Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside, and there is no better place than Donaghadee and with our friends from Donaghadee Rugby Club. Ramblers were clearly keen for some bracing sea air and it was great to have a big showing of our dedicated Fermanagh and West-Tyrone members who made the pilgrimage from one side of the province to the other. However, the big prize for most travelled went to Paul & Isobel who arrived fresh off the boat from France and immediately came round to see old friends and extend their holiday by a few more days.
At the gate Yvonne greeted members while William & Gary hot-footed round the grounds ensuring members were settled in for the weekend. Special mention too for our other co-host Penny the Pup, who kept watch from the safety of her motorhome and barking occasional orders at William!
There was a change of pace on Friday night as Bingo made way for a quiz. Gary & Yvonne held members captive for 5 rounds of fiendish questions. Those long miles from out west certainly didn’t take any toll and The Western Ramblers of Karl & Sylvia, Ian & Vivien and Howard & Valerie took the honours. The usual conversation soon followed with music till bedtime.
The seafront beckoned on Saturday and Ramblers soon headed off to take in the medicinal air of County Down, and then a few medicinal pints and steaks at the great selection of eateries in the village. Meanwhile Paul & Isobel hosted a gardening party where Seamus went full “Monty Don”, sculpting Paul’s beloved hedgerow. By Saturday night the bar shutters were soon opened as Andy and the Donaghadee team welcomed us in for a night’s craic. It wasn’t long before DJ Chairman got us hopping on the floor.
The good weather continued right through to Sunday morning as members gathered for our usual coffee and roundup. Led by Martin, there was great applause for Howard & Valerie in their new van as well as Evelyn Cotton and Gary Little celebrating their birthdays. A great welcome also for our new member Mark Taylor who we hope to see again soon at our next event at Maritime Festival.
Yes, the “Nautical but Nice” Ramblers are heading to the north-west where the Willis & Murphy team have lined up yet another cracker at one of our premier venues. Endless flat parking, spacious hall with all the facilities, live music, raffle AND a BBQ on Saturday. What more could you want? Well, how about a Ukelele Band!!
See you there shipmates.
The Rambling Writer.