It was time to head back to that old Ramblers favourite, Cookstown Primary School, where this time it was the laughter and conversation of happy Ramblers that drowned out the usual squawks of the crows who nestle in the surrounding trees.
It was a special occasion too, as we saw Ian & Vivien and Howard & Valerie take the reins for the very first time as hosts. After the atmosphere we experienced in Enniskillen, our hard-working showed that the hospitality apple does not fall far from the tree in the west of the province. It was not long before our hostesses had us all registered, while Ian & Howard corralled the wagons into place with peak Ramblers efficiency. That was just the beginning...
Giving bingo a bye-ball for the evening, Friday night saw Vivien and Valerie host an inventive and exhausting quiz designed to exercise the little grey cells, as well as our legs and laughter muscles. All without the aid of a microphone, I might add!
In between rounds, members ran up and down the hall handing over items ranging from socks to an extension lead to earn bonus points for their teams. Despite our best efforts, there wasn’t a member who could come close to “Sprinting Joy Stinson”, even when she was only wearing one sock and shoe!
As usual, a short dander was all it took on Saturday to take members down to the town, where the market, shops and saloons offered a great variety of retail therapy and relaxation. With everything centrally located and in one convenient long straight line along the main street, the only challenging bit was crossing the road!
Saturday evening saw the return of Dave Kane to our dancefloor who, as always, treated us to his usual array of hits and melodies. There was just a short interlude while Vivien and Valerie shared out the raffle prizes, before Dave had the floor hopping once again in his usual fashion. Well done Dave, and we’ll no doubt see you again very soon.
With our usual Brew Crew on a break, our hosts dutifully stepped up again to provide Sunday morning service with a smile, as well as a very generous donation of tasty and well-received cakes and treats.
Martin then stepped up to the crease to round off the weekend with the latest club news. A very well-earned round of applause was given to our hosts. Having broken their duck and done so well, we certainly hope we will see them on hosting duties again next year.
Congratulations also went to Tom Lowry on his birthday, as well as Pete & June and Gary & Yvonne on their wedding anniversaries. Congratulations too to Davie & Sheena, who were the proud owners of a new van. So, with that, our event ended.
However, have no fear…….. or perhaps maybe you should! We now head to Foyleside for a super three-night stay at Legend-Derry spook-fest that is Europes’ premiere Halloween Festival. With the D’ukes of Gransha making a welcome return, along with the Halloween Disco and Fancy-Dress Ball it will be an even bigger blast than the fireworks. So, whether you are arriving as a witch, ghoul, zombie or just your usual self, you know where to come.
The Rambling Writer