WI busy celebrating 90 years in the province
THE Erne Area of the Women’s Institute (WI) is celebrating 90 years of the WI in the province. Erne Area members are celebrating with special displays across the county with displays in Enniskillen, Irvinestown and Lisnaskea libraries.
The displays are currently on display in their respective libraries, and run into early October, with each library hosting different branches of the Erne Area.
Enniskillen Library is hosting beautiful displays including scrapbooks, needlepoint projects and WI cookbooks from the Derrygonnelly, Enniskillen, Lisbellaw and Tamlaght branches.
Irvinestown Library hosts displays of a similar nature, which give a flavour of some of the WI’S work, and is hosting exhibitions from Irvinestown and Kesh WI branches.
Lisnaskea Library is hosting displays from the Brookeborough,
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Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a crafter, baker or jam maker to be a member of the WI!
Lisnaskea and Newtownbutler branches.
The WI has been an important organisation for many women across Fermanagh and these displays only give a flavour of what the WI is about. Branches meet monthly from September to June, and hear from guest speakers, with special seasonal events organised.
One of those who is marking the anniversary is Norma Heap, Derrygonnelly WI and former Executive member. Guiding The Impartial Reporter around the Enniskillen Library exhibition, Norma highlighted some of the needlepoint, scrapbooks, and moments of history for the WI.
Such highpoints include the opening of Tamlaght WI’S hall, numerous summer trips and, of course, fond memories of guest speakers and activities.
There is great pride in the displays and the history of the WI in Fermanagh.
Rhoda Farrelly, Erne Area Executive member for the WI, said: “I’m feeling extremely proud of the WI ladies in the Erne Area. They’ve created beautiful displays depicting a variety of activities which take place at our WIS.
“Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a crafter, baker or jam maker to be a member of the WI!
“One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the building of friendships, and fun and laughter are never far away at any of our meetings.”
Rhoda also serves as the Chair of the International Subcommittee for the Federation of Women’s Institutes of Northern Ireland.
Vera Nelson, Brookeborough WI, is the Area President for the Erne Area WI, and says: “There is a great display of programmes and photos; for example, we have the programmes from the last ten years for Brookeborough WI up in Lisnaskea.”
She also spoke of her personal highlights from being a WI member. She said: “I have lifelong friends from joining the WI. A lot of people think the WI is about crocheting, knitting and making jams, but that is not what it is about, at all.”
Encouraging attendance at the WI display, Vera said: “I would advise people to go up and have a wee nosey and to think about joining us – we would love to have new members.
“I am handing over the chain [of office] now in November, and Derrygonnelly WI will [then] have the next Chairperson for the area.”
She added: “It is a great social thing for me, and our meetings in Brookeborough are on in the evenings. We don’t go on late, and that suits a lot of people with it only being once a month.
“If anybody is interested, please contact a local branch, or my number is 028 8953 1844 for any more information.”