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The FIS Capacity Building Team have been involved in helping establish an Irish Society on the island over the last few months.
Last year, the Embassy referred an individual to FIS who had asked for help and the FIS development team was able to provide some long distance support which resulted in a meeting to start a new Irish Society on the Island. We researched sources of help and support locally and compiled a resource pack which we sent both electronically and by post. The pack consisted of some advice plus lots of information about:
- Voluntary Services Councils i.e. organisations which provide community groups with support, advice and resources to help in setting up and running their group;
- Irish organisations which are members of the Federation of Irish Societies close to the Isle of Wight;
- Providers of services in the area.
As a result we received this email:
“Dear Miss White, We have now set up our first meeting on the island… We have a committee and letterhead which has gone out all over the island to inform all interested parties about the aims of this support group - to give assistance to all fellow country men and women here on the island, and we are hoping to have educational classes, art and heritage, social and welfare plus housing forums.
So as you can see we will endeavour to build a fine and balanced society for all the Irish on the Isle of Wight. Hopefully in the future we shall be able to hold weekly meetings in a venue larger than the library, yet from little acorns grow large trees.
8.11.2011”
And since then the group has:
- held regular meetings with the mayor of Sandown on a monthly forum
- raised funds through table top sales, bringing more members together
- applied for a community bank account, appointed a secretary and treasurer
- attended a training course at the local library and received help from the Rural Community Council;
- gained the support of the local priest and a local forum.
They intend to :
- go on the local radio to help get their message across to all the Irish and Celtic people living on the Island.
- seek a permanent address for meetings as the library is not a long term proposition
- arrange for a visitor from the home country
- apply to join the Federation
- and, one day to have a centre for people to come and enjoy themselves with other members.
We look forward to receiving the application to join the Federation from the newly formed ‘Isle of Wight Irish Support Group’.
