A new ‘tradition’ has emerged for NIPG, in the form of an excursion or charabanc, or in common terms ‘a bus trip’. Charabanc sounds so much more exotic.

Charabanc, (from French char à bancs: “wagon with benches”), long, four-wheeled carriage with several rows of forward-facing seats, originated in France in the early 19th century. It was pulled by up to six horses and was used by private owners to convey guests on excursions.

Of course, our horsepower is much more comfortable in the form our luxury coach from Coach Connections.

Our first charabanc was in 2023 when we were royally entertained by Stephanie Green at Green Acres Quilting Shop in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. We enjoyed a talk from Stephanie about her journey in quilting and how she came about taking on Green Acres. The two and a half journey back to Belfast was punctuated with a stop at a local hostelry where we drank tea and coffee, etc.

Last year in 2024 we again headed to County Donegal and visited two shops – Gaye Grant from The Fennel Shed and Nicola of Schoolhouse Quilts. Gaye Grant, a long time friend to NIPG, gave us a lovely Show & Tell which was inspiring. Nicola from Schoolhouse Quilts, Sleadrin , Buncrana talked about her sewing journey, starting from her schooldays. [You can find Schoolhouse Quilts on Facebook].

Our 2025 excursion will take us on a different journey. [No places are left]. On Saturday 5th April, we’re off to the Ulster American Folk Park, outside Omagh. Fiona McClean the curator is promising us some really special quilts relating to Emigration. We’re hoping to visit the Bad Bridget Exhibition too.