they now reside to specifically attend the 50th anniversary celebration, as she also did for the 40th anniversary.

She certainly received a great welcome from all present. Her long-time friend, Mrs Mary Thompson, who accompanied her, was delighted to attend the dinner with her.

Mrs Vine spoke briefly, recalling happy memories, and said she looked forward to the 60th.

Entertainment followed by two well-known musicians, Mr Ken Canning and Mrs Helen Devine.

Ken with his beautiful voice sang a number of most pleasing songs accompanied by Mrs Devine on the keyboard.

He then surprised everyone by producing his beautifully-dressed doll to assist him with his role as ventriloquist. In between he had everyone thoroughly enjoying his jokes with great applause.

After suitable thanks and appreciations for giving of their time and talent by the President, the Secretary presented both musicians with gifts.

Many thanks are due to Mrs Jenny Hamil, who was not present, for arranging the beautiful flowers in blue and yellow on the tables. These were distributed amongst members and visitors as gifts.

At each table setting gifts for all members and guests included a commemorative bookmark with gold printing, including the Institute name and 50th Anniversary date 1961-2011, blue and gold scented candle holders with screw lids, and a souvenir programme, which included names with dates of all past Presidents to the present year.

Baskets of flowers were presented to the Federation Chairman, and the Executive Member by the President, and both were thanked by Mrs Hilary McLean for their presence at the dinner. Hilary also thanked the Committee, especially the President, Daisy, Minutes Secretary, Lynn, Correspondence Secretary, Margaret and Treasurer, Dorothy McIlwaine, for all the work behind the scenes.

She then presented surprise gifts to Foundation President, Daisy, and to Foundation Committee members, Elizabeth Hawthorn, Margaret Buchanan and by her sister to herself.

One of the guests, Dawn Devine, spoke on behalf of the visitors, to thank Drumahoe WI members for the invitation to their celebrations, and said now much they had all enjoyed the evening.

The President thanked everyone who came to the hotel, all the visitors, and the Drumahoe WI members for giving their support and wished everyone a safe journey home, whether by land or air.

Commenting on the occasion, Mrs Mawhinney said: “Drumahoe WI members were so fortunate in that when we had planned to start an Institute Faughan Valley Intermediate School had just opened.

“Gretta and I approached the then Headmaster, Mr Russel McKay, and he had no hesitation in granting us permission to use a room for our monthly meetings. Our just gift to the school was a silver trophy with a lid to use at the Headmaster’s discretion for Sports Day,” she said.

“That was followed by gifts of two trees chosen by Mr McKay, and one is still growing today, and other gifts we knew would be acceptable to the school.

“The following Headmistresses and Headmasters always showed their kindness as regards the WI when Mr McKay retired.

“After 47 years in Faughan Valley we are now comfortably meeting in Lisneal College for the last three years,” she said, adding: “Our sincere thanks is now due to the Headmaster, Mr David Funston, and the caretakers for all their help and kindness. We also wish to offer our grateful thanks to the Western Education and Library Board.”