Easter is a time of hope, and we Ramblers have it in bucketloads! Laughing in the face of Storm Dave and with engines barely cold since Limavady, those cylinders were fired up again as we headed to Cookstown for our 3-day event. Committee took charge for this one and David & Bridget were front and centre and wrapped up like Edmund Hillary while Sherpas Norman and Jack parked up keen arrivals.
Friday night is Bingo night and on this occasion our Comperes were without compare! David & Enda ran a swift and very profitable game, especially for our western members with The Fluke & Coalter connection snapping up multiple rounds. At current prices we estimated they had at least a quarter tank between them!! After that we had a real treat as The McQuiston Troupe put on a wonderful display of Irish Dancing. Fresh home from the World Championship in Killarney and laden down with medals Cliodhna showed us what a talented girl she is. Little Niamh also showed what the future holds for her as she smiled and reeled her way round the floor. Such a charming duo. Fresh home from his travels, DJ Norman then slipped effortlessly back into the groove and played the evening out with fine music.
Saturday was a quirky mix of retail therapy and quality van-time as members at first hunkered down from the cold and enjoyed each other’s company. However, a drop of rain never deterred any Rambler, and certainly not when there is a drop of hospitality to be found in those inviting local taverns instead. Toes were soon toasted at their warm fires, while over in the hall, Lindsey Da Vinci Coalter treated the young ones to a face painting session in the hall. Thank you as always Lindsey. The evening was a real cracker when singer Kenny Paul made his debut with us. Toes were tapping, hands were clapping and vocal cords well exercised as Kenny sang one classic after another. It was not long before feet were waltzing and line-dancing round the floor. There was a short interlude however when much to the children’s delight The Easter Bunny and her wee Chick showed up to hand out sweet treats for little ones, and more than a few big ones too!
The song goes Easy like a Sunday morning. So, with another day still to come what easier way to start than a warm cup of warm coffee & tea in the hall with friends. With our usual camaraderie members met up for a swift round-up of events from David and very warm welcome for debut members Pauline Cully and Poppy the Vizsla. Birthday wishes also for Jack Little & Paul Rixon and a wedding anniversary for Joe & Roberta. The chillaxed vibe continued well into the evening as members again met up for the great company and conversation that is the hallmark of the club.
A Happy Easter to one and all and we hope to see you all where The Mournes meet the sea in the beautiful town of Newcastle.
The Rambling Writer