Cookstown New year 24/25

MCCNI New Year celebrations at Cookstown Primary School 30th December 2024 -1stJanuary 2025. We had a great Old Year out and New Year Celebration which was well hosted by Brian & Hayley and ably assisted by Harry & Jane. 

     Monday evening got off to a great start with a well appreciated slide show of photo highlights from 2024 organised by Andy with help from several ‘technical advisors’ and this was accompanied by some great music provided by Albert. Our last Bingo game of 2024 followed with many happy winners. More great music from Albert accompanied many happy conversations with memories shared and plans for the incoming year discussed. We all headed for bed ready for the celebrations to come, torches lighting the way as we went. 

      Tuesday morning and afternoon were spent by many members heading into Cookstown for some last-minute shopping, visits to a variety of hostelries, restaurants and hotels for lunch and, perhaps, a glass or two. Many members, took the opportunity to get together in their units for some socialising over a cup of tea or coffee. 

     The celebrations for ‘Old Years Night started around 9:00 pm with live music which had people up dancing from the start to the end of the evening. A very full raffle was held during the evening with a great variety of prizes handed out. A super Photo Booth with wonderful decoration for 2025 was set up and run by Peter and Marie Johnson giving couples and groups a great photo opportunity to record the evening. Celebrations at zero hour were wonderful with everyone on the floor dancing the New Year in and all giving a hearty rendition of Auld Lang Syne. 

     Our Chairman, Sam Arlow gave a short speech welcoming the incoming year with the MCCNI, thanking all involved in running the group throughout the last year and looking forward to the new one. On Wednesday the Coffee Morning was attended by all and there were no signs of anyone being under the weather from the previous evening. We all enjoyed the tea, coffee and biscuits provided by our wonderful ‘Selma and the Tea Ladies’. The draw for the Tickets to the Annual Dinner Dance took place and the Complimentary Weekend Ticket was won by Mark & Jacqueline Hutchinson. The £70.00 Meal Voucher was won by Ivan & Alex Mellon. 

     The Number Plate draws went to Albert & Olivia Everett and Barbara & Maurice McIhagga. Vouchers for free nights based on attendance at rallies went to Albert Everett and Norman McKee. The absence of two stalwart couples from the celebrations was noted – Dessie & Ruth Ross and Tom & Agnes Adair. Their company was missed and good wishes from all were expressed for a quick return to full heath and return to our outings. The Rally was closed by our Chair, Sam Arlow who thanked all those who attended making it a very special start to the groups 25th Silver Anniversary Year. Bob & Iris McEwan