By Alan Healy

A Derry women’s group held a garden party last week to celebrate it receiving a prestigious award.

The Foyle Women’s Information Network (FWIN) and invited guests met at the Garden of Reflection in Bishop Street on Thursday where the group hosted the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service Garden Party and a Quilt Exhibition.

Established in 1994, FWIN is an information network for community based women’s centres, group’s, individuals and organisations, which is based in Bishop Street.

Thursday’s event saw Dr Angela Garvey, Lord Lieutenant County Borough of Londonderry present the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Mildred Garfield, Chairperson of FWIN, Foyle Women's Information Network.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, being equivalent to the MBE.

FWIN received the award for ‘increasing the capacity, visibility and voice of women thus realising women’s potential and promoting equality’.

The event also saw the launch of an exhibition of quilts created by local groups, such as The Pink Ladies and The Cosy Club.

If you would like to know more about the group, go to www.fwin.org.uk or contact the group on 02871266291.

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