As we began to come out of Covid lockdown and attempted to restart our trips for our clients, we headed off to Limavady for a two night stay in the Roe Valley Hotel. The continual changing of countries we were able to travel to as dictated by the Executive meant that we booked an outing to a local hotel to make things as simple and straight forward as possible.  No pre departure Covid tests for us!!  We all met at the office of the Prison Service Trust and boarded our coach for the North West, ably chauffeured by our coach driver Shelly.  After just over an hour, we reached Coleraine where we stopped off for refreshments and shopping. It was certainly a blowy day but at least the rain stayed off which was a bonus.

After lunch we boarded the bus again, a few pounds (in weight) heavier, and a few pounds (in money) lighter in our pockets 😊.  We reached our hotel situated in stunning surroundings in beautiful sunshine to check in, rest our weary legs, visit the spa or wander round the grounds of the hotel.  Our evening meal was at 7.30 pm – a three course feast – and certainly there could be no complaints about the portion sizes.  Regrettably we were unable to arrange musical entertainment due to Covid restrictions but, true to form, our clients made their own entertainment and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable night.

The next morning, after breakfast at 8.30 am we took the coach to Londonderry/Derry, again with free time for shopping (despite protestations from our male counterparts 😊), walking round the city walls, and refreshments.  We were so fortunate with the weather and it was a glorious day which meant the navigation of the numerous hills was just that wee bit more bearable!  After lunch we drove to Letterkenny, euros at the ready for… yes you guessed it.. more retail therapy and eating.  Covid restrictions in Letterkenny were not as relaxed as in Northern Ireland so we had to eat and drink outdoors (whenever we could find a café with outdoor seating!).  Again, we were fortunate that the rain stayed away.  After Letterkenny we travelled back to our hotel for another fantastic evening meal at 7.30 pm and a relaxing night.

Following a great breakfast on Sunday morning and a last-minute dip in the hotel pool, we boarded the coach at 11 am and Shelly drove us back to the office of the Prison Service Trust, arriving at 1pm.  All in all, a great trip and just nice to get back to some sort of normality, seeing old friends again and putting the trying times of the pandemic behind us, if only for a few days.

‘til next time.

June