Loughgall Women’s Institute marks 80 years with special celebration

Loughgall Women’s Institute recently gathered at St Luke’s Church Hall to celebrate their landmark 80th anniversary in style. The special evening kicked off at 6:45 PM as a piper welcomed past presidents, around 40 WI members, family, friends, Federation Vice-Chair Rosemary McAlister, and Area Executive Member Fiona Deuchar into the hall.

The celebrations began with current President Carol Millar cutting the anniversary cake alongside committee members. Following this, Betty Fiddes, Loughgall’s newest member, and Audrey Glass, one of the longest-serving members, unveiled a commemorative wall hanging crafted through the combined efforts of the entire membership. Inspired by the sentiment that "from little acorns, mighty oaks grow," the piece features a central oak tree symbolizing eight decades of growth, 40 acorns representing the current membership, and 52 leaves—26 on each side—honouring every past president with embroidered words reflecting the values of the WI.

Following the unveiling, guests enjoyed a delicious buffet meal catered by Bon Appetit from Cookstown. The evening’s entertainment was provided by singer Janet Dowd, who had the crowd clapping and singing along to favourites by Dolly Parton and Leonard Cohen, alongside a popular raffle organized by the committee.

True to tradition, the night concluded in the same way as the very first meeting 80 years ago and every anniversary since: with everyone joining hands for a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne, followed by The Countrywoman’s Song to close out an evening filled with great food, laughter, and lasting memories.

The members of Loughgall WI gratefully acknowledged the support and funding provided by the National Lottery Community Fund for making the celebration possible.