Council Chair hosts reception to mark the 50th anniversary of Kesh Women’s Institute

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of Kesh Women’s Institute (WI).

The following is a copy of the Chair’s speech which was made at the reception:

Good afternoon Councillors and ladies

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to The Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception in honour of the special 50^th anniversary of Kesh Women’s Institute.

The formation of a WI in Kesh was the idea of the late Mrs Maureen Lone, and it was fitting that she was the first President.  The first meeting took place on 14 April 1975 in the Mayfly Inn, Kesh marking the beginning of what was to be a successful story of Kesh WI.

As President, Maureen was supported in her role by the first Secretary, Mrs Valerie Entwistle and the first Treasurer, Mrs Valerie Welch.  I am delighted that Sylvia Johnston and Anna Marshall are with us today as two of the founding members.  I am also pleased that my mum was also one of the founding members.

Your monthly meetings take place on a Monday and I know that you have a wide range of activities and speakers covering a variety of topics and issues.  To mark the end of your meetings for the year, you have your annual Outing with a good day of fun and friendship had by all.

In addition to your meetings you participate in Federation competitions including art, flower arranging and bowls as well as the annual quiz and local competitions including Fermanagh Show and the Spring Flower Show.  Over the years you have enjoyed success locally going on to represent the Erne Area at a regional level.  I am told that you won the Northern Ireland Bowls Final and you also enjoyed success in the Painting and Flower Arranging competitions.

The Institute also represented the Erne Area at the Northern Ireland Quiz Final on two occasions which is a commendable achievement.

Kesh WI has a notable history of outstanding performances on the stage travelling near and far with your plays, primarily for charitable events.  I believe it was your talents and your ability to leave audiences crying with laughter which resulted in the numerous invitations to perform.

Kesh WI is also renowned for supporting community events in the village and, perhaps most notably, the annual Kesh Carnival.  You have been involved with the Carnival from its inception both taking part in and organising the Fancy Dress Parade.

Another important element of the Institute and community life is your annual contribution to a local charity which I know will have been greatly appreciated by those who have received your generosity.

I understand that the Federation of Women’s Institutes in Northern Ireland run a competition for the Best Institute and, you deservedly achieved Joint Runners Up on one occasion.  This was a remarkable achievement as I know that the competition is strong.

This is only a short synopsis of your 50 year history and the wide range of events and activities that you undertake.  However, it demonstrates that you are very active, willing to participate and support the community and have good fun along the way.  You wholly reflect the ethos of the WI in that you are involved in activities and local campaigns for the betterment of home and rural life as well as encouraging women to acquire and nurture new and unique talents and make lifelong memories and friends.

Reaching your 50^th anniversary milestone is a significant achievement and it is testament to the commitment and willingness of each and every member.  You are an extraordinary group of women who have shown great strength of resilience and community spirit and, most importantly, you have made a difference to the lives of your members and the local community of Kesh.  Your enthusiasm and ability to have fun is an inspiration to future women as you have genuinely shown that the WI has so much more to offer than jam making and baking.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to building and supporting communities to ensure they are thriving and resilient.  Having influential and inspirational groups such as Kesh WI helps us to achieve this.

I commend the Presidents, Secretaries and Committee Members past and present for your hard work and dedication to organise such a varied programme each year and coordinate attendance at the events and competitions.  You can all be proud of the part you have played in ensuring the success of Kesh WI over the last 50 years.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Kesh WI on your golden milestone 50^th anniversary and I wish you continued success for the future.

Thank you.