Donaghadee Rugby Football Club in the High Trees area of the town was the setting for our most recent event. I say “Donaghadee” but I could well use the term “Port Devine” or even “Hope Street” and everyone now knows it. As like that now famous TV series the sun was most resplendent on our arrival at 3 pm. When we were greeted by Isobel and Claire wearing these cute little umbrella hats designed for either rain or sunshine, Oh no, these kids won't be caught out. Paul and Seamus then soon had everyone parked up. Leonard and Marissa were also a big help here. There was time for the chairs to be out in the best possible spot to take advantage of the remaining rays of the sun. Might I add that there was a yellow weather warning in place for all of this but we were lucky. Over to the hall now for bingo and again Isabel and Claire showed their expertise and six games went off faultlessly. Ellie Robinson was the big winner of the evening but she asked me not to divulge here what her winnings were. You know the begging letters and all. This was followed up by a selection of music compared by our very own DJ Norman. Thank you, Norman.
Saturday morning and last night’s weather luck not only ran out, it completely deserted us. The pitter patter of rain on the roof became a bitter batter and that, I'm afraid, is the way it stayed for the day. In the eyes of an eternal optimist, “At least it wasn't cold”. Still waterproof coats and boots came out and even though the RNLI event planned for the day was cancelled (and quite rightly so) many of us made our way into the town. It was interesting to look around and spot familiar places from the TV series, “The Commodore” Pier 36 “The Police Station” and a whole host of locations well documented by that drone camera that seems to fly around in eternal sunshine. The Copeland Distillery was also a magnet for those of us who enjoy a special little tipple. Gin, Rum and whiskey were the order of the day. Some of us were even brave enough to ignore ample warnings and enter at our peril, Grace Neill’s Pub. This is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland and it's widely known for its resident ghost. If you speak to any of the staff about her (and she is a she) they won't engage in any conversation what-so-ever fearing they may evoke the ire of the ghost. Remember they have to work there even after we have returned to our cosy motorhomes. Well, if it is the spirit of Grace she was known way back in the early seventeenth century for her friendly disposition and greeted each customer with a kiss. Now I'm just going to leave it at that and not mention wives or partners in this ghostly affair. Saturday evening back to the hall and on this occasion, DJ Gary was spinning the discs very successfully. Then Paddy and Marie took to the floor to a well known Elvis tune. Be it the drink (remember the Copeland Distillery) the music or was everyone simply inspired by that wonderful jive by Paddy and Marie but the evening moved up a gear which continued at full revs till into the wee hours.
Sunday morning and whilst not great, the weather improved certainly enough to get those wee chores that need completed on the last day done. Coffee morning time and after Jack and his team provided coffee and biscuits Our Chairman David addressed an again full hall. After he voiced his appreciation to our much deserving hosts Paul, Isobel, Seamus and Claire. He went on to wish birthday boys, Gary Little and Davy Perie. Exact ages were retained. However Davy Pirie and Evey also celebrated their 40th Wedding anniversary so that puts him in a rough age group. The beam on Davy Morrisons face was almost as wide as the side of his brand new Pilote Joa Motorhome. Congratulations Davy may you and Una have many adventures in it. To sum it all up this was a delightful event in a delightful location, hosted by a delightful team and attended by a delightful group of campers.
Enda & Flo.