It might be winter, but there was only spring in our steps as Ramblers happily made their way to Mid-Ulster to kick off the season with our regular Magherafelt hosts Paul & Lesley.
Parked up and ready to go, any winter cold was soon banished as Norman & Bridget led us in our regular early evening line-dancing class. Members were soon spinning back and forth round the floor, including our illustrious Chairman David who sure can do a mean wagon-wheel. It’s taken Bridget a fair few years but it looks like all that hard work has finally paid off and he’s now the finished article.
With Florence returning to Bingo duties I have finally sussed that Mary Hoey is a good luck charm and the key to winning bingo is sitting near her. Having won the jackpot in Enniskillen and looking resplendent in her new coat it was Jackie, William and Evey’s turn to do the winning this time round. As for the rest of us? Well, we made do with the usual good craic and great tunes from Norman.
Saturday meant it was time to go “Doon the Toon” and it certainly was looking well with the trees of Broad Street individually lit up and acting as an entrance to the big tree in the centre of town. Mary’s Bar was also wonderfully lit for the season and beckoned many members in to enjoy the fire with a few relaxing pints and a hearty meal. A fair few shopping bags were also noted sitting round the tables which just goes to show you that Magherafelt really has it all.
With Christmas spirits now registering at least 40% a.b.v and jumpers pulled on, the hall was the place to be. Tables were adorned with delicately crocheted decorations by Lesley and illuminations & ornaments everywhere. No celebration would be complete of course without a “Cynthia Special”. Her wonderfully detailed winter centrepiece was so big it completely divided the table in two with ladies on one side and men on the other. I am sure the fact Norman & Martin were later heard singing Silent Night was totally unrelated!!
A special appearance was also made by our very own “Stranraer Santa” Davie Pirie along with Evey Claus and a mischievous Larne Elf who bore more than a passing resemblance to William Lynas (only with better legs!). Even a marathon effort from our joint DJ’s Gary & Joe till midnight and a fair few Christmas classics barely succeeded in tiring them out.
After another great effort by our hosts Coffee and Chat on Sunday gave us time to enjoy Lesley’s traditional treats, share thanks and say our farewells. It was a quiet weekend for birthdays and new vans, so we just had to console ourselves with the great news that we have once again secured Mill Strand Primary School in Portrush for the NW200 & Pipes Band Championships in 2026.But let’s not rush ahead – there’s still the Christmas Cracker at The Shepherds Rest to come along with our regular New Year bonanza in Lisburn which also includes a light supper. So, keep that Christmas jumper and party dress packed. All we want for Christmas is YOU!
The Rambling Writer