ROCKVALE REBOUND – 2010 SUMMER OUTING TO PERTH

 

Rockvale’s annual summer outing took place this year on Saturday the 21^st of August. Not having been before, I was looking forward to it immensely especially as I hadn’t been to Perth since I was a child………and that wasn’t yesterday let me tell you!!!

 

Speaking of trips down memory lane, the bus journey evoked memories of long forgotten school outings and it seems that regardless of what age you are some traditions never change, like the excited chitter chatter, endless bags of sweeties being passed up and down the bus and of course a chorus or two of “the back of the bus cannae sing bally boo”!!

 

The day was a bit overcast as we set off but everyone was hopeful and carrying waterproof jackets. No-one was going to let a wee spot of rain spoil the day. In the words of Billy Connolly, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes”. In any event, it stayed dry on the journey through to Perth where our first stop was the George Hotel for lunch…..and what a lunch it was! I had opted for soup and ham salad but it was no ordinary salad. The plate was piled so high I didn’t know whether to eat it or climb it!!! Everything was absolutely beautiful from the usual salad items such as lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber to some unexpected fruits, rice and coleslaws. Those who had the fish confirmed it was delicious too and after tea and coffee, everyone left the table full to bursting. Definitely to be recommended.

 

After lunch everyone parted into wee groups and did their own thing. For me and my companion Marie, that involved meeting some friends who live in Perth (and who we don’t get to see often) for a drink, followed by a spot of retail therapy. Others enjoyed a bit of culture with a visit to local galleries or beauty spots and some even managed to squeeze in afternoon tea and cakes although where they put it I’ll never know (own up - you know who you are!!).

 

We all congregated again at 5.30pm to board the bus for the journey home ready to swop stories of our afternoon and pass round fresh supplies of sweeties!! We were very lucky, having stayed dry all day, the heavens opened as we approached Dumbarton so God Bless Bobby who had arranged for everyone to be dropped off as near to their front door as possible.

 

All agreed it was a great day out and on behalf of everyone who came along, I’d like to pass our thanks to Bobby, Pat and Margaret for organising everything. Well done, thanks and ………is it too early to put my name down for next year?

 

 

Elaine Foulkes

 

 

Margaret successfully co-ordinated the pick ups and drop offs.