As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Fermanagh Trust is honouring 30 remarkable individuals whose commitment to their communities has made a lasting difference. Each awardee receives a £1,000 bursary to benefit the organisation or cause they’re involved with. A gift that celebrates their service while investing in the future.
Our latest Civic Honour recipient is Florence Brunt, a retired teacher whose professional and voluntary life has been dedicated to the wellbeing of young people and the development of community life in Fermanagh and beyond. A natural leader with a deep sense of fairness, equality and respect, Florence’s energy and compassion have shaped opportunities for countless children and families over several decades.
Fermanagh Civic Honour recipient Florence Brunt
“The first thing I ever volunteered at was helping with the Cub Scouts in Lisbellaw”, Florence recalls. That early spirit of service never left her. After a distinguished teaching career, she brought her skills and passion into new arenas. “After I retired from teaching, I joined the Western Education and Library Board. That really got me started in voluntary roles.”
Her impact on education governance has been immense. “I was on the Board of Governors of Enniskillen Nursery School for 15 years,” she explains. “I joined the board of the Collegiate School back in the early 1990s, and I’ve been on the Board of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, chairing the HR and Admissions Committees.” For Florence, the heart of a school goes far beyond the classroom. “For me, a school is a whole team, not just the teachers. Whether it’s a caretaker, a secretary, or a classroom assistant, it’s vital they’re people who do right by children.”
In 1997, Florence took on a role that would define much of her voluntary service. “They needed someone to co-ordinate the Children’s Friendship Project in Fermanagh. I said I’d do it for a year and I ended up staying 10.” What began as a local commitment soon grew into something bigger. “I later became the principal co-ordinator for Northern Ireland. It was a great opportunity for young people here to go to host families in America.” Under her guidance, the project developed a strong ethos in Fermanagh. “We developed the programme into something with a real peace and reconciliation ethos and rolled it out into the other groups in Northern Ireland. It was moved from just being a social club to something with real meaning. At that time there was very little opportunity here to meet people from different nationalities. We built in work around racism, helping young people see similarities as well as differences.”
Her commitment to young people has always been central. “I’ve always been determined to see that girls, in particular, aren’t forgotten about. It’s important to have strong role models and good leadership for children. I just want young people to have the best opportunities they can get.” That vision has also shaped her advocacy for shared education. “When I was a teacher at Brookeborough Primary School, I had a great relationship with the staff at St Mary’s. We shared resources, and it felt so natural. I’ve been a big advocate for shared education and for securing a Shared Campus for the schools in Brookeborough. It’s wonderful to see that relationship progress to the point where that’s now becoming a reality.”
Alongside her work in education, Florence has given freely of her time in many other areas. She has served on the boards of schools, youth services and libraries, been an active member of Fivemiletown Chamber of Commerce, and is a Trustee of Fivemiletown Community Development Association. She plays a full part in her local Church of Ireland Parish, serving as Secretary of the Select Vestry, and is a long-standing member of the WI.
Her approach to volunteering is practical, warm and inspiring. “Anything I’ve done, I’ve enjoyed. You don’t have to do an awful lot. Sometimes it’s just once a month, but it makes a difference. It helps you to meet new people. It keeps you meeting people, and that’s so important. I’ve always been solutions-focused and a doer. If something needs done, I’ll get on with it.”
Recognised with an MBE for her voluntary services to education and community in the west of Northern Ireland, Florence has never sought the spotlight but has worked tirelessly for her community with tenacity, compassion and humour. Her contribution has been both distinguished and deeply human. The Civic Honour is a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to giving others the best start and the best chance.
Please be advised that applications for the Fermanagh Civic Honour Awards are now closed. All 30 recipients have been selected.