Tamlaght Women’s Institute recently celebrated its 80th anniversary.

A reception was held at The Townhall in Enniskillen, hosted by Councillor Elaine Brough, the vice chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

At the event, Councillor Brough recounted the history of the women’s institute, which was established in July 1944.

She said: "Tamlaght WI was established in July 1944, 12 years after the first Women’s Institute was established in the North of Ireland and you were the first Institute to be established in the Erne area."

The vice chair also spoke about the institute's humble beginnings, with 45 members meeting in the primary school.

She said: "Following an advert in the local paper for the sale of Nissan Huts at Ely Lodge, three members attended the sale and purchased one for £80."

The hut was moved to Tamlaght and became the institute's meeting place.

Despite the challenges of winter conditions, members enjoyed meetings, activities, and classes such as cookery and crochet.

Councillor Brough added: "After successfully sourcing funding and undertaking your own fundraising, you built your own Tamlaght WI Hall.

"This was a significant achievement for the Institute as I understand you are one of only a very few Institutes in the North of Ireland to have your own hall.

"It was officially opened in June 2000 by Jaonna McVey and your oldest member, Mrs Hughes."

The hall is now a valuable resource for the institute and other community organisations.

The vice chair concluded by congratulating the institute's members on their 80 years of service.

She said: "On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved in Tamlaght WI over the 80 year history and I wish you all the best for many more successful years ahead."