WI members enjoy Lisnagarvey area group meeting

Executive member Helen Dunlop gave the Federation and Homecraft reports. Other Sub Committee reports were given by Marie Darragh for Home and Garden, Ina Watson for Magazine and Leisure and Ruth Graham for International.

Mr David Anderson spoke on his 25 years service as Hospitality Manager of Hillsborough Castle.

He gave a brief insight on how he looked after special guests who stayed in the Castle during his time there, from the “great” Dr Mo Mowlam to the Dalai Lama. One of his favourite Royal guests was Her Majesty the Queen, whom he had the pleasure of looking after on 10 occasions.

He was rewarded for his services, by becoming a Member of The Royal Victorian Order (MV0) which he obtained from The Queen. There are only 15 members in Northern Ireland and it is something that he is immensely proud of.

Mr Anderson is now General Manager of the newly restored Georgian House at Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.

Pauline High gave the vote of thanks.

After a delicious supper members had an opportunity to view the excellent craft items and competition entries on display.

Mrs Helen Dunlop then presented the annual awards: Area Quiz shield, Penny Jarvis, Marie Darragh and Pat Allen Derriaghy WI; Area Bowls Shield, Mae Best Killutagh WI; Anna Wilson Cup for Cookery, Helen Dunlop Maze Brookfield WI; Masie Law Salver for Craft, Dorothy Andrews, Maze Brookfield WI; Ann Henning Salver for Craft Ribbons, Dorothy Andrews Maze Brookfield WI.

Silver Spinning Wheels were presented to Barbara McClenahan Maze Brookfield WI, Elaine Lappin and Lynsay Johnston Maghaberry WI.

Lisnagarvey Area also attained 36 ribbons for Craft.

Gold Spinning wheels had earlier been awarded to Dorothy Andrews Maze Brookfield WI and Norma Lusty Maghaberry WI at the Balmoral meeting.

Helen then congratulated the Ladies of Lisnagarvey Area WI for all their hard work during the year.

The evening was then brought to a close with the singing of the Country Women’s Song.