Diocesan News
Fintona Mothers' Union celebrates its 50th Anniversary (clogher)
Recently Fintona MU branch celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
The Branch was formed on 19 April 1961 when the Rev Canon W R J Whitcroft was Rector. His wife Mrs Mary Whitcroft was the first Enrolling Member. The first meeting was held in what was then the Old School at Castletown. The first secretary was Mrs Mona Elizabeth Duncan who continued in office until the time of her death. The MU Banner was presented by her husband Mr William Duncan, in her memory.
Pictured with Mrs Geraldine Beattie, Branch Leader and All-Ireland MU President, Ruth Mercer are founder members of the branch:Jean Montgomery, Lily Francis, Eveline Anderson, Betty Cathers, Iris Browne, Kathleen Coulter, Martha McConnell
Enrolling members to date: Mrs Mary Whitcroft, Mrs Sheila McGirr, Mrs Patricia Hay and Mrs Geraldine Beattie.
Secretaries to date are Mrs Mona Duncan, Mrs Thelma Loan, Mrs Marjorie Rutledge and Mrs Geraldine Beattie.
Mrs Hay was Diocesan Treasurer from 1983-1994 and Diocesan Vice President 1998.
The Banner depicts the white dove representing the Holy Spirit over the Mother and Child, surrounded by white lilies underneath which is a scroll with the name “Donacavey Parish” and the Mothers Union Logo.
Mrs Helen Parry, President of Isle of Man, Mrs Ruth Mercer, All Ireland President, Mrs Geraldine Beattie, Branch Leader and Mrs Valerie Stewart, Vice President of Faith and Policy Unit.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary a service was held in Fintona Parish Church, the MU Chaplain conducted the service assisted by the Rural Dean, Rev Chris Matchett.
The speaker was the All-Ireland MU President, Mrs Ruth Mercer. The branch was also glad to welcome Mrs Helen Parry, MU President of the Isle of Man, who was visiting Mrs Mercer.
There was then a celebration meal served in the parochial hall. The cake was baked and iced by Mrs Patricia Hay and Mrs Irene Booth.