ICA ladies create a tree of memories

THE Wexford Federation of ICA held a minute’s silence in memory of deceased members as president Deirdre Connery unveiled a Tree of Remembrance at the group’s monthly meeting.

The tree was made by ICA Crafts Officer Eileen Creevey and was enhanced by the addition of individual handmade rosettes created by members from around the county in honour of those who have passed away.

Eileen was commended on her bright idea of asking guilds to create objects from books of fabric samples which were placed on proud display at the federation meeting. Guilds came up with an amazing array of household items from roman blinds to aprons, bags and quilts.

Officers presented reports on recent activities from participation in national competitions to a Downtown Abbey weekend at ICA headquarters in An Grianán, Termonfeckin, County Louth, which was attended by eight County Wexford members who dressed in historical costume for the weekend.

There was news from Wexford Women’s Refuge which is regularly supported by the Wexford Federation in the form of bi-monthly collections of personal care items donated by members for the refuge residents.

Deirdre Connery welcomed three students from Bridgetown College who are members of the local guild and were attending their first Federation meeting.

She also congratulated Adamstown guild on the 15th anniversary of its foundation and The Maudlins, New Ross guild which was established 65 years ago and is still going strong.

There was a draw for seven full scholarships to An Grianan’s adult education centre which was funded from the “ICA Has Got Talent” competition held last Easter. The winners were Carrig-on-Bannow, Oulart, Horeswood, Kilrane/ Rosslare Harbour, Oylegate, Enniscorthy and Boolavogue guilds.

The guest speaker was Philip McCabe, the resident bee-keep- er at An Grianan, and World President of Apimondia, the World Beekeeping Association. He gave an entertaining talk which had a serious message concerning the alarming reduction in the bee population in recent years, the reasons for it and what we can do about it.

Philip also presented fascinating evidence of the benefits of bee stings and honey in the treatment of medical conditions.

The unveiling of the Christmas Tree of Remembrance (from left): Dee Devereux, Mary O’Kelly, Eileen Creevey, Deirdre Connery, Wexford president, Ann Young and Gretta O’Connor.

Adamstown ICA celebrate 15 years: back, Liz Furlong, Mary Furlong, Cait Bradley, Frances Gallagher and Callie Doyle; front, Helen Furlong, Deirdre Connery, Wexford president and Mary Lawlor.

Philip McCabe, president, Apimondia International Beekeeping, who gave a presentation, with (from left) Mary D’Arcy, Deirdre Connery, Wexford president, ICA, and Mary Nolan.

Three new members, Zara McGuire, Emma Meaney and Molly Kavanagh.