The Orchard County was our latest destination as motorhomers headed to our ecclesiastical capital - the Georgian city of Armagh. Could we reach the same heights as those magnificent cathedral spires? Well, with the 7 Hills Blues Festival in town we gave it our best shot!
Jack and Florence were our hosts for the weekend and assisted by Davie & Sheena Rea, who were taking a hold of the hosting reins for the first time. A splendid job they did too.
Armagh Rugby Club is yet another centrally located venue with shops, open parkland, cafés and local hostelries all within a stone’s throw of our spacious site. Everything was so close that some members managed to burn more calories lifting a pint than walking into town!
Armagh is a relaxed place and quite right too. Pressure is for tyres only!! So we gave Bingo a break and members gathered in the clubhouse for a relaxing evening of music and free flowing conversation.
On Saturday, members headed into the city to experience the 7 Hills Blues Festival, and with acts dotted on street corners and in local pubs, there was more than just the usual shopping experience on offer. Others enjoyed a walk past the historic jail and up The Mall taking in all the wonderful architecture this well-preserved city has to offer. A few members were also spotted at “The Hole in the Wall”. Don’t worry folks, this isn’t some strange local pastime – it’s one of Armagh’s famous watering holes.
It was a case of music by day and music by night for The Ramblers with Gary on Saturday night DJ duty. The relaxed vibes continued in the clubhouse as members gathered round to enjoy one another’s company as always. Speaking of which, it was lovely to have a visit from our Rambling friends Marshall & Kathy Kilpatrick on Saturday for a few hours.
It was al-fresco coffee on Sunday morning when members came together for a last time to bid farewells and hear the club latest. With our club statesmen on a well-earned break, it was vice-vice-vice-vice Chairman Gary who thanked everyone for coming and the great efforts of our hosts. Most excitingly however was the anticipation of our forthcoming five-day holiday event in Newcastle. A full programme of activities is planned, including a wine reception on the opening night. Don’t worry folks, wine is one of your 5-a-day!!
Finally, there was a forthcoming happy birthday for Lesley Rixon. We hope you enjoyed your special day. We also bid welcome to our latest new members Aaron & Greta Loughran, Hal & Eveline Gordon and Vici Tweedie & Jude Reid, who we hope will enjoy many new events with us over the coming months and years.
It was a great weekend of friendship, fun and relaxation in The Orchard County. We look forward to seeing everyone again in Newcastle.
The Rambling Writer