We all looked forward to it and hoped for some fine weather and boy we were not disappointed. On Wednesday afternoon we started to arrive at Malahide Rugby Club. Cynthia and Winnie were on gate duty and welcomed us with open arms and the brightest of smiles. Martin and Norman then parked us all up with military precision. Martin, fully equipped with measuring wheel and exact plan in his head had us safely sited with all the correct spacing, staggered for easy evacuation in case of emergency and ready to party. Part of the beauty of Malahide is the level surface with the grass cut about six days ago to allow the cuttings to be grown in and not to be carried by feet into vans. Yes, military precision. Wednesday evening and up to the function room for Tin Top Bingo which went down a treat with winners at almost every table. Martin did a sterling job at the table with a clear and concise delivery of the reading of the cards. Norman finished the evening off with a selection of music keeping the dancers happy. Gary the bar manager kept us well supplied with drink, well not quite supplied but more like sold it.
Thursday morning started off with mist coming in from the estuary but this soon cleared to give way to beautiful sunshine just right for the short walk through the Malahide Park to the bus and on to Malahide. The pedestrian area of the village was superb with its tables, chairs and umbrellas out on the street in the glorious sunshine, you could have been anywhere on the continent. But of course, we had Gibney's for lunch and refreshments. In the afternoon it was a time for relaxation and fun. Some played boules, some pitched horseshoes, some played pitch and putt and others socialised around vans but the common denominator was fun and laughter. Some of our numbers took the dart to Dublin City Centre. Thursday evening, again in the function room Gary and Yvonne hosted a table top quiz which they had in fact devised. After a closely fought contest the winners were: John, Beth, Rip, Kayce, Monica and Travis. We're still in quiz mode so figure that out for yourself. DJ Gary then completed the evening with a fine selection of music.
The mist was back on Friday morning but again it soon cleared to show clear blue skies and a bright sun just right to top up the tan. Only some members elected to laze in the sunshine. Swords, Malahide and Dublin were more important to others whilst others jumped on the bus to Portmarnock and its sandy beach and cool waters. Adeline masterminded this excursion and I must say it was a beautiful and invigorating experience. Fun games and ceilidh dancing hosted by Eddie and Margaret and whilst most tried it few mastered it. The dancing that is but all mastered the fun. Disco Joe now took over and played his particular music to the evenings end.
Saturday morning and even the dogs had become accustomed to a leisurely walk either along the estuary path or through Malahide Park. Just look at Gary's photos in gallery and you will appreciate the sheer beauty of the area. Another day of sunshine, deckchairs, bus and train excursions, bike runs and how to fix this, switch this on and all those would be problems of the motor homers day were discussed, cogitated and hopefully answered. Great stuff. Not one but two domes had been erected mostly to provide shade from the sun and to provide that focal point at the centre of any great event were now to be the centre for tonight's festivities. Yes, we all know each other and are very friendly with each other so we mostly all fitted inside the domes. There was certainly no room for dancing but I think most were too tired for that and to sit and sing was enough. It was a warm and pleasantly balmy evening, a variety of lights were illuminated and William produced his ukulele and the most pleasant of evenings ensued with a sing-along including all the old favourites being rolled out to some degree of excellence.
Sunday morning and still beautiful wall to wall sunshine for us to hear our Chairman Davids address. After voicing his appreciation to all who had made this a most enjoyable event i.e. all the committee and attending members who made the trip. He welcomed new members Ruth (The life guard) & George Armstrong, Valerie & Howard Humphries and Janice & David Campbell. You are all most welcome to the Club. New vans:- Eddie & Margaret O'Donnell and Ian & Sheila Hutton. I hope you all have many safe and happy miles in them. He also wished Ruth and Valerie best birthday wishes.
Next event is at Limavady on 5th. September where we will have live music and a raffle. There will also be a van boot sale on Saturday morning.
Enda & Flo and of course, Tanya