Southbridge

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 18, 7 March 1941, Page 4

Southbridge

INSTITUTE ANNUAL. MEETING

Mrs G. B. Couch presided over a large attendance at the annual meeting of the Southbridge Women's Institute. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mrs A. J. Inwood in her bereavement. The roll-call "Suggestions for this year's programme," was well responded to.

Miss E. Sloan, secretary, presented the report and balance-sheet which showed a successful year with a credit of £3/6/3.

During the year the institute had assisted the Red Cross Society, the Lady Galway Fund, the Makogai Leper Fund and the Institute for the Blind. A large number of parcels had been despatched to the soldiers overseas. Interesting lectures and demonstrations had been given each month. The funds were also augmented by competitions and by the proceeds of the sales tables.

Mrs Couch spoke in appreciative terms of the valuable services rendered by Miss Sloan and Miss Lewton, the treasurer.

A song was sung by Mrs W. C. Eggelton, and a recitation was given by Mrs Pilkington, while Miss Lewton contributed a pianoforte item.

Mrs Pilkington spoke of the splendid services given by Mrs Cojuch since the inception of the institute and expressed regret at her departure from the district. Mrs M. Inwood presented Mrs Couch, Miss Sloan and Miss Lewton, each with a floral spray. Mrs Couch suitably returned thanks and said she would miss the institute members very much, She then presented the yearly prizes as follows: Large bloom, Mrs W. G. Hill 1, Mrs Goulden 2; small bloom, Mrs J. Ballagh 1, Mrs W. Liiley 2; cookery, Mrs Hill 1, Mrs Goulden 2; variety, Mrs S. McCartin 1, Mrs Goulden 2; aggregates, Mrs Goulden 1, Mrs Hill 2. The aggregate prize was donated by Mrs C. Tod. Amusement competitions were won by Mesdames Doyle, M. Inwood, J. Williamson and W. Hickman.

The election of officers was as follows: President, Mrs J. Ballagh; vice-presidents, Mrs C. Tod and Miss Staee; secretary, Miss E. Sloan; assistant, Miss D. Lilley; treasurer, Miss I. Lewton; committee, Mesdames J. Burt, J. Dugan, A. Love, A. Stewart, P. Stevenson, C. Tod, and K. Hopa, Misses D. Galpin, D. Lilley, E. Moorhead, R. Stace; social committee, Misses E. Moorhead (convener), D. Galpin and R. Stace. .

An appeal to assist the R.S.A. Women's Auxiliary with the sale of poppies, and to donate cakes and produce for Poppy Day was received from Mrs Pilkington. Mesdames C. Tod and J. Dugan were appointed to assist at Leeston on Poppy Day.

Correspondence about a seven days trip to Nelson and Lewis Pass, was received from .the Women's Travel Club and those intending to make the trip were requested to send their names to the secretary. Mrs R. McLaughlin resigned from the, position of pianist. Appreciative references were made to her services and Mrs Pilkington consented to act in her stead for the present.

Mrs Couch extended a hearty welcome to Mrs Ballagh and said she hoped the members would give her- their loyal co-operation.

Afternoon tea "was served by Mesdames W. Millar and C. Tod, Misses D. Lilley and E. Moorhead.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant afternoon to a close.