Selwyn Johnston from Headhunters Railway Museum unexpectedly bumped into footballer Frank Lampard and his fiancée Christine Bleakley, whose parents are from Fermanagh, at a farewell reception for the US Consul in Belfast.

The former Chelsea, Manchester City and England player accompanied Christine to the event in advance of his move to New York City FC next month.

The three were attending the annual Independence Day event hosted by US Consul Gregory Burton at his residence in Belfast. Mr. Burton leaves his post this week to take up a new position in the US.

Selwyn Johnston joined Alan Devers from Headhunters Railway Museum, Enniskillen, along with Roger and Ann Edmondson, Bill Eames and his son David, were honoured to be invited to the annual Independence Day reception hosted by Mr. Gregory Burton at his residence in Belfast. After completing a four year term, Mr. Burton will be leaving his post this week to take up a new position in the United States. In appreciation of his numerous visits to Fermanagh, Roger Edmondson, Selwyn Johnston and Alan Devers presented Mr. Burton with a pen, specially handcrafted by Brendan Bannon at the Buttermarket from oak, which came from the Crom Castle Estate.

“Crom Castle has a particular significance for Mr. Burton as US soldiers were based there during WWII and the 70th anniversary event to commemorate D-Day, which he attended, was celebrated there,” explained Selwyn Johnston, who mentioned that Mr. Burton visited Fermanagh on many occasions during his term as US Consul General, with the most recent visit being in May “for the lighting of the commemorative beacon to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day.” During his address at the annual Independence Day reception, the US Consul General paid tribute to WWII veterans Bill Eames and Teddy Dixon, both of whom, he was delighted, were able to attend the event. The large crowd applauded, as a sign of appreciation, for the distinguished service they had both given.

For those in attendance, it was also an opportunity to see the oak tree which had been presented last year by Roger and Ann Edmondson and planted within the grounds of the US Consul General’s residence by Mr. Burton with a commemorative plinth outlining the contribution made by US forces during WWII. In addition to Northern Ireland politicians, church leaders and community representatives at the event, Selwyn said that an unexpected surprise was the visit by Christine Bleakley and her football fiancé Frank Lampard. Selwyn felt they were very relaxed and he said Christine happily chatted about her early career, and the relatives she has living in Enniskillen.