Simon scoops the TAG!!

For the second year running Angelo’s Italian  restaurant  in Lisburn was the venue for  the NIIMC annual dinner on Friday 5th December 2014. Those attending were keen to kick off the festive season with some fine food , some good craic and maybe a raffle prize from the selection of quality  items that had been generously donated by club members.  For those who weren’t driving there was plenty of Peroni and Italian wine to help wash the meal down!!  We were  delighted to welcome as our guests David and Michael  from Donnelly Group and Mervyn Shannon and colleagues from Shannon’s jewellers as a gesture of our appreciation for their support for the club throughout the year (Charles Hurst Specialist Car Division were also invited but unfortunately no one was available to attend).

 

The turnout from club members was similar to last year and would have been more had it not been for  illness and recent family bereavements for some club members. Those attending created a lively atmosphere and coupled with great food and fantastic service it was a very enjoyable and memorable evening for all concerned.  Deirdre in particular enjoyed her traditional turkey fayre which she had asked to be included on the menu. With plenty of raffle prizes up for grabs there was no shortage of raffle tickets sold as members were keen to be in with a chance of winning something. This year we had a standard ballot and a second ballot for a range of  higher quality and higher value prizes.  Whilst Richard Houston and myself sold  the ordinary ballot tickets the Club Chairman Cyril used his powers of persuasion to encourage members to buy the pricier tickets thus giving them the chance of winning amongst other things a fine bottle of Alfa Romeo sparkling wine, an original  water colour painting of Fiat 500’s courtesy of Brian Mackey or a complete car valeting kit.  Richard Graham, the owner of Angelo’s had also generously donated a voucher for a meal for two in the restaurant.  

 

 The climax of the evening was  the draw for the much coveted prize of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch. The excitement was mounting as the winning ticket was plucked from the champagne bucket. Would it be another TAG for lucky Lorcan to add to the one he scooped last year?  Not quite but the shriek of delight was just as deafening as Simon Mooney the lucky winner this year leapt to his feet as he realised that he had won. As the photos show he was so overjoyed that he decided to plant the lips on a somewhat surprised Mervyn Shannon who once again presented the watch to the winner. Thanks again to Mervyn for his generosity in donating the watch to our club –  a truly special prize which will be worn with pride. 

 

Many congratulations to Simon from all his envious friends – he now has the perfect stylish  accessory to go with his stylish Italian Lancia Delta Integrale.

 

Thanks to everyone for their support, not only in attending the dinner but also at other events throughout the year. During 2014 we have successfully managed to build on the success of 2013 and we look forward to what promises to be another exciting year in 2015.  All that remains for me to do now is to wish all club members and supporters a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

 

Tim Logan

Club Secretary