News from institutes

MEMUS AND FERN. Davina Farquharson presided. Kay Lindsay gave a seated exercise display. Davina gave thanks. Competitions: flower of the month – 1 E Nicoll, 2 K Melville, 3 M Alexander; twiddle muff – 1 M Alexander, 2 L Harvey; cherry scones – 1 L Harvey, 2 R Mackenzie, 3 E Nicoll. Whist prizewinners: 1 B Miller, 2 J Mair, 3 A Pearson; booby – E Carnegie. Memus Hall Fair is on November 27, 11am-3pm and members are asked to contribute to the baking and preserves stall.

GLENISLA. President Hazel Thom introduced Gill Blair Oliphant who gave a talk on Tropic Skin Care. Competitions: scones – 1 L Cameron, 2 M Houston; handmade poppy – 1 J Hardy, 2 M Langelaan; flower of the month – L Cameron.

NEWTYLE. Members celebrated the institute’s 103rd birthday. Caroline Wilson cut the cake which was baked by Jean Fotheringham, and The Happy Ukes entertained.

AMULREE. Linda Retson demonstrated making tree decorations. Sheena, a member for more than 50 years, received a garden shrub and afternoon tea.

ST VIGEANS. Jim Christie from Arbroath Men’s Shed was guest speaker. Competitions: baby bonding squares – 1 L Masson, 2 A Findlay, 3 E Sinclair; poppy themed article – 1 J Swankie, 2 E Sinclair, 3 A Frith.

FALKLAND. Ina Robertson presided and Auchtermuchty members acted as tellers. Annual trophies: rose bowl (equal) M Pullar and L Hamilton; runner-up – R Watson. Best trier – M Brunton; flower of the month – L Hamilton. Janette Mccaffery told the story of the Tay Bridge disaster in 1879 when 75 people died. Committee: president, I Robertson; vice-president, P Kilbane; secretary, M Brunton; treasurer, A Young; competitions – P Kilbane, D Booth, L Hamilton. Flower of the month – 1 M Pullar, 2 M Brunton, 3 T Kilbane.

STANLEY. President Kate Baldie welcomed Elspeth Bruce, council environmental officer, who gave a slide presentation and helped members to plant up paper white bulbs for Christmas. Win Reid gave thanks. Competitions: pretty spoon – 1 W Reid, 2 J Siddle, 3 K Baldie; flower of the month – 1 J Robertson, 2 E Morrison, 3 M Hodgson.

CLEISH. Helen Buchanan introduced members Carol Herd and Gillian Skene who gave a craft workshop demonstration. Lizzie Glennie gave thanks. Competitions: tree decoration – 1 M Wills, 2 M Moran, 3 S Webster; truffles – 1 M Nelson, 2 A Bayne, 3 F Baker; flower of the month – 1 M Moran, 2 J Craig, 3 J Maclaren.

NORTHMUIR. Elma Dickens presided. Vicepresident June Scrymgeour entertained with games and quizzes. Irene Mackie gave thanks. Competitions: chocolate muffins – 1 E Dickens, 2 A Lewis; flower of the month – 1 M Steele, 2 E Cramond, 3 A Lewis.

MID ATHOLL AND STRATHTAY. Members celebrated the 20th birthday with lunch at the Inn on the Tay restaurant in Grandtully. Competitions: parcel – 1 B Robertson, 2 T Halsey, 3 I Mcwilliam. Annora Fraser gave thanks.

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