Step we gaily off we go, heel for heel and toe for toe. Yes, it was piping time again as the All-Ireland Championships came to banks of The Foyle. Never mind the weather forecast, the outlook is always good when The Ramblers roll into town and never was this truer than this weekend as Cynthia & Winnie bid us a very warm welcome to Foyle College and set the tone for the rest of the weekend. With Norman and Martin swiftly parking us up members soon relaxed, and we had the opportunity to meet our newest members and piping enthusiasts Lindsay & Pamela. It was great to meet you, and we hope you will enjoy many happy events with us.
Into the hall that evening for bottle top bingo Martin soon had all eyes down for a full house. However, it was our Gallic members not long off the boat from France who romped off with 3 out of 5 rounds. Including the big one. It’s no wonder there was a spring in the two Harrys’ step as they headed off down the town next morning to spoil Frances and Arlene. A bit of background music followed, and our trademark conversation was soon flowing as members caught up with the latest happenings in our lives.
Pipes were the order of the day on Saturday, and being just a short walk from our venue, the skirl of the pipes were soon heard. Members headed off for Ebrington were the best bands from North & South were on display, including a particularly strong showing from local bands keen to represent their city and surrounds. Joe, Jack, Issac, Roy and Kenny among others soaked up the atmosphere and listened intently as Field Marshall Montgomery maintained their fearsome reputation. The town also took the interest of many members including our Peter who discovered a brilliant second-hand bookshop a few years ago and again returned home with some serious reading matter on railway history. If you need to know anything about trains, he’s yer man! With the obligatory cultural activity over and Walled City Brewery checked out, we all returned home for dinner and to prepare for the evening. DJ Norman treated us to his usual fine selection of music before hosting a brief break in festivities so members could try their hand throwing some money at a bottle. The ever-meticulous Martin Murphy and his tape decreed that The Big Dawg (Davie Pirie) the winner and he headed home later that night with a bottle of Gin under his arm. Special thanks need to go to Paul & Lesley for their generous bottle donation. The music soon restarted and following a few waltzes the line dancing ladies took to the floor. They have been broadening their range lately but even they couldn’t make Teenage Kicks into a country classic!! Where is Eddie when you need him. Thank you and well done as always Norman.
Kris Kristofferson famously sang Sunday Morning Coming Down. Well, that’s exactly how Ramblers feel every Sunday when yet another event draws to a close. But we needn’t have feared. Our generous hosts laid on lashings of cream scones, wheaten bread and lemon cake to console us. Mr McClune must have been feeling especially sad as he was spotted heading back for seconds. Fear not Joe, it’s our little secret! David took to the floor for our usual roundup of events and gave thanks to our hosts who got a well-deserved round of applause and hopefully a sound night’s sleep now as well. The last duty of the weekend fell to Martin to announce the winner of the quiz. With the much-fabled weekend in Donegal still to be won Joe was still more than happy with his bottle of wine to celebrate with Roberta on her birthday on Monday. So, that’s it for this event folks, but from one cracker to another as we head to the centre of Portstewart and tight into the heart of the action at The Red Sails weekend. Its hard work but somebody gotta do it!
Gary, Yvonne, Peter and Jurgen