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 they’re involved with. A gift that celebrates their service while investing in the future. Among the latest recipients is Marjorie Aitken, a passionate champion for older people whose voice, warmth and tenacity have shaped the lives of senior citizens in Fermanagh and beyond.
Marjorie or “Marj” as she’s affectionately known, has been a powerhouse in local ageing advocacy for more than three decades. A founding committee member of Trendsetters Irvinestown, previously Age Concern, she’s been the driving force behind the club’s longevity, growth, and success.
“To get this Civic Honour Award during Trendsetters’ 30th anniversary year, just like the Fermanagh Trust, feels incredibly fitting,” says Marj. “It’s a real celebration and we’re all absolutely delighted with the £1,000 support. That means a lot to us.”
Marjorie Aitken
Known for her straight-talking style, fierce advocacy and boundless empathy, Marj has dedicated her life to representing the voices of older people, locally and across the province. Whether through her involvement with South West Age Partnership, attending Age NI’s Consultative Forum in Belfast, or simply showing up week in, week out at the Bawnacre for Trendsetters’ various activities, her passion for improving later life never wavered.
“We meet once every three months up in Belfast with Age NI Forum,” she explains. “That’s five hours travelling, but it’s worth it. It’s about being a voice, especially for people in the West. Using your voice matters. I’ve said it time and time again. Don’t be worried about what you’re saying. Just say it. Everything happens in Belfast and I always liked to remind them: there are people living in the West too! And they deserve to be recognised for the things they do.”
From arranging transport to reduce isolation to completing countless funding applications and bringing in homemade jam for the tea, Marj helped ensure that over 50 members could access social activities. Community support every week in a warm, friendly and welcoming environment. Her attention to detail and long-term planning have kept the club thriving through uncertain times.
“Your mind’s constantly running on it,” she says. “What do we do next? You’ve got to think three or four weeks ahead. That’s what the club’s about. It’s the social side of it. The community. Talking to people. That’s the part that matters.”
Her path into volunteering began when her mother invited her along to a club meeting one day. From that moment, she was hooked. “You just get drawn in. You know, you get sucked in. Somebody one day says, ‘Can you help?’ and before you know it, you’re there. The biggest problem you’ll ever have is learning to say no.”
Her impact goes far beyond Irvinestown. In 2022, she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to older people in Northern Ireland. “That was absolutely amazing and humbling. My family came over from South Africa. We went to Hillsborough Castle and then a garden party at Buckingham Palace,” she says. “But this award from the Fermanagh Trust, it’s more local, you know? It’s people from your own area recognising what you do. That really means something.”
Trendsetters Committee Members
Born in Enniskillen, Marj moved frequently as a child due to her father’s military career. “We lived in places like Malaya, Singapore, and it took hours for us to travel to school from the Base. You learned early on to be resilient. That mindset and stoicism help with volunteering work.”
For Marj, volunteering has always been about people, not paperwork. “You’ve gone through your life, had ups and downs… and maybe you can be there for somebody in the same situation. You just enjoy being with people. It gets me out of the house… and we have fun! The things that nearly go wrong are half the craic. We had times when the money didn’t stretch, or someone wasn’t happy, or the sausages weren’t cooked, or Benny’s Bus broke down, but we just got on with it. There was always laughter, and always someone to share it with.”
Modest to the last, she is quick to credit others. “It’s not just me. The experience has been glorious, but the work is a team effort. Everyone plays a part.”
Now in her 80s, Marj has made the difficult decision to step back from public life and move to South Africa in mid-September to be closer to her family. “I’m not leaving you all, I’m just moving a bit! It’s time to be closer to my family.” But retirement won’t stop her. “They’ve already asked me about setting something up,” she laughs. “Maybe I’ll get a South African Trendsetters group together, a little morning tea, and away we go!”
Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust, says: “Marj is a true community stalwart. Bold, brilliant, and full of heart. Her voice has helped shape services for older people across Fermanagh and Northern Ireland. It’s a privilege to celebrate her legacy.”
Know someone like Marjorie?
Someone who’s been the quiet driving force behind community events, older people’s services, or volunteering? Someone who inspires others and makes a lasting difference?
The Civic Honour Awards are part of the Fermanagh Trust’s 30th anniversary celebrations and include two categories:
- Category 1: Inspirational Young Person – for under 30s making an outstanding contribution to community life.
- Category 2: Community Impact and Legacy – for individuals who have dedicated 30+ years to service and leadership.
There’s no deadline, and nominations will be accepted throughout 2025.
CLICK HERE or email sonya@fermanaghtrust.org to find out more.