Michael Caine once famously said, "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" Thankfully, Norman & Cynthia and Martin & Winnie ignored him completely and instead followed Fleetwood Mac's advice to "Go Your Own Way".
The result? At Frightening Foyle College, it was not only the doors that were at risk of coming off, but the roof as well. Such was the noise, laughter and downright madness of our three-day Halloween spooktacular.
Thursday evening was a relaxed affair, so after our bona fides (or should that be boney-fides?) were checked, members headed out to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the many displays, attractions and horror-themed shops scattered throughout the city. It also provided an opportunity for a few Ramblers to sample the local restaurants and enjoy some valuable personal time. With everyone eventually retired for the night, we were ready for lift-off.
Friday brought another enjoyable day exploring the city before members hastened back to base for the much-anticipated return of The D'Ukes of Gransha. With wrists and fingers working overtime, these terrific twangers strummed their way through an impressive hit list, keeping Ramblers clapping, stamping and dancing throughout the evening. Fitness experts keep telling us that movement is medicine. Judging by the effort on display, several Ramblers have now banked enough exercise to see them comfortably through Christmas.
As if our lungs hadn't suffered enough, local comedian George Murphy then took to the floor to tickle our funny bones before another ukulele-fuelled encore took place. What was billed as a one-hour performance soon turned into a heart-warming two-and-a-half-hour session of good old-fashioned entertainment that seems all too rare these days. Simply brilliant.
With Saturday's outings complete and the city well and truly explored, it was soon time for those without the benefit of a flying broomstick or the navigational abilities of a vampire bat to take a short lift ride to the top floor, where we gathered to enjoy the usual magnificent fireworks display from the comfort of the boardroom and balcony.
With the booms and bursts over, it was then time for the headline event of the weekend: The Halloween Fancy Dress Ball. DJ Ali was once again at the controls as a creepy collection of ghouls, scary clowns, vampires, witches and the downright bizarre slithered, lurched and staggered onto the dance floor for a night of frightful fun and celebration.
Although the raffle provided a brief lull in proceedings, it was not long before everyone was back on the floor until the witching hour. We were also joined by our prize-winning table decorator, Lesley Rixon, Chief Witch Ida Elliott, and last, but certainly not least, our very own dandy and Mr Darcy impersonator, William Lynas. Or, as he will now be known, Lord Bridgerton.
As sunrise banished the monsters and ghosts for another year, normal service resumed and Ramblers gathered in the hall to say their reluctant goodbyes. More important, however, was the resounding applause our hosts received for yet another spectacular event. Yes, they may have had a little help here and there, but make no mistake, this was another showstopper from Norman & Cynthia and Martin & Winnie.
It then fell to Martin to close proceedings with a warm welcome to those members enjoying their first weekend with us: Steven & Esther, John & Bessie and Family, Gareth & Samantha & Zach, Martin & Karen and Jude and lastly James. Extra congratulations also go to John & Bessie and Gareth & Samantha on their new motorhomes. Finally, special birthday wishes to Mary Hoey, who celebrated her birthday with us throughout the weekend.
From the northwest to the southeast, we now go, as our next adventure takes us to Bangor, where all that lovely sea air will clear away any remaining Halloween cobwebs.
Until then, keep the wheels turning, the stories flowing and the fancy-dress outfits safely stored away for another year.
The Rambling Writer