Carsphairn SWI Meeting Report - 19th October 2023
Melissa Ade welcomed everyone and opened the business meeting which included the Treasurer’s Report and a reminder of upcoming dates. Members were invited to be involved in the Christmas Quiz, Ruralympics and the Spring Show. Names were put forward and arrangements will be refined at a future meeting. Time was taken to discuss the Christmas Social in December and it was agreed to have the gathering in the Lagwyne Hall.
Melissa introduced Mary Burney, fellow Stewartry Institute member and National President of the Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI). Mary gave members a very clear overview of the SWI. She talked about how it began in Canada in 1897. The first Institute in Scotland was created at Longniddry in 1917. The aim was to bring women who were isolated in the home together with other women to socialise, share and learn.
Mary went on to explain how the SWI journey has taken many turns and had to cope with changes along the way. There have been bumps in the road too, not least when the organisation underwent a name change and revised badge design. There are currently around 8,700 members with a larger concentration of these in the north and south of Scotland.
Mary explained how the SWI structure links individual Institutes with Federations and the National Board. The importance of consultation and communication was highlighted by Mary and how crucial it is to include all members in decision making as without members in Institutes, the organisation cannot survive. Currently new premises are being explored nationally.
Members asked Mary questions which she gladly answered. One of the quotes she mentioned as relevant to the SWI was ‘If you know a good thing, pass it on’. Isobel McBeth thanked Mary on behalf of everyone there for a most enjoyable and informative talk. Everyone showed their hearty appreciation.
Members then enjoyed welcome refreshments provided by Linda and Merle. Mary kindly agreed to judge the competitions and the results were as follows:
Embroidered item - 1. Merle Kerkhof, 2. Susie Seed
Seaside Snap - 1. Christine Whipp, 2. Judy Firth, 3. Isobel McBeth
Flower of the Month - 1. Isobel McBeth, 2. Susie Seed, 3. Christine Whipp
As the meeting drew to a close, the raffle was drawn and Melissa thanked Linda and Merle for providing the tea. She also thanked Mary for sharing her knowledge and everyone for their contributions to the meeting.