After a long spell of beautiful weather, we were looking forward to our visit to the seaside at Newcastle. It conjured up thoughts of sand, sea, ice cream and possibly a frolic in the surf. This was not to be. 3.00pm on Friday was dark clouds, heavy rain and even the magnificent Slieve Donard was hidden in cloud. Vans started arriving on the dot of 3.00 and were greeted by Flo and Bridget who sent them on their way to be parked up by David and Enda. Both ended up soaked to the skin despite loads of wet weather gear. This so far sounds rather depressing and I admit didn't look great. Things started to look up with the attendance of large numbers of vans with the school grounds being almost filled to capacity.
8.00pm. Saw everyone meeting up in a warm and cosy assembly hall for meet, greet and banter. David, our chairman, started off with bingo which because of excellent support by participating members the prizes were unusually high. After the bingo the floor was quickly cleared for a spot of pitching a coin to a bottle of spirits. First up, Ian Hutton who pitched a pretty respectable throw which in fact remained the winning throw until Leslie Rixon landed an excellent throw within inches of target. However, Ian, perhaps inspired by Rory McIlroy, made a strong come back and eventually triumphed. The evening then continued with a selection of music by Norman.
Saturday arrived with no improvement in the weather but it didn't deter the shoppers visiting Wadsworth and other stores for some style and bargains. The Donard Bar and Percy French also had a few visitors. I thought the promenade with its stainless steel, solid oak fittings and nautically inspired street lights were lovely. Saturday afternoon found face painter Lindsey Coalter plying her skills to an unusual large number of children, (Hopefully a future committee here). Poor Lindsey was at it for hours but thank you so much. During this time the ladies and some men were busy decorating the tables as we had a competition for the best dressed table within the Easter theme.
8.00pm. The Easter bunny (AKA Lindsey Coalter) bounced in assisted by her mum and carried out a detailed inspection of decorated tables. All were decorated and stunning. I was so glad the responsibility didn't rest with me to sort that one out. They also presented small gifts to each and every one present. Joe Mack immediately kicked in with live singing and music. The floor was soon filled with dancers only to be paused for the ballot. 47 prizes were on the table all generously donated by club members. The hosts, David, Enda, Flo and Bridget set about running the draw which was quite a formidable task bearing in mind the sheer number of prizes. David moved into a speed mode the like of which I have never witnessed before and low and behold 20 or 25 minutes later it was all done and dusted. I think almost everyone won a prize. Joe Mack then continued with a lively collection of music with a rhythm and lilt enough to stir the primeval instincts in people to move and sway, i.e. Dance. All the while Gary, was, as can be seen in the gallery, kept very busy.
Sunday morning, 11am. And once again Jack and his team provided the tea, coffee, biscuits and buns that we, unfortunately, are now taking for granted. Thank you, Jack. Enda then, on the instruction of Lindsey announced the winner of best dressed table and from a very strong field chose Cynthia as the winner. A very worthy winner in my humble opinion. Now for the quiz. It was a locally themed set of questions and though no one got it right Winnie Murphy was closest. Well done, Winnie. Our Chairman, David then addressed the group thanking all involved in the running of this event. There were two new vans out belonging to Davy & Evey Perie and Jim & Eileen Niblock the best of luck to you all and may you have many glorious miles in them. A couple of birthdays here. Eddie O'Donnell, I don't know which one but he doesn't look it. George Craig was also celebrating, his was the big six oh. Happy birthday to you both. Our new members this week were Bryan and Jean Chew, and Rab and Claire McQuiston, a very warm welcome to you both. David then closed by inviting all of us to our next event at Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle on 2nd to 4th May
Enda & Flo