The Impartial Reporter, June 11, 1964, featured competitors at the R.U.C. Sports, held at the Broadmeadow. The caption for the image recorded: Another win went to Portora when Terence Mitchell (centre) won the half mile, at the R.U.C. Sports and he is accompanied here by John Breen (left) who came second and Edgar Hogg third.

25 YEARS AGO - June 15, 1989: Awards for courage and compassion of Remembrance Day bomb rescue workers - The courage and compassion of the people of Enniskillen was honoured on Monday night when 51 civilians and five members of the police force were presented with awards for their “outstanding assistance in support of the rescue services” at the scene of the Remembrance Day bombing on November 8, 1987. RUC Assistant Chief Constable Maurice Johnston, presenting the awards on behalf of former Chief Constable Sir John Hermon, described the incident as a “singular dastardly act” which has made the name of Enniskillen synonymous with the bomb. He said that “following the explosion the true spirit of humanity shone through.” Portoran’s Success - MAP - A student of Portora Royal School, Paul Stinson, has won the Beckett-Joyce prize for creative writing and receives a cheque for £100. This literary prize competition was promoted jointly by the Old Boys’ Unions of both Portora and Clongowes Wood School last year.

Drumcoo’s new facilities - A large number of visitors from Fermanagh and neighbouring areas went to Drumcoo centre near Enniskillen on Thursday last for the open day which also marked the inauguration of a new extension to the building. During the morning there was a sale of a wide range of articles made in the handicraft classes, plants, toys, etc., which, together with the coffee morning, realised £3,000. Students from Enniskillen Collegiate and Mount Lourdes Grammar Schools assisted the staff of the centre.

New Banner - The tenth anniversary of the founding of Drumkeeran Girls’ Friendly Society was celebrated at a service in Tubrid Parish Church near Kesh when a new GFS banner was dedicated by the rector, the Rev. Gordon Roycroft. The President of Clogher GFS, Mrs. Maeve Hannon, wife of the Bishop, read the lessons and the Rev. Joshua McCloughlin, Aghavea, was the preacher.

MAP - Plaque Awarded - Among the first in the Diocese of Clogher to be awarded the handsome plaque depicting the See of Clogher is Ena Henderson who has given outstanding service to the Church of Ireland, especially in the role of secretary and treasurer of the “Friends of St. Ronan’s” the group which makes such a valuable contribution to the maintenance and improvement of Colebrooke parish church. For the past 20 years Miss Henderson has taken care of the arrangements for the annual service, assisting Archdeacon Victor Forster in many ways. As a result she has been presented with the plaque.

50 YEARS AGO - June 11, 1964: Fermanagh Nurse Top - At the prize distribution at Whiteabbey Hospital, Co. Antrim, on Friday, the top award was presented to Nurse Margaret J. Nixon, from Garrison.

Clogher Council’s Chairman - Mr. T.R. Barnett has been re-elected Chairman of Clogher Rural Council. He was elected at the Council’s annual meeting on Monday when Mr. W.J. Moore, of Fintona, was elected vice-chairman.

Mr. George Cathcart Takes a Bow - In a speech before relinquishing the chair of Enniskillen Rural Council, Mr. Geo. Cathcart spoke of the big programme of work carried out by the Council in recent years, and stated that in the last 12 months 102 new houses had been completed. There was a full attendance of members at the first meeting of the new Council following the recent Local Government elections.

The New Chairman - At Mr. Cathcart’s request Mr. B. Loane conducted the elections, and Mr. J. Wilson proposed that Mr. W.E. Elliott be the new Chairman. Mr. Jack Nixon seconded. There was no other proposal and Mr. Loane declared Mr. Elliott elected Chairman. Pop Singer Millie Comes to Town - Enniskillen’s Silver Sandal Ballroom is sure to be packed on June 23rd, because that’s the night Millie comes to town. 16-year-old Millie, whose “My Boy Lollipop” is still riding high in the best sellers, is probably the biggest little bundle of all-female talent to hit the pop disc scene for a long time. Born in Jamaica, she made her first record at the age of 12, went to the number one position in the Jamaican charts, and in just six weeks rocketed from obscurity to become the most sought-after artist on the West Indian island. But it was when she decided to come to Britain that fame really came and now with the success of “Lollipop,” her fifth record, she is the country’s most popular girl singer.

Boaters replace caps - MAP - The senior boys of Portora are now to be seen walking down Enniskillen town, either without any headgear or wearing boaters. It seems they have been excused the wearing of the school cap, thus bringing the school abreast with a number of leading public schools where caps are no longer worn. At Portora, though, senior boys may, if they choose, wear straw boaters with a ribbon of the school colours. These I have seen, and they look remarkably smart.

75 YEARS AGO - June 15, 1939: The Inniskillings Come Home - The Old Colours of the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskillings, presented to the Regiment in 1969, were laid up in Enniskillen Cathedral on Sunday. There were impressive scenes. The armed party of the 2nd Battalion got a very cordial reception, were entertained to luncheon, and were accorded an enthusiastic send off. At the luncheon General Sir Travers Clarke thanked the town and county for their great hospitality.

Big Fire in Enniskillen - The massive and long range of stone-built buildings (which extend for about 120 yards) of the Scottish Co-operative Society in Enniskillen were threatened with total destruction by fire on Thursday morning last, when an outbreak of fire occurred in the centre of the building occupied by the bacon curing department. This section was totally destroyed, but happily the flames were restricted to it, and the creamery, the egg store, the main offices, manager’s residence, etc, were undamaged. The fire was first noticed at 5.30 a.m., by a passing baker who gave the alarm. In a few minutes all the neighbours in Henry-street were aroused. The Constabulary, under Head-Constable Thornton, and the town Fire Brigade were summoned.

Newtownbutler - Gallant Rescue - Bernard Reilly, Gortgommon, Newtownbutler, fell out of a boat while fishing in the River Erne and was saved when in danger of drowning by John Walsh, who, swimming in his boots and clothes, brought Reilly to the shore. Mr. Walsh, who is now a local hero, is aged 63.

A Derrygonnelly Centenary - Methodist Celebration - Derrygonnelly Methodist Church celebrated its centenary last week, and to mark the occasion a beautiful new vestry, which had been added to the church, was opened by Miss Breen, of Derryvary, one of the oldest members of the congregation. The opening meeting was held on Thursday afternoon, when the speaker was Rev. Edward Whittaker, a former minister. Mr. Whittaker had also been Methodist minister in Enniskillen some years ago, and is the father of Mrs. Bryson, Enniskillen. There was also a service on Thursday evening when Rev. Edward Whittaker was again the speaker.

Note These Dates - Motor cycle race dance in Enniskillen, Wed., 21st inst. Band picnic at Garvary, Friday, 23rd inst. Farmers’ meeting in Enniskillen, Tuesday, 27th inst. Picnic at Belleisle, Wed., 28th June. Irvinestown sports, Thursday, 29th inst. Band picnic at Doon, Friday, 30th inst.