It’s been a great start to the week with some winter sunshine and a drive down the coast to play golf at Kirkistown. My golfing partner Andy and I even won the match; which was probably unexpected. That made it even sweeter. If you like your golf Kirkistown is ‘dry’ and the greens are superb so it is worth a visit.
The weekend past was one of catching up with friends and enjoying some much needed family time. My highlight of the weekend was watching my daughter play hockey for Bangor in her first blitz tournament which was brilliantly organised. 8 small sided games took place over a two hour period with roughly 150 kids taking part. The sun shone and Ivana loved it. Maybe she’ll take playing the game after her Dad. I really love what you get from sport and it’s just not about playing the game. It’s teamwork, social skills, fitness, fun and most importantly building resilience, learning to deal with losing. In defeat you appreciate just how good it is to win.
On the weekend, we also made a trip to pumpkinfest at Castle Ward outside Strangford. Again, we were lucky to get some winter sun. The kids carved their pumpkins and we got something nice to eat Al fresco. What do you think of my handy work? This is a Harry Potter pumpkin.
On Tuesday night I headed to the Coach in Banbridge with Rebecca and Paulo from the Radio Show for our second ‘Fundraver’ event. I have Dj’d in the Coach many times over the years and always really enjoy playing on their huge sound system. We chose the Coach for its sound and light and also its vast amount of space so everyone coming could fully enjoy the ‘fundraver’ experience. The premise of the event is to bring a fitness class to a nightclub. Over the years we have seen similar classes taking place in Church halls and community centres with the organisers trying to emulate a nightclub setting. We thought it would be great to take the class to the club and it’s been a great success. Everyone came dressed up in neon, we dished out the glowsticks and face paints, provided the tunes and had a rave before and after the 1 hour workout. The atmosphere was crazy. Thanks to everyone who came. We have another event planned in Belfast for the new year.
Last Monday I hosted a Q&A at Kingspan stadium. I sat down in front of 300 season ticket holders and chatted to Ulster players Sam Carter, Matt Faddes, Craig Gilroy and Kieran Treadwell about the three home games this month. The boys are loving the season so far and they have got off to a great start. Four games in, 3 wins and a bonus point loss. There were plenty of laughs and some great answers from the fellas. It was a great night. There are more nights of this nature planned over the season. To find out more check out the Ulster Rugby supporters club on Facebook.
Finally this week I caught up with Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol and chatted about the bands journey over the past year, their Legend award at the NI music awards, plans for new music and the incredible gig that was Ward Park 3 back in May. You’ll be able to hear it on the Radio show this Wednesday and it will also be available to watch on Cool FM’s Facebook.
Thanks for reading,
Pete
#PS39
