SWRI Argyll Federation

FEDERATION SHOW The highlight of the year is our Federation Show. Members come from all over the county to enjoy the display of work and catch up with friends and acquaintances. The show is held at three different venues, in rotation, - Oban, Campbeltown and Dunoon. There are competitions for groups of members and also individuals. A huge range of interests are catered for including craftwork, needlework, baking, preserves, flower arranging, art, photography and literature. Members obviously get a lot of pleasure from the things that they make, as the show is always well supported.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Once a year, at Inveraray, members from all over Argyll gather for the AGM. Once again it is an opportunity to see kent faces and catch up with friends that you don't see regularly. After business in the morning there is a break for lunch. In the afternoon we have a demonstration or speaker. The afternoon ends with a lovely Rural tea.

CLASSES Argyll members are very enthusiastic and enjoy a huge range of classes organised by Federation. Some recent classes included silk painting, glass painting, stumpwork, beadwork, paper craft, watercolour, embossing, gold work, lace making and Shisha work. Classes are already being organised for next session. I sometimes wonder how we fit it all in!

DEMONSTRATIONS As if the classes are not enough, we also have demonstrations in both Housewives and Handcrafts. Our most recent demonstration was in pastry making, held at two venues. The aromas that filled the hall were mouth-watering, and the demonstration enjoyed by all.

PROFICIENCY TESTS If you want to improve your skills you can have a go at our proficiency tests. The tests cover many subjects and are held regularly - a great learning experience!

SPORTS AND DRAMA Argyll members enjoy competing annually at golf, bowling, curling and drama. The members who participate in these activities are very enthusiastic and would be delighted to welcome new faces.

OUTINGS A coach is organised to Edinburgh for the National Conference, and the following year to the venue for the Housewives and Handcrafts Conference. These Conferences occur every three years and are an opportunity to meet members from all over Scotland.

FUN AND COMPANIONSHIP Share in the fun and companionship of the Rural. Come and join us - we love to meet new people and make new friends - you don't have to enter competitions - just join in the fun!

Argyll Federation Groups & Institutes

Each group has a wide and varied programme - here are some examples:
TALKS : Photography, Local Tourist Board, Gardening, Painting, McMillan Nurses, Know Your Camera, Area Archivist, Willow Clinic, The Night Sky.

DEMONSTRATIONS : Party Food, Basic Cookery, Salt Dough, Cake Decorating, Starters & Sweets, Cold Sweets, Girdle Baking, Tesco, Felt Making, Embroidery, Gift Wrapping, Yoga, Stamping & Embossing, Bead Work, Confectionary.

SLIDE SHOWS : Sahara Walk, Trips to Peru, India, America, Wild Life, Wild Flowers, Scottish Natural Heritage

DANCING : Country Dancing, Line Dancing, Belly Dancing, Aerobics