Armagh Georgian Day 2024

Armagh Rally. Our Weather which Irene Hewitt, had announced that Friday’s rain would cease by 5pm for our arrival at Lisanally Special School in Armagh and so it came to pass! Hosts Jaqueline and Mark Hutchinson, assisted by Irene and Robbie Hewitt, efficiently booked us in and parked us up. Only 17 vans in attendance but what we lacked in quantity was definitely made up in quality. Our ‘meet and greet’ in the hall on Friday evening featured an interesting game of Speed Bingo hosted by Jaqueline ‘Hurricane’ Hutchinson. Several players were quite traumatised after the game and many reported suffering from repetitive strain injury next morning. 

Saturday morning many met in the hall for the usual craft morning to knit, crochet and generally natter (mainly the latter I suspect). Afterwards most members took the short walk into town to enjoy the Georgian Day Celebrations, an annual event which seems to grow in numbers every year. There were several historic buildings open to the public and a whole menu of bookable tours and enactments featuring the characters and customs of the Georgian period. The aroma of delicious food being cooked at the wide choice of street caterers filled the streets and proved hard to resist. Music from the various bands, musical ensembles and wonderful choirs filled the streets and a marching Redcoat fife and drum band patrolled the town as people browsed the plethora of stalls offering various gifts, cakes, confectionery, craft items, drink, jewellery and more. A large number of members were overcome by a patriotic impulse to support our Armed Forces community by placing sums of money behind the bar at the local British Legion. It seemed as if most of the rally enthusiastically joined in this generous gesture and some went above and beyond the call of duty, Irene Hewitt being an inspirational example!

 Saturday evening in the hall did not feature the customary live act as the hall booked was secured at short notice but DJ Robbie ‘Mixmaster’ Hewitt provided a selection of music to suit all tastes. Songs were sung and the drink and conversation flowed. Smaller rallies often offer the chance to get together and interact with lots of people and they often have an intimate and family like vibe, as was the case here. Sunday morning in the Hall for tea and coffee and words of wisdom from Chaiman Sam (Foghorn) Arlow who was commendably brief this time. He thanked all for coming and name checked all who helped out. We welcome Garry and Karyn Brown to their first rally with the Group and hope to meet them both at many more in the future. A lovey relaxed and fun filled rally was greatly enjoyed by all and we look forward to the next. By Peter Johnston.