Gentle Movement for health at Carsphairn SWI
President, Irene McCreath welcomed a very good turnout to the meeting on 19th March 2026. She introduced Ernie Budd who invited members to sit in a circle of chairs that he had arranged. Low volume, relaxing music was playing in the background and Ernie explained that we were going to join him in gentle movement, tai chi for health.
Every member there took part and a restful calm settled over the hall as everyone listened carefully and followed Ernie’s movement suggestions. He took everyone through a series of movements that focused on all parts of their bodies and aimed to improve balance, reduce stress and boost mobility without straining joints. The session came to a close with everyone having time and space to be quiet, calm and tranquil before easing back into the buzz of the evening. Melissa Ade gave Ernie a vote of thanks which was heartily endorsed by everyone there. Members said they felt relaxed and energised, and that the experience had been supportive, positive and opened up the possibility to do more.
Fergus models the Short Mat Bowling trophy
Melissa Ade and Susie Seed provided welcome refreshments while the raffle was drawn and members prepared to discuss the business of the meeting. Nancy White, Treasurer gave an update on the financial situation and members reviewed recent Federation events including the Spring Show and the Short Mat Bowling competition, both of which resulted in trophies. Raffle tickets for The Gathering (a national SWI meeting in September) were collected. Attention was drawn to the national survey currently available online and in print if desired. The purpose of it is to give Central Office information about the views of members across the country in relation to their experience of being a member of the SWI. Everyone was encouraged to fill it in. Information was shared about other Institute open events in the Stewartry. Arrangements were refined for Carsphairn SWI’s April and May meetings. Ideas for the Summer outing were discussed and a couple of front runners were noted.
Lavinia told everyone about her tray of chocolate lollies which each had a year attached. She passed the tray round and asked each member to choose a year that was meaningful to them and then explain why. Lavinia had a special birthday many years ago when she did this with her guests using cupcakes that she had baked and iced with different years. Everyone thanked her and said what a lovely idea it was. They also wished Lavinia and her husband well for their forthcoming special anniversary. The Travelling Book had been returned with Anna Campbell’s insert included, telling about the first Carsphairn Rural meeting. The book has now travelled to Lavinia.
Susie had kindly agreed to judge the Dundee cakes, the winner of which will go forward to the Federation competition in June. Ernie Budd was happy to judge the bulbs and flower of the month. The winners were as follows:
Bowl of Bulbs, 1 Melissa Ade, 2 Nancy White, 3 Sheila Little.
Dundee Cake, 1 Isobel Cuthbertson, 2 Nancy White, 3 Irene McCreath.
Flower of the Month, 1 Isabel McBeth, 2 Nancy White, 3 Dorothy Faulds.
Irene thanked Melissa and Susie for providing the very welcome refreshments and this was endorsed by all. Everyone helped to tidy up. It had been a meeting of many parts which added up to a most successful evening.