Brookeborough Celebrations
The members of Brookeborough W.I. celebrated their 70th Birthday with an Anniversary Meal in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown on Friday 5th September. They were joined by Mrs Margaret Collinson, Federation Chairman and her daughter Fiona, Mrs Paddy Leeman, Erne Executive Member, Mrs Betty Birney, past Erne Executive Member and past President Mrs Renee Knox. Following a very enjoyable meal, the evening was filled with fun, song and laughter. Christine Taylor and Sheila Carson, Joy Coulter and Mary and Jean Parsons all participated in various sketches and Katherine Little entertained the members with her beautiful singing. A superb evening was brought to a close with the singing of The Country Womens Song. Many Happy Returns Brookeborough!!
A Little Piece of History
On 22nd June 1944, a preliminary meeting was held in the Courthouse, Brookeborough to discuss the formation of a Women’s Institute in the village. Mrs Heenan, organiser of Women’s Institute, N. Ireland was present. Mrs Heenan spoke on the Aims and methods of the movement, it was proposed by Mrs Buchanan and seconded by Mrs Clarke and agreed that a branch of the Women’s Institute affiliated to the Federation of Women’s Institute of N. Ireland be formed in Brookeborough.. A short time later on July 6th a formation meeting took place in the Courthouse, twenty eight names were recorded. Mrs Heenan presided, a ballot was taken and Mrs Farrell was elected the first President of Brookeborough Women’s Institute. A committee of twelve persons was also elected, Mrs Orr was chosen as Vice President, Secretary, Miss Williamson, Treasurer Miss West, Magazines Miss N. Ebbitt. At the September meeting in 1946 it was decided to hold the monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, this tradition has never changed. Presently in 2014 Mrs Vera Nelson holds the position of Presiden, Mrs Margaret Bogue, Secretary and Mrs Rosemary Flanagan is Treasurer.
