Ards Valentines Rally 25

Newtownards Rally Report. 

     On arrival at Regents House Grammar School on Friday afternoon, we were warmly greeted by our cheerful (despite the rain) hosts Jaqueline and Mark Hutchinson and Caryn and Garry Brown, who speedily parked up the 35 vans attending.           Members decorated their hall tables in the afternoon and a factory in China is probably working overtime to replace the number of red plastic roses that were used for this purpose! The hall was decorated by the hosts and helpers including Selma and Jane and included a photo booth area and the whole effect looked wonderfully romantic. 

     The evening entertainment featured a game of Mr and Mrs skilfully hosted by Jaqueline and scorer Caryn, which caused much hilarity. Six couples were whittled down to two who contested the final. Brian Warnock took such an eternity contemplating his responses in the knockout round that we prepared the defibrillator for use several times as we feared we had lost him! Nevertheless, he and Hayley made it through to the final, where they were runners-up to winners Beverley and Robert Coulter. Doubtless, some couples had an inquest later about the accuracy of their partner's answers but the game was thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

     DJ Robbie ‘mixmaster’ Hewitt played a great selection of music to encourage us onto the dance floor for the rest of the evening as the drinks and conversation flowed. On Saturday morning some of the ladies met up for a craft session and Caryn showed them how to make a lovely origami box complete with lid. Marie showed me hers and hinted that it would make a great jewellery box so I’m making some tiny paper rings and necklaces to fit. 

     In the afternoon most people went into town to shop, eat or drink and Captain Sam was seen heading up a platoon of patriots marching purposefully towards the Royal British Legion to continue the policy of supporting our armed forces by donating generous sums of money across the bar. Love was definitely in the air and Paul Lilley, our musical entertainer for the night, gave us a variety of great songs with something to suit everyone which ensured that the dance floor was very active all evening. As usual the raffle was held in the interval and members showed their customary generosity in the large number of donated prizes on offer. 

     At coffee morning on Sunday Chairman Sam presented the number plate and rally attendance awards and thanked the hosts for another great rally. We were very pleased to welcome new members Maureen and Kenny Stirling, Ann and Les Chambers and Richard and Lillie Proctor to the group and hope they enjoyed their first rally and will join us at many more. Great rally, great craic and great people. Looking forward to the next one.