Ulster History Circle Unveils Blue Plaque in Honour of WI Founder Dorothea Florence Macausland

Posted March 30, 2020 by WI Staff in Event Reports

Friday, 6th March 2020 was a very proud day for the Women’s Institute, particularly the WI in Garvagh, as the Ulster History Circle unveiled a blue plaque at St. Paul’s Church in the town, to commemorate Dorothea Florence Macausland (1888 – 1970), the founder of the very first WI in Northern Ireland – Garvagh Women’s Institute in 1932.

Many special guests were in attendance, including The Lord Lieutenant of Co. Derry Mrs Alison Millar, the new Bishop Of Derry and Raphoe the Venerable Andrew Forster, the niece and nephew of Dorothea Florence McCausland – Joanne Clark and Jack O Sullivan, Lord and Lady Anthony, Federation Chairman Collette Craig, Federation Vice-Chairman Edwina Marr, Federation Treasurer Pamela Brown, the Presidents of Garvagh and surrounding Institutes, and former Federation Chairmen – Elizabeth Warden, Ethel Patterson, Elizabeth McHugh, Kathleen Doherty, Jean Blair, Margaret Torrens and Helen Livingston.

Guest speakers paid tribute to the work of Dorothea Florence Macausland in bringing the WI to the province. Former Federation Chairman Helen Livingston, herself a member of Garvagh WI, was delighted to be presented with a copy of the blue plaque and was thanked for making the day happen. In true WI tradition, a delicious tea was served in the adjoining hall by members of Garvagh WI.

You can read more about the history of the Women’s Institute and the story of Dorothea Florence Macausland at the following link:

http://www.wini.org.uk/history/

Guests at the unveiling ceremony at St Paul’s Church of Ireland Church, Garvagh.

The niece and nephew of Dorothea Florence Macausland – Jack O’Sullivan and Joanne Clark – unveiling the blue plaque in honour of their aunt.

Former Federation Chairman Helen Livingston of Garvagh WI delighted to be presented with a copy of the blue plaque.

The blue plaque by the Ulster History Circle, in honour of Dorothea Florence Macausland, is revealed at St. Paul’s Church of Ireland Church in Garvagh.