We Headed to Bangor for our Burns weekend to be warmly welcomed by hosts Davie, Evey, George, Diane and William (ably assisted by Jack and Mary). They quickly and efficiently got everyone parked up safely.
Even though the weather was terrible we all met up in the hall, which was lovely and warm and had a great night's craic catching up with friends old and new. The music for the evening was provided by Gary.
Saturday was another stormy and wet day, but that didn’t stop some campers heading down the town (ok City) sightseeing, shopping and sampling the wares whether it be solid or liquid, whilst other ones (namely the hosts and helpers) were too busy preparing for a big night ahead, they hadn't time to look around them.
Come evening time we all made our way to a lovely warm hall brilliantly decorated with the Scottish flag, streamers balloons and tartan table runners and a table full of shots served by Jack and Mary, ensuring we all had a wee dram for the many toasts that we all knew were to come.
The whiskey, fireball and baileys was in plentiful supply and the refills were flowing. The top table was full of surprise goodies which actually were for the Rabbie Burns quiz winners (or for those who almost won) or for anyone who helped in any way no matter how small, again all this was supplied courtesy of the Hosts.
The aroma of the food and the shots added to what was already a very merry atmosphere, ensuring it was going to be a good night. Once we were all seated the sounds of pipes and drums filled the room as the Drummer and the Piper accompanied the Haggis into the Hall, led by Diane and followed by the rest of the hosts and helpers including their other little helpers Amelia and Amy. Our Piper Mairead and Drummer Barry lilted a few more tunes before exiting to an enormous round of applause from everyone.
That really set the tone for the night, George addressed the Haggis and Dianne carried it out to be plated with the neep and tatties which were then handed out to all. Eddie toasted the lassies whilst Evey toasted the lads. and Amelia recited Poems for us. The rest of the evening was filled with great music played by Joe with a range of dance styles displayed on the floor.
Sunday Morning saw everyone gathered again to reminisce over the great weekend (there was talk of having a collection to buy William an alarm clock, but that story is for another day). We once again were able to sample more treats that the hosts produced.
Joe filled in for our Chairman David as he was on holiday and on behalf of everyone welcomed new comers Davie and Sheena and gave birthday wishes to Cynthia and Norman who were also on holidays and to Billy Little, a very happy birthday from sunny Bangor.
Again a special thanks was conveyed to George, Dianne, Evey, Davie, William, Jack and Mary and special thanks to their little helpers Amelia and Amy, all for going over and above to ensure we had such a brilliant weekend.
Margaret and Eddie.