Cookstown Rally & AGM 27th -29th September 2024
Friday 27th at 5:00pm saw the start of the MCC NI rally and AGM at Cookstown Primary School. Rally Hosts Robbie & Irene Hewitt and Victor and Eleanor McFadden ably assisted by Andy Clarke welcomed 33 vans for the weekend.
On Friday night we all enjoyed a sociable evening of Bingo called by Victor and it was a profitable evening for some lucky winners. This was followed by a pleasant social hour or two catching up with friends and preparing the hall for the AGM on Saturday morning. An unfortunate tripping incident for one lady committee member resulted in an overnight stay at Antrim Area Hospital and highlighted the importance of carrying, and using, a good torch, as the nights draws in and parking areas may be quite dark.
On Saturday morning the AGM was held, the Chairman made his speech and reports were given before the existing committee stood down and were replaced by the new committee for the next year 24/25, Sam Arlow being the Chairperson for the incoming year. The AGM was closed and welcome refreshments were organised by Selma McMullan helped by her team of lady assistants. The scones, cream and jam were delicious. This was followed by the Members Meeting where no questions were raised and the meeting was closed. The rest of Saturday morning and afternoon was taken up by shopping trips, dining and the odd visit to some local hostelries. Later on, Saturday evening we danced until the wee hours to the superb music of Malcolm Coulter who provided great music to suit all tastes. Celebrating her birthday was Sandra Dunn. Tom and Julie Lowry celebrated 52 years of Marriage. And Our Robbie’s birthday was noted as being upcoming this week. All wished well.
The Coffee Morning on Sunday had refreshments again organised by Selma & helpers. The new Chairman Sam Arlow gave details from the weekend and reminded members of the change of venue for our next rally (details below) The number plate draws were won by Sandra Dunn and Iris McEwan.
Over the weekend we had visitors from MCC Head Office – Jacci Durkee, MCC Chair and husband Graham along with Les and Joyce McKendrick, who were made very welcome by both outgoing and incoming Chairmen. Members had the useful opportunity to meet and talk with them over the three days they were with us.
Rally was closed at 1;00pm and we all left looking forward to the next one which will be held on 11th – 13th October 2024 at Regents House Grammar School, Circular Road Newtownards, BT23 4QA, Start time 5:00pm. Robert & Iris McEwan.