Fledgling Lisburn City WI spreads its wings

FOLLOWING the learning curve of its inaugural year, Lisburn City Belles WI has set the foundation for an interesting programme of monthly meetings for the 2012-2013 calendar, with the launch of it’s new logo, which is a representation of the proud industrial heritage of Lisburn.

In September 2011 Lisburn City Belles WI was formed by an enthusiastic group of women from the area, only a few of whom had previous WI experience. It has been a real learning curve, formatting meetings, arranging speakers but with the help of more experienced members and the WI Head Office the initial group of volunteer committee members have brought the Lisburn City Belles to where they are today.

Now, only one year on, this fledgling group has truly spread it’s wings and numbers 27 ladies, with Kathryn Mc Camley voted President for the 2nd year running. Kathryn is supported by a committee, also selected by the membership, who aim to make the meetings as interesting as possible, catering for all interests and tastes.

In the lead up to the start of the new WI season, the committee decided that the theme and influence for the new logo should strongly represent Lisburn’s linen industry heritage; this has now been designed and launched.

The WI have always focused on development and learning; everything from arts, sports, leisure, science, cookery and crafts, to develop their existing skills and develop new ones.

The WI calendar of events starts in September and so far this year, the members have experienced demonstrations of butter making by ‘Great Taste Award’, Double Gold Star Abernethy Butter Makers, from Dromara, who not only served up their lovely butter but actually made it in front of the ladies. In true WI fashion this was greatfully received, together with the Abernethy Fudge on offer on the night.

October’s meeting was totally different, with craft making skills at the forefront. With a choice of making decorative buttons, which could then be transformed into brooches or making Halloween finger puppets for children and grandchildren, there was a great air of fun, so much so, that the supper that usually follows the demonstrations, was only remembered at the last moment!

November’s meeting will focus on jewellery making, with guests ‘The Bead Shop’ Anahilt, where the ladies will have the opportunity to have-a-go themselves. The forthcoming months hold much excitement with everything from salsa dancing, to a Question & Answer session with a local Veterinary Surgeon, not to mention the chance to visit other WI. What is great about the WI is that like-minded women, get to share quality, stressfree time with others from every agegroup and background. What a wealth of experience and knowledge there is to be shared and enjoyed. So if you would like to go alonge and maybe take a friend with you, the Insititue is open to new members and meet at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of the month at Lisburn Racquets Club, Belfast Road, Lisburn. Membership is £25 and visitors can attend for £3. For more information please email [email protected] or find them on Facebook Lisburn City Belles and Twitter @LisburnCityBellesWI

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