Luton Irish Forum’s 10th St Brigid’s Afternoon Tea!

ExCo

Celebrated ‘Irish Women Come to Luton’ on Saturday, 31st January. Over 250 mostly Irish ladies and some select gents attended. Amongst the VIPs were Amy Nicholls, Mayor of Luton, MP Sarah Owen and MP Rachel Hopkins.

The St Brigid’s afternoon teas began as part of ‘Our Ireland 1916: Luton 2016 Project’, exploring the role of Irish women of the Easter Uprising, Suffragettes and the Women’s Liberation Movement, to help understand Irish female history since the Easter Rising in 1916.

Daughters of the late Catherine Martin who was honoured for a lifetime of caring and volunteering

placeholder image — Daughters of the late Catherine Martin who was honoured for a lifetime of caring and volunteering

The formula has remained the same - research and present fascinating stories from the past, enjoy an afternoon tea and come together as a community. Even during Covid, the celebrations continued – online!

This year was a chance to honour just some of the amazing women who have made the Luton Irish community the thriving, caring place that it is today – and being an Irish woman in Luton hasn’t always been easy, but these women rose to challenges to help the Irish and wider Luton communities and carry on our proud Irish heritage.

The presentations focused on key areas, such as caring, charity, sport and education as well as the arts. There were trailblazers in all these categories, The celebration wasn’t a definitive list, but a flavour of the sort of qualities that have been needed down the years to strengthen the community, qualities that Ireland’s Matron Saint St Brigid had in abundance.

It was also an opportunity to honour the ordinary but extraordinary women who made an Irish home for their family in a new country.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Comms Officer Dr Elleesa Rushby said, “St Brigid’s has always been supported and shaped by our members and volunteers. We are grateful for all the pictures, quotes and memorabilia that families have provided, making this event not just about Irish women but by Irish women.”

Guests enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea at Venue provided by Preece Burditt Catering, accompanied by trad music and some lively dancing from the Cotter Academy of Irish Dance.

There was also a surprise presentation for LIF CEO Noelette Hanley to celebrate 20 years in her role, and she was greeted by a standing ovation from the guests.