Post by frostythesnowman on Dec 10, 2008 14:03:21 GMT 1
Shimna Valley Annual Christmas Party
The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children held their annual Christmas party last Thursday 4th of December at the Shimna Valley Complex, Newcastle. Dromara Cycling Club were invited along by complex manager Patricia Kidd. Vivienne and I were delighted to except the kind invitation on behalf of our club.
The evening started at 7.30pm with refreshments of mulled wine, minced pies and "Christmas tree" shortbread. It was evident a great deal of effort had been put in by the staff of Shimna Valley, as the decorations were wonderful. The view of the beautiful "Narnia Lodge" be-decked with rope icicle lights was stunning.
At 8pm the fifty or so guests made their way down to the Narnia cabin to be entertained with some excellent singing by the choir of St Josephs Primary School. The choir sang a mixture of modern and traditional carols beside a very large Christmas tree. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed their performance.
Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive of the NICFC, gave a sort talk about the achievements over the last twelve months, most notably a new programme to help siblings of those who have suffered from cancer, the first programme of this kind in the UK. Gillian also went on to explain their plans not only to improve the family accommodation in Shimna valley, but also to improve the facilities. To that end planning would be applied for in 2009 to extend an adjoining bungalow. When the work is finished it is intended that the site would be renamed the Shimna Valley Village.
The children, teachers and parents stayed in the Narnia Lodge for refreshments and nibbles, whilst the NICFC guests retuned to Shimna Valley for some delicious food and very scummy deserts, tea coffee and other drinks.
I on behalf of Dromara CC would like to thank all the staff at Shimna Valley and most especially complex manager Patricia Kidd, who worked tirelessly all evening to ensure all were made welcome and enjoyed themselves.
Dromara Cycling Club will be holding our 5th Trail Quest and road leisure cycle at Shima Valley on Sunday 11th January 2009. Proceeds of all these events will be going to this excellent charity. Dromara CC look forward to raising a substantial total, so please come along and support this cause
Trevor Annett
[Secretary Dromara Cycling Club]