First meeting of new year for Drumbeg

She read a poem entitled “Drumbeg,” which the late Alice Hamilton had written as a tribute to Drumbeg and the WI.

The speaker for the evening was Stephen Gourley who brought a selection of Digital film from Screen NI. Many memories were stimulated by the moving images showing Belfast in past years - Trolley Buses, Flower sellers at the City Hall, UTA buses,Smithfield Market,the historic Crown Bar and a thriving linen industry.

A tour of the beautiful coast from Ballycastle to Bangor reflected interesting models of cars and less congested roads and of course a more formal dress code - ladies at the seaside wearing frocks and smart footwear and men wearing suits and ties.

Wishing Wells and pictures of the revered Fairy Thorn tree were seen in rural areas and a film called ‘Final Pinta’ showed a family milk delivery business on the Ards Peninsula.

Rosalind extended sympathy to Pat McKeag following the death of her husband Padraig.

Clara Crookshanks and Ruth Beattie were welcomed back following illness and good wishes were expressed to Rosemary Reid for her imminent surgery.

Competition winners were Anne McAdam ,Jane Steele and Clara Crookshanks with Doris Campbell and Rosalind winning Ballot prizes.

In addition to monthly meetings members enjoy meeting every Wednesday for interesting walks and the Culture club are looking forward to viewing the Rembrandt self portrait at the Ulster Museum and a trip to Educating Rita at the Lyric Theatre.

Meetings are held in Drumbeg Orange Hall on the third Thursday of each month at 7.45 pm and new members are warmly welcomed.