Well, that's it folks, Summer is over for another year.
I don't know about you, but I feel like the last 12 weeks have gone by in the blink of an eye and suddenly, here we are, staring into Autumn and Winter and - dare I say it - Christmas.
It really feels like yesterday that it was June 1 and talk had turned to the Feile and Vital and holidays and lie-ins and BBQs and now, poof, all gone.
For the McConvilles, Summer 2017 was made up of a few mini-breaks, day trips, fun in the garden, playing with cousins, welcoming new cousins, a trip to Tayto Park and a picnic or two.
We made some wonderful memories this Summer however while many of you have been commiserating at the prospect of the end of Summer, I for one did not feel that way as the last weekend in August means something entirely different if you have links to the wonderful village of Strangford in Co Down.
Last weekend, the fantastic Strangford Summer Festival took place and I have to tell you, it rounded off the Summer for us in such a wonderful way.
Organised by a very dedicated village committee, the annual festival brings all the villagers out on to the streets and draws hundreds of visitors who pack the picturesque setting for four days of fun, fantastic food, great craic, music and a host of family-orientated activities.
This colourful event really has something for everyone and this year, Abbie and James were old enough to take part and really appreciate the fun factor.
The festival really is a spectacle to behold as stalls pack the village green selling everything from Belgium chocolate and hair accessories to beautiful wood craft and art.
There's also a dance, a movie night, a treasure hunt, art workshops, traditional music sessions, a fishing competition and a vintage rally however for me, it's all about the Sunday when crowds pack the quay to watch a fantastic raft race.
The teams spend many weeks in the run up to the event building their rafts and thinking about a theme and then on the Sunday, they are cheered on by the masses as they try to be the first to make it from one side of the quay to the other - or just stay afloat in some cases.
This year was the best yet with rafts representing the vikings, Hawaii and Game of Thrones - among the many taking part.
It was absolutely hilarious and I really applaud all those who put in such an effort.
The raft race was followed by the annual fancy dress parade and again, the kids and many adults put in such an effort.
This year, Abbie and James were old enough to take part so we made our way to the playing fields in the village to gather for the event.
Dressed in their bright blue, yellow and white uniforms, Mayobridge Band led the many participants on a parade through the village and our little Anna, from Frozen, and Sheriff Woody from Toy Story, had the best time.
Clapping their hands and twirling around, the pair enjoyed themselves immensely as they marched together with the many other kids, some of whom had wonderful costumes, including being dressed up as Fidget Spinners, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, Batman and Robin, and even one set of costumes which highlighted the danger that plastic poses to the ocean.
After the parade, the inflatable zone was unveiled and Abbie and James happily bounced away on the bouncy castle with big smiles on their faces.
What a fantastic weekend and what great community spirit.
The village green was packed to bursting with people chatting and laughing and enjoying themselves, it was a great atmosphere.
If only life could be like this all the time - other towns and villages could certainly learn a thing or two from Strangford.
Well done to all those involved in organising this delightful event.
Thank you for your time and effort and here's to an even better festival (if that's possible) next year.
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Competition
Well, ladies, the dark nights are starting to draw in – so how do you fancy winning a voucher for some nice food to help ease you into Autumn?
Located next to the Omniplex in Dundonald, Loco Pizza & Grill offers a mouth-watering selection of pizzas made with an exclusive homemade sourdough base and then topped with the freshest toppings
But, it’s not all about pizza, there’s also a wide selection of other delicious dishes on offer, including Pizza Bread Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Pasta, Signature Burgers and Salads and don’t forget the sides – there’s Bacon Mac & Cheese, Loco Fries and Mozzarella Dippers.
And, don’t forget about the kids as the `Little Loco’ menu offers everything from pizza and pasta to lasagne, chicken and burgers.
And, if you love pizza, why not check out a special offer running every Thursday in September at Loco, when you can have a pizza and bottomless prosecco for £20.
So, grab the girls and get going
Check out Loco’s Facebook pag,e or go to www.loco.pizza for more information about what’s on offer.
I have two £40 vouchers for Loco to give away to two lucky winners.
If you fancy winning a voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, September 5, 2017
(Q) Where in Loco located?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot?
Swifty - I'm delighted that the wonderful, Taylor Swift has returned with a new single, ahead of a new album in November. The 27-year-old pop queen seems to have benefited from a little break. Welcome back Taylor. We missed you.
Sweet Treats - If you want to hold on to a taste of Summer, check out a new range of sweet treats from M&S. I especially love the Prosecco Jellies (£3) - Prosecco, Peach Bellini and Raspberry Bellini flavoured jellies - and the Gelato Truffles (£4), which come in classic flavours including Lemon, Peach Melba and Strawberry & Vanilla.
Reality - The countdown to Christmas is definitely on as ITV talent show, The X-Factor returns to our tv screens this weekend. Dermot O'Leary returns tomorrow (SAT) with Mr Simon Cowell et al for some musical mayhem.
So Not!
Slip - Titanic star, Kate Winslet has revealed that before she made her name as an actress, she tried her hand at hairdressing but stopped when she cut off her friend's earlobe.
Too Sweet - Dentists have issued a warning about the dangers of drinking too much Prosecco as apparently, the Italian sparkling wine’s high sugar content could leave frequent drinkers with rotten teeth. Younger women have also been warned about gaining a ‘prosecco smile’, where teeth come out of the gum.
Split - Katie Price has revealed her marriage to third husband, Kieran Hayler is over amid claims he had an affair.
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Competition
The winners of the See You In September competition are Elaine Gormley, from Belfast, Eilish McNally, from Belfast, Charlie Torbitt, from Belfast,
Frank Carlin, from Cookstown, and Anne McKenna, from Draperstown
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Easy Gingerbread has been sent in by Bernie Doherty, from Belfast
You will need:
2 cups plain flour
2oz caster sugar
2oz margarine
1 large egg, beaten
buttermilk
2 tbsps treacle
1 tsp of ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
To Make:
Melt the margarine in a large saucepan, add the sugar and treacle and stir in the beaten egg
Stir in all the dry ingredients and then add enough buttermilk for a soft pouring consistency. Mix well.
Pour mixture into a well greased loaf tin
Bake on middle shelf at 160 degrees Celsisu/Gas Mark 4 for one hour
Slice and serve with butter
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
