Monthly Report. September 2008.
Monthly Report. February 2008.
Monthly Report. December 2007.
Monthly Report. November 2007.
Monthly Report. September 2007.
Monthly Report. February 2007.
Monthly Report. December 2006.
Monthly Report. November 2006.
Monthly Report. September 2006.
Monthly Report. February 2006.
Monthly Report. December 2005.
Monthly Report. November 2005.
Monthly Report. September 2005.
Monthly Report. May 2005. (AGM)
WRI Archive of Minutes from previous years.
Report for Botriphnie WRI Report October 8th 2008
SPEAKER Speakers for the evening were Mrs Isobel Shanks and Mrs Anne Cameron of Keith & District Heritage Group. The ladies gave a very interesting and detailed slide show of the Botriphnie Area recalling schooling and religion throughout the district over a few centuries.The illustrated talk was very well documented with details quoted from the McWillie Diaries and various other literature and of course stories which have been handed down through theGenerations. Many short discussions were held throughout the showing and questions ably answered on completion. All in all this proved to be a very interesting and informative meeting for the ladies of Botriphnie.Garage Sale - The garage sale to raise funds towards the painting to be bought in memory of Mrs Davina Gray had raised the magnificent sum of £270. A huge thank you was due to Joey Law for all her hard work and for the use of her property for the event. Mrs Law wished to convey her thanks to all members friends and neighbours who had supported the event as without their help the event would not have been possible.
WRI Taste and Try Day in Longmore Hall, Keith Saturday 8th November.
Something of special interest, especially to members of Botriphnie WRI, would be an exhibition showing the collection of the various crafts and projects worked by the late Davina Gray. This would be the last time they would be on display together as they would be going to their various new homes following the display.Competition:
WRI - Raspberry Jam:
lst Cathie Devine
2nd Irene Christie
3rd Margaret ChristieGordon Duff Trophy - Photo of Drummuir:
1st Irene Christie
2nd Joey LawHostesses:
Mrs Jill Wells
Mrs Cathie DevineVOTE: Mrs Lorna Milne proposed a comprehensive Vote of Thanks.Mrs Milne then closed the meeting, reminding members of our next meeting which would be Wednesday12th November when the speaker would be Mr Duncan Leece of the Boyndie Trust. She also hoped to see as many members as possible at the Taste and Try Day on Saturday 8th November.
Report for Botriphnie WRI Report September 10th 2008
In the absence of Chairman Mrs Lorna Milne, Vice-Chairman Mrs Audrey Proctor welcomed members to the first meeting of the winter session.
Speaker for the evening was Bill Clarihew who showed slides of various gardens where he had been employed, including his present employment at Knockando House. He recommended visiting gardens with yellow signs as these are only open once or twice a year. His slides covered flowers thoughout the seasons from snowdrops to spring flowers such as daffodils etc through to azaleas and herbaceous borders seen in the summer months followed by autumn colours e.g. Canadian Maple and snow in summer taking us back to winter.
He also covered gardens he had visited over the years including Dunrobin Castle in the North, Hydroponicum at Auchiltibuie near Ullapool on the West coast and Culzean Castle in the south.
Mr Clarihew then ably answered members questions.
Competition:
WRI - Treacle Scones:
lst Mrs Irene Christie
Flower of the Month:
1st Mrs Irene Christie
2nd Mrs Cathie Devine.Hostesses:
Mrs Audrey Proctor
Alison Wells.VOT: Mrs Audrey Proctor proposed a comprehensive Vote of Thanks.
GARAGE SALE: Before bringing the Meeting to a close Audrey advised Members that Mrs Joey Law, who had been unable to take part in the sponsored walk, wished to hold a Garage Sale at her home 55 Fife Street on Saturday 27th September, 2.00p.m. - 4.00 p.m. the proceeds of the sale would be added to the Sponsored Walk Money and put towards the purchase of a local painting Botriphnie WRI is to purchase as a lasting memory to late Davina Gray. Stalls would be Bric-a-brac, cake and candy and a bottle stall. All donations to this welcome and also assistance from any members who would be free on that date. As some of our members were still on holiday and this event would be before our next meeting the secretary to write those not present to advise them of this.
Mrs Proctor then closed the meeting reminding members that our next meeting would be Wednesday 8th October and would be a talk from Mrs Isobel Shanks of Keith Heritage and her subject would be Drummuir Area.
Botriphnie WRI Report May 14th 2008 --- Press Report
Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed everyone to this our annual business meeting. The president gave a report our activities for another successful year. The treasurer gave an update on our finances which are in good heart
We enjoyed a wonderful evening of singing, dancing and quizzes provided by the members of Cornhill WRI with a bit of help from three very talented grandchildren.
The monthly competitions were judged as follows
Gingerbread Loaf:
1st Mrs J. Law
2nd Mrs M. ChristieFlower Arrangement in a Teacup:
1st Mrs C Devine
2nd Mrs A McCombie
3rd Miss A WellsThe annual Trophies were won as follows
WRI Trophy:
1st Mrs J Law
2nd Mrs L Milne
3rd Mrs M ChristieGordon-Duff Trophy:
1st Mrs C Devine
2nd Mrs J Law
3rd Mrs M ChristieThe votes for the new committee were counted by Mrs M Bain and Mrs J Naughton and the new committee elected as follows
Mrs L Milne Mrs A Proctor Mrs I Christie
Mrs M Christie Mrs C Devine Mrs D Mark
Mrs J Duncan and Mrs A Riach.Mrs Audrey Proctor gave the vote of thanks.
Our June meeting will be hands on sugarcraft all welcome.
Botriphnie WRI Report April 9th 2008 --- Press Report
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed members and visitors from Keith 50+Club and Arradoul and Fochabers WRI’s to our spring meeting the speaker for the evening was Mr Allan Stewart from Downies Fish Whitehills. Allan gave a most interesting talk on fish production and marketing and told us about the different fish now readily available here in the north east which years ago would have been thrown back in the sea. We then had the opportunity to sample a dish of Smoked Haddock and Broccoli Bake, which Alan had prepared it, was very much enjoyed by us all with many of us having a second helping.
A laden sales table was soon cleared with the proceeds going towards our funds. Tea was served by Mrs C Devine, Mrs J Duncan and Mrs A Watt.
The competitions were judged as follows
Stuffed Pepper:
1st Mrs I. Christie
2nd Mrs L. MilneSomething New from Something Old:
1st Mrs M Christie (Crochet Blanket)
2nd Mrs L Milne (Crystal Bracelet)
3rd Mrs C Devine (Christmas Decoration)Mrs Milne gave the vote of thanks on behalf of Botriphnie and Mrs Janet Winterbourne thanked us on behalf of the visitors
Botriphnie WRI Report March 12th 2008 --- Press Report
President Mrs Milne welcomed members and friends to this meeting where after the completion of the monthly business she welcomed our guest for the evening Mr Gary Coull from Keith. Gary a keen dancer himself instructed us on the finer points of Scottish Country dancing which was very much enjoyed by all who participated. After an energetic hour spent dancing a very welcome cup of tea was served by Mrs Agnes Riach and Mrs Lorna Milne. Gary judged the monthly competitions as follows
Amaryllis: 1st Mrs Lorna Milne
2nd Mrs Margaret Christie
3rd Mrs Cathie DevineSwiss Milk Chocolate: 1st Mrs Margaret Christie
Mrs Milne gave the vote of thanks.
The next meeting on April 9th will be a cookery demonstration by Downies Fish from Whitehills non-members very welcome.
Botriphnie WRI Report February 13th 2008 --- Press Report
President Mrs Milne welcomed a good turnout of members to the meeting, before the start of business she paid tribute to Mrs Davina Gray who had been a stalwart member for almost 40years and who will be missed very much by us all.
The four ladies who made up our team at the Ruralympics were congratulated on being placed fourth equal at the competition in January.
Our guest for the evening was Miss Isobel Wright who has just retired as infant mistress at Keith Primary School after thirty-three years in the post. Miss Wright told us about her own education and training and of her first teaching post at a school in a mining community in Ayrshire and the contrast when she joined the staff at Keith Primary. We also heard of the difficulty of deciphering our North East dialect and encountering words which had no clue as to what they meant. Miss Wright told of the highs and lows of teaching but one thing that remains the same is children’s willingness to learn.
Tea hostess for the evening was Mrs M Christie and Mrs M Stewart. The competitions were judged by Miss Wright as follows
The monthly competitions were judged as follows
A Knitted Teddy for Tragedy: 1st Mrs Grace Cox
2nd Mrs Jill Wells
3rd Mrs Lindsay Watt4 Cherry Scones: 1st Mrs M. Christie
2nd Mrs J. Law
3rd Mrs I. ChristieMrs Jennifer Duncan gave a comprehensive vote of thanks. Our Next meeting on March 12th will be Scottish Country Dancing with Gary Coull all welcome.
Botriphnie WRI Report January 9th 2008 --- Press Report
President Mrs Milne welcomed members and wished them a very Happy New Year. After the completion of business our guest speaker Alison Watt from Keith was introduced. Alison as well as being a very busy farmer is also a practitioner in alternative therapy the three disciplines she practices are Homeopathy, Bowen Therapy and Kinesiology all of them are used to treat a variety of ailments without the use of drugs. Homeopathy is based on the theory of treating like with like. Bowen Therapy is used with the objective of removing pain and the treatment is very gentle and is likened to strumming the muscles. Kinesiology uses muscle testing to identify problem areas and gentle techniques are used to bring the body back into harmony with itself.
Tea hostesses for the evening were Mrs Grace Cox and Mrs Joey Law.
The monthly competitions were judged as follows
A Slice of Clootie Dumpling: 1st Mrs Lorna Milne
2nd Mrs Cathie Devine
3rd Mrs Margaret ChristieSnowdrop Drawing: 1st Mrs Aileen McCombie
2nd Mrs Joey LawMrs Milne gave the vote of thanks and wished the members who are to represent us in the Ruralympics good luck.
Botriphnie WRI Report December 12th 2007 --- Press Report
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed members and friends to the December meeting where Christmas was in the air in the form of Christmas tree decorations. One of our own members had brought along a variety of decorations that she had made using beads. There were snowflakes from crystals and Christmas trees from tiny seed beads to icicles using pearls, sequins and crystals and even a tiny Christmas angel. We then had hands on tuition and all of us made an icicle for our own tree.
After tea served by Mrs Dianne Mark and Alison Wells the competition was judged as follows
Gift Wrapped Bottle: 1st Mrs Cathie Devine
2nd Mrs Dianne Mark
3rd Mrs Joey LawIndividual Trifle: 1st Mrs M. Christie
2nd Mrs Joey Law
3rd Mrs Irene ChristieMrs Audrey Proctor gave the vote of thanks and wished everyone a Happy Christmas.
Members are reminded that the January Meeting will be Alison Watt giving a talk and demonstration on alternative therapy.
Botriphnie WRI Report November 2007 --- Press Report
Mrs Lorna Milne President welcomed everyone and after completion of business introduced our speaker for the evening Mrs Janet Winterbourne from Arradoul. Mrs Winterbourne is an occupational therapist based in Keith but she is responsible for patients throughout a large area of upper Banffshire. Being community-based means that she visits people in their own homes to assess their needs and find a way of helping and improving the quality of life. Depending on which condition the patient is suffering from the help needed can vary enormously from someone who may need to be re-housed because their house cannot be adapted to suit their needs to providing a few simple aids to help with bathing or dressing or walking. Janet had brought along a few of the aids to let us see and it is not always the most expensive aids that make the biggest difference. After tea served by Mrs Davina Gray and Mrs Lorna Milne Mrs Winterbourne judged the competition as follows
A Display of Seasonal Fruits of the Forest: 1st Mrs Cathie Devine
2nd Mrs Irene Christie
3rd Mrs Joey LawToffee Apple: Mrs Joey Law
Mrs Audrey Proctor gave the vote of thanks
Our next meeting on December 12th will be hands on beadwork with Mrs Lorna Milne; visitors and new members always welcome.
Botriphnie WRI Report October 2007 --- Press Report
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed members and friends. After the completion of business Mrs Milne then introduced our speaker for the evening Mr Alistair Carswell of Seafield Veterinary Practice Keith. Alistair gave a most interesting talk about his work as a vet in and around Keith. We heard how after qualifying at Glasgow Veterinary School Alistair came to work at the Keith practice where they look after the health of both small and large animals this is becoming less common as many practices now specialise in either large or small animals but seldom do both. We heard of the variety of work that vets have to deal with from calving a cow in the middle of a field at night with only tractor headlights to see by to helping recapture an escaped billy goat, all in a days work for a vet.
After tea served by Mrs Audrey Proctor and Mrs Lindsay Watt Alistair judged the competitions as follows.
2 Custard Creams 1st Mrs J Law
2nd Mrs Lorna Milne
3rd Mrs Cathie DevineAnimal Photo 1st Mrs Davina Gray
2nd Mrs Cathie Devine
3rd Mrs Joey LawMrs Milne gave the vote of thanks.
Our next meeting is on November14th when the speaker will be Mrs J Winterbourne who will give a talk on Occupational Therapy.
Botriphnie WRI September 2007 Report
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed members and guests to the first meeting of the new session. Our guest speakers for the evening were the Rev Ranald and Dr Kay Gauld of Keith St Rufus, Botriphnie and Grange Churches who came along to tell us about their holiday of a lifetime on the Orient Express. We heard the history of this marvellous train then we saw slides of Vienna and Prague where we admired the beautiful architecture of both these beautiful old cities. Kay and Ranald also told of the amazing experience of travelling on the Orient Express and the wonderful way the passengers are catered for and looked after. Truly a trip of a lifetime.
After tea served by Mrs Irene Christie and Mrs Cathie Devine
The competitions were judged as follows
Apple tart 1st Mrs L Milne
2nd Mrs M Christie
3rd Mrs J LawPhoto of Waterscene 1st Mrs M Christie
2nd Mrs M Christie
3rd Mrs J LawMrs Agnes Riach gave the vote of thanks.
Our next meeting is on October 10th and will be a talk by Alistair Carswell on his work as a vet new members and visitors very welcome.
Botriphnie WRI Report August 2007
Botriphnie WRI once again entered WRI competitions at Keith Show, where they gained second place in the Findlay Cup just missing first place by half a point. We also entered the Gordon Challenge Bowl where we came second equal this time coming just one point behind the winning entry. The theme for both these competitions was “Spring Is In The Air”. The Gordon Challenge Bowl being for handcrafts and the Findlay Cup being for foodstuffsSix members also entered the individual competitions where between them they gained 5 First places, 4 Second places, 9 Third places, 1 Very Highly Commended and 5 Highly Commended. Mrs Davina Gray won the Roger Shield for the best exhibit in sections 2,3 and 4 for her Snippets Picture and Mrs Cathie Devine won the 70th Anniversary Trophy for the best knitted article for her Babies Jacket, Cathie also won the Chairman’s Choice Trophy for her Cross Stitch Picture which was part of the Gordon Challenge display and Mrs Lorna Milne won the Longmanhill Trophy for the best exhibit in the Findlay Cup with her Lemon Cheesecake.
We also entered the Vaughn Nash Competition in Edinburgh, where we gained a Highly Commended. This is a national competition with WRI’s from all over Scotland competing the theme for this was “Lets Get With It” for our entry we had a Knitted Stole, a Ladies Evening Bag in Counted Thread, a Patchwork Article which was a Gents Cap, a Beaded Bracelet and a Gents Kilt in Modern Tartan.
Mrs Cathie Devine had an individual entry in The Whitecross Trophy where she came second equal. This was for a Child’s Garment with motif knitted in double knitting wool. This is also a national competition with entries from all over Scotland All the entries for these competitions will be on display at “The Handcrafts & Housewives Conference, which is being held in Montrose on 12th, and 13th September 2007. Mrs Lorna Milne President and Mrs Audrey Proctor Vice President are to attend as Botriphnie WRI representatives.
Botriphnie WRI June 2007 Report
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed a large turnout of members to the June meeting which was the last before the summer break. Plans were made for the summer outing, which is being organised by Boharm WRI. After completion of the business Mrs Milne introduced the speaker for the evening Mrs Ann Pirie who demonstrated the art of leaded glass. Ann had brought along several examples of her work, which was much admired by us all. After tea served by Mrs Grace Cox and Mrs Eileen Johnston the competition was judged as follows
Individual Rhubarb Fool 1st Mrs J Law
2nd Mrs C Devine
3rd Mrs A Riach.Mrs Audrey Proctor gave the vote of thanks.
Botriphnie WRI May 2007 Report
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed members to the annual business meeting, which was conducted by Mrs Robertson and Mrs Bruce from Grange WRI who counted the votes for the new committee. The president gave her report on the years activities, which were many and varied. The treasurer reported the finances were in good shape.
After tea served by Mrs J Duncan and Mrs A Riach our guests judged the competitions as follows
Favourite Recipe 1st Mrs L Milne
2nd Mrs A Riach
3rd Mrs E JohnstoneFlower Arrangement Using Three Blooms
1st Mrs C Devine
2nd Mrs J LawThe winner of the WRI Cup for most points in the monthly competitions
1st Mrs M Christie
2nd Mrs L Milne
3rd Mrs J LawThe winner of the Gordon-Duff Trophy
1st Mrs J Law
2nd Mrs M Christie
3rd Mrs L MilneMrs Milne gave the vote of thanks. Our June meeting will be a demonstration on stained glass by Mrs Ann Pirie.
Botriphnie WRI April 2007 Report
On a beautiful spring evening the members of Botriphnie WRI met in Drummuir Village Hall for their monthly meeting. The speaker for the evening was Mr Barry Farmer who told us about his work as a paramedic. Mr Farmer brought along some of the equipment needed when dealing with emergency call outs. We also learned about the intensive training required to qualify for this most worthwhile of professions.
After tea served by Mrs Christie and Mrs Stewart the monthly competitions were judged as follows.
Dish of Pate
1st Mrs L. Milne
2nd Mrs M. Christie
Easter Bonnet
1st equal Mrs J. Law & Mrs M. Christie
The vote of thanks was given by Mrs Milne.
Botriphnie WRI March 2007 Report
With spring almost here the members of Botriphnie WRI were given some timely hints and tips on gardening by Douglas Martin. He covered a wide variety of subjects from how to grow show-stopping daffodils to how to prevent creepy crawlies invading your prize dahlias. Douglas also told us how to propagate certain plants and answered a wide variety of questions put to him by our members. After tea served by Mrs Joey Law and Mrs Jill Wells Douglas judged the competition as follows.
Pot of Miniature Daffodils
1st Mrs D. Gray
2nd Mrs C Devine
Equal 3rd Mrs I. Christie & Mrs J. LawFour Chocolate Truffles
1st Mrs I. Christie
2nd Mrs M Christie
Equal 3rd Mrs J. Law & Mrs C. DevineThe April meeting will be talk by a Paramedic.
Botriphnie WRI February 2007 Report
A full compliment of members were present for our meeting this month, where five of our own members provided the programme each demonstrating a different craft Each member had brought along finished samples of their work for us to see we had card making, fabric box making, beadwork, knitting with emphasis on finishing for show work. We also had the opportunity to make our own item in pottery, which will be fired and returned ready for decorating at a later date. An excellent evening was enjoyed by everyone. After tea served by Dianne Mark and Alison Wells the competitions were judged as follows
Valentine Card
1st Mrs M Christie
2nd Mrs C Devine
3rd Mrs L MilneValentine Verse
1st Mrs J Law
2nd Mrs M Christie
3rd Mrs L MilneOur next meeting is on March 14th when we will be getting Timely Gardening Tips.
A large turnout of members gathered at Drummuir Hall for our first meeting of the year. Dr Morrison from Keith was the speaker who gave a very interesting talk and slide show on his hobby of bird watching. As this is a vast subject he narrowed it down to the birds that are most common to Drummuir and surrounding area including Lochpark as far along as Glackmuick and along to Towiemore. We who live in the area are very fortunate in the variety of birds that live alongside us and go largely unnoticed as we go about our busy lives. After tea served by Mrs L Milne, Dr Morrison judged the competitions as follows -
Pencil Drawing of a Bird
1st Mrs J Law
2nd Mrs D GrayDressed Haggis
Mrs M Christie.
Mrs Gray then gave the vote of thanks. Our next meeting on February 14th is a members night when four of our members will demonstrate their favourite crafts. New members always welcome.
Monthly Report. December 2006.
Members of Botriphnie WRI met at Drummuir Village Hall for the final meeting of the year. This meeting had a Christmas Theme as with the help of Alison Pirie of Flower Power Keith we all made a Christmas table decoration using fresh foliage and flowers. Although we were all using the same basic materials every decoration turned out different. Everyone was very pleased with the finished product and no doubt they will be much admired by all who see them over the festive season. Mrs D Gray and Mrs L Watt served a lovely buffet tea. Mrs Audrey Procter gave the vote of thanks. Alison judged the competitions as follows:
2 Mincemeat Pies
1st Mrs M Christie
2nd Mrs L Milne
3rd Mrs L WattChristmas Cracker
Mrs L Milne
Our next meeting is on 10th January 2007 when the guest speaker will be Dr Melvin Morrison.
Monthly Report. November 2006.
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed members and friends from Keith 50 Plus Club and Glass WRI to the November Meeting. We enjoyed a demonstration of Pampered Chef Equipment by Amber who showed us the versatility of some of the utensils. We then enjoyed sampling the pastries and mini pizzas she had made. A laden sales table was soon cleared and a generous raffle helped to boost our funds. Competition winners were
Filled Victoria Sandwich:
1st Mrs Agnes Riach
2nd Mrs Lorns Milne
3rd Mrs Joey LawMini Guy Fawkes:
1st Mrs Joey Law
The vote of thanks was given by Mrs Milne, who thanked our guests for coming and the ladies who provided the tea and wished everyone a safe journey home.
Our next meeting on December 13th will be Alison Pirie doing Christmas Display with Flowers.
On a very wet and miserable evening members travelled to Milo’s restaurant at Macduff where they all enjoyed a wonderful meal.
Our next meeting on November 8th will be a Pampered Chef Demonstration. New members will be made very welcome.
Monthly Report. September 2006.
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed a good turnout of members to the first meeting of the new session. All the members who had entered Keith Show were congratulated on their successes. Mrs Milne gave a special mention to the six ladies who had done the Gordon Challenge Bowl entry for Keith Show and congratulated them on coming third equal. She also congratulated them on coming third equal in the Vaughn Nash Competition at SWRI National Conference in Edinburgh. This was the first time that Botriphnie WRI had entered a national competition and did extremely well to come third equal out of an entry of forty three.
The guest speaker for the evening was Mr Donald Barr who gave us a very interesting and educational evening with slides following the river Spey from its source to the sea. This was a slide show with a difference as Mr Barr gave us a most interesting talk along with his slides giving us geography, geology and history as well as the beautiful scenery of Speyside.
The garden open day in July raised £315.00, which is to be Donated to CLAN House Aberdeen, which is a cancer care charity.
Tea was served by MrsW Cassidy and Mrs E Cowie.
Competitions:
Jar of Raspberry Jam:
1st Mrs J. Law
2nd Mrs L. Milne
3rd Mrs L. WattPhoto of a Water Scene:
1st Mrs L. Watt
2nd Mrs D. Gray
3rd Mrs A. WellsThe October meeting is a meal out at Banff.
President Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed guests from Drumblade and RuthvenWRI’s and the ladies of Keith Pheonix Club to the June Meeting. The speaker for the evening was Mrs Mavis Squirrel from Gamrie Candles who brought along a large variety of the candles she makes from the very plain and simple ones to the very ornate. She explained how as far back as the cavemen we have used candles and up to the present day we still use them. She told us about the production methods she uses and we all had a go at making a very basic candle using a piece of beeswax.
The competitions were judged by our visitors as followsIndividual Fruit Salad 1st Mrs E Cowie 2nd Mrs L Milne 3rd Mrs W Cassidy
Flower of The Month 1st Mrs W Cassidy 2nd Mrs M Christie 3rd Mrs E Cowie
Mrs Milne gave the vote of thanks to the tea hostesses and all who had donated raffles and items for the sales table and wished everyone a safe journey home.
At the April meeting of Botriphnie WRI in Drummuir Village Hall, the President Mrs Lorna Milne introduced the speaker Mrs Frances Adam whose topic was ‘Floral Table Design’. Frances is an expert demonstrator with more than thirty years experience in the art of floral arrangements.
For the demonstration, Frances started with a glass bowl of floating candles to which she added groups of flower heads in a contemporary design. This was followed by a simple tulip design in a plain square container, which was highlighted by matching candles on each corner. Using coloured oasis cut into cubes, Frances then showed us how the oasis was meant to be seen by using the cubes to fill a clear champagne glass before adding the flowers. For her final table design, cinnamon sticks, pine cones & mushrooms were used to great effect to create a stunning centrepiece. During the demonstration, Frances gave us simple tips on the treatment of flowers for a lasting effect.
Mrs Davina Gray gave the vote of thanks for a really expert demonstration, when she said that Frances had not only answered our questions but had also given us very useful advice & tips on the subject. She also thanked the hostesses Mrs Jo Ricketts & Mrs Jill Wells for supplying a lovely tea.
Competitions:
2 Muffins:
1st Mrs Wendy Cassidy
2nd Mrs Irene Christie.
3rd Mrs Evaline CowieFlower of the Month:
1st Mrs Wendy Cassidy
2nd Mrs Cathy Devine.
3rd Mrs Evaline Cowie.The winner of the extra competition this month the ‘Anne Wallace Sugar Sifter Competition’ for a Yule Log was won by Mrs Wendy Cassidy who will represent Botriphnie W.R.I. in the Federation Competition to be held in May.
The AGM will be on Wednesday 10 May at 7.30pm in Drummuir Village Hall.
The March meeting of Botriphnie W.R.I was cancelled due to illness and severe weather conditions. The event, however, has been rescheduled for Wednesday 14 June when Mavis Squirrel, from Gamrie Candle World will demonstrate ‘Candle Making’. Visitors from the Phoenix Club, Keith, and members from Ruthven and Drumblade WRIs have been invited to join us.
The next meeting of the Rural will be on Wednesday 12 April at 7.30pm in Drummuir Village Hall and will feature Frances Adam and ‘Floral Table Arrangement’. Members are reminded that there will be an extra competition this month the ‘Anne Wallace Sugar Sifter Competition’ for a Yule Log. The winner will represent Botriphnie W.R.I. in the Federation Competition to be held in May.
The ‘Hip Bumpers,’ Botriphnie WRI’s own dance group were featured at the January meeting in Drummuir Village Hall when they were joined by members from the neighbouring Boharm WRI. Laughter was the keynote as members grappled with a warm up window cleaning routine. The only stipulation for the next routine was to be able to walk and the ‘Botriphnie Boogie’ was quickly mastered. A slow down & stretch prepared the audience and dancers for an Egyptian Dance to Scottish Dance music and this was followed by the ‘Hip Bumpers’ demonstrating their new dance ‘Cock o’ the North’. The audience joined in a lively hand jive and then wound down slowly with a gentle set of stretching exercises. An encore demanded a repeat of the ‘Botriphnie Boogie’.
As well as working off the Christmas calories, members were given a chance to exercise their brains with a general knowledge quiz compiled by Botriphnie president, Mrs Lorna Milne. Kathleen McCullough, president of Boharm WRI, was the winner. Mrs McCullough gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the visiting members. Mrs Milne returned the vote of thanks and she also thanked the hostesses Alison Wells & Evalyne Cowie.
Competitions:
How many words from ‘Hip Bumpers’:
1st Mrs Wendy Cassidy
2nd Mrs Evalyne Cowie.
3rd Mrs Dot BremnerFlower of the Month:
1st Mrs Margaret Christie
2nd Mrs Wendy Cassidy.
3rd Mrs Dot Bremner.Mrs Joey Law is compiling a history of Botriphnie WRI and is looking for copies of photographs of past events. If past or present members can help please contact Mrs Law, Rosemalen, 55 Fife St, Keith: tel. 887904.
The next meeting will be in Drummuir Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 Feb and will feature Jim Christie on ‘Our trip to Kenya’. All welcome
President, Mrs Lorna Milne, welcomed a good turn out of members and guests to the January meeting of Botriphnie WRI in Drummuir Village Hall, which featured ‘Our Trip to Kenya’ by Jim Christie. Using slides, Jim gave a graphic description of a 22-day visit to Kenya in February last year, which he described as ‘The Trip of a Lifetime’.
Staying in a variety of accommodation, ranging from simple, straw thatched huts to hotels and from self-catering in a tea plantation to a tent in the safari park, Jim with his wife, Irene, and two Scottish friends enjoyed meeting, and sharing in the lives of many Kenyans. At one village, near to the Ugandan border, traditional teams of Kenyan Dancers entertained them. The Scots visitors returned the honour as, in their kilts, they danced a Foursome Reel. They found the plants, the birds and the clothes worn by the Kenyan all very bright and colourful. They found also, that many Kenyans spoke three languages – their local tribal dialect, Swahili and English.
Travelling North from Nairobi they drove more than 1,500 miles over largely dirt track roads, crossing & re-crossing the Equator. They visited several schools where the pupils plied Jim, as a farmer, with questions about Scottish farming. Three days were spent at the Maasai Mara Safari Park where Jim was thrilled to see cheetahs with their cubs. The Land Rover approached within three metres of many of the animals allowing the group to photograph e.g. elephants, lions, okapi, rhino, giraffe, wildebeest and leopards.
The hostesses for the night, who supplied a lovely tea, were Mrs Agnes Riach and Mrs Lorna Milne. Mrs Audrey Proctor, vice president, gave the vote of thanks to the speaker for his very interesting portrayal of Kenya.
Competitions:
Tray Bake:
1st Mrs Wendy Cassidy
2nd Mrs Evalyne Cowie
3rd Mrs Lorna MilneHoliday Snap:
1st Mrs Evalyne Cowie
2nd Mrs Davina Grayy
3rd Mrs Wendy CassidyThe next meeting will be in Drummuir Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 March and will feature Muriel Squirrel, from Gamrie Candle World with ‘Candle Making’. Visitors from the Phoenix Club, Keith, and members from Ruthven and Drumblade WRIs will be joining us. There will be a sales table and all are welcome.
D Bremner (Mrs) Press secretary 01542 810381. E-mail dbremner@talk21.com
President, Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed a good turnout of members to Botriphnie WRI’s December meeting. She then introduced the speaker for the night, Ann Miller, from Spey Bay, whose topic was ‘Making Chocolates’.
A good quality, continental chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa butter was used in the demonstration. To give the best results temperature control is important, so using a thermostatically controlled, electric, double boiler, Ann melted the chocolate and she also used plastic utensils throughout as these help to maintain a consistent temperature. Then using a variety of fillings such as tangerines, ginger, & marzipan, etc she showed us how to dip these into the chocolate mixture to make a varied assortment of chocolates. Different decorations and shapes were used to help to identify the flavours. The chocolates were spread out to dry on greaseproof paper but the speaker explained that parchment paper or foil could also be used.
Ann then demonstrated with an ordinary paintbrush how to spread the chocolate into moulds to make shells, which could then be filled with e.g. liqueurs or decorated with marshmallows etc. She made a lovely chocolate Santa Clause in white and dark chocolate as well as chocolate Christmas tree decorations. Finally, Ann explained that there is no waste with this craft as rejects can be melted down again - or eaten. We then enjoyed eating the chocolates and savouring the different flavours.
Mrs Milne gave the vote of thanks for a mouth-watering demonstration and she also thanked the hostesses Diane Ford & Audrey Proctor for a lovely tea.
Competitions:
Christmas Card – (Any craft).
1st Mrs Margaret Christie.
2nd Mrs Davina Gray.
3rd Mrs Wendy CassidyDecorated Mini Roll:
1st Mrs Davina Gray.
2nd Mrs Wendy Cassidy.
3rd Mrs Lorna Milne.Boharm WRI will be joining us for our next meeting in Drummuir Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 January and will feature The Hip Bumpers with ‘Dancing Strictly for Fun’. All welcome
D Bremner (Mrs) Press secretary 01542 810381. E-mail dbremner@talk21.com
President, Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed a good turnout of members, including two new members, to Botriphnie WRI’s November meeting. Details were finalised for the Coffee and Home Bakes event to be held in the North Church Hall, from 10-12noon on Saturday 12 November 05 in aid of the Earthquake Appeal. Boharm & Grange WRIs are combining with Botriphnie Rural to raise much-needed funds for this worthwhile appeal. All welcome to come along and enjoy some home baking.
Mrs Milne then welcomed the speaker, one of our own members, Mrs Davina Gray who demonstrated Card Making using the iris folding technique with ribbons. Silence reigned as we made a card in a Christmas tree design. Mrs Milne gave the vote of thanks to Mrs Gray for a most enjoyable demonstration and she also thanked the hostesses, Mrs Irene Christie and Mrs Dianne Mark for a lovely tea.
Competitions:
Knitted scarf – modern yarn:
1st Mrs Margaret Christie.
2nd Mrs Wendy Cassidy.
3rd Mrs Davina Gray.Pot plant:
1st Mrs Margaret Christie.
2nd Mrs Evalyne Cowie.
3rd Mrs Dot Bremner.The next meeting will be in Drummuir Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14 December and will feature Ann Miller ‘Making Chocolates’. All welcome.
D Bremner (Mrs) Press secretary 01542 810381. E-mail dbremner@talk21.com
President, Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed a good turnout of members to Botriphnie WRI’s 26th Anniversary celebrations at the Spey Bay Hotel where they enjoyed a splendid meal.
The next meeting will be in Drummuir Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 9 November and will feature Card Making with Mrs Davina Gray who will be demonstrating a ‘hands on’ iris folding technique. All welcome
President, Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed a good turnout of members to Botriphnie WRI’s new session, held in Drummuir Village Hall, on Wednesday 14 Sept. Lorna was a finalist in Taste of Grampian ‘Romantic Meal for Two’ competition in June. She represented the Banffshire Federation at Thainstone Centre in June against three other North East Federations. The winner was Michelle Paterson from Aberdeenshire Federation; but only one point separated the four finalists, a great honour for them all
Lorna thanked the ladies at the Rural for the hard work involved in Drummuir Castle Garden Open Day, in July, which raised £881.50p to be divided equally between Drummuir Village Hall and Marie Curie Nurses. She also congratulated both individual and team members for their successes at Keith Show. After conducting the usual business, correspondence etc; the president then introduced the speaker, lip-reading tutor, Moira Morrison.
The topic for the evening was ‘lip-reading and deaf awareness’. Moira explained that other skills such as observation of gestures, body language, facial expressions, were necessary for good lip-reading. She also covered the limitations of lip-reading such as different accents, lack of light etc. The type of help available for the hearing impaired was also discussed, for instance, hearing aids, flashing doorbells, amplified telephones etc.
Hearing loss, however, is as individual as the person it affects and can range from mild to total deafness. Moira handed out earplugs to wear in one ear only; to demonstrate the difficulties experienced by a hearing impaired person. It was a surprise to discover the problems this caused in communication with others and also to hear that this affected the way we hear our own voices. Moira runs free weekly classes, funded by Aberdeen & North East Deaf Society, in Keith and Elgin when she not only teaches lip-reading skills but also advises on coping strategies and equipment available etc. The new session in Keith will be at the Turner Memorial Hospital 7-9pm starting Tuesday 4 October. Contact Moira at 01343 820079.
Mrs Audrey Proctor, Vice President, gave the vote of thanks for an interesting, informative and entertaining talk on a serious topic. Mrs Wendy Cassidy and Mrs Jean Mark supplied lovely tea and home bakes.
Competitions:
4 Pieces of tablet:
1st Mrs Wendy Cassidy
2nd Mrs Evaline Cowie
3rd Mrs Margaret Christie.Flower of the month:
1st Mrs Dot Bremner
2nd. Mrs Wendy Cassidy
3rd Miss Alison Wells.The Spey Bay Hotel is the venue for Botriphnie WRI’s 76th birthday meal on Wednesday 12 October at 6.30 for 7pm.
D Bremner (Mrs) Press secretary 01542 810381. E-mail dbremner@talk21.com
The President, Mrs Lorna Milne welcomed over 100 people to the open meeting of Botriphnie WRI, held in Drummuir Village Hall. They included visitors from Keith Over 50s Club, Keith & St. Rufus Social Group. and WRI members from Arradoul, Deskford, Glass and Fordyce who were entertained by Botriphnie Primary School’s Violin Group. Ten children played a variety of traditional Scottish tunes with old favourites such as ‘Rowan Tree’ and ‘The Skye Boat Song’ finishing with ‘Thistle of Scotland’. This was the group’s last public performance before their appearance at the Keith Festival.
The president then introduced the speaker, Mrs Gail Thomson, Service Manager from the charity ‘The Archie Foundation’, who gave a brief history on the Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. Mrs Thomson showed slides of the work in progress and the finished building, the new hospital was opened on the 25 Jan. 2004. The charity was formed in September 2,000 and set out to raise £2.5 million. This was to provide extras such as equipment, toys, research facilities and furnishings for the parent accommodation units etc. for the new hospital. In fact they have raised £5.1.million from donations ranging from as little as 50p to £22,000. The name Archie stands for ‘Aberdeen Royal Children’s Hospital Is Excellent’ and Botriphnie WRI presented Mrs Thomson with their 4th donation which will go towards the maintenance of equipment, continuing research and the ongoing support for the Community Child Services.
Mrs Milne gave the vote of thanks and Mrs Isobel Eckersley, Chairwoman of the Banffshire Federation, returned the vote of thanks on behalf of the visiting rurals.
Competitions:
Knitted hat/bonnet:
1st Mrs Margaret Christie
2nd Mrs Agnes Riach
3rd Mrs Wendy Cassidy.Jar of Grasses:
1st Mrs Davina Gray
2nd. Mrs Lindsay Watt
3rd Mrs Margaret ChristieThe Annual outing this year arranged by Mulben WRI will be on Wednesday 22 June with a bus leaving from Seafield Avenue Keith at 5pm to visit Rizza’s Ice Cream Factory at Huntly returning to Keith for a meal at the Ugie House Hotel.
Drummuir Castle Gardens will be open to the public on Sunday 10 July 2005 from 1-4.30pm. Botriphnie WRI will be providing tea and home bakes in the Castle and the members have decided to donate the entry money and the proceeds from the teas to Botriphnie Village Hall Fund and Marie Curie Nurses. Special garden trains will be running from both Keith and Dufftown with a guide to show the visitors round. All will be made welcome.
D Bremner (Mrs) Press secretary 01542 810381. E-mail dbremner@talk21.com
The outgoing President, Mrs Agnes Riach, welcomed a good turn out of members for the AGM followed by a “Taste and Try”. The Secretary, Treasurer and President gave their annual reports, all looking back on what was a busy and highly successful year.
The new committee members are:
President: Mrs Lorna Milne
Vice President: Mrs Audrey Proctor
Secretary: Mrs Lindsay Watt
Treasurer: Mrs Margaret Christie
Press Secretary: Mrs Dot Bremner
Competitions Mrs Diane Ford
Magazines Mrs Dianne Mark
Raffles Mrs Mary StewartMrs Riach thanked the tellers, Shona Cockill, with Fiona and Claire Morrison, she also thanked the members for bringing along such a lovely variety of dishes for the “Taste and Try”.
Mrs Davina Gray won the Gordon Duff Plate this year, with Mrs Dot Bremner in second place and Mrs Agnes Riach in third place. Mrs Lindsay Watt won the WRI cup. In second equal place, sharing the same number of points for the year were, Mrs Joey Law, and Mrs Wendy Cassidy, with Mrs Dot Bremner third prize.
Competitions:
Filled Baked Tattie:
1st Mrs Wendy Cassidy
2nd Mrs Evalyne CowieFlower of the Month:
1st Mrs Davina Gray 2nd
Mrs Jean Mark
3rd Mrs Margaret ChristieThe next meeting will be an open meeting in Drummuir Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 June 2005 with Gail Thomson from the Archie Foundation and the Violin Group from Botriphnie Primary School will also entertain. Many parents will be attending and visitors from Keith & St Rufus Social Group with members from Arradoul, Deskford, Fordyce and Glass WRI s also attending. All parents, friends and fellow members will be made very welcome.
The Annual outing this year arranged by Mulben WRI will be on Wednesday 22 June with a bus leaving from Seafield Avenue Keith at 5pm to visit Rizza’s Ice Cream Factory at Huntly returning to Keith for a meal at the Ugie House Hotel.
D Bremner (Mrs) Press secretary 01542 810381. E-mail dbremner@talk21.com