The city of Derry / Londonderry jazz festival having commenced 29th . April was well underway when we joined on the 1 st May and set up base camp for the 33 units in attendance at the very convenient Oakgrove Integrated Pr. Sch.
This was a four day event for us encompassing the public holiday. Hosts for the week-end were Mervyn and Maud assisted by Newell and Geralyn who were dipping their toes into the tepid waters of rally hosting for the first time, “ Hi - it wasn’t bad at all – we enjoyed it” Geralyn responded when asked about the experience. This was the 25th. anniversary of the festival spread over six days and sixty venues throughout the city and it’s suburbs, more than 200 performers entertained the estimated 100,000 visitors. The spotlight was on jazz, indoors and al fresco and featured many of the best exponents of the genre.
Apart from some heavy rain on Saturday afternoon the weather was acceptably good, sometimes even reminiscent of Summer but displaying little evidence of global warming( it’s a myth). Since we didn’t have access to a hall our get together was declared a “meet” and therefore it enabled or encouraged greater interaction amongst members and speaking of which we had the pleasure of the company of two overseas visiting couples : Janette and John Boyd from bonnie Scotland, long standing members and previous visitors, also brand spanking new MCC members Coleen and Patrick Keefe honoured us with their attendance at their maiden rally as opposed to the Severn Valley group to which they are attached. It’s so nice to have visitors from other Groups drop into say hello, that expanse of expensive water tends to restrict visitors for us in the NI Group more so than for other groups who are on the same land mass, you are all very welcome folks – haste ye back and bring some friends with you, the more the merrier. Whilst on the topic of new members we were delighted to welcome Dorothy and Adrian Faulkner to their first event with their own MCCNI Group, trust you enjoyed and we look forward to your next visit.
Some have been splashing the cash !, Dawn and David Caskey were resplendent with their new steed, hope you have good health to enjoy and money to buy when you want another. Unfortunately Mervyn (Host) became ill overnight and was hospitalised early Sunday morning and therefore missed the address to members delivered by Jacqueline (Sec) on behalf of the absent Chairman, she offered congrat’s to yours truly and my hospitalised twin brother on attaining another milestone birthday, in addition Mervyn was wished a speedy and full recovery. Lucky free voucher winners were John and Catherine Hall together with Des and Patricia McCaul. Our thanks to our hosts for all their dedication and efforts on our behalf, also to Ruth who visited Derry council and tourist board offices on a number of occasions to get brochures for members which outlined the event activities and venues, we are indebted to you and appreciate.‘Twas another not to be missed event. Dessie.
Addendum : Mervyn was released from Altnagelvin hospital on Monday much improved with still some way to go to full recovery. He has asked me to acknowledge the kindness extended to him, the messages of support and empathy were and remain appreciated by him and he trusts this message will be accepted by all as a sincere thank-you.