The Celtic Collection
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I wasn't expecting a huge turnout for the Jitterbugs Tent meeting on 27th September. I had received many phone calls from members who gave their apologies etc for not being able to make it due to prior engagements. As we set up for the meeting it became apparent that it was indeed going to be a very sparsely attended meet. Our kick-off time was 7pm and, at 2 minutes to 7, the back area of Hardy's Bar had a total 5 people there. "Twas ever Thus" and, not getting too disheartened, we decided to get the ball rolling, just having time to visit the bar and grab a pint of the black. 
Liam and Tom looking worried at the start of the night....Tom couldn't find anyone to get into a round with! As I waited to be served, a few more Jitterbugs members passed by and headed on up to the film area and I smiled a little more. Then some more arrived and things began to look up. I was feeling quite a lot happier although I'll still say that the Jitterbuggers are quite an unpunctual lot! Never satisfied am I? 
Liam, when he realised that more members had shown up Having been duly served, I headed back up and grabbed my notes and headed for the stage. On the way, I was cornered by one of our boys and asked a question. As I was talking, I looked down towards the entrance and did a Jimmy Fin double take as I strained to see that it was indeed Ireland's very own Stan and Ollie walking slowly up towards us. I mean of course Messers Keith and Gerry (literally messers!), from Northern Ireland's Another Fine Mess Tent. What a great surprise. Hugs and greetings all round as we were thrilled to welcome these fine two Sons of the Desert to a Jitterbugs Tent meeting. 
North meets South...Gerry, Liam, Stephen and Keith I have known Keith and Gerry for a long time and when we visited one of their meetings last year, the welcome that the eight Jitterbuggers received was second to none. Some still talk about it and so it made us even more delighted to receive them and return some of that hospitality. So the meeting got underway and we watched some classic Stan and Ollie moments from Come Clean and Helpmates to name a few. Also on the programme that night was They Go Boom, which was purely by coincidence seeing as Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland were in the same room! 
Some of the night's action The toasts were given by the four men in charge of all things Laurel and Hardy in Ireland and, even though I tried to toast Charlie Busch, they were performed admirably! Last time I brought up Charlie Busch was about eight years ago and once more Gerry Dunne happened to be in the room. At the time he wanted to know who he was and if he'd paid his subs or not! The night was fun and the belly laughs flowed. 
A few of us thought we deserved a round of applause after the night ended! Keith and Gerry presented Stephen and myself with a mouse mat each, containing one of the best photographs I have seen, taken at this year's Amsterdam Convention. The Celtic Collection is right. . . Gerry, Liam, Keith and Stephen. . .  |
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