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This was our first
visit to Wales-and it certainly won't be our last. We spent a
marvellous weekend in Llandudno, North Wales joined by members
visiting from Norway, Portugal and the USA, so it was a truly
International affair. The weather (apart from the Saturday
morning) was absolutely glorious, and the surrounding scenery
breathtaking. The hotel was fully booked with around fifty
members being present, with most knowing each other from previous
years, including re-unions with Peggy and Jackie from the USA who
we hadn't seen since 1993; and Brith and Arlid from Norway: and
of course we welcomed once again Daniel and Maria from Portugal.
We had one or two members visiting with us for the first time
this year, and by all accounts had a truly marvellous time.
I guess the
weekend took on a less 'frenetic' pace than previous years,
probably in part due to the fact that we had to set the music up
each night in the dining room which became the concert room after
the tables had been cleared, which meant we weren't getting under
way until around 8.30-9.00pm each night-not that anyone was
bothered it seemed as the hotel had an enormous conservatory and
lounge which when the screens to the dining room were moved back
each night meant no-one had to move, so we all got comfortable
and just enjoyed being with each other.
John Hutchinson
did his annual Friday night quiz, which was superb, and I'm
pleased to say that my team finished in their highest ever
position (equal 3rd) this year (we usually finished last!!!).
Great fun I must say, with much laughter and banter going around
between each team. We then just listened to Rick's music in the
background while we all chatted away and relaxed until the early
hours (which aren't as early as past years as we are all getting
older-but was still well after midnight!).
Saturday was a
free day. Most went into the town which was literally only a few
minutes away as there was a Victorian Fair there; or went on one
of the many superb walks around the area, the most notable being
the Great Orme. Following the evening meal at which Harry and
Dianna unveiled a really beautiful cake they had made especially
for what would have been Rick's 60th birthday. It really was a
well received gesture.
Following the meal
we had entertainment from an excellent duo by the name of 2 Steps
To Heaven who treated us to a mixture of 50's music before we
danced and sang the rest of the night away. We had the annual
'Boys versus Girls' sing-a-long that was great fun, and then
everyone just got in a circle on the large dance floor, arms
around each other and sang a long to the songs I'd recorded on
the mini-disc player. Great fun. Harry and Tony did an impromptu
comedy sketch at a hairdressers that you would really have to see
in person to appreciate, and then around 1.00am Harry, Tony and
myself decided it was about time my 76 year old father-in-law
(who wouldn't miss this events for anything-not even a recent
heart attack could keep him away!) was 'initiated' into the club!
We rolled his left trouser leg up, then we rolled ours up, stuck
a plastic flower in his hand; Harry read the initiation oath to
him, and then we 'danced' around him. It really was a scream, and
great fun.
Sunday saw us once
again enjoying our annual coach tour. Our driver was brilliant,
quite the best we have ever had, and took us along the coast,
into Anglesey a short distance, then a 'detour' around Snowdonia
National Park. He stopped for us at quite a few breathtaking
beauty spots so that we could take photos, and it really was a
superb day out. We complimented him when we got back to the
Hotel, and were astounded when he said..."not bad for a 76
year old"!
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