The Ramblers wagon train pulled into Party-Down for another fun filled weekend at Country Comes to Town. Right on cue, Sheriff Paul & Deputy Lesley were waiting at the gates, badges polished ready to welcome us all and it was not long before we were all wrangled in and parked up in our spacious yet secluded spot. With the weather being lovely and mild some al-fresco entertainment soon began under the canopy. With plenty of small talk and enough country music to make Dolly Parton jealous, members were suitably prepped and ready for the following days entertainment.
There was a real posse from the west, and it was great to see such a strong showing of old and new members from Tyrone and Fermanagh determined to party. And party they did! We were honoured to have new members Willie & Ruth Little with us to share their 50th wedding anniversary along with their friends Leslie & Ivy and Raymond & Ida. The remaining contingent took in all the festival had to offer and were spotted jiving away to Michael English the next day. You’ve still got the moves George & Ruth!
A great day out was had by all, with the sights and smells of vintage cars, tractors and engines everywhere, each one polished up and looking well. They are a credit to their dedicated owners and a nice trip down memory lane. With some modern classics included it’s nice to know us 70’s babies have not been forgotten about!
With a singer on every street the whole day was set to a soundtrack of great music but there was no shortage of comedy either. Margaret was spotted deep in conversation with two old washerwomen - they clearly had no idea who they were messing with. Meanwhile, Eddie and I proved that birds of a feather do flock together, especially when there is a clown involved. But the worst was yet to come when yours truly also had a brush with the law. It turns out being gorgeous is a crime after all. However, the two very courteous PSNI officers kindly let me off with a warning! If it is proof you seek, look no further than the gallery.
With the day over we all headed back to our vans and determined to keep the good times going, it was not long before we were all headed for the canopy. With our customary craic and conversation, we rounded off the day with some classics and a line dance or two. Just like classic cars, those big showband tunes are just as popular as ever.
Sunday morning rolled round, and coffee and cake was the order of the day. With Lesley having prepared some goodies for us, we all had something to savour as David wound up the event with the latest news and even more importantly, a big round of applause for Paul & Lesley. If anyone deserves a relaxing break at our next weekend in Cookstown it’s them. David welcomed new members Willie and Ruth Little, Leslie and Ivy McCutcheon and Karl and Sylvia Rankin. He also congratulated Willie and Ruth on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Just be careful not to relax too much because if you didn’t get enough live music and dancing here in Portadown then Cookstown is the place to be.
Gary