Meet Laura Warke
Hi everyone!
I have to say I think I am still in shock at winning the 2009 Maiden of the Mournes competition. Even though it has been around 3 months since I was crowned the winner, it still seems very surreal and I still get giddy thinking about it! The week in general was so much fun, and I can’t wait to take part in the 2010 festival!
Our time in Warrenpoint during August was such a unique experience, and one I will never forget. Warrenpoint is so beautiful and the people are so friendly, we were made to feel welcome from the word go, which meant a lot to us, and helped settle some of our nerves! It was great getting to mix not only with the other maidens, but also the community, and to explore the surrounding areas with the different tours arranged for us. A huge thank-you is needed for those on the Festival Committee and the sponsors for all that they done for us throughout the week, I for one have never been as well fed as I was that week!
I couldn’t have asked to be part of a nicer group of maidens, all the girls are fantastic, and we bonded so well, it felt like I was away with a bunch of friends! All the Maidens were such great people, friendly, talented, fun and supportive, and we all just wanted to enjoy our time and do our areas proud, and I think I can safely say both were achieved!
The Crowning ceremony was an absolute ball, the whole evening was amazing, watching all the girls perform, cheering each other on, and seeing the big crowd turn out, not to mention meeting and being interviewed by the lovely Paul Clark (I was star-struck!). The last thing I expected that night was for my name to be called, I seriously did not think I would win! When John called my name as the 20th Maiden I couldn’t help but burst into tears! I was so happy and shocked, but unfortunately none of my family could make it that night, so I had no-one to celebrate it with! Thankfully the girls came to my rescue there!
Since the Festival I have been working away in my jobs, and recently got back up to Warrenpoint for the Christmas lights switch on, and the yuletide Fayre, which was great fun! Regrettably on the Friday I was late arriving due to traffic problems and missed the lights being switched on, but from what I have heard and seen, it looked to be a great success! The square and town looks beautiful all lit up! Later that night I met the new committee members and had a wee chat about the plans for the New Year. I returned to Warrenpoint on the Sunday for the Christmas Fayre The Fayre was gorgeous, It had such a festive feel and it really got me in the mood for Christmas. We had a wander round the stalls and I had to restrain myself from buying nearly everything! During the Fayre the Mayor John Feehan came to wish everyone a happy new year, and to introduce the special guest... Santa of course! After which I had the humbling experience of getting to meet him myself and get a quick snap with him! The school choir then took to the stage to sing us a number of carols and Christmas songs- they were brilliant so a big well done to them all. The Fayre seemed to be a big success – it was buzzing all day! It was a great trip back to Warrenpoint and I’m looking forward to getting back in the new year for the St Patricks day Parade and of course for the Festival! It’s a real honour to be involved with the Maiden of the Mournes Festival. It has such a beautiful community spirit, and has something for everyone and every age. I can’t wait to the 2010 Festival to meet the new Maidens, and to get involved in the community again. Hope you all can come along and experience the magic yourselves!! Have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year!! See you soon.
Love Laura
Maiden of the Mournes 2009
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