This month, August, heralds the beginning of a yearlong celebration of ‘Balcas at 60’.

First incorporated on August 17, 1962, Balcas Timber Ltd. is now one of Britain and Ireland’s largest wood product suppliers and renewable energy providers, with just over 380 direct employees.

In addition, 300 people are engaged in forest harvesting and haulage – making the company a large employer and contributor to the rural economy.

To mark the significance of its 60th year, Balcas has organised several events for everyone under its #BalcasInTheCommunity initiative supporting Fermanagh Women’s Aid – the company’s local charity partner for 2022.

Kerrie Flood, Development Manager with Fermanagh Women’s Aid, said the charity “would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the team at Balcas”.

She continued: “Every donation made to us provides direct support to women and children who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.

“More than that, every event where you support us, every post on social media, every conversation with a friend or family member makes a huge impact – it tells women and children that it’s okay to get help, and it tells everyone who comes to us that the community stands with them.

“Every time we are included, it creates a ripple effect, and ripples make waves.”

Friends of Balcas can get behind two upcoming events, as follows.

Taking place soon at Enniskillen Golf Club on August 13 and 14, the ‘Balcas Golf Open’ has an already great prize haul that’s boosted by additional gift cards. A donation will be made to Women’s Aid on behalf of every entrant; please book direct with the club.

Then next month, Sunday, September 11 will see the ‘Balcas Cycle at 60’ around Upper Lough Erne.

There will be a choice of 30 or 60 mile routes, with 100 per cent of the entry fee going to Fermanagh Women’s Aid.

The event will be fully marshalled and followed with a BBQ – see www.sientries.co.uk/event/Balcasat60CharityCycle.

There are lots of other things in the pipeline such as a ‘Sawmilling in Fermanagh’ exhibition in the new year, so Balcas is appealing for any memorabilia that you would like to have included, or even stories that could be published in its celebratory publication to be launched at the County Museum.

The company is also now taking names of people interested in a walking tour of the Balcas Enniskillen site, which will last two hours, with good level of fitness required.

You can register by emailing reception@balcas.com, or telephoning 0286 632 3003.