Once again, the North-West proved it was the place to be as a ghostly convoy of Motorhomes containing the ghosts and ghouls of The Ramblers Motorhome Club descended on Europe’s biggest Halloween festival. The Wicked Willis’s and Morbid Murphy’s had prepared a full cauldron of bubbling entertainment, so with vans parked and spirits high we trooped into the hall for the usual meet and greet magic. Something a little bit different too, as Drew engaged members in some table games before DJ Joe unleashed the tunes and ensured the night flowed smoother than a Vampire’s cape!!
With the Walled City transformed into Spook Central, brave members headed into town on Friday to witness the ghostly goings on. They were certainly not disappointed with Zombies, Dancing Skeletons and all manner of Phantoms leading up to the grand parade of floats that evening. Meanwhile the balcony on top of our Haunted Mansion offered a warm VIP view of the fireworks for the meeker of heart.It was soon time for some potion -commotion back down in the hall however as Chief Witches Cynthia & Winnie served up their mystery concoction. It certainly was a special brew and soon had more than a few members flying without the aid of a broomstick. That was not the only side-effect as I swear I have more hair than I did on Thursday. Any left-overs ladies??It clearly had an effect on the eyes as well when the bottle-roll took place as coins were soon rolling in every direction except the very large target on the floor. Our generous benefactor Paul Rixon hit the mark however before promptly auctioning it off to a triumphant Sandra Lennox. Let’s hope Victor sticks to the beer and allows the lady to enjoy her winnings!! It was soon business as usual again with DJ Para-Norman getting the beat going through to the witching hour.
With my fresh new mane of hair brushed and my eyes fully recovered from Friday’s special brew, Saturday kicked off with a dance-a-thon in the hall. Line-dancing was the order of the day then swiftly followed by something a bit more traditional to this part of the world – The Waves of Tory. It was great sight and had the floor was filled with members young and old bobbing and weaving across the hall.Then came the “Big One”. Frankenstein’s Bride, Skeletons, Dracula, Hippies, Pirates, The Wild West and even Mr Bean kicked off one of the weirdest parties ever seen. Someone even came dressed as Joe Little!! If a Martian had landed nobody would have noticed and offered him a raffle ticket and beer instead. Well done to all those who took part and big congratulations to the amazing young Neve Henderson whose outfit needs to be seen to be believed in the photo section. Meantime that famous Brigand and Corsair Robert Coalter made off with the men’s prize and was last seen in a dinghy heading for Greencastle.Our entertainment for the evening, DJ Ally was as cool as a crypt and kept those monsters dancing till the small hours while resident Witchdoctor Jackie Hoey summoned the good vibrations!! The raffle offered a chance for a breather and some lubrication before taking it into the small hours of Sunday morning. Just as well we had our friendly Randalstown Neighbourhood Watch onsite to keep order.
Sunday saw us gather to reflect on a fang-tastic event and David praised our hosts for their supreme efforts. We also welcomed 3 new additions with Robin & Izzy and young families Finbar & Cathy with Shania & Cliona and Jordan & Hanna with Neve & Jordan Jr. It was great to see the little Lennox & McQuiston making new friends. A warm welcome back also to David & Janice Campbell as they venture out in their new van. So that is it for now folks but be sure to make you way to Enniskillen in a fortnight for the next exciting instalment of Ramblers fun.
Gary