Those were the days: Snooker star Higgins at the Forum

25 YEARS AGO - Nov 20, 1989: The island blaze that made firemen take to the ‘drink’ - Lisnaskea firemen took to “the drink” on Tuesday and became the toast of Hare Krishna followers! When a blaze started in the religious organisation’s headquarters on Inish Rath they phoned for help - but short of a miracle how could the brigade get across the 200 yards of Upper Lough Erne separating the island retreat from Derryadd Quay on the mainland? Undeterred the firemen scrambled and set out with sirens wailing. At least on an island in the middle of the lake there would be no shortage of water with which to douse the flames. For Billy Orr, Enniskillen Station Officer, who joined his colleagues at Derryadd, the fire presented unusual problems to say the least. They could have been left all at sea, scratching their heads and watching helplessly as the huge mansion house was reduced to cinders. However, the Fire Brigade plan for just such eventualities and their preparations proved effective. Billy said it had been ascertained that the large barge used by the Hare Krishna followers was capable of supporting a small fire tender, its crew and additional equipment. “We were able to utilise that,” he stated. So looking like a landing craft preparing to storm the beaches off Normandy the barge set off with its intrepid fire-fighters onboard.

Fermanagh’s Contribution to Pudsey’s happy birthday - The Rotarians started it - and the rest of Fermanagh took up the shaving craze! Moustaches and beards were disappearing at an alarming rate last Friday, but it was all in a good cause. It was “Children in Need” day, and various men were persuaded to have their whiskers shaved by colleagues willing to donate money to the appeal. They were following the example of several members of Enniskillen Rotary Club, who raised over £1,000 a couple of weeks ago. One of the best known beards to come off was that of local taxi-driver Sean Hoy, whose “speedy” shave raised £500 at the Enniskillen Round Table’s “Children in Need” banquet at Franco’s Restaurant. British Telecom employees also raised over £500 when telephone engineer Bertie Bell bared all - facially, of course. Housing Executive official John Mitchell had his prized moustache trimmed off as his colleagues coughed up several hundred pounds.

Thousands of shoppers throng the new Erneside Centre - Thousands of shoppers greeted the opening of the new £6 million Erneside Shopping Centre with their support during the first three special opening days last week. A queue stretched out to the car park before the doors opened for trading last Thursday morning and the first customer through, Mrs. Rosaline Maguire, of Derrin Park, Enniskillen, was rewarded with a bouquet of flowers and a food hamper handed over by Mrs. Rosalind McGookin, wife of the Centre manager.

50 YEARS AGO - Nov 19, 1964: Obituary - Miss Mary O’Brien - Enniskillen has lost one of its outsanding Post Office characters by the death on Saturday of Miss Mary O’Brien, who had the distinction of being the first telephone operator in Enniskillen. Miss O’Brien came to Enniskillen nearly half a century ago from Limerick with her father, the late Mr. Cornelius O’Brien, a Post Office supervisor. She entered the Postal service as a young girl and became the first telephonist in the “exchange” serving the few subscribers in the area. She retired in June, 1950, with 42 years service behind her.

Investiture at Buckingham Palace - (photo caption) - Mr. Hubert L. Brown, M.B.E., of Carry Bridge, Lisbellaw, Fermanagh County Welfare Officer, with his wife, Florence, and mother, Mrs. Rebecca Brown, of Lisbellaw, photographed outside Buckingham Palace after Mr. Brown had been presented with the M.B.E. by Her Majesty, the Queen.

Florencecourt “Harvest Queen” - (photo) - Miss Muriel Kirk, Macken, who was chosen as “Harvest Queen” at a dance in the Old Gate Hall, Florencecourt on 30th ult. Included in the group are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Connor, Enniskillen, who acted as judges, and Miss Maisie Nixon and Miss Maud Armstrong, who were runners-up.

Personal - Mr. C.A. McClure, Fermanagh County Surveyor, and Mr. Walter Brady, his deputy, are at present attending the Public Works and Municipal Services Congress and exhibition at Olympia, London.

Gift of Electric Organ - An electronic two-manual organ, having 26 stops and couplers, has been presented by Mr. W. Egbert Trimble, D.L., of Enniskillen, to the Letterbreen Methodist Church (Enniskillen Circuit). The organ was dedicated at last Sunday morning’s service by Rev. S.E. McCaffrey, superintendent of the circuit. The church was crowded for the service. On the same occasion a handsomely bound Methodist Church hymnal was presented to Mr. Trimble. After the service of dedication, Mr. John Archie Reid, the senior member of the congregation, expressed sincere and deep appreciation of the gift of such a fine instrument by Mr. Trimble. 75 YEARS AGO - Nov 23, 1939: Gifts for the Troops - A number of outstanding entertainments have taken place during the past week, to furnish funds for the Red Cross and comforts for the troops overseas. When a distinct success is registered it is only just that the worker for that success should be recognised. In pulling off the very enjoyable concert on Wednesday afternoon, November 15th, Mrs. Cecil Whaley has added funds for gifts for the troops as well as giving artistic and social pleasure to the large audience gathered in the Guildhall. Warmth permeated the place.

Other Efforts - Enniskillen’s First Parcel - This week the Enniskillen Gift Fund Depot sent off their first parcel to Omagh (to be forwarded by Mrs. Hammond Smith) by Mr. Eric Eadie, M.C., who was returning to his depot. This depot (Enniskillen) has spent well over £40 in the town buying red flannel, wool, etc.

Derrygonnelly - Under the organisation of Miss Constance Reid, a work depot has started in Derrygonnelly, over £40 having been subscribed in that district to give it a good start. Mrs. Watson Dundas is a useful agent in the town.

Silver in a Bell - MAP - The new bell at Rossorry Parish Church, Enniskillen, which I heard on Sunday last, has a rich sonorous tone. Mr. Thomas Nelson, who has some knowledge of bells, informs me that there must be a large quantity of silver in the bell to give it such a beautiful tone. The bell swings on ball bearings, and can be easily rung although it weighs a ton and a quarter. It has a tongue and a hammer, the former for calling the people to worship, and the latter for use on the occasion of a funeral.

Flooding - Owing to the recent rain severe flooding has been caused in the low lying areas of Newtownbutler districts where the river Erne has become swollen. Stop Press - Death of Mr. W.P. Maguire - Since going to Press we regret to learn of the death of Mr. W.P. Maguire, Solicitor, Enniskillen, yesterday afternoon.