Women Together December 2022

The evolution of the SWI members‘ magazine l-r: Our current online mag; 2020; 2016; 2000, 1952.

Welcome to your new

look magazine

ANNE

Roxburghshire and have been hugely impressed by the talents on display.

Welcome to our new online magazine which is available to all members free of charge. I hope you enjoy its content and find it easy to use to see what our fellow members have been enjoying recently.

As National President it has been wonderful to be involved in so many events that have taken place and I have been honoured to attend several centenary events.

Angus Federation had a wonderful celebration afternoon tea in Forfar and members enjoyed a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes followed by excellent entertainment. Glass SWI members also celebrated its centenary with a delicious afternoon tea. Members all contributed to making the beautiful bunting which was on display for the first time, while Corstorphine SWI celebrated its centenary with a lovely lunch followed by entertainment by the Capital Concert Band ensemble.

I have also attended Federation shows in Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire and

Our sports competitions have taken place again this year although the golfers had a rather wet day at Carnwath Golf Club in August! However, the action made up for the weather with Sheila Aiken and Jean Faichney of Perth & Kinross Federation winning, and Scratch winners were Alice Anderson and Fiona Henderson of Arran Federation.

The Outdoor Bowling competition in Edinburgh had a very close final game and the winners were Anne Rooney, Lesley Alexander and Isabel MacRae of Berwickshire Federation. The runners up were SCWP's Elspeth McNaughton, Eileen Mayhew and Maud McGowan.

The Covid-delayed curling competition finally took place at Hamilton Ice Rink you can see from the winners' smiles (right) that it was a great day.

Soloists, Duets and Choirs had a wonderful day showcasing their superb musical talent in Dalbeattie, kindly hosted by Stewartry of Kirkcudbright Federation. The winning choir was Lanarkshire Federation Choir, the duets competition was won by Deborah Lyons and Joyce Tinlin of Roxburghshire Federation and the winning soloist was Susan Crosby of Lanarkshire Federation.

More great talent was on display for the Variations on a Theme competition held at Stewarton and ably hosted by Ayrshire Federation. Six teams read their selections of prose and poetry on the subject 'Come Back. The winning team was Lanarkshire Federation's Anne Williams, Fiona Glen, Claire Milligan and Janne Farnham. The Orkney Federation

team Thelma was We – see to seeing Meanwhile healthy a joyful

“We have a great diary of events planned”

-

SWI PRESIDENT

KERR ON A BUSY COUPLE OF MONTHS

have a great diary of events planned see page 10 – and I look forward seeing you at these in the future. Meanwhile I hope that you have a healthy and happy festive season and joyful New Year.

Clockwise

The SWI Curling High Road Salver went to Angus (top) and the Low Road Curling Stone to Roxburghshire.

Variations on a Theme winners Jackton SWI.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

winner and winner of the ‘My local area’ category was Eileen Martin of Leith SWI

place: Elizabeth Blackburn, Maryburgh & Conon SWI

team of Alison Aitken, Linda Bonner, Thelma Bruce and Brenda Foubister runner-up.

from right: Winners Lanarkshire Federation Choir with conductor Shenna Moffat.

Women are keen to reconnect after a long period of feeling isolated due to Covid

Bathgate members try their hand at crafting

The Bathgate group is going strong

The first Glasgow SWI group launched in Knightswood and was a great success

NEWS

New groups launch

There is a great deal of excitement about new groups starting in communities across the country.

From Inverurie to Scone and Bathgate to Glasgow, women are coming together to socialise, learn and support each other, just as the SWI has been encouraging women to do since it was founded by Catherine Blair in 1917.

Not surprisingly, women seem keen to reconnect after a long period of feeling isolated due to Covid. In Scone, Perth & Kinross members Evelyn Scobie and Linda Retson are spearheading a new group after getting a lot of interest at

charity showcases, while Inverurie’s new group Garioch Girls (below) has just kicked things off with a crafting session which went down very well.

Bathgate’s group, The Bathgate Belles, is going from strength to strength and members are excitedly planning next year’s programme of events, as are the Tarra Gals in Muir of Ord. Meanwhile Glasgow has the potential for a few groups. The first, in Knightswood, is developing a strong core of women, while a Glasgow-wide launch event brought potential members together to find out more about setting up groups in other parts of the city. A Friendship Walk taking in the Glasgow murals is now planned for December.

These new pockets of interest – and refreshed Institutes such as Cousland which benefitted from a local membership drive –are all helping the SWI recover from the pandemic and will help to ensure a stronger future for the organisation.

The Herald ran a feature on the new era of the SWI – you can read it here

The venue for the Glasgow SWI launch was donated by its owners

Left: The Garioch Girls in Inverurie. Right: Glasgow SWI’s launch event.

FEDERATION IN FOCUS Ayrshire

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

When Ayrshire Federation celebrated its centenary this year, we took to the SWI archives to explore its rich history.

The early days

In 1918, when SWRI’s Central Council wholeheartedly adopted the notion of women’s duty to the nation, Catherine Blair made a special appeal to members to “help the nation in its life and death struggle for existence”.

Members of Ayrshire Federation collected boxes of eggs – 30 dozen per box – in the spring “when eggs were plentiful and cheap”, and also sacks of potatoes in the autumn.

The inter-war years

To celebrate

This history of the Federation is a mine of information

Members at the Federation Day in Fenwick Hotel.

the Silver Jubilee of King George and Queen Mary in 1935, the Federation raised £500 for a child’s cot in Ayr County Hospital. Rurals also gave to other charitable bodies – Fenwick gave to the Russian Famine Relief Fund and donated to Kilmarnock Infirmary. Similarly, Mauchline collected eggs for the county’s two main hospitals and toys for children in hospital at Christmas.

Bang up to date

For this year’s centenary the Federation brought forward thinking to looking back, making a great film (right) to showcase its members. It reveals what the Rural has brought to villages and towns within Ayrshire and is a great way to capture members’ memories and thoughts.

Well done to all members past and present!

Federation President Kay Young addresses members.

Fabulous prizewinners at this year’s Federation Show.

Making a show of it

MEMBERS MAKE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A SUCCESS

Thanks to members who demonstrated skills and also acted as stewards at the recent Creative Craft Show at Glasgow SEC we had a very successful weekend.

The show is a haven for knitting, crossstitching, paper crafting, jewellery making, dressmaking and stitching enthusiasts and our demonstrators’ creations were much admired by show-goers from across the country.

National President Anne Kerr and National Vice President Mary Burney were

joined by members of Federations around the central belt who welcomed interest in crafts and the organisation.

Day one Ayrshire Federation’s Amanda Clark showcased knitting and Margaret Cowan impressed with Hardanger, while Renfrewshire Federation’s Christine Kyle demonstrated needle felting.

Day two Midlothian’s Penny Towll offered knitting while Helen Bissett drew crowds with pyrography, and Ayrshire’s Katrona Templeton wowed with weaving.

Day three Midlothian Federation’s Rachel Bisset made macrame, and Susan Slessor turned her hand to knitting.

Day four Lanarkshire Federation’s Isobel Struthers showcased needle felting, and

Around 80 women were keen to find out more about groups in their area and SWI’s Membership Officer, Ashmita Bhattarai, is following up on these potential members.

NEXT YEAR'S CREATIVE CRAFTS

The Spring event, 2nd-5th March, features The Scottish Quilting Show. Tickets are available here. Email hello@theswi.org.uk if you would like to be a steward or demonstrator.

Margaret Leiper’s coffee pod recycling proved popular.

Thanks also to stalwart stewards Arlene McKay, Julie Benstead, Ann Dobinson, Liz Hay and Jessie Meikle!

Rachel Bisset.

Arlene McKay and Christine Kyle.

Katrona Templeton.

Helen Bisset.

Margaret Cowan. Isobel Struthers.

Julie Benstead and Susan Slessor.

Fabulous prizewinners year’s Show.

Stewartry member Linda McTurk’s flavoured gin.

Upcoming events

DECEMBER 1

Gins, goodies and gift bags

ONLINE Skill Share Session

Our talented members are sharing their skills for Christmas! This will be a fun demonstration and you will learn how to make... n Flavoured gin, led by Linda McTurk of Stewartry Federation n Christmas nibbles, led by Caroline Stuart of Dunbartonshire Federation n Festive gift bags, led by Maz Thorn of Perth and Kinross Federation.

CLICK TO BOOK

DECEMBER 7

How to set up a Facebook page

ONLINE Memberonly training Kim McAllister,

journalist and broadcaster, will lead this online session aimed at members and office bearers who promote their Institute or Federation. It will illustrate how to create and manage a page where you can direct members and prospective members to find the most up-to-date info on your group.

CLICK TO BOOK

JANUARY 10

Beginner’s guide to macarons

ONLINE Skill Share Session

Rachel Hanretty, founder of Edinburgh-based sweet eaterie Mademoiselle Macaron, will give an insightful demonstration on how to make delicious macarons at home. Rachel will share her professional

techniques and guide you making the perfect batch with step-by-step instruction on prepping, piping, baking and adding the finishing touches.

CLICK TO BOOK

JANUARY 17

Living well with cancer ONLINE Health & wellbeing In this uplifting session

Carrie Lennon, of Cancer Research UK, will offer a different perspective on facing cancer, debunk some myths and tell us and how Cancer Research UK drives progress and brings hope for those with the disease.

CLICK TO BOOK

DECEMBER 15

2ND-4TH MARCH

17TH-19TH MARCH

Scottish Country Dance Weekend, Pitlochry.

24TH APRIL

16TH MARCH

National Stadium Bowling, Cumnock, Ayrshire. To compete please contact your Federation Secretary by Mid-March.

29TH APRIL Small Singing competition.

13TH SWI 22ND-25TH Royal here for would like at the event. the show

Rachel Hanretty

Marvellous macarons!

events

FEBRUARY 2

Brilliant baking on a budget

ONLINE Skill Share Session

Coinneach MacLeod, aka The Hebridean Baker, will showcase sustainable baking that won’t break the bank. We are delighted to present the highly successful Coinneach MacLeod, author

APRIL

Singing Groups and Choirs competition.

13TH MAY

SWI AGM 2023.

22ND-25TH JUNE

Royal Highland Show. Click for info, or email here if you like to sign up to be a steward event. This offers a free pass to show for a full day.

of The Hebridean Baker and the newly released My Scottish Island Kitchen, a selection of rustic recipes, charming stories and breath-taking photography from the Outer Hebrides. If you want to bake on a budget, be more sustainable, learn something new, listen to a man with the nicest voice in the world, support Scottish produce and maybe see a wee Westie, then this online tutorial is for you!

7TH AUGUST

Outdoor Bowling Competition, Elgin. To compete please contact your Federation Secretary by the end of June 2023.

21ST AUGUST

National Golf Competition, Galston. To compete please contact your Federation Secretary by mid-July.

15TH-16TH SEPTEMBER

SWI National Conference, Perth.

Catch up corner

Menopause: What you need to know

As part of SWI’s Health & Wellbeing support, Kate Muir talked myths, managing symptoms and HRT.

Introduction to Canva

The first member training session focussed on designing leaflets and posters to promote Institutes and events.

”My adventures“needlefelting

Lou Washington, overall winner of the Royal Highland Show Handcrafts competition, gives tips about wowing the judges.

SEE ALL EXPERT TALKS AND SKILL SHARE SESSIONS HERE

The Hebridean Baker (and Seoras the Westie).

Carrie Lennon

ACWW CONFERENCE SPECIAL

L-r: Ruth Shanks, Past ACWW World President; Afrodita Roman Area President Europe; Anne Kerr, President of hostess society, SWI; Tish Collins, Executive Director ACWW.

Welcoming 130 women from around the world was never going to be an easy task, but when the small matter of a global pandemic compounded things, it got even trickier!

The European conference for Associated Women of the World should have gone ahead in 2020 but Covid and its associated lockdowns meant it was another two years in the planning for the committee in charge of proceedings.

SWI’s National President Anne Kerr, National Vice President Mary Burney, Immediate Past President Linda Retson, Anne Howat, Mary Wyllie and Alison Argo worked alongside Alison Burnett and Afrodita Roman of the ACWW to create a showcase for Scotland.

Over the next few pages we will give you a taste of how members and specially selected keynote speakers made the event sizzle...

When the ACWW European Area Conference came to Glasgow, SWI members created a seamless event...

To reflect the conference theme Diversity Is Our Strength the SWI chose a set of outstanding keynote speakers.

Delegates heard about the overseas work of Mary’s Meals and Mercy Ships UK, were enthralled by Aneela McKenna’s firsthand experience of inclusion, and we were honoured to have Professor Linda Bauld join us by live link to discuss Covid.

Daniel Adams of Mary’s Meals talked about the charity’s work around the world.

John Millar, Depute Provost of Dunbartonshire welcomed delegates to Clydebank.

Professor Linda Bauld took time out of her busy schedule to join by live link - see the video below.

Sandra Campbell, a volunteer nurse on Mercy Ships UK, gave an emotional presentation.

Aneela McKenna, of Mor Diversity, told her own fascinating story.

Magic members

Many members from around Scotland joined as delegates and were a great asset to the event as they rubbed shoulders with women from the likes of Iceland, Latvia, Australia, Canada and Romania.

The organising committee. L-r: Mary Burney, Anne Howat, Linda Retson, Anne Kerr, Alison Argo and Mary Wyllie.

Day delegates Annette Torbet and Jennifer Brodie looked a treat and were microphone monitors for the event.

Only people called Anne or Ann were allowed at this table!

Betty Stratton is always at the heart of a laugh!

Fun activities

Throughout

the weekend SWI members were great sports and this fabulous lot took part in a fashion show, hosted by Linda Retson, to raise money for ACWW.

Above: Linda Retson (left) and Jessie Meikle (right) judged the competition entries with Daniel from Mary’s Meals. The pencil cases will be sent to children around the world.

Margaret Leiper demonstrated brooches made from coffee pods (below) – and raised a whopping £190 for Mary’s Meals – well done, Margaret!

Susie Finlayson welcomed attendees (left) to add stitches to a new Great Tapestry of Scotland project.

Exciting entertainers

June Templeman (far left) got the dancers up!

The Rural Blend ladies, accompanied by Jennifer Archibald, gave a beautiful performance.

Anne Kerr introduced Rural Revellers and presenter June Templeman (bottom left) to the audience.

This

The Royal

Remembering The Queen’s historic visit to Edinburgh headquarters...

The morning sun shone down on Heriot Row. “Forty-two” looked spick and span, its blue door gleaming with new paint, its windows sparkling above full-bloomed pink geraniums frilled with white and blue alyssum and lobelia in the window boxes. Two policemen, equally spick and span, guided permit-stickered cars to the vacant car park and spilled out Rural members, in unusually festive dress, to trot across the road, greet each other selfconsciously, and then be swallowed up in the dark cavern of the doorway.

On the pavement, small knots of early

sightseers staked their claim to good viewing points, and leaned comfortably against the railings. Suddenly, the quiet was pierced with the shrill, young voices of little girls walking in straggling crocodiles from nearby schools. The voices halted as they were marshalled into well behaved rows. Another group, eerily silent, arrived, and the policemen gathered them into the middle of the row. Their hearing aids were strapped to their chests like life jackets and their excitement was expressed in the rapid gesticulations of their hands and heads. Two elderly men stood back against the railings under the trees, filling their pipes

article was originally printed in Scottish Home And Country, the members’ magazine, in 1964.

FROM THE SWI ARCHIVES

Left: The Queen with Mrs Macmillan watching Mrs Marshall’s basketry demonstration.

Above: The Queen accepting a gift shortbread made by a member of Dunbartonshire from Mrs Lumsden.

The office staffs of Edinburgh and Glasgow photographed as they await the arrival of The Queen. The Glasgow contingent had just arrived and had not had time to remove their hats.

Royal occasion

and chatting as if they had happened there by accident. A tall, red-bearded giant, swag bag over his shoulder, leant against the railings too, gnawed at the latter half of a brown loaf, and conversed graciously with those around him.

As if by magic, a roll of red carpet appeared at the top doorstep and was unrolled down the steps to the edge of the pavement. Time was running out. The Queen was about to arrive.

Suddenly, the street was crowded. Camera-men jostled for places like hens in the meal bin. The crowd closed in and was gently driven back. Quiet men in black jackets and bowler hats arrived, then a large, shining car drove up. The Queen? No, The Lord Provost with chain of office and mace bearer in attendance.

They waited on the pavement chatting to Mrs Murray. As another car slid to a standstill, the children raised an excited cheer, the giant stopped chewing his loaf of bread, the two elderly men moved forward, as eager as the children, and onto the red carpet stepped Her Majesty, The Queen, to pay an official visit to the Headquarters of The Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes. Mrs Murray came forward to be introduced by the Lord Provost, and lead The Queen, a slight bright figure in a simple silk frock and jacket, white with a sprinkling of green squares, white hat, gloves, handbags and shoes, up the steps to the doorway, where Mrs Playfair-Hannay, Mrs Macmillan, Mrs McTurk and Miss Ramage were introduced. Lining both sides of the hall were representatives from Federations all over Scotland. To

each one The Queen spoke and asked which part of Scotland they came from. They were all there – from Caithness and from Berwick – from Aberdeen and from Argyll. Her Lady-in-Waiting, Miss Mary Morrison from Islay, and a member of an Institute there, wore her WRI badge and warmly greeted the representative from her own Federation – Mrs Wishart Campbell.

Into the Secretary’s room where an exhibition, illustrating the different facets of work of the Education and International Committees, was on view. The Convenor of the Education Committee, Mrs Holme, waited expectantly with Mrs Simpson, Secretary of the Committee. Unfortunately, Mrs Brown, Orkney, Vice-Convenor, could not attend. After they were presented

they explained the various exhibits – the Anstruther Gray Drama Competition, represented by a photograph of the Clyne-Brora Team which won the trophy this year and the rose-bowl itself. A period dress stressed interest in costume.

In the background was a great map of Scotland with each Institute picked out with a pin coloured to denote the Federation. At a glance one could see the prevalence of Institutes in the North East, Central and South West of Scotland, and also the great bare spaces in the Far North and West Highlands with only a few Institutes to the area. All Federations had a hand in compiling the map, because had Federations not responded promptly to a request from Headquarters for the exact location of each of their Institutes, it could not have been prepared in time.

The International Committee’s display showed the Ceylon Loan Box and stressed the link-up through ACWW to the United Nations, Mrs Playfair-Hannay presented her Vice-Convenor, Mrs McDairmid, to The Queen, and Mrs Simpson was there again to help out with information about this Committee, of which she is also the Secretary. As she left this room, Mrs Tait, Secretary of the Finance Committee, was introduced and before going upstairs where Handicrafts, Housewives and Publications Committees had displays, The Queen went into the general office from which the staffs of Headquarters and the Magazine office were having a view of the proceedings.

After a friendly word to them, she went in to meet, first of all, Mrs Kennedy and Miss MacKenzie, past Chairmen of Central Council, and Miss Ferguson, past Secretary. Once these introductions were over it was the turn of Mrs Lumsden,

Convener to the Housewives Committee, to be presented with her Vice-Convenor, Mrs Penman of Midlothian, and Mrs King Gillies, Secretary. A wonderful display of iced cakes, black bun and other baking was spread out. Two members, Mrs Maxwell from Dumfriesshire and Mrs Ellis, Peebleshire (winner of the B.S.C. sweetmaking competition) were demonstrating, the former cake decoration, and the latter, of course, sweet-making. The cookery book, too, was in evidence, and in pride of place, was one of the new wooden moulds for making shortbread. As she left the Housewives, The Queen was presented with a cake of shortbread made by a Dunbartonshire member in one of the new moulds.

Next came the Publications Committee with a display which highlighted the July issue of the magazine – just rushed through straight from the printers. On one side of the stand was a real bouquet of roses, a replica of the drawing of the cover; below were copies of recent issues. In the centre, a plate from the 1965 calendar showed this side of the work, and on the left one of the pottery plaques won by Magazine Secretaries at the last lucky draw. Finally, a chart showed circulation figures. The whole stand was built up with coloured cubes which made an interesting design.

Mrs Phillans, Convenor of the Publications Committee, Mrs Henderson, Vice-Convenor and the Editor, Miss Horn, were presented, and Mrs Phillans explained the scope of the magazine, and the effort made by the Publications Committee to give readers news and material of help in pursuit of their various interests.

The Handicrafts Committee came last.

Here, too, there was a display of craft and two demonstrators at work, Mrs Marshall, Midlothian, doing basketry work, and Mrs White, West Lothian, making a feather hat. The items on show were articles made for the loan boxes by members. The Queen had many questions to ask Mrs Macmillan, the Convenor, Mrs Marshall, the ViceConvenor, and Mrs King Gilles, the Secretary, and as she left this stand she received a woolly lamb as a gift for little Prince Edward. Finally, before going downstairs, she was presented by Mrs Pillans with a bouquet of roses, similar to the one displayed on Scottish Home and Country’s stand and complete with white frill, and black and pink ribbons on which hung little rosebuds.

Little did Miss Daisy Anderson think when she completed the cover in May that her drawing would be used as the design for a Royal bouquet at the end of June.

The visit was nearly over but two ceremonies had still to take place. Prior to the visit it had been intimated that the Queen wished to present a signed portrait of herself to Headquarters. The portrait had been duly received and now the Royal signature had to be appended. This was done in the entrance hall and at the same time she signed the visitors book. Then there were farewells at the top of the steps, during which The Queen expressed her interest in all that she had seen and been told, and Mrs Murray thanked her for this visit which would be one of the cherished memories of SWRI history. Down the red carpet and into the car and again the waving, cheering children. Like snow off a dyke, the camera men melted away, the red carpet was rolled up and The Queen’s visit was over – but never to be forgotten!

On leaving the Conference Room, Her Majesty, The Queen, was presented by Mrs Phillans, Convenor of the Publications Committee, with a posy of roses, a replica of the one in the design of the July cover. Mrs Murray is in the centre.

Mrs Playfair-Hannay points out the diagram showing the links between ACWW, United Nations and SWRI.

Our fond farewell

Members sent heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family when Her Majesty’s death was announced

September 8th was a sad day for the nation, as Queen Elizabeth II’s death was announced. Her Majesty had passed away at Balmoral, her favourite home, surrounded by her family.

In the following days Scotland and the world mourned and as Operation Unicorn unfolded, The Queen was given a truly Scottish send-off.

Of course, many members were keen to make their feelings known, so led by National President Anne Kerr and National Vice President Mary Burney, Presidents of each of our Federations passed on their condolences for all the world to see. Some shared

Majesty while others remembered family connections and stories.

A condolence card, beautifully designed by Joan Murfitt of Whitburn SWI, was sent to King Charles III

and The Queen Consort, while our National President Anne Kerr sent a letter directly to HRH The Princess Royal, who has a connection to the Ballater SWI.

We salute a life well lived.

You can watch the SWI Presidents’ condolences film by clicking the link at the top of this page.

SWI STRATEGY 2022-2025

Working together for the future

We are approaching the end of the year with renewed vigour and confidence in the future as our post-Covid recovery goes from strength to strength.

Our goal remains to keep on track with laying the foundations and delivering the new strategy, despite the economic uncertainty, cost-of-living crisis, and looming recession.

So far this year, members have given their feedback in a consultation survey to identify what the SWI was doing well and what could be improved. There was overwhelming support for the strategy and an appetite for change, with 89% of respondents agreeing there was a need for change to protect the future of Scottish Women’s Institutes.

This September all Federation office bearers were invited to a social event in Edinburgh to hear members' feedback and then disseminate it to all in their Federations. Going forward, we will focus on areas including a key priority of membership growth with the launch of more new groups across Scotland’s communities.

We have new groups springing up all across the country, with great interest in Glasgow, Scone, Muir of Ord, Inverurie and in my own hometown, Bathgate. See page 7. Many members have suggested locations where new groups could be developed, with events planned on Mull and in Inverness and Musselburgh.

We are grateful for all of your actions to generate interest in this fabulous organisation and our new Membership

To ensure the SWI thrives and survives for future generations a few developments are under way, as SWI CEO Diane Cooper explains...

Talented members have been cataloguing items in our collection at headquarters.

Development Officer, Ashmita Battarai, has been kept busy sending out new membership packs, so we hope to continue this trend in uptake.

Increasing membership

The key to growth is not just to build new groups but to also grow existing ones to stabilise the overall decline in membership. To help us collectively grow our numbers and be attractive to potential members, we want to maximise the power of you, the membership, through new training and support sessions.

The recent Canva and Facebook training was very popular, and there are lots of bookings for future Facebook training as we continue the four-part series.

These sessions aim to give you the tools

and techniques to boost confidence in trying out new routes to members and create excitement in growing numbers by having an increasingly attractive social media presence.

Many members have already embraced or implemented fresh thinking to regenerate and revitalise their groups to attract new members, which is great. A diverse range of ideas have been developed, including trying new

SWI headquarters in Edinburgh was spruced up ahead of being put on the market at the end of summer.

activities, meeting in new locations, sharing office bearers' workloads, making meetings less formal, changing their group's name, creating new publicity, and implementing Facebook groups.

A top team behind you

Many of you will have already had dealings with our team members, old and new. The executive team is myself, Pauline Burnett and Jacqui McGuire. Pauline has responsibility for communications and engagement while Jacqui looks after the finances and is also company secretary. Ailsa McLeod, who has a part-time role, supports the executive team and ensures governance is adhered to.

Three new fabulous team members, Ashmita, Beth and Charlotte complete

“We have new groups all over the country”

the headquarters set up. Ashmita's role as Membership Development Officer will see her evolve existing relationships and new routes to members, and Beth and Charlotte's responsibility as Event Admin Officers is to work with the Education & International and Handcrafts & Homeskills committees to develop attractive, affordable and sustainable events for members in locations up and down the country.

This strong, helpful and dynamic team is what we need to ensure members are well looked after. It also means we can ensure that the organisation offers more member benefits, streamlined services and faster response times for you. We're keen to demonstrate how valued you are.

to sell SWI HQ are progressing”

Making the most of our assets

Plans to sell SWI headquarters on Edinburgh's Heriot Row are progressing. There have been 12 viewings by developers and individuals and a good number of expressions of interest. The political backdrop and resulting economic crisis has had an impact on progress of sales around the country but we are in good hands with the property sales team at Retties.

Our curation project which Anne Kerr and Mary Burney are leading with the help of members will help to protect the beautiful handmade items in our care at headquarters. In the months ahead we will continue to work with National Museums of Scotland to ensure this nationally important collection is preserved. It will be at the heart of the Visitor Learning Centre project when it comes to fruition.

Constitutional changes

A key area of focus is the current constitution. It is very complex and includes internal barriers such as historic layers of governance, personal liability for the SWI Board of trustees, and has no flexibility to change. The Board is looking

There are advantages of moving to a SCIO constitution. It would mean the Board of trustees' liability for the organisation would be limited, and no contribution is required from its members where there are outstanding amounts owed to creditors on a dissolution or winding up. While we are obviously not planning this, it's important to shield the Board and members from risk wherever possible.

There are rules to becoming a SCIO, of course, and we don’t expect this to be easy process, but it's an important one, and one

publish is achieve specific to Finally, and new together, thank

to move to a modern model of charitable status by becoming a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, also known as a SCIO.

“Plans

Click here to read Scottish Women’s Institutes’ 2022-2025 strategy

Margaret MacKay and Claire Greig read through members’ feedback at September’s office bearer event..

Members listened as SWI CEO Diane Cooper ran through the survey results.

which of This Covid of is models suits In model will feedback consultation Towards

which you will be kept informed at each step.

This plan was set in motion preCovid and was delayed as a result lockdowns. However, the Board starting to explore various SCIO models in December to see what best suits the organisation for the future.

the coming months, while a SCIO model is being developed, members will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a membership consultation process.

Towards the end of this year, we'll publish a strategic action plan, which a roadmap of how SWI plans to achieve our goals. It will include the specific actions – where do we want go and how will we get there.

Finally, we all want the SWI to thrive, and we have just begun this exciting new journey. We can do great things together, so from the whole team, thank you for your continued support.

The SWI board Acting for members

The Board has had a busy year making decisions informed both by members’ wishes and business critical considerations.

These SWI trustees are all volunteers and they continue to represent members’ interests and safeguard to sustainability

of the organisation. To strengthen their skills they took part in their own development day during summer (right).

As we approach the triennium in May 2023, the Board will undoubtedly change but their input has been invaluable.

Mary Burney Stewartry

Aileen Cavers Dumfriesshire

Karen Johnson Midlothian

Linda Riddell Berwickshire

Anne Kerr Ayrshire

Dawn Endean Midlothian

Joan Hutchison Shetland

Anne Howat Ayrshire

Katie Wood East Lothian

Season’s eatings

Christmas Stollen

Prep time 45 mins | Cook time 45 mins | Serves 8

This traditional German fruitcake is sure to become a Christmas favourite.

Ingredients

n 375g plain flour

n 2 tsp baking powder

n 165g caster sugar

n 90g almond meal

n 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

n 100g chilled unsalted butter, chopped, plus extra melted to brush n 125g cream cheese n 1 egg n 1 egg yolk

n 125ml milk n 2 tbls brandy n 1/2 tsp vanilla extract n 1/2 tsp almond extract

n 80g sultanas

n 50g mixed peel

n 160g icing sugar, sifted n 2 tbls chopped glace cherries n 1 tbls silver cashous (optional)

Method

Briefly pulse flour, baking powder, caster sugar, meal, cardamom and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a processor to combine. Add butter and cheese and pulse to a sandy mixture. Add egg, yolk, milk, brandy, vanilla and almond extracts, and process to a dough, then turn out onto a floured bench. Scatter with sultanas and peel, then knead until incorporated and dough is smooth. Cover in plastic wrap. Chill for 15 mins.

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray. On a floured surface, roll dough to a 24cm x 36cm rectangle. With one long side facing you, fold one third of the dough away from you into the centre, then fold over again to make a long rectangle (about 12cm x 36cm). Place fold-side down on tray, brush with melted butter, then bake for 45 minutes or until slightly risen and golden, and a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool on a rack.

Spiked Spicy Hot Choc

Prep time 10 mins | Serves 4

Ingredients

n 1 cup milk

n 2 oz milk chocolate

n 30g semi-sweet chocolate

n 1 tbsp light brown sugar n 3/4 tsp cinnamon n 1/4 tsp ground ginger n 1/4 tsp nutmeg

n Pinch of cayenne pepper

n Pinch of salt n 50ml spiced rum n Marshmallows for garnish

Method

Add the milk, sugar and chocolate to a small pot and cook on a low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate and sugar have dissolved. Whisk in the spices. Remove from the heat, stir in the rum and pour into a mug or glass. Stir in the marshmallows and serve hot!

Hot Rum with Orange and Vanilla

Prep time 10 mins | Makes 4

This orange-vanilla butter will keep for several weeks in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavours will only get more intense, so make a large batch a few days ahead!

Ingredients

For the orange-vanilla butter

n 8 tbls unsalted butter, room temperature

n 70g dark brown sugar n 1 tbls orange zest

n 1 tsp vanilla extract n 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon n 1/4 tsp ground ginger n 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

n Pinch ground cloves n Pinch salt

To serve

n 50ml dark rum

n 700ml near-boiling hot water

n Cinnamon sticks to garnish (optional)

Method

To make the compound butter set up a stand mixer with a

beater attachment or using a hand mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla, spices, and salt until light and fluffy. (If making ahead, transfer the butter to an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.)

Divide the butter between four mugs, using 3-4 tablespoons per mug. Add 30-40ml of rum per mug and then top with hot water to taste. Stir together until the butter and sugar melt. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and enjoy while hot!

Buttery Shortbread

Prep time 50 mins | Cook time 10-12 mins Just three ingredients make this shortbread sing!

Ingredients

n 200g butter, chopped, softened n 100g icing sugar mixture, plus extra for serving n 225g plain flour

Method

Preheat oven to 160°C (fan-forced) and line two baking trays with baking paper.

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add sifted flour and mix on low until combined.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently until smooth. Shape into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm.

Divide the dough into two. Rewrap one half and set aside. Roll out to 5mm thick and use lightly floured cookie cutters to cut out 36 shortbreads, re-rolling dough as necessary. Using a small round cutter, cut out centres from half of the shortbreads. Place onto prepared trays. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden, swapping trays halfway. Set aside on trays to cool completely before eating. These will store for two days.

➤ Lanarkshire Federation Secretary Dr Jane Plumb, Pat Cooper, Kincardineshire Vice President and Nan Brown, Communications Convenor.

➤ Ayrshire Federation Treasurer Janette Harvey and Board member Anne Howat of Ayrshire Federation.

➤ Stewartry's Vice President Lesley Malcolmson and President Helen McConnachie with Wigtownshire President Elizabeth Wallace.

➤ Renfrewshire Federation President Christine Kyle caught up with Zoom buddy Moray & Nairn President Sybil Stuart.

➤ Moray & Nairn’s Secretary Lynne Davidson and Renfrewshire Secretary Arlene McKay.

➤ Ayrshire Federation President Kay Young with Amanda Clark, Vice Convenor H&H Committee and this year’s Evelyn Baxter tutor. ➤ East Lothian Federation President (and Treasurer) Janice Dagg and National President Anne Kerr.

➤ Fife and Ray ➤ Midlothian member

West Christine

West Federation

➤ Storyteller Gillian Paterson got into character as a suffragette to give a sparkling insight into how the women fighting for the vote in 1917's society and the creation of the SWI were inextricably linked.

Fife Federation Secretary and Treasurer, H&H Convernor Liz Hay Ray MacLeod, President of SCWP Federation.

Midlothian Federation President Margaret McKay and Board member Karen Johnson.

West Lothian's President Ruth McKenzie, Vice President Christine Barton and Secretary Marion Stevenson.

West Lothian Federation Treasurer Ellie Fleming and Stewartry Federation Secretary Barbara Ann Wilcox.