From the County Down coast to the banks of the Foyle, the nautical theme continued for The Ramblers as a flotilla of motorhomes sailed north-west towards the Maritime Festival in Derry/Londonderry.
In true shipshape and Bristol fashion, Captain Willis and First Mate Murphy had assembled a motley crew of landlubbers, seadogs and the occasional mutineers to ensure the smoothest of voyages. While Popeye and Olive Oyl (Gary and Yvonne!) welcomed eager members at the gate, those wily old seadogs Joe and Jack expertly piloted vans into their weekend berths. And what of those merry wives of sailors, Cynthia and Winnie, you ask? More on them later!
First up was a barnacle-blasting performance from The D'Ukes of Gransha Ukulele Band. With the twang of a string, these finger-plucking maestros strummed their way through one medley after another, delivering a show that would have made George Formby blush. Ever thought you couldn't jive or line dance to a ukulele? Think again! With toes-a-tappin and hands-a-clappin, members took to the floor, lapping up the hits and rewarding the band with not one but two standing ovations. Alongside the usual craic and a few sea shanties from Captain Norman, our first night was a resounding success.
On Saturday, we ventured ashore to explore the sights, sounds and flavours of the festival. With everything from nimble jet skis and majestic galleons to urban art and street food, there was something for everyone to see, hear and enjoy. Renowned for its rich and well-preserved history, even the city walls and Guildhall Square struggled to compete for attention and were eerily quiet. It was certainly the perfect way to work up an appetite.
Speaking of which, every sailor needs a good woman in port and, right on cue, Cynthia and Winnie steamed over the horizon! Leading their own band of buccaneers, these dazzling corsairs pressed Anthony and Geraldine, Eddie and Margaret, Craig and Lesley, and Yvonne into their pinnies to serve up a BBQ feast for hungry members. Suitably refuelled, it wasn't long before everyone was back in the hall for another great evening of craic, conversation and dancing to the sounds of our latest entertainer, George Bracken.
When Sunday morning rolled around, members gathered in the hall for another array of treats and goodies laid on by our hosts before reluctantly bidding farewell. All eyes then turned to Chairman Joe, who somehow managed to find the words to describe the tremendous efforts of our hosts, prompting a well-deserved and resounding round of applause. A warm welcome was also extended to a bumper crop of new members: Michael and Alison Scott, Ken and Valerie Prunell, Alan and Louise Wallace, John and Joanne McGonagle, Mervyn McMaster and Jan Speirs, Brigene Fitzpatrick and Claudio Lopes, Quinton and Fiona Campbell, Eric and Kathleen Morton, Hammy and Joanne Miskelly, Neal and Kelly Carson, Tony and Jacqui Coey, Charlie and Patricia Rafferty, and Sheila Speirs. It was a celebration weekend for the ladies too, with Willow Todd, Cliodhna McQuiston, Claire Fulton and Sheena Rea all enjoying birthday celebrations.
For now, the Armada sets sail for Mid-Antrim and some refreshing country air in two weeks' time. AHOY BALLYMENA!
The Rambling Writer