Carsphairn SWI AGM 2025
Melissa Ade, President, welcomed everyone to the 2025 AGM of Carsphairn SWI. Melissa then took everyone through her reflections of the year.
She mentioned the range of different speakers and activities that had been undertaken. These were varied and in a number of cases, different members of Carsphairn had led meetings by speaking and demonstrating. Melissa sincerely thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the meetings and indeed the year. Nancy White and Christine Whipp gave Melissa a plant in appreciation of her commitment in leading members and friends through the session. Christine then backed up Melissa’s talk with a succession of photos which reminded everyone about their participation over the last twelve months.
When it came to the June reflections on the outing to the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, Susie Seed spoke about her involvement in one of the panels and how that came about. It really brought the tapestry home to Carsphairn hearing Susie’s account of her own and other local ladies’ experiences in contributing to the unique tapestry. Susie shared a book which illustrated the panels and tells the story of how the Great Tapestry came about. At the end of the review of the year it was evident that Carsphairn SWI had experienced yet again a great year of learning, socialising and enjoyment.
Nancy White, Treasurer, then gave members printed copies of her report on the finances for the year. The bank account is healthy and Nancy answered any questions. She also shared that there will be an increase to the membership and visitor fees this coming year.
After receiving the Treasurer’s Report from Nancy, Melissa presented the trophies for the year:
The Kellie Cup for most points was awarded to Nancy White.
The Watret Trophy for Bunch of Daffodils was awarded to Irene McCreath.
The Rose Bowl for clothes for Fergus was awarded to Sheila Little.
The Cuthbertson Salver for most points in Flower of the Month was shared between Dorothy Faulds and Nancy White.
The prize for most entries was won by Sheila Little.
Well done everyone!
There followed some business items on the agenda. These included arrangements for the forthcoming Federation Carpet Bowling Competition and the Christmas Quiz. Members also spent time finalising the arrangements for the 90th Birthday celebration in December. Jennifer Harvie gave an update on the Heritage Group developments. Susie Seed returned the Travelling book and this was passed to Jennifer. Everyone was reminded that the Carsphairn Burns Supper will be on January 16th 2026.
The committee for the following year was decided when Sylvia Sinclair very kindly counted the votes and the seven members elected to the 2026 committee were Melissa Ade, Dorothy Faulds, Merle Kerkhof, Irene McCreath, Betty Peacock, Christine Whipp and Nancy White. The committee gathered to agree office bearers which were as follows:- President, Irene McCreath, Vice President, Melissa Ade, Treasurer, Nancy White, Secretary, Christine Whipp. It was agreed that the committee will meet on December 8th 2025 at 7pm at Lagwyne Hall to compile the new syllabus. Merle Kerkhof agreed to continue as Competition Co-ordinator and Betty Peacock agreed to continue as Federation Delegate.
Refreshments were provided by the outgoing committee. Melissa thanked Sylvia for counting the votes and gave her a small token of everyone’s appreciation. The raffle was drawn, and drawn, and drawn. There were lots of super prizes. Melissa reiterated her thanks to everyone for their contribution to the evening and throughout the year. Tidying up was shared and everyone headed for home after a very busy night which had reflected members’ enjoyment and enthusiasm for the future. Journeys home involved negotiating icy and cold conditions as it had the previous year.