Report on Temporary Camp Site at Portadown RFC 17th. To 19th. September 2021.
After some inclement weather during the week we all started to arrive at the Portadown Rugby Football Club. At 3.00pm. the sun removed its mask and insured we now arrived in glorious sunshine. Part of the hosting team, Norman Willis and Martin Murphy began parking the vans whilst their better halves Cynthia and Winifred respectively offered a warm and hearty welcome at the check-in. Now as most of us know this particular meeting normally coincides with Portadowns' Country comes to town festival, but unfortunately, like so many other things this had to be cancelled due to this terrible covid virus.
40 vans arrived on Friday afternoon and into the evening and soon the chairs were out and refreshments being partaken of. It was a glorious evening and I think most, if not all of the country's problems, indeed worlds problems, were debated and to a large extent sorted out around numerous groups dotted around the site. Pity world leaders weren't in attendance. The Rugby Club had a quiz night running in the club house from 7.30 pm and they kindly issued an invitation to any of our members who would be interested. Quite a few attended and took part and they certainly did not let our side down.
Saturday morning was again a really beautiful day giving everyone the opportunity to lounge in the sunshine, shop, some took the opportunity to avail of the cycle path along the Newry Canal, two actually went the full distance, 40 miles there and back to Newry. Others just took it easy and watched the rugby matches and young players training. It was a delight to see so many youngsters out on the pitches preparing to be our future Jonny Sextons or Rory Bests. We do accuse them of sitting with thumbs on computer games. Not this lot.
2 more vans arrived on Saturday giving us a total of 42 vans which, and this gives me great pleasure to say, included 5 new sets of members which I will list in no particular order. Robert and Sharon McKee. Robert and Denise McCrory. Norman and Sarah McKee David McFadden and Ms Olena Kalinina and last but by no means least, Mr. and Mrs Simon Todd. To further add to this wonderful array of new faces we also were able to welcome visitors Mr. & Mrs. Mainwarring from the Avon Group Mcc. I hope you both enjoyed your visit and if so spread the word.
The Club was open for food and drink in the evening and unfortunately a mishap in the kitchen did cause a bit of concern which is just best forgotten. However we were given a room where we could have a chat and listen to some music provided by DJs Gary Little and Norman Willis.
The Quiz was in two parts, the winners were Noel Hanna and George Craig.
A very successful event, again thanks to Norman, Cynthia, Martin, Winifred and photographer on the day Yvonne Little.
Photos in Gallery.
We look forward to seeing you all at Magherafelt on 1st.October
Enda & Flo Carolan.