Secretary's Report 2007

Coleraine Institution Friends’ Association had a very successful first year. Proceeds from this year’s events allowed CIFA to present CAI with two digital projectors and £500 towards the commission of the new school web-site.

Our last event of the year was a Car Boot Sale with BBQ and Refreshments held in the Quad on Saturday 24th June 2006.

The year ended on a sad note with the sudden death of Mr. Paul Livingstone during the summer vacation. A founder of the organisation and an enthusiastic contributor to all our events and meetings, Paul’s energy and constant support will be greatly missed. In memory of Paul a Garden Bench inscribed with his name was presented to the school.

On Friday 20th October 2006 we had our Anniversary Dinner, a Five-Course Chinese Banquet with Wine Reception in the Water Margin Restaurant. Thanks to Emma and Paul and the staff of the Water Margin for the quality of the food and the perfect riverside location on what everyone agreed was an excellent night.

The Association’s thanks also go to Life Photography, Coleraine, Ells, Portstewart, and The Ulster Tatler for their generous gifts; and to Mrs. Cameron McGlinchey and her ensemble of musicians for co-ordinating the programme of music during the reception and during the first course; to the Water Margin for the spot prize kindly donated. Further raffle prizes were donated by the committee and friends of the committee.

On xxth January 2007, to publicise the CIFA, we set up a stand at Open Night displaying photos and a power point presentation of previous events. The Constitution was also available and we distributed leaflets advertising our forthcoming Table Quiz.

Our second Table Quiz held in The Coleraine Rugby Football and Cricket Club on Friday 19th January 2007 was a great success. We prepared the supper on the premises with the help of our very own “Certified Hygiene Ladies” Mrs. Rena Lindsay and Mrs. Bridie Leese from St. Patrick’s Church.

Our quizmaster for the night was Mr. Brian Fillis. 38 teams took part and we had our keenly anticipated raffle. Mr. Clement Dealey of “Frame It” presented CIFA with a framed photo of the school for our “Dutch Auction”. Mr. Gordon Knight was the successful bidder.

On 29th March 2007 we held a Wine Tasting and Tapas Evening in The School Library. Mr. Paul McCafferty proprietor of the Belfry Deli kindly sponsored the food for the evening including many fine examples of Spanish cuisine such as goats cheese, octopus and squid, chorizo and serranno ham. Mr. Nigel Macauley Manager of Asda sponsored the Wine and taught those present the finer points of wine tasting.

Old Boys 2003 – 2004 acted as waiters for the evening.

The next calendar event is our Car Boot Sale on Saturday 23rd June.

The committee voted to donate £500 to Mrs. Suzanne Cameron McGlinchey in the Music Department towards the purchase of a new keyboard.

£500 was donated to the Technology Department to support what turned out to be the FUGA Team’s world championship winning performance in the F1-in-Schools Competition held in Melbourne, Australia.

The various events have been greatly enjoyed by all who attended and the committee would heartily recommend future events to all and encourage those who have joined us previously to bring their friends next time round.