DRUMQUIN WOMEN’S GROUP
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT April 2023 to March 2024
The year April 2023 to March 2024 has been a very successful year for Drumquin Women’s Group. The committee has worked extremely hard to rejuvenate the group following the impasse caused by Covid.
The funding officers secured grants/ from a number of organisations resulting in the group being able to deliver programmes to meet the needs of the local community.
A four-week introduction to pottery with award winning pottery Anna McGurn was delivered to 12 participants. A felting class that was cut short due to Covid was completed with Kathleen Ward resulting in the group having an individual felted framed picture.
A health and well-being social outing was organized for the committee to Menopause the musical in the Millenium Forum.
Two classes of ‘Paint & Sip’ proved to be a great confidence builder and very enjoyable proving that anyone can be an artist if the technique is followed!
The Women’s group enjoyed a trip using bus and train to Coleraine Farmers market in the summer. This was supported by women from other areas and was an experience for several people who, being from the West of the province, had never travelled by train before.
The Action Cancer Big Bus is always a very worthwhile service, and the past year was no different. All services on the bus were fully booked.
At the request of several people who thoroughly enjoyed the summer outing, the Women’s group organized a trip to Belfast for the ‘switching on’ of the Christmas lights and the Christmas markets with a meal on the return journey. The feedback was excellent.
A Christmas themed floral demonstration delivered by Timothy Elliott was greatly supported with excellent reviews, so much so, that a flower arranging class is planned for next year.
Due to popular demand two paverpol classes were arranged where 24 people decorated glass jugs and vases with paver sand under the guidance of Louise Crawford, Carnoney Crafts.
Throughout the year the Women’s Group continued to deliver the needlework group every Monday night. This is a great social outlet for people in the community and provides the chance to learn a skill and a knit and natter evening for women who would otherwise be socially excluded.
After a short break for Christmas the Women’s Group was straight into organizing a craft class using wood with a local tutor (BCrafty). This class was over subscribed attracting women from other areas and providing an opportunity for networking. A further class to meet the demand is planned for next year.
The Women’s Group continued to liaise with other local groups and supported the Youth and Community Centre in facilitating the registration and provision of refreshments for the walking group festival.
During 2023 /2024 Drumquin Women’s Group has made a significant contribution to the lives of many people in the area and the committee has spent many hours of voluntary time ensuring that local needs are met and are enterally grateful to the funders who made that possible:
RES Wind Farm
Community Foundation & Thornog Wind Farm
SECAD & Castlecraig Wind Farm.
Fermanagh Trust & Cornavarrow Wind Farm.
Bernadine McCrory
Chairperson
Drumquin Women’s Group
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