Carsphairn SWI vice president Melissa Ade welcomed everyone to the October meeting.
There was a good turnout and Melissa led the business section of the meeting. This included reports on the bucket drumming event at Springholm and the Rural Ramble at Haugh of Urr. Betty Peacock gave a detailed report of the Stewartry Federation meeting in September. This contained dates and arrangements for upcoming Federation events. Teams were put together for the Christmas quiz in December and the Ruralympics in February 2025.
Christine distributed booklets entitled Recipes to Try and Taste. These contained a compilation of the recipes members brought to the meeting on March 21. Ian Saunders, with help from Mary, had kindly collated the recipes and created a booklet. Members expressed their thanks and appreciation to Ian and Mary. Plans for the November AGM were refined and arrangements for the Christmas celebration finalised.
Melissa then invited Merle Kerkhof to lead the craft activities. Merle had prepared and displayed lots of materials for members to use. She provided 11 boards and different ribbons and yarns to weave with and a huge variety of buttons, fabrics and beads to create brooches. Some members brought materials from home. There followed lots of concentration and quiet discussion as everyone got to work on their project.
Merle and Heather Fairgreaves circulated, providing encouragement and support. There was a lovely calm and purposeful atmosphere in the hall. A variety of items were made with each one totally different from all the others.
Heather and Susie Seed organised and set out the refreshments while the crafters were still working away. They provided most welcome and tasty treats. When everyone had completed or decided to finish their project at home, Sheila Little thanked Merle and Heather for leading and supporting the session and Heather and Susie for providing the refreshments.
Sheila Hey kindly judged the competitions. The results were – jar of chutney: 1 Nancy White, 2 Christine Whipp, 3 Sheila Little; witch’s hat: 1 Sheila Little; flower of the month: 1 Isabel McBeth, 2 Heather Fairgreaves, 3 Nancy White.
The raffle was drawn and Melissa brought the meeting to a close. She thanked everyone for their contributions. It was agreed as the tidying up was done and everyone headed for home that the evening had been a great success and enjoyed by all.