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(1/5/2020) Report on NIPF Games 2020
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When we decided not to take part in the BPF games in Leicester this year and to instead hold our own NIPF games everyone thought it was a good idea. As it turned out it was one of the best decisions the Fellowship has made in a long time. All flights were cancelled so we couldn't have went anyway. Also the journey was 2 hours rather than the six or seven hours it takes to get to Leicester.
On 14 March we all headed to The Everglades Hotel. The staff were all magnificent nothing was too much bother. On the Friday night we had a wonderful meal and as always the craic was great. Saturday morning a wonderful breakfast to set us up for the day. Our President Aileen Martin arrived to officially open the games and then the competition began. Members could enter one of the three main games Boccia, Kurling and Bowls. Members could also enter draughts and scrabble and everyone entered the final game "Polio Ping Pong".
Competition was extremely stiff and no quarter was asked or given. We had a beautiful lunch of soup and sandwiches and goody bags courtesy of Heather. After lunch competition started again. In the end the winners were :-
Boccia - Alan Weir Runner Up - William
Kurling - Jim Bailey Runner Up - Dominic
Bowls - Eddie Runner Up - Christine
Scrabble - Breige Runner Up - Alan Hughes
Draughts - Ronnie Runner Up - Jim Bailey
Polio Ping Pong - Noel Runner Up - Susan Weir.
That night we had a wonderful dinner and then had the presentation of prizes followed by entertainment.
Sunday morning a great breakfast and then time to head home. As it turned out the timing of the event couldn't have been more perfect because as we all know within a week we were all in self isolation and at least we were fortified by the company of good friends the week before. During this period of isolation the WhatsApp group has been a Gods send keeping us all in touch.
We all know that this period of self isolation was necessary but it will end and we are already planning next years games and what games they will be. Hopefully after all this we will not take things for granted again.
The Fellowship would like to thank most sincerely The Atcheson Foundation for the grant which helped defray the costs of the games. Thanks also to our president for her continued support of our work and also providing prizes for the games.
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(1/4/2020) Death of Mary McConnell
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The Fellowship has heard with deep regret the death of our member Mary McConnell. Mary had not been at any functions for a number of years but used to be a regular at the annual dinner and she always came with our member Colette Cregan.
Mary came to the swimming in Ormeau Baths in the 70s when most of us had drifted away and Mr Foster and Roly McAteer taught her to swim.
For a period she worked for Mr Rankin in Polio House.
With the current situation with Covid-19 it will not be possible for the Fellowship to be represented at her funeral but she will be in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
In the photograph of the Re-Opening of Polio Hall Mary is the dark haired girl at the far left
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