Rural meetings up and running
Busy summer of shows and trips
Jackton WI had their first meeting of the 2018/19 session on Tuesday, September 18 at Stewartfield Community Centre.
President Agnes Strang welcomed members old and new, and introduced East Kilbride author Liz McIntyre.
Liz explained how her very successful book “Love Letters of a Desert Rat” had come to be written.
She is a natural storyteller – her warmth and humour made the evening an absolute pleasure.
And Ella Bearhop summed up members’ feelings in her vote of thanks.
Jackton ladies were busy in the summer. They had a very sunny outing to Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire and took first prize in the community section of Chapelton Agricultural Show.
Meanwhile, treasurer Jane Plumb was appointed secretary to the Lanarkshire WI Federation committee.
Competition winners were – Flowers in a jug: 1, Ann Paterson; 2, Jane Plumb. A sweetheart letter: 1, Sandra Frew; 2, Jean Thompson.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 16 and will be a members’ night when two of Jackton WI’s own members will demonstrate crafts.
The competitions will be tablet and a teacup and saucer.
Gilmourton Rural
Members came together for their first meeting of the new session on Wednesday, September 5.
President Agnes Callan welcomed everyone back. The summer months had been busy for Gilmourton members with teams coming first in the Loudoun and Galston Show, second in the Fenwick Show and, again, first at Strathaven Show.
In addition, Agnes highlighted the major successes of individual members Jean Drummond, Marion Hamilton, Mary Harkness and Sheena Kerr, whose efforts won them well deserved recognition in the Strathaven Show.
Speaker for the evening was Mark Hunter, who gave a very interesting demonstration of how to prepare a tasty brunch along with useful tips and amusing anecdotes.
Competition winners were – Wedge of quiche: 1, Marion Law; 2, Joan Duncan; 3, Sheena Kerr. For the single garden bloom: 1, Mary Craig; 2, Marion Hamilton; 3, Joan Duncan.
The next Rural meeting will be on Wednesday, October 3 when jeweller Gordon Todd will give a talk entitled ‘Jewellery Through The Ages’.
Competitions will be a piece of jewellery and three squares of favourite traybake.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, September 15, a group of 30 members and friends enjoyed an outing to the Devil’s Porridge Museum near Annan, Dumfriesshire followed by some time at Gretna Gateway and a delicious evening meal in the Solway Lodge Hotel, Gretna.
The award of a South Lanarkshire Council community grant towards transport costs was, as always, very much appreciated by those attending.
Sandford WRI
President Janette Robb welcomed everyone to the September meeting of Sandford SWI.
The first speaker of the new session was Hazel Young who gave a very informative talk on interior design.
Competition winners were – A Floral arrangement in a margarine tub: 1st, Agnes Mackie; 2nd, Janette Robb. Favourite Apron: 1st, Margaret Frame; 2nd, Liz Meikle; 3rd, Cath Marsh.
The next meeting is on Wednesday, October 10 at 7.30pm when there will be a talk by The Wee Fudge Company.
Competitions for the evening are three pieces of fudge and a bon bon dish.
There will also be a quiz night on Friday, October 26 at £5 per person including tea. Names to Elizabeth Shearer on (01357) 522193.