Enniskillen Easter 2025
ENNISKILLEN RALLY REPORT
The persistent rain for the start of the Easter Rally didn’t dampen our spirits as a drenched ‘Cool Hand’ Hewitt calmly parked us up on arrival. Chairman Sam’s camouflage parka was so effective that he was nearly run over by Harry! A combined total of 50 vans took part in the rally.
On Friday evening we gathered in the hall for bingo and caller Victor was much praised for his calm delivery and even tempo. The drinks and conversation flowed and music by DJ Robbie saw us through until the early hours.
On Saturday morning a good number of members joined in Selma’s craft workshop to make Easter decorated hats, teacup and pictures, which were to be judged later, and the quality of the end products was outstanding. Many took the very short walk into town to explore the shops and the plentiful eating and drinking establishments and our usual platoon of patriotic members braved the rain and sought out the local British Legion to offer their financial support to or armed forces via the enthusiastic purchase of alcoholic beverages. In the evening, the craft session creations were judged, and the Decorated Hat winner was Sam, runner up was Mary. Decorated Cup and saucer winner was our weather witch, Irene, and the runner up was Jane and the Picture winner was Caryn with Julie the runner up. Our evening act was a terrific vocalist who played all his backing music live on twin keyboards and had a varied musical repertoire. He read the room beautifully and kept the dance floor crowded all night and well into the early hours.
On Sunday morning a number of our lovely ladies attended the free make-up and pampering session laid on by Alex using the Tropic range of beauty products. Their partners declared them even lovelier after the session! Entrance to the hall was denied in the morning whilst the committee ladies prepared for the mysteriously named ‘Daffodil Tea'. When we entered at 3 pm we were transfixed by the sight of a beautiful chic tearoom with yellow cloth dressed tables and places laid with China cups, saucers and plates. Each table had vases of daffodils and China cake stands loaded with homemade cakes and breads. An absolutely brilliant effort by Selma, Maud and Ruth to lay on a tea party for around 90 people. Afterwards we were entertained by a sing-along session from Peter on vocals/guitar, but many considered the highlight of his act to be the guest appearance of Pauline who sung 2 songs acapella (without accompaniment!).
We played Irene’s Dice game in the evening which involved her kicking a big modified dice around the hall while bossily instructing players to move their money around the table until only one player had any coins left. All the winners generously elected to donate their winnings to the Chairman’s charity. A game of ‘Last Man Standing’ resulted in Chairman Sam winning the £30 top prize and a few members actually cheered. Alex drew the winners for the lucky square draw and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Tropic product winners were Jacqueline, Helen and Diane respectively. The draw raised funds of £140 which were donated by Alex to Cancer Focus, the Chairman’s charity.
Dancing to music by DJ Robbie lead to yet another late night/early morning. Monday morning in the hall for tea, coffee and Chairman’s address as the hall wasn’t available on Tuesday morning when the rally finished. Sam thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event. The total sum donated to the Chairman’s cancer charity was £200 comprising £140 from the Tropic draw, £33 from the dice game winners and a £27 top up by Alexandra to round up the total. The birthdays of Elmer, Elaine and Sally were celebrated by song. Free Weekend vouchers were presented to Caryn and Garry, Dawn and David, Mary and Stephen, Harry and Eileen, Victor and Eleanor, Robert and Violet, Selma and Elmer and Chairman Sam. Number Plate Draw winners for a free night were Gus, Eric, and Alan and Jean, a lovely couple on tour from Leeds who joined us for their very first rally.
Some left us during the day, but a good number of hardy survivors assembled in the hall for the evening craic. A session of ‘Play your cards right’ drew much raucous advice from the enthusiastic crowd (mostly from Harry), most of it completely wrong! The £25 game prizes were eventually won by Mary and Elmer. The intended early night was again abandoned by many. The rally closed on Tuesday morning and we all headed home for rest and recovery to get ready for the next meeting. Huge thanks to the Committee for a wonderful rally. Happy Days! Peter Johnston.