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Hats off at Lamlash SWI

- Fiona Doubleday

Lamlash SWI

The opening meeting of Lamlash SWI was Pretty Glorious, that being the name of the business of their speaker Kathleen O’Higgins.

For 25 years, Kathleen working as an art teacher, but, feeling the need to be creative for herself again, and as part of her continued profession­al developmen­t she enrolled on an introducti­on to millinery course. This proved to be the start of a whole new career as a bespoke milliner of fascinator­s and the popular small hats Kathleen calls perches.

In a lively, and very entertaini­ng manner, she explained what had led to this new direction in her life and demonstrat­ed the tools of her trade and the luxurious materials she uses. Also on display to try were some beautiful and exquisitel­y finished examples of her work. Some members had the fun of modelling them, but would agree they didn’t have the full wedding outfit, hair and makeup to do them justice. Sorry, ladies!

The talk finished with some good advice on choosing and wearing hats and, to quote Kathleen; ‘Be confident, be comfortabl­e.’ The committee thank Kathleen for the work she put into preparing and delivering a great start to the new session.

A spokeswoma­n said: ‘As we look forward to an enjoyable and busy year, can I remind people that our meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month in Lamlash fire station. Everyone is assured of a warm welcome and a tasty supper.

‘Look out for our posters in Lamlash and neighbouri­ng villages or visit the Arran Federation Facebook page.’ Janet Mair

Corrie and Sannox SWI

After the summer break Corrie and Sannox SWI had their first meeting on Thursday September 14 in Corrie hall. Members enjoyed a catch up with everyone and the review the programme for the coming year. The group will be welcoming a range of interestin­g speakers including subjects such as a farming life, North American healing herbs and charity work in Nepal. Members then enjoyed a tea provided by the committee. The next meeting is on the Thursday October 12 at 2pm in Corrie hall, where the group will be making their own dream pillows. New members and visitors always welcome.

 ??  ?? Lamlash SWI members modelling hats are, left to right: Jean McInnes, Kirsty Forsyth, Kath Turner and Vivienne Haigh.
Lamlash SWI members modelling hats are, left to right: Jean McInnes, Kirsty Forsyth, Kath Turner and Vivienne Haigh.

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