Westmeath ICA guilds back to routine for autumn season
ICA Westmeath Federation notes
The Westmeath Federation of the ICA held their first meeting of the season at Áras an Mhuilinn on Tuesday 6 October, when Mullingar Guild were hosts, and four guilds attended. Rose Rice took the chair at her first meeting as president of the federation. Thanks to Rosaleen Madden, outgoing president.
Congratulations were expressed to Ber Ennis, Horseleap Streamstown Guild, who represented Westmeath Federation in the Brown Bread Competition at the National Ploughing Championship. Ber might not have won, but anyone who is lucky enough to taste her brown bread knows she used the traditional brown bread recipe.
The annual ACWW walk was held on the Old Rail Trail, Streamstown during the summer. €170 was collected for the ACWW, which funds projects to improve the quality of life for women and communities worldwide.
The guilds were busy during the summer; Ballinea Brotenstown members took up pitch and putt and pickleball. They had a presentation from TEAM and made a donation to the organisation. They visited the Shackleton Experience, Athy, the National Stud and Japanese Gardens.
Castlepollard Guild visited the Shackleton Experience, Athy. They are also taking singing lessons. They are attending exercises for the Young at Heart and hope to visit Westport in the near future.
Horseleap Streamstown have just returned from a trip to Westport. They had a day trip to the Dail and the Guinness Storehouse, and another to Kilruddery Gardens and Bray. At the moment, they are making calico dolls and cross stitching. Line dancing will commence on 22 October for 8 weeks starting at 8pm. All members are welcome.
Mullingar Guild went to Wales for their day trip and took the train to Bangor. They have willow weaving class organised for November. They are also holding a Halloween night in the Annebrook House Hotel. They plan to visit the Mary Aikenhead Visitor Centre, Harolds Cross in November.
The Harvest Platter competition was won by Horseleap Streamstown Guild. The adjudicator was Anne Russell from Mullingar Gardening Club.
The meeting concluded with the usual cup of tea and chat.