Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye - reflections of the retired National SWI President
President, Irene McCreath welcomed everyone to the SWI meeting on Thursday 15th October and introduced Mary Burney, recently retired National SWI President.
Mary Burney, retired National SWI President
Mary began with a poem about the SWI which reflected how important the organisation is for many women. She then took everyone along with her on her journey which began as a teenager attending her first Rural meeting at Whinnieliggate through to her current Institute, Clarebrand which she joined in the early 1970s.
Mary said that the old phrase ‘Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye’ seemed to resonate as she moved through different SWI positions at Institute, Federation and National levels. She has seen many changes so far, some minor and some hugely significant as the organisation meets challenges and responds to them.
Mary took up position as National Vice President in 2020 which led to President from 2023 to 2026. She has travelled the length and breadth of Scotland not to mention her global journeys to places such as Romania, Canada, Malaysia and Ireland. Mary described a box she has at home full of mementos and gifts from her travels which she plans to go through in the coming winter by the fire to remember her amazing times representing Scotland.
Throughout all of this Mary said that the most important thing to her about her role was meeting and talking with people to hear their stories and share ideas. Mary told everyone that 15th October, the meeting date, was the National Day for The Associated Country Women of the World and how Scotland is well represented with SWI members holding key positions in that organisation.
Mary finished with another poem which everyone also enjoyed which spoke about the many and varied jobs and tasks in the SWI which take ’Only One Night!’. Helen Grunshaw gave Mary a warm vote of thanks which was heartily endorsed by everyone there. Isabel McBeth and Nancy White then provided welcome refreshments. The raffle was drawn.
The business of the evening was discussed next which included Nancy’s Treasurer’s report and reflections on the recent ‘Wee Gathering’ that had taken place at the CocoaBean. Forthcoming events were discussed such as the Christmas Quiz at Dalbeattie, Carsphairn’s festive celebration and next year’s Ruralympics and Federation Show.
Mary had kindly agreed to judge the competitions. The results were as follows:
Small pouch 1. Christine Whipp, 2. Sheila Little, 3. Merle Kerkhof.
Cheese scones (Rose bowl) 1. Christine Whipp, 2. Nancy White, 3. Jennifer Harvie.
Flower of the Month 1. Dorothy Faulds, 2. Jennifer Harvie, 3. Nancy White.
Bringing the meeting to a close Irene thanked Isabel and Nancy for providing the refreshments. Everyone helped to tidy up the hall. The meeting had been a long-ish one and lots of discussion had taken place. Members had enjoyed hearing about Mary’s SWI journey which gave everyone food for thought about their own.
Christine Whipp, Secretary, Carsphairn SWI