Hillsborough May 2025

Hillsborough
On 30 th May 24 vans were warmly welcomed by John and Joyce McCune and Brian and Hayley Warnock to Beechlawn Special School in Hillsborough. The welcome sheet provided general information as well as details of events taking place in the village on Saturday. They also included a leaflet about the Sculpture trail around the lake which many found useful. We didn’t have access to the hall for our usual weekend activities but Friday night being dry allowed for great craic in the carpark until the early hours. 

     On Saturday morning most ventured into the village to browse the many interesting stalls at the Farmers and Craft Market along the Dark Walk. There followed the pageantry of the Fort Guard Investiture and parade through the town accompanied by the band of the Royal Irish Regiment. A few completed the afternoon by gathering in The plough to enjoy the music and the sunshine. 

     Saturday evening saw another gathering in the car park and great craic was had once again. The weekend closed on Sunday morning with coffee, cake and biscuits al fresco (just before the heavens opened!). Hayley thanked John and Joyce for hosing a successful weekend and John thanked Brian and Hayley for their assistance, commending Hayley for completing all the roles of the committee single handed over the weekend. 

     Kenny and Gillian Myles were welcomed as renewal members from 2023 and John and Deirdre Sayers were welcomed as new members. Congratulations were offered to Dessie and Ruth Ross on their 51st Wedding Anniversary. Number plate draws were won by John Hall and Mervyn Pyper. Thanks to great hosts and co hosts for ensuring we all had a great weekend despite their plans for the hall having to be rearranged. Caryn Brown