It was a beaut night, with the room packed with people who had added something to the Burgos’ 18-year tenure at the centrally-located hostelry.

It was lovely seeing Gary and Belinda so relaxed and in fine form for their “extended break” from hospitality.

Yvonne and Les Atallah were there and it was great to discuss future plans with the building’s owners. I can’t wait for the work to begin.

The Burgess family have made some great friends over the years at the pub. It’s good to know they’re not leaving town – just Peel St – so we’ll be sure to see them around in future.

HAVE you ever imagined travelling along the mighty Mississippi River, exploring grand old plantations, visiting Civil War battlefields and basking in the southern ambience?

I have – and I’m doing it next year. Want to come with me?

I’ve been invited to be the tour guide for a two-week holiday from Sydney to Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville, New Orleans, Los Angeles and home to Sydney.

We fly in to Los Angeles, get a connecting flight to Memphis, home of the blues, where we spend the next two days exploring Graceland, Sun Studios, eating world-famous ribs at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous Restaurant and so much more. 

Then we climb on board our home for the next seven nights, the American Queen.

It’s the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world. 

Check it out at www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com 

With entertainment each night and southern cuisine that will have your lips smacking at 40 paces, it’s going to be a hoot.

As we travel the Lower Mississippi River, each day is punctuated with a stopover at destinations such as Vicksburg, Natchez, St Francisville, Baton Rouge and Plantation Road, where we will do plenty of exploring and try to get our ears around those fabulous southern accents.

A week later we berth in New Orleans and fly out for Music City USA.

After four days of sightseeing and honky tonkin’ in Nashville, two of which we will spend at CMA Fest (Fan Fair), you’ll be begging for a break, but hey – you can sleep when you’re dead.

I’m taking you straight back to New Orleans to soak up the last few drops of this trip of a lifetime before we board the plane and head for home.

I don’t know about you, but I’m counting down the days.

We leave Sydney on May 29, 2015, and return on Sunday, June 14. 

Why don’t you ring Paula Peterson Travel Managers on 0409 457 956 to find out how you can be part of the Rose Among The Thorns 2015 tour?

Or you can email me at annarose4@bigpond.com and I’ll flick you the itinerary and further details. There are already eight of us signed up and ready to party. Don’t miss the boat, as seats are limited. 

IT’S a special day for the Irish on Monday and I’ve found a few St Patrick’s Day celebrations planned around town.

I told you last week about Katie Lou and the Southern Stallions being out at the Nundle Country Picnic on Sunday, along with resident singing shearer, Jeff “Gibbo” Gibson.

Katie Lou (aka Kathryn Jones) and the Southern Stallions (Alan Brooker on double bass and Neil McCann on guitar) will also perform at the Peel Inn tomorrow night and on Saturday night in Tamworth at the Square Man Inn.

On Sunday at 6pm at The Pub, get in early for your St Patrick’s Day celebrations with some great music and fun with Mulligan’s Stew – Jimmie McGuire and his band of merry mates.

At last count he had enlisted Mark Schwinghamer, Tony Doyle and Lou Farina to join him, but that may have been added to by now.

Jimmie loves to be in good company. 

There is talk that if the gig is well patronised it could become a monthly “Irish club” event, so if you’re into the Irish music and fun, get along and show your support.

As Monday is also the Longyard Hotel’s birthday, it’s almost a certainty you’ll find green beer on tap as it marks another successful year’s trading in true Irish style.