Some 35 members of the women's section of the Enniskillen branch of the Royal British legion, which this year is celebrating its 80th birthday, were guests of the chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Alex Baird last week in the Town Hall, Enniskillen.

The delegation, who were led by its chairman, Myrtle Balfour were also met by several other Fermanagh Councillors and were given a conducted tour of the building by the Townhall Superintendent, Frankie Roofe.

Mr Baird recalled that the Legion's women's section was formed in 1921, as a national organisation, to safeguard the interests of widows and ex-servicemen and women, and to augment the activities of the Legion.

He noted that full membership of the women's section was open to all women in the country over the age of 16, including women in the Forces, formed Service women, wives, widows, mothers, sisters, together with daughters and grand-daughters of past and present servicemen and women.

Mr Baird commented: "The women's section is an integral part of the RBL, and it raises money to carry out its own benevolent work which is done through the individual efforts of the members in the branches.

"I know that the women's section has been providing care and support for over 85 years for the ex-Service community. In the UK alone, it is estimated that 11 million people are eligible for support from the Legion. They include ex-servicemen and women, families and dependants, people with varying needs of all ages and backgrounds".

Mr Baird revealed there are over 1,200 branches and 60,000 members within the Royal British legion's women's section.

Turning to the Enniskillen branch, he noted it was formed on 28th April, 1928, and he congratulated the present membership on their 80th birthday.

"I understand you have some 50 members in the Enniskillen branch, and that some have served for over 50 years. So, Enniskillen has played its full part, over the years, in fund-raising for the activities of the women's section".

Mr Baird noted that funds were available through a number of avenues, including women's section allowance, welfare breaks, the children's welfare scheme, the President's Award Scheme, and the Olympic Challenge Fund.

Continuing, he had been informed that the Enniskillen branch raised its funds in a number of says, from a Christmas raffle/dance, an Easter Egg raffle/dance, a Valentine's Day dance, together with garden fetes, fashion shows, coffee evenings, quiz sheets and auction tables, some of the last-named being undertaken at branch meetings.

The chairman went on: "I am honoured, as chairman of Fermanagh Council, to have been able to host this reception to mark your 80th anniversary.

"The dedication of your volunteers shines through all of these activities I've referred to.

"Your loyalty and long service are a credit to the Enniskillen branch, and they have made it the undoubted success that it is today.

"I wish you every success in your endeavours for the future. You are truly an excellent women's organisation working for women".

Mrs Balfour, the chairman of the women's section, thanked the chairman for his remarks and for the reception, and for the excellent hospitality that she and her colleagues had received.

The branch is holding its anniversary dinner in the Killyhevlin Hotel on Friday, 30th May.