Paper flower making at Carsphairn SWI
President, Melissa Ade welcomed a really good turnout of members and friends to the first meeting of 2025 on Thursday 23rd January.
Melissa handed over the reins to Carsphairn SWI member Sheila Little who had brought along a wide range and variety of materials and tools to facilitate making paper flowers and trying out paper quilling. She also had a number of books on display. Sheila demonstrated how to make colourful flowers from cupcake cases and carnations from napkins. Everyone was very keen to get started and follow Sheila’s lead.
Lots of concentration and helpful comments were in evidence around the hall. A lovely variety of flowers were created and everyone was successful. Sheila then went on to demonstrate how to use the quilling material and tools. Everyone enjoyed having a try at that too. Maggie Phillips gave Sheila a vote of thanks which was heartily endorsed by everyone there.
It was agreed at that point that a more up to date photo was needed for the Carsphairn website. Sheila’s husband Ian kindly agreed to take the photo which involved him going to considerable lengths to do so. Thank you, Ian.
Judith Marsden and Irene McCreath invited everyone to enjoy a cuppa and tasty accompaniments. While this was taking place Melissa led everyone through the business part of the evening. This included arrangements for the upcoming short mat bowling competition, Ruralympics and the Federation Show in May.
Carsphairn SWI schedules of meetings for 2025 were distributed to everyone. Download a copy here. Melissa drew attention to the Open Night in May which will be a Beetle Drive. She also reminded everyone that this is Carsphairn SWI’s 90th year. There will be a party on 4th December 2025 combining birthday and festive celebrations.
Melissa gave notice that the Carsphairn Village Hall AGM takes place on 11th February 2025.
The competitions were well supported and judged by Pennies for Friendship. The results were as follows :-
Christmas Card. 1. Susie Seed 2. Nancy White 3. Irene McCreath.
Fridge Magnet. 1. Nancy White 2. Melissa Ade 3. Judith Marsden.
Flower of the Month 1. Melissa Ade 2. Sheila Little 3. Dorothy Faulds.
Sheila Hey had knitted some new clothes for Fergus bear. It was a Scottish outfit complete with shirt, kilt, sporran and tam o’shanter. In the absence of Fergus, a different Fergus modelled the outfit and watched over the evening’s proceedings. He’s all ready for Burns Night.
Melissa then thanked Judith and Irene for their very welcome refreshments and the raffle was drawn. As the evening drew to a close Melissa thanked everyone for their contribution to the meeting and asked everyone to stay safe in light of the severe weather warnings. The evening was a great success with lots of learning, making, chatting and laughing. After tidying up everyone made their way home in calm and mild conditions.