## **Dundonald Townswomen’s Guild – Trustees Annual Report 2023/24** 

March - At the AGM Kay appealed to members to join the committee, thanks to Hilary for responding.  As no-one new was willing to take up an officer's position Kay was in the unfortunate position of having to manage as Chair and Treasurer for the forthcoming year.  Without her agreement to do this it was possible the Guild may have had to close.  Many thanks to her for all her hard work throughout the year, the committee are very grateful for her continued support of TG. Following the AGM Pat ran a quiz with cream eggs for the winning team. 

April – Billy McCullough gave a talk, 'Tickets Please' about the cinema industry.  He showed one of the first ever movies, a 30 second silent film.  Slides of some of the older cinemas brought back lots of memories for members 

May - Our speaker, Esther, spoke about the life cycle of bees and about bee-keeping, she was very knowledgable on her subject. She also brought along some of her own honey for us to purchase 

An additional event in May was the afternoon tea to celebrate the King's Coronation with invited guests from the Council and local women's groups.   This was funded by a grant from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for which we were very grateful.  Tea was followed by a fantastic flower arranging demonstration with arrangements being given as ballot prizes to attendees. 

June - Our annual outing was a trip to Montalto House in Ballynahinch were we had coffee & shortbread followed by a tour of the lovely house. 

July & August - several of the members met in Stormont grounds for a picnic lunch although the weather was not as kind to us as previous years.  Our tea lasted longer though during the rain showers 

September - Patience Bradley told us of her lifetime journey through modelling, dancing with Legs & Co. on television and organising fashion shows. She then showed us a number of ways to wear scarves, helping us with our efforts. 

October - We were joined by a very interesting visitor, Finlay, a Guide Dog Ambassador along with his companion Winsome.  Winsome told us of the work of guide dogs while Finlay worked the room, stopping at every member for a stroke.  Although he was a 'failed' Guide dog, he made a wonderful ambassador 

November – We held a craft night with Lila bringing along materials for everyone to make several Christmas decorations.  Everyone had several to take home by the end of the meeting. 

December – We enjoyed a Christmas afternoon tea at the Inspire Centre catered by 29 Catering from Newtownards.  Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to mingle and chat and enjoy the food. 

January – Our speaker was Linda Patterson who spoke about the Millisle Farm which housed refugees during WW2, many of the children attending Millisle Primary School during their stay 

February – Elaine Somers, an author, gave an interesting talk about her book called Marjory and Claudette. 

A full programme has been arranged for 24/25 which we hope all members will enjoy 



Lila Mcconnell
Honorary Secretary