Country came to town... and so did The Ramblers Motorhome Club!
Yes, it was back to Portadown for the 2026 edition of the popular country jamboree on the banks of the River Bann. With singers, stalls, animals and all manner of machinery, this event has got it all.
Ready and willing to greet us at our wonderfully central location at Millington Primary School were Paul & Lesley, who had a helping hand from debutant hosts Gary & Marion. Yes, you heard it right. As if having one adorable Gary wasn't enough, we have somehow managed to acquire a second model. Having two of those handsome devils in The Ramblers might just be more than this club can possibly handle!
Al fresco was the name of the game for this event, and Friday night saw a gathering of warmly wrapped Ramblers under the canopy, chatting the evening away to background music. There's nothing quite like a bit of old-school camping fun.
Saturday rolled in and, of course, there was only one place to be, and that was up the street where all the country-related sights you could think of could be found. Thankfully, the rain held off, and members weaved in and out of the crowds, pausing only at some of the local inns to wet their whistles. The puff-puffing noises didn't just come from the billowing traction engines on the street, as members and festival-goers walked around the town all morning, then jolted and jived the afternoon away to headliner Gerry Guthrie and his fellow artists. A great show.
Back at the site that evening, members gathered once more to reflect on what had been a grand day and while away the hours to even more music.
With coffee morning set aside, members luxuriated in their vans for a deserved lie-in after the relentless fun of a double weekend. It was also a nice and relaxed introduction for the host of new members who joined us for their maiden event. It was wonderful to have them with us and to see how they fitted in straight away, providing plenty of conversation and craic throughout the weekend.
So, with that, we Ramblers now have a short break before heading for the island town of Enniskillen. This also includes a members' meeting on the Friday evening, which is planned to be a short but very important part of the weekend. All members are strongly encouraged to attend and hear how our club has developed, what we have planned and, above all, have your say on what you would like to see happen within the club.
With the Coalter and Fluke families standing ready to welcome you all, good south-west hospitality is guaranteed.
See you there.
The Rambling Writer