Gardener lifts the lid on his time at Uppark
BERRIEDALE SWRI members met in the Portland Hall for their September meeting.
President Sue Steven welcomed everyone and secretary Marie Mackenzie read the minutes of the last meeting.
The speaker for the evening was Peter Meredith, head gardener at Langwell, who gave a very interesting talk about the years he spent working for the National Trust at Uppark Gardens, which belonged to the Fetherstonhaugh family.
Peter talked about the 1987 storm, the damage to the house and gardens and the restoration.
He also spoke about Uppark House which went on fire in 1989 and took five years to restore.
A good tea was provided by Sally Blanshard and Hilly Stokes.
Raffles were won by Shirley Cowdrill, Sally Blanshard, Tot Miller and Marie Mackenzie.
Competition results – Berries and foliage in a vase – 1 Marion Mackenzie. 2 Sue Steven. 3 Lorna Miller. 4 Shirley Cowdrill.
? Bower SWRI members welcomed Wendy Yolland to their latest meeting.
Wendy gave a very interesting talk on her school days when she attended a convent boarding school in Yorkshire.
She told of the daily routines in the convent as well as the kindness of the nuns who taught her.
Competition – Salt and pepper – 1 Doreen Lorimer. 2 Sibbie Forbes. 3 Eswyl Fell.
? At the September meeting of Keiss SWRI Heather Dyer showed members how she makes eco-friendly candles.
Competition points for 2011/12 – 1 Isabel Harrold. 2 Helen MacGregor. 3eq Sheila Main and Audrey Mackay.
Tea was served by Jean Calder and the raffle won by Irene Mackay.
At the group’s October meeting, Ann Ross, from the Swallow Glass Studio, showed how she does glass fusing and brought along lovely items she has made.
Tea was served by Audrey Mackay and Diane Bain and raffles were won by Helen MacGregor, Ella Lawrence and Diane Bain.
? At the July meeting of Lyth SWRI, members were delighted to have Muriel Murray, from Castletown, as their guest speaker.
She gave an insight into life in Castletown during the last four centuries or so – revolving around the links between Church, education, welfare and work and how these evolved over time.
? Mrs C. Mackay, president, welcomed members of Latheron SWRI to their September meeting.
After business matters were dealt with Mrs Mackay introduced Ken Crossan who showed members a slide show of his photographs of the geology, birds, mammals and plants of Caithness.
Members enjoyed the clarity and colour of Mr Crossan’s photos as well as his informative dialogue.
Competition results – Seniors – Floral arrangement – 1 Mrs L. Parsons. 2 Mrs C. Grant. 3 Mrs L. Kirk.
Jar of jam – 1 Mrs C. Grant. 2 Mrs S. Millington. 3 Mrs C. Mackay. 4 Mrs L. Parsons.
Juniors – Floral arrangements in drinks can – 1 Jade Kirk.
Recycled item – 1 J. Kirk. 2 Lauren Mackay.
? Mrs C. Polson welcomed members to Lybster SWRI’s September meeting in the day centre.
She welcomed Shirley Bird who had come along with her Avon products for members to try.
Winners of the raffle were Mrs S. Budge, Mrs E. Smith, Mrs M. Henderson, Mrs L. Sinclair, Mrs K.M. Carter and Mrs M. Henderson.
Competition results – Lemon drizzle cake – 1 K.M. Carter. 2 C. Miller. 3 S. Budge.
? Mrs J. Stitt welcomed David Richard-Jones to Scotscalder SWRI’s latest meeting.
He gave members an interesting and informative talk on Caithness Talking Newspapers.
After business was attended to, tea was served by Miss N. Manson and Mrs C. Busby. Competition results – Chocolate and banana sponge – 1 Mrs E. Couper. 2 Mrs C. Swanson.
Raffle winners – Mrs M. George and Mrs C. Swanson.
The group’s next meeting is on November 6.
? Spittal SWRI recently held its annual general meeting. Office bearers were elected as follows: president Jessie Allan, vice-president Anne Gunn, secretary Liz Hewitson and treasurer Nan Budge.
The Balbeg Quaich for most points in the competitions throughout the year was later presented to Nan Budge with 39 points. 2 Liz Hewitson 34 points. 3 Anne Gunn 26.5 points. 4 Sarah Gunn 21 points.
Tea was served by Mrs Budge and the raffle winner was Mary Farquhar.
? Thrumster SWRI chairwoman Mrs M. Manson welcomed members to their September meeting.
Speaker for the evening was Zena Sinclair, from Wick, who gave members a delightful talk about her visit to London during the Queen’s jubilee celebrations.
Isobel Sutherland, from Thrumster, came along with Zena and recited two poems about the jubilee and the royal wedding to go along with the talk.
Tea hostesses for the night were Mrs W. Miller and Mrs M. MacGill.
Competitions results – Hat and scarf – 1 Mrs L. Tait. 2 Mrs M. Manson. Savoury flan – 1 Mrs W. Miller. 2 Mrs M. Manson. 3 Mrs M. MacGill.
Juniors – Gingerbread men – 1 Georgina O’Doherty.
? Weydale SWRI president Ellen Robson welcomed the group’s speaker for the evening, Ruth Manson, who gave a talk on health and fitness.
Competition – Four fruit girdle scones – 1 Christine Steven. 2 Amy Walker. 3 Margaret Ryrie.
Raffle winners – Janette Ryrie and Ellen Robson.
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