MCC NI Annual Dinner Dance At La Mon Hotel, Country Club And Spa from 17th to 19th January 2020.
From about 2pm.on Friday the vans started to arrive on what was a bitterly cold afternoon with more than just a hint of rain in the air. They were soon parked up by a relay of committee members. There were 51 vans which was maximum number for the parking spaces available. It wasn't long before screens were up, heaters at maximum and TVs tuned. It was a good opportunity to get ready and head over to the hotel bistro for a meal and a few bevies around cosy fires. The head chef, Colin McCready could not be faulted with the quality, nor quantity of food. It was simply excellent. 8.00pm brought us to the Milford Suit for a very enjoyable session of bingo, the caller was David Gilmore assisted by Bridget and Flo.
This was followed by an evening of dancing and merriment with the music provided by “Chapter One” The floor was packed all evening.
Saturday morning was beautiful, still cold, but bright and frosty. Some went off shopping to Newtownards whilst others availed of the pool and spa. 1.30pm saw Bridget Gilmore leading a line dancing class which was quite well attended. Watch this space.
At 6.45pm 141 members and guests assembled in the Milford Foyer for a sparkling wine reception and chat and get together. 7.30pm call to dinner. I can honestly say that I did not hear one word of complaint about the food nor the staff serving it. It is rare to get a meal of such quality for such numbers. A big thank you to La Mon.
Dinner was followed by dancing to “Double Take” who were able to choose just the right music for the occasion. Do you remember when I said; “Watch this space” well now the dance lesson came to the fore and the line dancers came out in force and almost took over the floor leaving just enough room for the fox trotters etc.
Our Chairman, Joe Little had some words of welcome including new members Jim Currie and Lesley McMorris also Kenny and Silvia Allen. Two new vans were here, owned respectively by David and Bridget Gilmore and Kenny and Sylvia Allen. Good luck and enjoy.
Joe also went on to reveal the charity we will be supporting this year which is N.I. Children's Hospice, a very worthy cause and going by the round of applause, a popular choice. He also went on to thank his son, and our treasurer, Gary, for all his hard work in relation to this event. He also thanked all of the committee for their efforts.
Our President Dessie Ross addressed the floor thanking everyone from La Mon, their staff, our committee, members of the club and everyone involved in the organising and running this event.
Bob Warwick and Howard Dempsey both celebrated birthdays. We hope you have many more.
The ballot was hosted by David Gilmore and assisted by Julie Irwin. The big prize winners were:-
Weekend in La Mon, Harold and Francis Heron. Enjoy the pool and spa.
£100 to:- Geraldine & Anthony Brown, Ann & Robert Grant, Ann & Neil Tarbotton, John & Elaine Kerr and last but not least Ian Hutton & Shiela Bell.
Next venue is Burns Night Festivities Rally at Dunluce School, Bushmills on January 24th to 26th. Start time 5.pm. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Enda & Flo Carolan