Secretary's Report 2008

It was a typical beautiful Saturday morning – sun shining! - then torrential rain. Let the pictures do the talking.

Our last event of the year was a Family Fun Day and Car Boot Sale on Saturday 23rd June 2007. The grounds men had prepared the front field for our Charity Cup Event – a volleyball competition between the CAI and Coleraine High School. While the matches were being played there was a collection taken from spectators for The Royal National Life Boat Institution totalling £33.43. The CAI team managed to preserve their pride winning the cup.

Dr. George Hull and his dedicated team of rowers helped set up the different events by doing all the heavy work and were available to tidy everything away afterwards.

The Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club demonstrated martial arts skills in the Humphreys Hall. Terry Geddis, 4th Dan, Chief Instructor of the club, who runs 14 clubs throughout NI (approx. 300 students) led the demonstration. Also present were Jordan Millican, 1st Dan and Aaron Dickson, 1st Dan both of whom will be part of the NI Squad competing in the European Championships in November and will travel next year to Mexico to participate in the World Championships.

We had a Treasure Hunt in the school grounds organised by Mrs. Joan Quigg, Nail and Face Painting by Mrs. Heather Warwicker, Car Washing by Mr. Mervyn Nicholl and the squash team, Target Golf, Beat the Goalie, Giant Connect 4 and many other games to suit all ages.

Stall holders who supported us on the day – Debbie Sutton “Moms Cottage Candles”, Shirley Smyth “One Offs”, Steven Crockett “Dinky Donuts”, R. Pollock “Brae Mar Ice Cream” and W. Caithness “Wilans Chutney”.

Mr. Joe Cassells opened the Museum and this was very well supported.

On 17th January 2008, to publicise CIFA, we set up a stand at Open Night displaying photographs and a power-point presentation of previous events. We distributed leaflets advertising our forthcoming Table Quiz.

In November we had a film quiz sheet. This was to coincide with the Film Premiere which is postponed until a later date. However we sold 179 sheets, Rosemary Coyles from Ballycastle was our first prize winner, and Shirley Taylor, Coleraine was our second prize winner each receiving HMV vouchers.

Our third Table Quiz held in The Coleraine Rugby Football and Cricket Club on Friday 18th January 2008 was well supported. We prepared the supper on the premises with the help of our very own “Certified Hygiene Persons” Mrs. Janet Leighton and Mr. Gordon Knight who was camera shy. Our quizmaster for the night was Mr. Brian Fillis. The school gave CIFA framed photo of the school for our “Dutch Auction”. Mr. Roly Stewart was the successful bidder.

CIFA organised its first Valentine’s Day Disco for year 8/9 boys inviting Coleraine High School Year 8/9 girls.  There was a great turnout of young lads (150) and lasses (163). The young ladies received a chocolate-heart sweet when registering. Mr. Richard Beggs and Mr. Gary Knox were the “bouncers” for this event. DJ George Ritchie played a mixture of old and new music.

Miss Lynn Magee and Mrs. Karen Taggart put on the production of “Blood Brothers”. The CIFA committee helped with the refreshments at the Matinee on Wednesday, the Charity Evening on Thursday for Coleraine Hospice Support Group and on the Friday night.  Mr. Joe Cassells supervised us at the matinee and thought we were just about capable of being left alone with Mrs. Nessie Tannahill’s teapots. On the Charity Night wine and cheese was served by past old boys and with the help of Mrs. Nessie Tannahill and committee members served tea, coffee and tray bakes were also on offer.  £1000 was given the Coleraine Hospice Support Group from the Charity Evening.

Mr. Robert Blair, Mrs. Sharyn Griffith, Mrs. Patricia Taylor and some of the year 8/9 rugby boys parents helped out at the Year 8/9 Rugby Tournament BBQ and tuck shop organised by Mr. Richard Beggs. After a week of bad weather, Friday 14th March was a glorious day. Everyone enjoyed the burgers and hotdogs. Our boys were beaten by Campbell in the semi's. Willow Park beat Campbell in the final.

The next calendar event is our Mid-Summer Ball on Saturday 21st June 2008 in the Humphreys Hall.

The committee agreed to donate £500 from proceeds from last year’s events to Coleraine Old Boys’ Rowing Association towards a new boat and Mrs. Paula McIntyre in the IT Department towards the purchase of a new interactive white board.

Patricia Taylor