Clearly, despite all the rain and storms, Christmas is very much underway. As I left the Bushfoot Golf Course, I watched some hearty souls setting off in their all weather kit for a brief outing. On the way up to my next venue I passed a number of flooded roads, fallen trees, roots and all, a single decker bus, on its side, on the Ballymoney bypass, more fallen trees and in the run down to Larne, a view of the extensive damage done to the power station on the Islandmagee side. What began life as five chimneys, is now down to four.
So imagine my delight when I arrived at the Cairncastle Masonic Hall to find it full of Masonic Brethren, their families, and friends, despite the horrendous weather. Today was their annual Christmas breakfast and , on this occasion, they were raising funds to support a local charity, “The Big C Foundation NI, which was formed by a local family on the death of one of their children who died, after living for a period of time with cancer, and very little independent support. They had been chosen by the Lodge as a worthy cause and would benefit from the funds raised as the morning progressed. They currently support some 20 families throughout Northern Ireland , who get some financial support, if required and who enjoy wellbeing days for the children concerned. In some cases the charity also supply specialist wheelchairs for those children who require an independent means of transport, as a result of their specific needs.
As you can see, in typical Cairncastle fashion, many children were present, and were able to meet with Santa Claus, whose sleight and reindeer were parked at the back of the Hall. As always, it was fascinating watching some of the children giving Santa their detailed list of requirements for the morning of the 25th December. And of course, as you will see from the photographs, the adults also had a great and enjoyable morning. In due course after everyone had eaten, we moved on to the ballots followed by the auction of a large food basket. In all some £ 875.00 ( Eight Hundred and Seventy Five Pounds ) were raised to support the worthwhile works carried out by this young charity to help Children in Need.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable morning, spent with friends old and new. Well worth coming out on such an awful morning.
Robert Bashford