Women's Institute music festival 2017

Carole Baird, Arts Sub-Committee chairman welcomed everyone to the event, including Federation president Lady Anthony Hamilton, Lady Moyra Campbell, Federation chairman Elizabeth Warden, Federation vice chairman Beth Irwin and adjudicator Sam Cuddy, BMus., PGCE.

The audience were treated to a very enjoyable day of music and performance. There was stiff competition in the choir classes, and the comprehensive and constructive comments from the adjudicator were much appreciated by all those taking part. It would be difficult to single out any particular performance but one memorable one was that of “Three Little Girls from School” performed by three ladies from Portaferry Institute, dressed immaculately in Japanese kimonos and full regalia, who delighted the audience and adjudicator with their performance. The adjudicator was full of praise for all the participants and said he wished he could join the WI as everyone seemed to enjoy themselves so much.

The presentation of awards was carried out by Federation chairman, Elizabeth Warden who also thanked the arts chairman and her committee for their hard work putting the event together. As Elizabeth was a member of the Ballyblack choir which won several awards, Federation vice chairman Beth Irwin took over the presentation of those.

The general vote of thanks was given by Helen Jamieson who expressed appreciation to the adjudicator for his hard work, to the Session and Committee of 2nd Comber Presbyterian Church not only for the use of their halls, but for the delicious tea, coffee, scones and lunch provided by the ladies of the church catering committee and to all the participants and audience for such an enjoyable day.

The list of prizewinners is as follows:

Burgess Trophy for Fireside Chorus: First, Armoy WI and second, Richhill WI

Alice Chestnut Shield for Choral Folk – own choice: First, Ballyblack WI and second, Quoile WI

Ballyrogan Salver for Choral Sacred: First, Ballyblack WI and second, Slemish WI

Carrickfergus Cup for Choral 12 plus voices: First, Quoile WI and second, Ballyblack WI

Priory Cup for Ensemble 2 – 12 voices: First, Quoile WI and second, Ballyblack WI

Doreen Young Cup for Soprano solo untrained: First, Nuala Doran, Armoy WI and second, Stephanie McLean, Clogher Valley WI

Havelock Nelson Medal for Alto solo untrained: First, Iris Walker, Quoile WI, and second, Geraldine Williams, Clogher Valley WI

Ann Getgood Salver for Soprano solo trained, First, Muriel Smyth, Portaferry WI and second, Jayne Martin, Ballyblack WI

Arts Sub Committee cup for Song from a Show: First, Crumlin WI and second, Ballyblack WI

Sam Henry Cup for Solo Folk Song: First, Anne Patton, Armoy WI and second, Nuala Doran, ArmoyWI

Deborah Horan Trophy for Overall Winner: Ballyblack WI