The West End Teapots, a community group for over-60s to help combat loneliness, started back at the West End Community Centre, Enniskillen in mid-March this year after a two-year break, to the day, due to Covid-19.

Sadly, the group lost three members during that period.

Talking about the activities and events the group has hosted since its return, Lorna Davison – West End Teapots founder – said: “Since going back we have had a ‘Nuts about Nutrition’ talk by Eileen, [talk on] potting plants to attract bees and a talk on bees from Alan Mitchell from ID Verde, talks from Barney Devine on Arney and The Battle of the Biscuits, and Frankie Roofe on Old Enniskillen.”

The group also had a visit from milliner Diane Lee, who had great fun parading her millinery, which was worn then for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 50s fashion parade and tea dance.

The Queen’s Platinum party was attended by members and their guests, Councillor Tommy Maguire and pastor Nigel Ellis and his wife.

Thecaterer for the evening was The Afternoon Tea Fairy.

“We were entertained with good music from Eugene Cunningham and a joke or two by Nigel Woods,” said Lorna, adding: “Raffle prizes were donated by local businesses and members of the group.”

Earlier in the year, the Teapots also sold Easter egg raffle tickets, raising a total of £230, which was donated to the manageress of The Red Cross, Enniskillen to go to funds for Ukraine .

The West End Teapots is funded by Supporting Communities, the International Fund for Ireland, South West Age Partnership and the Department for Communities.

“All have supported us [greatly] through the year,” said Lorna.

The group is hosting a Christmas ‘Secret Santa’ get-together in The Killyhevlin Hotel on Monday, December 12 for members from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

“We hope to return on Monday, January 9, from 2pm to 4pm, where we will welcome new members who are over 60, lonely or alone, men or women wishing to join our informal, friendly group,” said Lorna.