Cookstown primary school, this was a change in venue due to renovations being carried out to St. Pius X college, Magherafelt.
Friday morning weather was rather ominous but by afternoon had dried up becoming more pleasant and remained so over the week-end. Friday night bingo saw a record attendance with Jacqueline calling the shots, there were quite a few happy winners. Afterwards Albert provided the background music as most reminisced and renewed friendships. At the close of play we had a “Throw-a-penny” or more correctly a £1 coin throw competition to a bottle of whiskey all in aid of the Chairman’s charity, Billy McBride was the winner who then auctioned the prize and increased the amount raised.
Saturday found everyone in the school for our 26th AGM which was well attended, all of Committee members stood down in accordance with our constitution, all were re-elected unopposed together with the Chairman Sam Arlow. Many expressions of gratitude were made to Committee for their prodigious and successful management of our group over the preceeding year, a richly deserved accolade indeed. In the interim between AGM and The Members Meeting we had the customary refreshments, variety of scones and sumptuous tray bakes, we are indebted to all who contributed, too many to name and so easy to omit and cause offence perhaps.
Prior to commencement of the Members Meeting our Chairman and Committee presented a cheque for £1,500 pounds to a representative from the NI Childrens Hospice, our chosen Chairman’s charity, he expressed gratitude on behalf of the Hospice and explained how much they depended on charitable donations to further their work, what a deserving cause, so glad we made such a magnificent effort and one we can be justly proud of. At commencement of the Members Meeting Sam informed the members that our Honorary President, Mrs. Anne Grant, had stood down. Having parted with their motorhome and with health issues Anne and Robert have allowed their membership to lapse, the Chairman outlined how the Grants were dedicated attenders of our functions in previous times and Anne had been Secretary for a good number of years, we thank them for their dedication and wish them well in the future.
To rapturous applause Ruth Ross was installed as the next Hon. President and presented with a pretty cut glass trophy to retain for the duration of her office, her unstinting dedication to the Group being recognised and suitably rewarded. Having attended the most rallies in the preceeding year Norman and Lynette Graham were presented with the Margaret Davidson memorial trophy, this is a very beautiful cup presented by past members Mr. and Mrs. Babbs and is a very fitting means of reminding us of a dear friend much adored and missed. David Kane, one of our trusted entertainers, enthralled with his varied repertoire of alluring music and song at our evening dance, delightful and enjoyable.
Sunday morning seemed to arrive much too quickly, it’s always the case when you’re enjoying yourself. Gathered as before in the school for the Chairman’s address, tea / coffee and more wee buns were served up by Sally, Michelle and Lynette, Ramunus was toiling away out of sight making sure the pots were kept full. There was the usual lucky winners of the entry number draws, Sally McKee and Anne Hill being the one’s lady luck smiled upon, congrat’s. But that’s not all : just to have some more happy faces no less than six others received free week-end vouchers in recognition of their attendance at Group functions. Leonard and Marissa Robinson were congratulated on their new motorhome, we wish you good health to enjoy and money to buy when you want another. Best wishes and congratulations were extended to Robbie Hewitt, Tom Lowry, Billy McBride and Sylvia McBride on the occasion of their birthdays. Little Emily, just 9 years old and our youngest member present was given special mention and a beautiful cake presented by her Grandparents Billy and Michelle McBride.
Before closing the meeting the Chairman thanked everyone for attending with particular mention of our hosts Ramunus and Rita who were ably assisted by the veterans, Selma and Elmer. They really did a magnificent job ensuring this was one to remember, take a bow, you did well. Mervyn and Maud