Don Heaton
The guest on Wednesday 30th April was Mr Don Heaton, a street entertainer originally from Canterbury now residing in Irvinestown. Don regularly brings his guitar and sound system to Omagh where he plays on the High Street. It was on one such visit that club member Jim McBain, impressed by Don’s busking skills, invited him to perform for the Probus club at one of its weekly meetings.
Don readily accepted the invitation and put together a programme of golden oldies well remembered by those present. His playlist included songs by Johnny Cash, John Denver The Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan to name but a few.
Between renditions Dons talked about his early life in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Ark Royal where he first picked up a guitar. He did not try his hand at busking until he retired from the post office. His hometown of Canterbury proved to be a good place to start because the city is visited each year by large numbers of tourists generous in their support of street entertainers who are seriously good.
Family ties brought him to Northern Ireland where he now lives and performs in local towns, just for fun, and the joy it brings to those who stop to listen.
Photo below: Mrs Florence Caldwell with Club President, Felim O’Neill.
Wednesday 30th April was the last opportunity for the Club to show its appreciation to Florence for all the support and help she has given the Club during her 39 years employ in the Golf Club. When there were problems with lighting and sound systems, heating and seating, tea, coffee and vending machines to mention only a few of the issues that cropped up from time to time, Florence was always on hand to sort it all out quickly, quietly and efficiently. She will be much missed on any Wednesday morning when new batteries are needed in the microphones! Members offered Florence warm good wishes for a well-earned retirement and presented her with a token of their appreciation. 