With Mrs Little working I was on my lonesome for the weekend, but not for long as sure enough I was soon among family and friends for another great Ramblers weekend in Portadown at Country Comes to Town. A special occasion too as it saw the club christen a new venue at Millington Primary School. Nestled just a quiet street away from the festival it was such a convenient spot and just the shortest of strolls to the big event. This was a genuine club affair with a contribution from everyone but began with a warm greeting from Paul & Lesley on arrival. Jack and Joe and everyone else lent a hand parking vans before the Jamboree started. I say Jamboree because just like Scouts we came prepared! The big speaker, tables and chairs soon formed a circle and right on cue the craic started. Careful to make sure the excitement did not get too much for us Chief Scout Victor was on hand with his First Aid Kit. Mind you considering it comprised only alcohol I am not sure if it would have cured a sore head or made it worse.
Come Saturday morning there was only one place to be and that was right in the thick of it. Cars, tractors, animals and musicians were all on display as we mingled in the crowd enjoying the fun all watched from on high by a couple of stilt-walkers. There was a cracking atmosphere with a great performance from headline act Michael English to cap a marvellous event, although my abiding memory will be the line-dancing Gorilla! The great music continued that evening with DJ Joe on top form for the open-air party that followed. Jamboree number 2 was well underway and just like Scouts you need some fireside food. No need to forage however as Chief Scout Victor and Chief Guide Sandra fired up the BBQ and laid on some South African delicacies from their much-loved adopted homeland. Not stopping there, Victor then turned compere and led us on a hilarious round-robin with everyone taking a turn to tell us about themselves. If Stephen Nolan decides to hang up the microphone Vic’s yer man. Daylight may have been in short supply by this stage, but chat certainly wasn’t until bedtime finally called in the small hours.
So that’s all for now folks but fear not, Ballycastle next weekend and Mrs Little will be there to keep an eye on me, so I will have to be back on my best behaviour!!!!!!
Gary