News
Fintona MU branch celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
9th May 2011