Brackenber Dinner

 

I attended the Old Brackenbrian annual dinner last night, at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, the second year running that it has been held there.

We all enjoyed ourselves so much that I cannot provide a true estimate as to the number of old boys in attendance; except that there must have been half a dozen large circular tables, which were all full. Our numbers are, inevitably, dwindling - we're a dying breed! - owing to the fact that Brackenber House School no longer exists.

Brackenber House was situated at Cleaver Avenue, off Malone Road, in Belfast.

There were plenty of opportunities to chat before and after the meal which, once again, was excellent. Many thanks to all concerned, including the staff at the hotel, for everything.

I wish I had a copy of the menu, because I am unable to describe the meal accurately. Suffice it to say that the first course consisted of a tasty chorizo and tomato soup, accompanied by wheaten bread.

With the old nose-bag firmly affixed, I got the gnashers stuck in to a most toothsome bacon chop, not your run-of-the-mill variety, either. It was complemented by mashed potato and a concoction of cabbage with other tasty ingredients.

Pudding was traditional, too: Bread and Butter Pudding, if I recall correctly!

After the meal, there were several speakers, including Howard Hastings (same year as self at Brackenber), who talked about the state of Tourism in the Province, especially in 2012.

C T Hogg MBE UD JP DL treated us all to a very entertaining speech.

An especial welcome was given to another Old Boy, Robin Eyre-Maunsell DL.

Several of us retired to the Piano Bar afterwards, where we spent another hour or so.

Unfortunately the Brackenber dinner clashed with that of Campbell College's annual dinner, also in Belfast. 

I got a taxi home before 3am.