So here we go again, another year, another report, same old, same old, definitely not. Last year it was the first event for our brand-new motorhome club. All excited we arrived at this beautiful campsite and pub in an idyllic setting nestling in the gentle foothills of the Sperrins. Peace and tranquillity were the order of the day. I am still talking about last year and that, same old, same old cliché. Nothing could be further from the truth. We started arriving at about 2.00pm. And were met by our hosts Geraldine and Anthony Brown. To say the conditions were atrocious would be an understatement but the hosts performed their duties of booking in and parking up with their unique unflappable manner and we hardly noticed the weather. Although we had been warned we were still oblivious to the fact Storm Darragh was lurking just behind Mullaghbane Mountain, and waiting....
All parked up, heaters on (electric) we all donned our warm Christmas jumpers and headed for the pub. If anything, the terrible weather enhanced the warm welcome that greeted us in the now familiar bar with its cosy fires and super friendly staff. A few locals lost their usual seats close to the grate but they didn't seem to mind. An extremely pleasant evening unfurled with good conversation and refreshments. Then all off to bed. 1.15am. BANG!!! Storm Darragh came charging round the mountain with a ferocity that few of us have experienced before. I thought at one stage my van was going to move to the adjoining pitch. However morning saw the worst of the wind gone , our vans unscathed and ready for the next challenge.
Saturday Evening as requested, we all met downstairs in the pub before going up for dinner. It was just delightful to see the style of the ladies, those motorhome wardrobes may be small but a Hollywood Ball couldn't have produced a more glittering display of glitz and glamour. Even the men excelled themselves or maybe the ladies may have played a small part in shining them up. Then up for dinner and what do I say, Colin and his staff out performed anything seen in a 5 star hotel by serving a four course Christmas dinner that was simply fit for a King. As we now sat, our appetites sated, a glass of our favourite tipple in hand our chairman David introduced the raffle. Geraldine, Margaret and himself went on to call, pick and distribute a large collection or selection of prizes which were kindly donated by club members. A total of £240.00 was raised which will of course go into the club for future improvement. (If that's possible) Now to the music. Loadz A Craic very quickly had the floor filled with dancers both ourselves and other parties joining in. Loads of great music continued for the rest of the evening.
Sunday morning and Colin, Geraldine and Margaret availed of the blazing fires and comfortable lounge to serve tea, coffee and a very fine selection cake, buns and biscuits. David, our chairman addressed the members thanking the long list of essential cogs in what is now a very well-oiled and smooth-running machine. He went on to reiterate how only this time last we were having our first event and now a very fine club of over 80 members. Geraldine had devised a very cunning quiz knowing of course there is no internet coverage at Shepherds Rest but an equally cunning Flo Carolan worked it out and was the only correct entry. Well done Flo. Birthday greetings were extended to Joe McClune and Melissa Dyer. Happy birthday to you both. To sum up this event was a tremendous success brought about by Geraldine, Anthony, Margaret, Colin and all his staff, the band Loadz A Craic, and last but certainly not least you Ramblers who braved the weather, with amber warnings in place and show the true meaning of Ramblers spirit.
May I wish you all a very Happy, Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Our next event is the New Year Party at Lisburn Rugby Club starting on 30th December. Hope to see you all there.
Enda and Flo