It was in the Kingdom of Mourne that a glamorous duo of Claire & Yvonne welcomed motorhome, after motorhome, after motorhome (well you get the idea!!) to South Down. Meanwhile Noel & Gary merrily played motorhome Jenga, dutifully slotting Ramblers into their weekend berths. All the pieces were in place for a weekend of friendship, scenery and wall to wall sunshine.
First order of business on Friday saw David lead a swift EGM to inform members of some vital changes to our constitution before it was on to our inaugural Quickfire Cornhole Challenge. Thirty-two battle-ready members bravely fought one another in rapid knock-out fashion to see who would be crowned “World Champion”. Yes, you read that correctly folks. Such is The Ramblers uniqueness there can’t be any other title. Old played young, short beat tall and family quarrels were settled. But, in the end, it all boiled down to that age old argument - Man v Woman! I won’t speculate if the result truly settled the debate, all I can say is we witnessed an almighty Battle of The Sexes when Enda Carolan triumphed over Cynthia Willis. Light music and craic soon followed.
Sunshine Saturday was not just the usual retail therapy as members ventured all-round the town, soaking up the sun and fresh air, followed by restorative al-fresco pints. Nothing like some Vitamin B to balance out the Vitamin D! Kenny Ferguson & Ian Rankin were also spotted getting in shape for the forthcoming NW200 by running their eyes over the huge display of motorbikes on the promenade. Thankfully no purchases were made, and Lorraine & Viviene were spared a windy journey back home.
As sundown approached a posse soon gathered in the hall on Saturday night as luminous Cowboys and Cowgirls headed into the hall to do-si-doh with the always entertaining Lodzacraic. Whether square, line or round in circles Ramblers danced, rustled and partied Western style till not so High-Noon. I’m not sure the Olde West had too many pink Stetsons, but Bertie McGaughey sure suited his.
At Sunday morning roundup David led congratulations to Sheriffs Clare & Noel for hosting their first event so well, along with their Deputies Yvonne & Gary. A warm welcome was also extended to our new members Stephen & Paula Dempster, Seamus & Brenda Carey, Hudson & Angela McGuffin and Tommy & Linda Hill. Although perhaps that should be “nearly-new” as they were no sooner in the gate than they ran into friends, and in one case family. Wedding Anniversary wishes also to Eddie & Margaret O’Donnell. Happy birthday wishes to Geof Hill. Many congratulations also with new motorhomes for David & Bridget Gilmore but especially Harry & Arlene Campbell who we were absolutely delighted to have back with us again.
Newcastle – Where the mountains of motorhomes swept down to the sea!! Sure, Percy French himself couldn’t have written it any better himself.
The Rambling Writer