The annual BBQ for the CSCRD is now back in the diary. The sun shone on the righteous and all went well.
The proceedings opened at 2 p.m. with jugs of Pimms NO 1, poured into glasses, not each! The menu included stuffed herrings, tiger prawns in a spiced coconut marinade, rib-eye steaks in a whiskey marinade ribs and a selection of deserts made by the ladies.
As is common practice at our meetings the ladies and gents sections hold separate discussions and this avoids any dissention and we are able to solve the worlds problems.
Fortunately no minutes were kept, but I can report that we adjourned at approximately 9.0 p.m
It was almost a BBQ but for once the weather forecast was right on the mark and at 2pm precisely the rain started and the BBQ became a buffet.
Held in honour of Jennifer’s birthday a goodly crew assembled for a Sunday afternoon of philosophical debate. This was abandoned after a couple of glasses and we got on with putting the world to rights.
The Society has elected to split into ladies and gentlemen’s sections which hold their discussions in separate rooms where possible (or opposite corners of the bar) thus obviating any requirement to moderate their observations in terms suitable for the delicate ears of the fairer sex.
The spread laid on was worthy of a royal banquet with fish pie, lasagne with and without garlic, curry, breads with and without garlic; followed by a selection of home made sweets.
The gentlemen formed a quorum to discuss serious matters pertaining to the well being of Norn Iron but were hackled by a couple of dissenting back benchers.
Another afternoon and evening completely wasted in the best possible manner.
Thanks to Roy and Jennifer for hosting, Linden for the photos and everyone else for subscribing.
Sunday 17 June; a day of wind and rain, just perfect for the intrepid members of the Carrickfergus Sailing Club Retired Dancers Debating Society (CSCRDDS – please remember this as it will save typing in future) to gather for a BBQ.
The Men's Section
With the help of a B&Q mini Pergola to keep the worst of the rain off the charcoal the BBQ was lit at 2pm. By 2.45 the Men’s Section had also gathered here to inaugurate the firing of the sausages.
Getting a grilling
Under the strict rules of the CSCRDDS only the Men’s Section are allowed within 10 metres of any BBQ once it has been lit. The fact that it was pouring with rain and the pergola was only large enough to accommodate 2 BBQs and 8 persons meant that there was no fear of any of the Ladies Section wanting to come anywhere near it anyway!
The Ladies
With the help of a bottle or two of wine, Roy’s professional BBQ technique, and associated banter from the rest of the crew, Josephine was summonsed to take the first instalment for approval by the ladies. This being given we continued without further ado.
The ladies had taken over the living room so having completed cooking the men adjourned to the conservatory.
in my opinion.....
From this point on my recollection of events is a little hazy but we reckon the last of the revellers left around 9pm.
All in all another successful debate and the world a better place for it!
Unfortunately a number of our usual group were unable to attend, being entertained at the Proms in the Park and other such events, so it was that only eight of us were there for roll call. Lack of numbers did not detract from our usual ability to enjoy ourselves and it was apparent on arrival, seeing the number of people who had made the effort to don costume for the occasion, that the rest were intent on doing the same.
Dancing queen
Sam was unable to find costumes to suit Shirley and him so he bought the material and machined up skirts and knickers. I must admit that I found the ideal fancy dress website that caters for the larger sizes, and added a wig and a pair of Primark stockings and shoes.
In true school tradition dinner was served buffet style so we formed a neat line. Three courses available but to my mind the treacle sponge and custard was top of the bill.
The ladies
The disco provided appropriate music and we managed a few dances before retiring to the bar for a little quiet. Quiet is a relative term and relates to the lack of music rather than peace as in “peace and quiet.
The indomitable members of CSC– BDDS (ballroom dancing debating society) block booked the largest table available for the Valentines Dinner on Saturday 13tn.
It’s the first time that we have eaten there since Liberty Catering, in the guise of Phil McCleery, took over the kitchens. Fortified with a couple of pre prandial Bombay and tonics we took our places for the feast (due to the organisational acumen of our retired master class instructor, Linden Graham, we had pre-booked our menus).
The soup, chicken, celery and spring onion arrived hot, a plus to start with, and was really tasty, reports on the stuffed garlic mushrooms and Caesar Salad offered no cause for concern.
For main course I had opted for the Medallions of Pork with Onion rings, rosemary gravy and tangy apple sauce. This came served on a bed of mashed potato. The gravy was rich, the onion rings crisp and the pork well done. The vegetables, which came a little late were plentiful and well cooked. Josephine had taken the baked salmon with tiger prawns and Hollandaise sauce. Her only complaint was that the crust was cremated! We washed this down with a very acceptable Australian Merlot.
For sweet I took the chocolate mousse with mango coulis and fresh cream. The mousse was light and chocolatey but I was not particularly impressed by the mango sauce which I, personally found a little overpowering. The whole meal was rounded off with a choice of complimentary Irish or Baileys coffee. With a price tag of £32 a couple including service one would have to be niggardly to complain.
Unfortunately the disco was not up to the standard of the food, but true to form our group managed to solve the problems of the world before our taxis whisked us away into the night. Great evening!
