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THREE Brief Articles of Interest: Fire Truck Arrives in Man-O-War Cay Fire Truck Arrives in
Man-O-War Cay History was made in Man-O-War on August 31 with the arrival of the fire truck for the newly formed Man-O-War Fire and Rescue Service. Chad Albury drove the truck off the barge to the applause and cheering of the community members gathered to witness the big event. It wasn't loon before men, women, children and dogs came up to get a closer look. The truck is in beautiful condition and still carries the license plates from Pennsylvania, its original home. As a surprise, the Pennsylvania fire fighters had the Man-O-War Fire and Rescue name and logo painted on the truck. The men of the community who will make up the volunteer fire department lost no time in checking out all the important safety equipment. We are happy to report the siren and horn are in excellent working condition. It is rumored that the siren can even be heard down at the Low Place. As an added bonus Tom Feiler and Dave Kling, two fire fighters from Pennsylvania, will be here to train the future volunteer firemen on the features and uses of the equipment. We are very proud of the newest addition to Man-O-War Fire and Rescue and are grateful to all the members of the Point Pleasant Pennsylvania Fire Department and all others who made the monumental undertaking possible. ----- An Island Treasure is the only way to describe Miss Edith Weatherford and on September 1 friends and family gathered in Man-O-War to honour this special lady. Miss Edie, as she is known, never had any children of her own, but is mother to hundreds of children through her Children's Meetings which she has held for 33 years. There children learn Bible verses, sing songs and do crafts. She makes the time such fun that no child has ever had to be coaxed to go to Children's Meeting. She not only has held these meetings in Man-O-War but in most communities on Abaco. She teaches Bible verses and tell stories at the Man-O-War School every Wednesday morning. She has assisted her brother, Pastor Robin Weatherford, at the International Gospel Mission in Marsh Harbour for 18 years ministering to the Haitian community. Martha Roberts, one of Miss Edie's "children," now grown with children of her own realized that many people who do much good often go through life without any recognition for their good works and was determined not to let this happen to Miss Edie. The idea turned into a surprise night of thanks for Miss Edie. Approximately 300 to 350 people from all over Abaco turned up to honour this special lady. Amid the yells of surprise, this humble woman led to the seat of honour. Man-O-War school children came forward to sing the songs Miss Edie has taught them. Mrs. Roberts recounted her special memories of Miss Edie and her sisters Tuppy and Sarah: gingerbread men, raisin cookies, crocheting and trips on the mission boat Grumpy. She also held up clothes that Edie always made for new babies each with their names embroidered on them. Others then made contributions to the evening's festivities. Poems were ready, trios and choirs sang. Pastor Weatherford related experiences shared at the Mission. MP Robert Sweeting had fond memories of her and thanked her on behalf of the Government of the Bahamas. Some of Miss Edie's "children" were away but sent their best wishes. Many expressed their appreciation of her and shared their memories. The big surprise was a large box representing a gift that had been ordered but had not arrived. That box contained other boxes. When she finally got the last box, she pulled out a picture of a brand new golf cart purchased with the many donations from all her friends. For several weeks Miss Edie had asked people to look out for a good used golf cart. The Lord truly looks after his children. Miss Edie, who looked to be in shock the whole evening thanked everyone and reminded all "her children" that no matter where life took them she would always be praying for them. It was a beautiful evening and more than a few tears were shed. Edith is a deserving and loving woman and all of Abaco is grateful for her continued love and ministry. ----- Man-O-War - Independence is Celebrated The annual Independence Day Celebration (July 7) was a huge success. The morning started with land games at the ball field. Children 16 and under competed in a variety of races. Locals and visitors alike participated in the different events which include the sack race, softball throw and egg and spoon race. After the races the party moved to the public dock for the swimming events. Those too young for swimming had their own water sport. A large washtub was filled with milk and water which coins were tossed in. The very small children used their hands to grab for money and the older ones had to duck their heads in and retrieve their coins with their mouths. The Slippery Pole was next. This event is for boys 16 and older. A long pole is placed on the dock and hangs out over the water. A piece of canvas is then nailed onto the end of the pole. The idea of this game is to slide out on the pole and rip the canvas off. The winner receives a picnic ham. Oh. the most important part. The pole is coated with Crisco! Doug Albury won the event, again. This is his third consecutive win. Congratulations, Doug! An old fashioned cookout topped off the festivities. Thanks to all who donated money, food and time to help make this celebration possible. |
