Annual 'craft evening' for Crumlin WI

Once more, tables were laden with items in various categories including knitting, crochet, patchwork, embroidery, painting, beading, baking and the always interesting ‘unusual’ which includes any other hand-made items such as soft toys, bags and ceramics.

As the evening’s activities progressed, Rhonda Minford, a talented crafter from Glenavy, had the difficult task of judging the entries and deciding upon winners.

After welcoming everyone, including three ladies who were attending for the first time, Joan, the President, congratulated everyone on the variety of craft examples which were on display. She also pointed out that, for those who might be de-cluttering, ‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ : handbags and accessories which are no longer used, but are still in good condition, can be sold at the AGM of the WI Federation in March and also at the Balmoral Show in May, to raise money for the organisation; and unopened toiletries could be brought to the WI and packaged up for donation to the Simon Community and their work with the homeless.

The guest speaker for the evening was Wendy Langham. Wendy had previously been involved in a Belfast City Council urban regeneration project where she guided development of the Connswater Greenway. This has resulted in places where both visitors and locals can meet, join in activities together and get involved in local projects, thus helping to change the ‘story’ of an inner-city area.