Tom Jones famously sang “Baby, it’s cold outside”, but thanks to a log-burner and Chief Stoker Jack with his endless supply of logs, we were all roasting like chestnuts at Lisburn RFC for our Committee led event.
We packed so much fun into 2025 that the theme carried right into Lisburn Rugby Club, where we just about managed to squeeze all our vans in! Perfect location too - just off the Motorway and right beside the January Sales in Sprucefield, meaning we were in danger of making a few credit cards sweat as much as the members!!
With a top-notch kitchen facility, we really have an ideal spot to see out the old and bring in the new. So, right on cue our Mince Pie Mafia swung swiftly into action and laid on a wonderfully seasonal Mulled Wine & Mince Pie reception to complete the warm welcome. After we were suitably refreshed and all talked out (impossible!!) Mr Bingo himself, Martin Murphy, led us in a game of Tin-Top Bingo. Rich pickings for all, but Paul Leaver struck gold early on with two rounds. Meanwhile, spare a thought for poor Winnie & Cynthia. Having handed out the bottle-tops they somehow collected more than they had given out in the first place. Answers on the back of a post-card please!! DJ Norman then spun us through the decades before members headed back to their snug motorhomes. Which judging by the plumes of smoke coming from them must have log-burners of their own!!
New Years Eve arrived and so did our afternoon line-dancing classes. More than just a way to practice and have some craic, they also help work up an appetite which came in handy later that night, where another great spread was laid on for us all. As 2026 approached, plate after plate of goujons, sausages, sandwiches and all the trimmings came flying out of the kitchen like frisbees. Committee buzzed round the room delivering piping hot food for our member’s delight. Just what the Doctor ordered for a full night’s dancing ahead.
Being the wisest of birds, our Chairman David knew we would all need a lie in on New Years Day so before the party started took the opportunity to warmly address us all on the great year our club has enjoyed and an even brighter 2026 ahead. There was warm applause too for Jim & Julie Harris who were giving their shiny new van its maiden road test. We hope they get every bit as much enjoyment from it as their last one. Birthday celebrations as well for a few Winter-Babies - Victor Lennox, Jim Niblock, Cynthia Willis and Anthony Brown.
After that the party well and truly started, and it was a musical family affair with DJ’s Gary & Joe taking the reins. Gary wound the members up with some real party music for the first couple of hours before giving the line-dancers and waltzers a chance to slow things down and recuperate for midnight. After, that the handbrake was well and truly off. Joe took over and members freewheeled (and very nearly cartwheeled!) right through midnight and well into 2026 to the sounds of Auld Lang Syne and joyful bear-hugs.
So, roll on 2026 and it won’t be long until 23rd January when the Pirie & Craig Clans look forward to welcoming you to their Burns Night Celebrations in North Down. Working as hard as ever a “Guid Burns Nicht” is guaranteed. So be sure to make Bangor Central Primary with all its warmth, walks and great transport links your first stop in 2026. (and to wish Evey a belated Happy Birthday too!!) Happy New
Year to all & Slàinte Mhath!
The Rambling Writer