Last Wednesday 16th June we held open house at New Dalry House. It really was Open House as all the Tutors, the ‘Graduates’ and the ‘Trainees’ (US) and one wee lassie came along to join the fun.

The weather which had been a bit iffy was kind to us and while we were organised for both indoors and out we managed to be mostly out. The day before, the real workers went shopping and then prepared salads, trifles laid out tables and generally made ourselves useful. The Tutors got the important stuff (the hard stuff) and set up the Barbecue. Balloons and lights were suspended from every possible area – branch, hook, chair-end – which gave the back garden a real ‘garden party’ look and atmosphere. The smoke rising from the barbies did not affect the chat or the continuing jollies. It just whetted appetites and wine was so necessary to wash food down and loosen tongues – for gossip only.

It was a perfect opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. Because the Surfers have one-to-one tuition on set days we are like ships that pass in the night so the Barbecue was a grand opportunity in a perfect setting to socialise.

Kath, Honor and Ailie – the original Surfers – came and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We all caught up on gossip and they commented on how amazed they were that the small group they had joined had grown so much.

There was a good attendance and all agreed that a jolly good time was had by all – with many requests for a repeat performance very soon.

Kath has since e-mailed us
– Hi Jenny and your Team. What a happy time I spent with all the COMPUTOR TUTORS and SILVER SURFERS yesterday. Many thanks for inviting me to such a friendly party. Gosh, you have achieved wonders at New Dalry House and for me and many others opened up a brand new interest. Please thank EVERYONE for all the hard work they must have put into the preparations, to make the party such a success. Damian gave me some advice as to how I could change a dollar sign into a £ one and also gave me his e-mail address. Everyone is so kind.

Can’t believe the wee room you started in has grown like Topsy and now you have all these computers and tutors and no doubt waiting lists. Well done.

Hope to see you soon. Again sincere thanks.

As Aye,

Kath