Saturday Club
Convenor : Pat Braden Tel: 07984714911
Day/Time: 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
Numbers are restricted to 12 for outings to keep it manageable so it will be on a first come first served basis. All events which cost money have to be paid up front with no refunds given although another member can take the place. To ensure all member’s needs are met they are expected to organise at least one get together a year – this can be a picnic in the park, a trip to Dublin/Newcastle, going to a live show/cinema/theatre, a scenic walk, a quiz, a tasty lunch, a trip to Stormont Castle – the sky is the limit!
In 2024 the Saturday Club will meet twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. One meeting will be a lunch organised by the members as this appears to be the most popular gathering and the other will be an event, decided on by the members but usually organised by Pat. There will be other outings arranged throughout the year not necessarily on a Saturday. All upcoming events will be posted on the Web page and members should all be on the WhatsApp group so that communications are made easily. Members who do not have WhatsApp should keep updated by the website, talking to other members or ringing Pat.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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9th May Waterfront Daniel O’Donnell
Organiser Roberta Evans
11th May Lunch in Half Way House
Organiser Lorna Kennedy
12th May QFT – Nye £16.00
Organiser Pat Braden
25th May Visit to Springhill or Montalto
Organiser Pat Braden
1st June Lyric – Radium Girls £22
Organiser Evie Gardner
8th June – Trip to Portrush
Organiser – Elizabeth McCullough
22nd June Tour of Brownlee House
Organiser Bea
28th June – Dander & Dine £30
Organiser Pat Braden
6th July – Lunch in the Street Hawker
Organiser- Sharon Fodie
7th September Armagh Cider Festival
Organiser Pat Braden
20th November Mrs Brown’s Boys Derry
Organiser Pat Braden
PAST EVENTS
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The Saturday Club had an unusual weekend of culture- starting on Friday night when we joined the Newtownabbey Drama Festival for Arthur Millar’s play the Crucible which told the story of the Witchcraft trials in Salem during the 1690s. While quite a dark play and certainly not uplifting the acting was superb and we were all entertained to the end, even staying for the adjudication. On Saturday afternoon we went to see the Junior Belvoir Player’s performance of Les Miserables and as the name suggests again didn’t have a happy ending. The music was brilliant the kids enthusiasm was catching and the singing was superb. Some of us had lunch before & the rest tea afterwards in the Ivanhoe. Food very acceptable to all, parking handy and as always the craic mighty.
The Saturday Club had a fabulous day in Portglenone Forest Park on
20th April following the Bluebell Trail in glorious sunshine even managing to meet a dog with pink paws on our walk! We did get slightly delayed by the Cycle race at Randalstown and those who stopped for coffee but nothing could take away from the beauty of the scenery and the enjoyment of the walk. Afterwards 4 more members joined us at the Wild Duck and we had a leisurely meal with country portions. Thanks again to the drivers and to everyone for looking after each other – it’s what makes the Group so special.
The Saturday Club had a very enjoyable and yes it was slightly more expensive lunch in Ginger on 13th April. We all got the train to Gt Victoria Street and walked across the road for our leisurely lunch. We had snacks, starters, mains & puddings followed by coffee. Good company, good food that’s what the Saturday Club is all about.
The Saturday Club had a very interesting and educational tour of Stormont Buildings on Thursday 4th April (yes I know we are the Saturday Club but we do go out on other days). The architecture is magnificent and the view from the balcony fantastic. We then had lunch in the member’s restaurant. The food itself was excellent but I don’t think they coped with a party of 11, some of whom had dietary requirements, very well so our 12.00 noon lunch ended after 3.00 p.m. – made a change from being kicked out after 2 hrs. Thanx to Eddie for suggesting the outing – a very enjoyable day.
On 9th March we had a very educational tour of the City Hall with one of the highlights was seeing the original Blackman and the story behind the statute. We were also lucky enough to see the two new statues which had just been unveiled that morning. Some of the group then stayed for coffee & snacks in the City Hall cafe while the rest went to Actons for an alcohol free (poor Pat was on antibiotics & couldn’t have her usual wine) lunch and plenty of craic as usual. Thank you Joy for organising such an interesting and enjoyable trip.
On Saturday 23rd March we had coffee at the Woodlawn Garden Centre before heading for a very interesting tour of Hinch Distillery where we were taught how the whiskey was made and managed to get tasting 2 of the different whiskeys. After a brief visit to the shop we headed of on what turned out to be a scenic tour of Co. Down before finally arriving in the Primrose for a much needed drink and lunch. Brilliant idea Martin and they also run gin school where for 45 you arrive to be greeted by a gin and then spend a couple of hours making your on blend and you get a bottle to take home with you. You can let me know if anyone is interested.
On Saturday 24th February we had another lovely meal in Curran Court hotel (they do a Seniors lunch for £12) Thank you Christine for organising – as she says its only a couple of phone calls! As you can see Sally was hiding in the background as usual. The ideas for future events were flowing, so make sure you keep up to date with oncoming events which are forever changing.
On Saturday 2nd March 3 members of the Saturday Club finally got to go to The Avenue for lunch and to see Wicked Little Lies the new Olivia Coleman & Jesse Buckley movie. The food was excellent we had 6 different small plates which we shared and ate before seeing the Movie, which was excellent but not to everyone’s taste! Worth going to for a special treat but expensive. You can park in Castle Court for £4 if you get your ticket approved by the cinema. So glad we got there in the end.
The group had a very pleasant Sunday afternoon seeing ‘One Love’ the story of Bob Marley’s life at QFT on 18th February. The general feeling was that the end footage of the real thing was better than the movie but it had been interesting to find out more about him and the fact that the actor playing him was eye candy helped! We then made our way to Scalinis for a very pleasant meal before catching the train home.
On Saturday 10th February Martin organised another successful lunch in Whitehead Golf Club which 10 members thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately our official photographer Sally wasn’t there so no photos were taken.
Friday 9th found us at the Grand Opera House at the Drifters Girl which told the story of how the group was formed and the trials and tribulations they suffered during their journey to fame. The music and singing was brilliant and the audience were soon on their feet singing and dancing. Well Done Roberta for organising and Congratulations on becoming a Granny 👵.
The Saturday Club had it’s first meeting on 27th January in Ownies where 11 members had a tasty lunch and reconnected after the Christmas activities. The outing to the Avenue didn’t happen at the start of the year as there did not appear ro be enough interest. The next couple of month’s events were planned and Pat confirmed she would update the website. Ideas for new events and activities are always welcome as the club is only as good as it’s members.
The Saturday Club met in the Olderfleet Restaurant on 30th December 2023 where they discussed future events & outings.It was decided that there would be at least 2 meetings a month on 2nd & 4th Saturdays. One would be a lunch & the other an outing. Activities suggested were a trip to the Avenue cinema, a guided tour of Stormont, a day trip to Portrush or Londonderry, visit to Springhill and Montalto House, an overnight to Dublin, a guided tour of the City Hall, Jazz afternoon in Bert’s Bar, Blues afternoon in Ownies etc etc As some of these events don’t happen on a Saturday they would be organised when it suited. Pat was going on holidays for 2 weeks in January so Marilyn agreed to organise the trip to the Avenue in her absence.
An Excellent Christmas Experience was had at the Cabaret Supper Club on 23rd December. We had ballet dancers, burlesque? dancers, comedians, singers, drag Kings and Queens and a good time was had by all. The audience participation made it seem like one big Christmas Party and the food was excellent as well! Only regret was that 3 of our members couldn’t go.
We had a very pleasant meal in the Olderfleet Restaurant on 16th December. It was extremely busy but we were in no hurry enjoying the music, the food, the Christmas crackers which amused us while we were waiting and the craic. Unfortunately it was a bit noisy and at times hard to hear so we had some funny moments 😄
Only 3 brave souls decided to visit the Christmas Markets this morning and had a thoroughly enjoyable (albeit a rather wet and windy) day – we enjoyed the festive spirit, the Christmas music, seeing the stalls and watching marshmallows being toasted on the fire. We sheltered in the City Hall to admire their Christmas tree, did a few messages and then headed to Actons for a very pleasant lunch. Best bit of the day was the company and craic as always – everyone agreed they were glad they had made the effort.
Saturday Club went to the Georgian Festival on Saturday 25th November and stayed overnight in the very central Charlemont Arms Hotel. Most roads in the centre of Armagh were closed so we had fun negotiating our way to the Hotel if only we had known it was beside the Bus Station we would have gone by bus! The weather was very kind to us and the town was buzzing, with people dressed up, people on stilts, hazelnuts roasting on the fire, live reindeer, Carol singers, light shows you name it – it was there. Hard to get somewhere to eat as no-one takes bookings on Georgian Day fortunately our hotel saved the day. On Sunday after a hearty breakfast we went on Mission Santa at the Planetarium where we met the big man himself – wouldn’t mind finding him in my stocking this Christmas! We have a lovely lunch in Uluru before making our way home. Well Done Sally for suggesting it sorry you couldn’t make it and neither could Roberta & Eddie who had planned to go – maybe next year!??
On Saturday 18th November Martin organised another successful lunch in the Fuzzy Beak unfortunately 3 of our members weren’t able to come but the craic was good as usual and no one left hungry. Marilyn joined us for coffee & pudding as you can see!
3 of our members went to the Mary Black Concert at the Millennium Forum in Londonderry on 11th November where we could also celebrate Roberta’s Big O Birthday! We had a very pleasant meal in the Maldran Hotel where 2 of our members stayed and got first class treatment. Although Mary’s voice is maybe not quite as good as in her heyday, the band was brilliant and the occasion most enjoyable. Roberta & Eddie went home in the morning after coffee at the train station as the city was closed off for remembrance day’s parades. Pat stayed and had a personal guide on a walking tour – such an historical town – followed by a fabulous lunch in her favourite restaurant El Tapas Gra before getting the train home.
The Saturday Club enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon in Ownies starting with a very tasty lunch and then fabulous Blues music in the bar downstairs. Good food, good company, great entertainment and craic – what more could you hope for? Thanx for joining us David and you will spot the camera shy member hiding behind me!
Due to the yellow weather warning the Saturday Club postponed their trip to Montalto House and instead had coffee & scones in Whose while they decided what to do instead! We ended up having an autumnal walk through Botanic Gardens, the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine – the colours are fantastic! Then we visited the Ulster Museum (different crowd this time) where there was the Royal Ulster Academy’s Annual Exhibition of Art on – very different paintings and sculptures (this one is made out of Tunnocks tea cakes wrappers) kept us amused until we headed of to the Parlour for a late lunch. Unfortunately then we met the heavy rain as we headed back to the car but everyone agreed a thoroughly enjoyable day.
On Friday night we experienced the 3 Levels Teppanyaki evening which included some hot moments, chefs juggling with knives, catching food in our mouths and enjoying good food, drink and company. Thoroughly enjoyable evening and a very different experience.
The Saturday Club met on Saturday 21st October in Molly’s Yard for a relaxing lunch before a short walk through Botanic Gardens in the glorious sunshine on the way to the Lyric Theatre to see ‘Burnt Out’ a Black Comedy written by Gary Mitchell. A powerful drama well acted which kept us on the edge of our seats.
Friday evening started with a very enjoyable tea in the Cloth Ear followed by a Candlelight experience at St Ann’s Cathedral. A string quartet from the Ulster Orchestra played Queen music while the audience attempted to sing! Good choice Bea and thanks for organising.
We headed to the Cabaret Supper Club for lunch courtesy of Martin’s taxi on Sunday 8th October. Unfortunately their lift wasn’t working which made life difficult for Maura. The lunch was very tasty with generous portion sizes. Poor Marilyn was disappointed that there were no Drag Queens as the afternoon was hosted by a girl. She was a great singer and interacted with the audience extremely well, unfortunately the Golden Girls (as our table was called with no apology to Martin) didn’t win any of the competitions – so no free drinks! A very enjoyable afternoon.
The Saturday Club went to the Home Front Event in Whitehead welcoming new member Christine. Although the weather wasn’t wonderful a good time was had by all and by the time the rain started we had managed (after a lengthy wait) to have coffee, a ride on the steam train, walk around all the stalls, a visit to the Steam train museum, look at the vintage cars and had a dance lesson with swing! We met lots of ex service personnel, the Policeman, Corporal Jones the butcher and the Spiv who tried to sell us some dodgy looking watches – we even met Marion Mahaffy from the U3A and her husband!
Afterwards Marilyn very kindly drove us to the Curran Court where we had a much needed lunch. Yet another different experience.
The Saturday Club had a very enjoyable and educational evening at the Dander & Dine Evening organised between The Historical Society and Dobbins Inn. To make the night more authentic most of our members dressed in medieval costumes and it raised a smile on not only the Dobbin’s Staff but on the spectators as well. Well Done everyone. Food was interesting and tasty and a new menu from other evenings – the mulled wine was very welcome on arrival.
The Saturday Club enjoyed a very relaxing lunch in Coleman’s Garden Centre – thank you Sharon for organising – not fine dining but most of us had a nice meal and again although the coffee wasn’t wonderful the puddings seemed to go down well! Some members had fun spending a bit of money. A thoroughly enjoyable outing
Two if our members went to Bo Tree Tai restaurant in University Avenue for a different and tasty lunch before going to see Mirrorball in the Lyric Theatre on Saturday 16th September.This is a musical about local singer/actor Matt Cavan who has been instrumental in the fight against bigotry experienced by the LGBTQ community and people affected by HIV. It sent out a powerful message which was thought provoking and challenging using the talent of not just Matt himself but the rest of the cast. A standing ovation was well deserved.
On Saturday 9th September the Saturday Club had an entertaining visit to the Transport & Folk Museum at Cultra well researched and organised by Joy. The weather was also very kind allowing picnics to be enjoyed.
Fabulous morning at the Culloden Hotel having coffee and a guided tour of the Art & Sculpture Exhibition followed by lunch. Thanx Eddie & Roberta for sharing your 49th Wedding anniversary with us. The natural beauty of the estate outshone the Artwork which was magnificent – well worth a visit – it is on to 10th September if anyone is interested and it is Free!
The Saturday Club had a fabulous outing on Sunday 3rd (I know but we don’t always meet on a Saturday!) in Botanic Gardens where 3 members wanted to experience the Big Wheel (2 for their first time) and then had a leisurely walk around the gardens. We would have had coffee at the Ulster Museum Cafe only their coffee machine was broken so it gave us an excuse to sit drinking carryouts in the glorious sunshine which Marilyn had organised for the trip. We then all enjoyed a visit to the Museum with the highlight being the last day of the Turner Prize Winning – The Druthaib’s Ball Exhibition – how lucky were we? Afterwards we headed to Scalinis for a tasty meal before catching the train home
The Saturday Club had another lovely lunch in the Halfway House, Ballygally despite all the parades in Larne and Lorna had even organised the sun to shine – a great turnout made the conversation lively and it was also good to see some new faces.
Portion sizes were very generous and good value for the money. We even got to speak to the famous Dave Boy McAuley.
The Saturday Club had a fabulous lunch in the Sleepy Hollow on 19th August where they excelled in coping with our Gluten intolerant member – in fact they said ‘Tell us what you want and we will make it’ and they did (photo attached). As usual the craic was mighty and we thought of a few more places to go – now on the upcoming programme. Keep the ideas coming folks and thanks to Martin for organising the lovely venue for lunch. Will be having a trip to the Avenue cinema soon – just waiting for the right movie!
On Saturday 12th August we headed to Hillsborough Castle, kindly driven by Moira. We started with coffee, had a guided tour of the Castle, visited the Life through a Royal Lens Exhibition and then retired to the Plough for lunch. Afterwards we walked around the lake and gardens enjoying the flora & fauna and the Sunshine getting back to Carrick at 5.00 p.m. A super day out.
In 11th August the theatre fans had a tasty meal (it hasn’t changed a bit) in Villa Italia followed by a night of culture at the Lyric Theatre. While Juno and the Peacock is full of sadness & misery the acting was superb and we weren’t expecting a happy ending!
The Saturday Club had an educational and interesting day in Derry on 5th August and also managed to enjoy beautiful sunshine! It happened to be the 25th Anniversary of Maiden City Festival so we met some chatty characters like the gravedigger, the Major and the King of France to name but a few on our walk around the walls. We visited the Cathedral and although there was a wedding on we still managed to visit the museum inside. After a super lunch we headed back to the train and the more energetic of the group (but not the youngest member lol) even went via the Peace Bridge.
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The Saturday Club had a fabulous trip to Dublin today 1st August and the only complaint was ‘it was too hot’ 😂. Got the early Enterprise to miss the rush – well worth it, coffee in the National Gallery with a visit to see a few paintings, wander round a few shops, visit to Trinity, wonderful lunch, walk around St Stephen’s Green meeting Molly Malone on the way and then the Luas back to Connolly – all and all a great day out.
On Saturday 29th July the Saturday Club visited Coronation Park at Hazelbank, had a walk along the shore and a picnic afterwards. Although it did rain while we were walking there was shelter under the trees and we managed to have our lunch in glorious sunshine (which at the minute is a bit of a miracle)
On Saturday 15th July 5 of our members had a very impromptu lunch in the Curran Court Hotel Larne. As always the craic was mighty and the food delicious.
So far the following has been organised:-
8th July Trip to Portrush by train
Another great day out for the Saturday Club – thank you Elizabeth for organising. Unfortunately 2 of our members couldn’t make it so there were only 4 on the trip. Started with 3 train journeys to Portrush – then lunch in Urban, followed by a walk on the East Strand for those able to and culminating with coffee at the newly furnished restaurant in the Whitehouse – getting home at 6.30 p.m. Weather was fabulous and all the train journeys ran smoothly.
1st July. CarrickfergusGolf Club – Lunch 12.30 p.m.
The Saturday Club had another great lunch at Carrickfergus Golf Club today. Super range is food to suit all tastes and appetites from, snacks, soup & sarnies to main meals and great value for money. We had a great time getting to know one another, discovering mutual interests and friends and exchanging ideas for future events.
24th June. Curran Court Hotel – Lunch 12.30 pm.
The Saturday Club had a delicious lunch in Curran Court on 24th June and by the looks of it they really enjoyed getting to know one another which is what it is all about – that and having a good time!
10th June Grand Opera House – The Exotic Marigold Hotel £42.50
Organiser: Roberta Evans
The Saturday Club had it’s 2nd outing at the Grand Opera House where it saw the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel starring Paul Nicholas (Just Good Friends & Jesus Christ Superstar) and Tessa Peake-Jones (Rachel out of Only Fools and Horses) to name just two of the cast of actors. As usual the G.O.H never fails to put on a superb performance of good family entertainment and although only 3 members attended it was a very pleasant afternoon and thoroughly enjoyable.
All members should be on The Saturday Club’s WhatsApp group – all they have to do is say what they would like to do, see how many other members are interested and then together we will make it happen. The Club is only as good as it’s members we need to know what people want to do, what they want to see, where they want to go.
Anyone interested in joining should contact Pat