WI Literary Award for Kilrea’s Pearl

Kilrea WI's Pearl Hutchinson, winner of the Phyllis Gailey Literary Competition 2020, receiving her trophy from President Ann Laughlin. This prestigious award should have been presented to Pearl at the WI Federation AGM in March, which had to be cancelled. The photo was taken in the beautiful gardens of Drumagarner House, Kilrea, which were lovingly restored by Pearl during lockdown

Members have been keeping in touch via Whats App, email, and phone calls, but Zoom has proven to be an enjoyable method of communication for many of members. In September, Kilrea WI had hoped to have a walk for all members, but sadly restrictions prevented us from meeting up.

The annual Flower Show was cancelled, an event which always brings together members from other Institutes and people of all ages from the community.

All the Committee agreed to stay on in their posts until October 2021, so no AGM took place this month. Instead, an enjoyable Institute Quiz night was held on Zoom with 20 members taking part. Winner of the Quiz was Mary Gibson. The competition for the month is ‘How I would improve the WI...’ (in one sentence).

Due to the cancellation of the Federation AGM in the spring, the prestigious Phyllis Gailey Literary Trophy for 2020 was presented to Pearl Hutchinson in her beautiful cottage garden by President Ann Laughlin, whilst observing social distancing rules. Congratulations also to Jennifer Gardiner, who was placed third in this competition.

A spokesperson for Kilrea WI said: “We all look forward to the time when we can be together in person, but the safety and health of all our members is of paramount importance. In the meantime, we must continue to be resourceful, keep in touch with others, and keep ourselves busy.”