|
|
Welcome
to the diary page. This page provides
information on events and important dates for Crossgar members diaries
including monthly meetings other competitions
etc. A short report on the event will be added to the Diary page
when a press notice is issued.
Please remember to check your
Ulster Countrywoman for confirmation of dates of Federation events and
venues as well as events and dates not finalised. Details of
Federation Events can be obtained by clicking here.
This page will be
updated periodically so check
back regularly!
|
2012
(Page down to see 2011 Dairy)
(scroll down to see MEETING
REPORTS added to each entry in the diary) |
| Date |
Event
& Competition |
Monday
9 January |
Annual
Dinner
Competition: Ideal man in 12 words
MEETING REPORT
Forty one members attended the annual Crossgar post Christmas dinner. After greeting all members President Jenny Young paid tribute to member Ada Ellison recently deceased and a two minutes silence was observed
The meal provided by Hilltop catering was delicious and appreciated by all. While enjoying coffee - the bran tub/laundry basket, began circulating - adding that little extra party touch to the occasion.
 Then followed the entertainment provided by German born Mrs Julia Cross, who proved to be a young lady of multiple talents. She is an accomplished pianist, flautist, guitarist and accordion player. In addition she sings and writes songs. For us she played the flute and guitar. Her astonishing repertoire included many classical pieces played on flute including a lively minuet, and other well known and loved classical pieces sung to her own guitar accompaniment, such as Silent Night (in German) and Ave Maria, she also played requests from the members ending with Danny Boy.
President Jenny Young expressed the delighted appreciation of the members when thanking Julia, who is also qualified to teach yoga to pre-school children and the “not so mobile” among us.
Florrie Maude won the competition for a description of “the ideal man” in less than 12 words. Eithne Douglas came second and Rhona Niblock was third. The birthday girl was Nell Rourke.
On behalf of everyone present the President extended good wishes to those members unable to attend through accident or illness. The evening concluded with the singing of
The Countrywoman’s Song.
|
Monday
13 February |
Beetle Drive
Competition:
A book mark
|
Monday
12 March
|
World
Skills Journey
(Visitors' Night)
Competition:
A spring flower
|
Monday
16 April
|
Travel Solutions
Competition: A travel tip
|
Monday
14 May
|
Health
Matters (from the complementary perspective)
Competition:
Tip for a good night's sleep
|
Monday
9 June
|
Annual
Outing |
Monday
10 September |
Annual
General Meeting
Competition:
Largest
hydrangea head
|
Monday
8 October |
The
Galapagos Islands
Competition: Small autumn arrangement
|
Monday
12 November |
South Eastern
Domestic Violence Partnership
Competition: A humorous verse
|
Monday
10 December
|
Workshop
- Christmas Ring
Competition: Christmas photograph
|
|
2011
(Page down to see 2010 Dairy)
(scroll down to see MEETING
REPORTS added to each entry in the diary) |
| Date |
Event
& Competition |
Monday
10 January |
Annual
Dinner
Competition: New Year Resolution
MEETING REPORT
The Institute's Annual Dinner took place in the Masonic Hall Crossgar on Monday 10th January. The President Lorna Stevenson welcomed 45 members to the evening. An excellent meal with faultless service was supplied by Daphne Scott of Hill Top Catering Services.
In a very relaxed and happy atmosphere the Triplets Aoibhinn , Caoimhe and Dearbhla Walsh from the Brennan, Miskelly & McCormick School of Dancing entertained us with their delightful repertoire of traditional dancing.
The evening was rounded off with a short poem competition in which members were given the starting lines and they had to complete the remaining few lines. The outcome was interesting and funny and not as easy as you would imagine. Georgina Simpson entertained us with humorous poetry. The WI Quiz took place and representing Crossgar in the Quoile Area will be Anne Patterson, Margaret Eynon and Jenny Young. Lorna Stevenson will represent Crossgar in the Bowls competition.
The birthday girl was Deirdre Kennedy and the winners of the competition “A New Years resolution” were 1st Enid Corscadden, 2nd Florrie Maude and 3rd Gillian Foster.
Gillian Foster thanked the dancers, Georgina for her poetry and the catering company for their expertise in adding so much to make it a really enjoyable evening.
Our President thanked everyone for attending and the evening
concluded with the singing of The Countrywoman’s Song
|
Monday
14 February |
Across
the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Competition: A Valentine verse
MEETING REPORT
Our president Lorna Stevenson welcomed everyone to our February meeting especially our guest speaker Maurice Brooks. New member Moira Armstrong was welcomed.
Lorna introduced our speaker for the evening, Maurice Brooks, who is the husband of one of our members and father of another! Maurice gave a very interesting talk about the trip he and his wife Hilary made to “Amazing Peru” when they trekked across the sacred valley of the Incas in 2004. They were part of a group of 39 people who made the trip in aid of Action Cancer. He explained that they had trained in the Mourne Mountains beforehand as their journey would be quite arduous and they would be trekking thousands of feet above sea level. In fact at times they were actually above the clouds! They trekked for miles each day with mules carrying their possessions so they had to cut down drastically on their equipment and possessions. Maurice showed us slides of unusual flowers and plants as well as photographs of amazing waterfalls, animals, birds and the remains of Machu Picchu.
Mount Veronica, which is part of the Andes mountain range, looked so majestic we felt as if we were there! The description Maurice gave of the experience seeing the sunrise on Machu Picchu was incredible. However, not quite so enjoyable to experience the toilet facilities as they consisted of a hole in the ground! It was interesting to note that there are about 200 species of potato in Peru comprising over 5000 varieties! I wonder if they have Dunbar Standards? A most enjoyable and informative evening.
Our competition “A Valentine Verse“- was won by Georgie Simpson, 2nd Ethna Douglas and 3rd Nora Lennon. The verses were then read out by their writers which sent us home in a romantic mood! The birthday girl was Mary McMurray and the ballot winner was Jean Robinson.
Georgie and Frances entertained us with a “valentine ” quiz relating to celebrity partners which was enjoyed by everyone.
Lorna thanked Maurice for such an interesting talk accompanied by his professionally taken slides.
The evening ended with the singing of The Countrywoman’s Song
|
Monday
21 February |
Quoile Area Bowls & Quiz
Night
Crossgar WI struck gold at the Quoile Area Bowls & Quiz night in Ballynahinch on Monday 21st February!
Crossgar’s quiz team consisted of Ann Patterson, Jenny Young an Gillian Foster and they were outright winners after the quiz had been marked, 3 points ahead of the second team. They now qualify for the N.I. Finals which will be held at Ballee High School, Ballymena on Wednesday, 4th May at 7:15 pm. Many of our members will be there to support them.
Hilary Brooks, another member of Crossgar WI, won the prize for the best score for non-team members and our president Lorna Stevenson was runner-up in the bowls final when a very
skilled Ardglass member won through to the N.I. final in Killymurris on Saturday, 19th March. A great night for Crossgar and a very proud night for our President.
|
Monday
14 March |
Beads
Galore (Members Table)
Competition: Result of the evening
MEETING REPORT
Our President Lorna welcomed everyone to our March meeting especially our speaker/demonstrator Joan Shanks
Lorna congratulated Frances Price on achieving 3rd place in the WI acrylic painting competition and Quoile Area Choir for their success at the recent music festival when they achieved “Overall Choir Winner” status! Lorna went on to congratulate our quiz team on winning the area competition last month and will now go through to the final at Ballee High School, Ballymena on Wednesday, 4th May.
Lorna then introduced Joan Shanks, our demonstrator for the evening. Joan gave a short resume and tips on stringing beads. There was a wonderful buzz throughout the room as we got down to designing and stringing our beads under the watchful eye and guidance of Joan. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all especially when we were able to admire our bracelets/necklaces which we made. The results of our efforts were judged by Joan. The winner was Gillian Foster, 2nd Lorna Stevenson and 3rd Rosemary Cuffey.
Gillian Foster thanked Joan for coming and teaching us new skills in jewelry making.
The birthday girl was Ann Mateer and the ballot winner was Rosemary Cuffey.
The evening ended with the singing of The Countrywoman’s Song.
|
Monday
11 April |
Back
To The Future
Competition:
Old Photograph
MEETING REPORT
President Lorna Stevenson welcomed members to the April Meeting. Mr John Lennon presented the Institute with a wonderful insight past and present merging old photographs with those of the present day enabling us to compare the lifestyles of different decades. Mr Lennon is an accomplished photographer which was evident from the very professional quality of his photographs. His commentary demonstrated his wealth of knowledge and certainly added another dimension to a truly super evenings entertainment.
Jenny Young gave a summary of AGM held at King’s Hall, Balmoral. The main speaker was Dr Janet Gray MBE, 3 times World champion in the World Disabled Water Skiing Championships who delivered an outstanding talk.
Jenny Young reported that Crossgar WI, along with other Institute members in association with Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), took a trip to Inch Abbey on the Downpatrick & County Down Railway via the water meadows behind Down Cathedral to Inch Abbey. A guide explained the ruins and explained what life would have been like in the 12th century Cistercian monastery.
Eileen Smyth reported on the recent Drama Festival for N.I. Institutes. Eileen Emmerson gave a comprehensive report on the visit to Moneyrea WI. The birthday girl was Frances Price, the ballot was won by Moira Armstrong, the competition winners were 1st Rhona Niblock, 2nd Adel Rae and 3rd Elizabeth Hutchinson.
The singing of The Countrywomen’s Song brought the evening to a close.
|
Monday
9 May |
Fashion
Presentation
Competition:
Pretty Perfume Bottle
MEETING REPORT
In May, our members were given a Fashion Presentation by Christine Rankin. We were advised of the basics of good wardrobe cleansing and upkeep. [The Circle of Success was presented, to show us the results from Good Appearance. If we "look good" it leads to "feeling good with confidence" which in turn helps you "project well" giving a "positive response".] Always keep a flexible wardrobe; don't forget that all important LBD (little black dress) and white shirt which you can
accessorise! A great presentation full of advice.
The Birthday Girl was Eileen Emerson and the Ballot won by Margaret Clements. The competition for a Pretty Perfume Bottle was won by Margaret Eynon, 2nd was Ann Mateer and 3rd place went to Margaret Clements.
The evening concluded with the singing of The Countrywoman’s Song.
|
Saturday
5 June |
Annual Outing
43 members and friends enjoyed their annual trip on Saturday 5th June 2011. After the obligatory coffee break at Junction One they spent an interesting hour at World of Owls in Randalstown Forest and admired the numerous birds on show. From there it was north to Drumadoon House for a hearty soup and sandwich lunch followed by a quick trip across the road to Logans of Cloughmills for some retail therapy! From there we proceeded to Dervock and the beautiful Benvarden Gardens where all the blooms were at their very best. We were able walk around the extensive walled gardens and admire the flowers – we even witnessed a wedding party having photographs taken. A leisurely bus ride through Ballycastle and along the Antrim coast road to the beautiful village of Cairncastle where the ladies of the local Presbyterian Church served a most magnificent salad tea, with every salad and accompaniments imaginable as well as desserts, tea, coffee and tray bakes. Nobody went home hungry, that’s for sure!! Carol McCreery won the prize for the best “How do you know Co Antrim” response. A very happy group arrived back in Crossgar after an enjoyable day away.
|
Thursday
18 August |
Seniors Outing
Six of our more senior members, Susan Jackson, Sheila McKee, Ethel McMurray, Tina McAllister, Eileen Magowan and Katie Williams enjoyed an afternoon drive to Newcastle on Thursday 18th August with Lily Gabbie, Rhona Niblock, Lorna Stevenson Ann Patterson and Ethna Douglas as drivers. We were able to enjoy a rare blink of sunshine and take in the sea air before the short drive on to Bloody Bridge and back to the Enniskeen Hotel where we were served the most delicious afternoon tea – sandwiches, tray bakes and fresh cream fancies followed with ice creams all round! Unfortunately neither Irene Deboys or Nell Rourke could come as both were in hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery.
|
Monday
12 September |
Annual General Meeting
Competition:
Novelty Egg Cup
MEETING REPORT
With the remnants of hurricane Katia still raging, President Lorna Stevenson welcomed everyone back after the summer to the AGM. Members stood in silence in remembrance of Anne Bell, a long standing and well-loved member who died recently. Nora and Cecil Lennon were congratulated on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Lorna welcomed chairman Joan Shanks and tellers Anne Gibson and Elizabeth Magee from Spa.
The minutes for the last AGM were read by secretary Ann Patterson, followed by the secretary’s report. This was a good opportunity to reflect on the meetings and events of the previous year. Mabel Baird read the treasurer’s report.
Names were taken for the Christmas event ‘Christmas Cracker’ at the Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena, on Saturday 26th November.
Lorna wished good luck to the team entering the Autumn Flower Show in Botanic Gardens. She also congratulated prize winners in the Floral competition at the Balmoral Show. Rosemary Cuffey gained a first, Rhona Niblock two seconds and Ethel McMurray a third. Members were thanked for their help at the fundraising dance in June. Advance notice was given of an area evening of music and drama on Friday 4th November at Crossgar Memorial Hall.
Elections were held and Hilary Brooks, Ethna Douglas, Betty Jennings, Nora Lennon, Florrie Maude, Mary McMurray, Eunice Murdock, Rhona Niblock, Frances Price, Jean Robinson, Eileen Smyth and Jenny Young were voted onto the committee. Jenny Young was elected president and Gillian Foster was elected international officer.
Donations were allocated to the following WI charities: £100 to Federation Fund, £50 each to Water for All and Women Feed the World and £60 to Pennies for Friendship.
The competition for a novelty eggcup was won by Moira Armstrong,
2nd Mabel Baird, 3rd Ann Patterson and the ballot was won by Sheila McKee.
The birthday girls were: June: Gillian Foster; July: Margaret Clements; August: Madge Andrews and September: Sheila McKee.
Trophies were presented: the Joan Shanks Salver to Ethna Douglas, the Competition Cup to Lorna Stevenson and the Purdy Cup to Nell Rourke.
Joan Shanks and the tellers were presented with gifts and the evening ended with the singing of
The Countrywoman’s Song.
|
Monday
10 October |
Day
in the life of a lettuce
Competition:
An
unusual shaped vegetable
MEETING REPORT
Jenny Young, newly elected President, welcomed everyone to the October meeting before introducing the new committee for 2011 - 2012.
A minutes silence was observed in memory of a much loved and dedicated member Mrs Mena Cleland - Mena will be sadly missed by all.
The speaker was Mr Colin Ferguson of Willowbrook Farm Foods - Irelands largest grower and processor of vegetables, salads and potatoes. This is a family owned business employing 250 people working 7 days per week and supporting 36 local farmers. As 60% of the business is salads Colin entitled his talk 'A day in the life of a lettuce'. After a very informative and interesting talk we were treated to a selection of free samples. A very generous gesture which was greatly appreciated by all.
The vote of thanks was given by Elizabeth Hutchinson.
The competition winners for 'An unusual shaped vegetable' were Olga Cairns, Eithne Douglas second and Margaret Eynon third. The ballot was won by Betty Jennings and the birthday girl was Francis McCready.
The evening ended with the singing of 'The Countrywomen’s Song'.
|
Monday
14 November |
Scottish Evening
Competition:
Something Tartan
MEETING REPORT
Carole Bell and “The Kilmore Parish Scottish dancers” led off the first dance of the Scottish evening to the aptly chosen music “The Joy of Living”.
Many members joined in selected dances and all had a lively and hilarious time, especially when there appeared to be some difficulty in deciding which was the correct direction to go in or, “are you the man or the
woman?"
Margaret Whyte addressed the Haggis - served with the traditional “neaps and tatties”- before the members were invited to taste this traditional Scottish delicacy, kindly provided by the dancers.
Following supper Carole and her team led the members in the singing of a selection of well known Scottish melodies finishing with Auld Lang Syne.
Congratulations were extended to Rosemary Coffey on her son’s recent success.
On behalf of the Institute President Jenny Young wished all members unable to attend through
illness, a speedy recovery.
The results of the competition for “Something Tartan” were as follows;
Sheila McKee first, Eunice Murdock second, Ann Mateer third.
Gillian Foster won the ballot and Doris Lennon was the birthday girl
The evening ended with the singing of 'The Countrywomen’s Song'.
|
Monday
12 December |
Christmas Icing
Competition: Iced Cup Cake
MEETING REPORT
A welcoming glass of hot mulled wine on arrival was greatly appreciated by WI members, on a bitterly cold and stormy December night.
Rhona Niblock and Eileen Smyth were warmly thanked for this.
President Jenny Young welcomed all, and after conducting the normal meeting business, she enquired about all ill and absent members, before introducing Hazel Briggs as the speaker and demonstrator for the evening
Hazel is very well known for her skill in cake making and cake decorating.
Using a turntable she iced and decorated two cakes - one round and one square- using ingredients and tools easily and inexpensively obtained by all.
She explained her choice at the outset, discussing the pros and cons of various ingredients. The first cake elegantly iced in white and silver, complemented by a translucent silver ribbon looked stunning, and the second cake decorated in a very simple holly and red ribbon, proved equally popular.
While demonstrating Hazel described very simply step-by-step what she was doing and gave lots of useful tips and alternatives.
When finished she welcomed and answered many questions from her attentive audience.
Finally she donated two cakes to the institute, which it was agreed later, to give to two members unable to attend.
Rosemary Cuffey thanked Hazel on behalf of all present.
The committee provided supper with a touch of festivity, in the shape of mince pies and shortbread, for which the members expressed their appreciation.
Nora Lennon conducted the quiz, which selects the institute team going forward to the Area Quiz in 2012.
The competition, for “an iced cupcake” judged by hazel Briggs was won by, Eithne Douglas first, Moira Armstrong second, and Deirdre Kennedy third.
Katie Williams was the birthday girl and won the ballot also.
President Jenny Young concluded the evening by wishing all a very happy Christmas after the singing
of 'The Countrywomen’s Song'.
|
|
