WRAC Association Northern Ireland Area
Chairman: Vacant
Secretary: Vacant
Ulster Branch
It seems no time since I was writing my previous article for the magazine, but the time goes in very quickly these days - dare I say it - as one grows older!
Here in the Ulster Branch, our social calendar seems to be on the up again. Christmas lunch in Beechlawn Hotel, Dunmurry was a great success and was really enjoyed by all. We also had a few guests which added to the festive flavour. And of course no function could be held without the proverbial 'bring and buy' sale and raffle which does a lot to boost funds. I was especially delighted to see Lorna Gulston and guest at the dinner. I knew Lorna better as Captain Gulston from my TA days and I was glad that she was able to attend the dinner as she had previously had some surgery carried out. As you can see from the photograph, our treasurer and some other members and guests were having lots of Christmas cheer.
The pantomime, Aladdin, in the Grand Opera House, Belfast was also a huge success. Indeed, the shows seem to get more spectacular as the years go by and is becoming very popular with our branch members. We spent most of the time laughing while at the same time trying to dodge the 3D characters which were flying all around us. In particular, the 3D genie was a jolly looking sight but numerous snakes and spiders took one's breath away. However, the Bailey's 'tipple' in the interval made up for the scary monsters which were trying to attack us.
Mae Milne who is in her 90th year certainly enjoyed the show and the kindness and thoughtfulness of our committee member Florence Logan made sure Mae had everything she needed - even access to a box of chocs. This photograph, together with some others which we took, will find a fitting place in our Branch Album.
Florence Logan and Mae Milne
We have been especially fortunate this year in being able to register for use of a community bus which took us on our May outing. Everything is so expensive that I just felt a bus was completely out of the question, but the little community bus was just a third of the price. We picked up our members in Belfast and we headed off to Newcastle, Co Down where we had a coffee stop. Here we picked up Ruby Agnew who arrived with her little walking aid and the usual wonderful smile. Eddie our driver then took us on to Kilkeel, the gateway to the Mourne Mountains, where we had lunch in the local hotel, the Kilmorey Arms. At lunch, the table was laden with the most appetizing array of food. We were all able to choose our meal, from roast beef, turkey and ham or fish and of course, as usual, the desserts were mouth-watering. Weight problems were cast aside, to be dealt with at another date (?!) in the gym.
Dorothea Nicholson, one of our members who lives in the area, had been unable to come to the outing, but came along to the hotel instead to say hello and to share a cuppa with us. It was lovely to see Dorothea again and we greatly appreciated her calling to see us. She certainly lives in a very beautiful and picturesque part of the country.
We have been especially fortunate this year in being able to register for use of a community bus which took us on our May outing. Everything is so expensive that I just felt a bus was completely out of the question, but the little community bus was just a third of the price. We picked up our members in Belfast and we headed off to Newcastle, Co Down where we had a coffee stop. Here we picked up Ruby Agnew who arrived with her little walking aid and the usual wonderful smile. Eddie our driver then took us on to Kilkeel, the gateway to the Mourne Mountains, where we had lunch in the local hotel, the Kilmorey Arms. At lunch, the table was laden with the most appetizing array of food. We were all able to choose our meal, from roast beef, turkey and ham or fish and of course, as usual, the desserts were mouth-watering. Weight problems were cast aside, to be dealt with at another date (?!) in the gym.
Dorothea Nicholson, one of our members who lives in the area, had been unable to come to the outing, but came along to the hotel instead to say hello and to share a cuppa with us. It was lovely to see Dorothea again and we greatly appreciated her calling to see us. She certainly lives in a very beautiful and picturesque part of the country.
After we had 'prised' some of our members away from a plant/flower stall which was just outside the hotel, we headed off to the Quays in Newry, our final stop, for some retail therapy. The Quays Shopping Centre in Newry is huge and is situated alongside Newry canal. Indeed, when our Chairman, Mary Wilson, and I were sitting at one of the top floor cafes having tea, with the beautiful weather and views of the tree-lined canal, the whole scene was reminiscent of the continent.
Eddie, our very patient driver, rounded us up around 5 'ish to head for home. The little community bus was packed with shopping and what seemed like everything off the flower stall in Kilkeel. However, the sea of tired, but smiling faces said it all. We were definitely tired, but we had had a wonderful day.
I am looking forward to spending a couple of weeks in June with my brother and his wife in Wisbech St Mary which is a very beautiful area. However, when I come home, I will be considering any plans for the 2nd half of the year, including Christmas. The role of secretary is undoubtedly a busy role, but when everything goes according to plan, it is also very rewarding.
In summary, I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and in particular, those who work so hard behind the scenes on our behalf.
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