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The Bonnet Guild AGM goes virtual !
Stewarton Bonnet
Guild held its first ever virtual AGM on Zoom in September ,
Mr Hugh Gillies - President when retiring President Tom Horner stepped down and ( remotely ) passed the President ’ s chain of office to Mr Hugh Gillies . Tom was also received his Past Presidents ’ medal . Hugh will be President of the Guild for the next two terms ( 2020-2022 ) and follows in his father ’ s footsteps , Mr Peter Gillies , who was President of Stewarton Bonnet Guild from 1982-1984 .
Hugh Gillies commented “ My sincere thanks go to outgoing President Tom Horner for his service to Stewarton Bonnet Guild over the last two years , and all the he has offered as a member prior to that . Tom ’ s time as President has certainly been extraordinary ; demanding that he and Guild members rise to unprecedented challenges that none of us could have ever predicted . He has done an absolutely sterling job in leading Bonnet Guild members through these uncharted waters and has successfully improvised , adapted and overcome ! It is an absolute honour to be asked to step into his shoes ”.
Office bearers and convenors were also appointed as follows ; Deacon Elect , Jim Clark ; Senior Baillie Elect , Pat McFadden ; Junior Baillie Elect , Jim Gordon . Secretary , Carol Jenkins ; Treasurer , Iain Atkinson ; Minute Secretary , Angela Goodwin ; Indoor committee convenor , Yvonne Byrne ; Outdoor , Colin McGregor and John Lynes ; Catering , John Hill and Yvonne Byrne ; Sports ( current vacancy ); Programme and Advertising , Victoria Carnduff ; Publicity ,
Katie Ronald ; Pageants , Carol Jenkins and Katie Ronald ; Parades , Pat McFadden ; Parades Marshall , Dickson McGill ; Divine Service , Gordon Bennett and Sharon Goral ; Compliance John Lynes ; Quartermaster , Malcolm Johnston .
Unfortunately it has now been decided that the annual Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Display cannot be staged this year due to the ongoing pandemic . Despite the very best efforts of the Guild and extremely supportive and helpful consultations with East Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland , a way cannot be found to run the event that would be COVID secure and compliant with current restrictions .
There is however some good news to share ! The Guild are delighted to have been successful in a recent application to the National Lottery Community Fund . The award of £ 6,600 will go a long way to helping fund a rescheduled Gala Day when restrictions permit and can also be used to support the ever popular Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Display whenever it can next be held .
Hugh explains “ With little or no opportunity to fundraise ourselves over the summer months , or for the foreseeable future , our lottery award comes as welcome relief . We are so grateful to all the local traders who are so loyal and generous in their support of the Guild but are also acutely aware of the pressures they currently face . We would be loathed to approach them for support during such difficult times , and want to wish them all very well and would encourage the Stewarton community to shop local ! The lottery grant now gives us a much needed , alternative funding boost .”
“ Please be assured the Bonnet Guild will continue to review and assess official guidance , with regards to rescheduling events including Gala Day , the crowning and fireworks and will remain in close contact with East Ayrshire Council over the next few months . As everyone will appreciate the safety of the Stewarton community is an absolute priority for us . We will continue to explore alternatives and look forward to providing the town with a spectacle like no other when we are safely able to do so ! Until then , keep safe everyone !”
can you help ?
Over the summer months Stewarton Bonnet Guild have been tidying up their photography archive only to find they have one Corsehill Queen photograph missing ! Do you happen to have a photograph of 1947 Corsehill Queen Joy ( Josephine ) C . Clark ( born 18th October 1931 ?) Joy ’ s father was William Clark as was her brother . She is known to have lived at 4 Dunlop Street in Stewarton and married Gordon Stanley Banks in 1957 and also seems to have been 4th maid in 1946 . We ’ d love to be able to complete our photo collection and make sure that Joy features ! If you can help please contact Yvonne Byrne via email yvonne87 @ talktalk . net or call 07545 466130 .