Fermanagh 2021 year in review: June

Fivemiletown United Football Club, and Omagh and Fermanagh RAF Air Cadets, were awarded the prestigious accolade during National Volunteer’s Week.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation, is thought of as ‘the MBE for volunteer groups’, and is awarded for life.

June also saw former army Major George Stephens, nicknamed ‘Van George’, speak to The Impartial Reporter about his new-found love of painting and how he would encourage others to pick up a paintbrush.

George discovered a hidden talent for art after picking up a paintbrush for the first time during the lockdown at the age of 93 – all thanks to the encouragement and tuition of his daughter-in-law, Pam.

Working away in his new art studio set in the picturesque countryside of Fermanagh, George proved unstoppable, and using watercolours to paint everything from his family pet to his own home, his skills are in high demand from his family and friends.

George Stephens, pictured with his daughter-in-law, Pam Stephens, was happy to brush up on some art insights in June when he discussed his newfound painting skills and passion with The Impartial Reporter.

There was an exciting day on June 16 as the first sod on the new £6 million extension for Enniskillen Integrated Primary School (EIPS) was turned.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen turned the first sod on the project to build new classroom facilities in a project that represents an investment of more than £6 million by the Department of Education, and will include a new, permanent, seven-classroom extension.

EIPS Principal Adele Kerr said at the time: “As a school community, we are delighted to get our building works under way."

Arlene Foster kept her best face forward as she attended to her final tasks and days as First Minister before stepping down from the role in June.

Her final day as First Minister of Northern Ireland fell on Friday, June 11, a day that saw Mrs. Foster fielding a busy day of activities at home in Fermanagh as she greeted high-level political guests and peers for the holding of the British-Irish Council summit at Lough Erne Resort.

Later in the day, she undertook her final official duty as First Minister at a Lisnaskea gym, where she helped to launch a new initiative focusing on supporting better mental health.

Mrs. Foster appeared to be in good spirits throughout the day, even drawing a round of applause at a press conference as she sang a few lines from Frank Sinatra’s, ‘That’s life’, when she was quizzed about her imminent departure as First Minister.

Arlene Foster had her final day as First Minister of Northern Ireland in June, showing a sangfroid composure as she calmly stepped down from the role, even managing a few Frank Sinatra words from 'That's life'.

At the end of June, there was great concern in Enniskillen at the news that the Costcutter store at the Diamond, housing the post office branch, was to close at the end of August.

Speaking exclusively to The Impartial Reporter that week, a spokesman for the Sweeney family – which owns the premises that had been leased by Loanes’ Costcutter – said: “Costcutter are moving out. The post office will be moving to a premises very close to its old location.”

Helena Graham, holding her birthday card from Her Majesty, The Queen, celebrated her 100th birthday with her family 'bubble' in June at County Care Home, Enniskillen. Photo: Ronan McGrade.