St Andrew's Ball
ST ANDREW’S NIGHT BALL – 26TH NOVEMBER 2011
Everyone heaved a sigh of relief that the weather this year was so much milder than last year as the date of the St Andrew’s Night Ball edged closer. Indeed, the clement weather helped set the scene for what was to become a wonderful evening at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria.
The evening began with our President Sheila Dunstan and her Consort Martin extending a warm welcome to our guests. This year we were pleased to welcome not only the Lord Mayor Councillor Dr Sylvia Dunkley and her Consort John, but also the Master Cutler Pam Liversidge and her Consort Douglas. This was a unique occasion in as much as this year is the first time in history that a lady has held the position of Master Cutler. Indeed, in her welcoming address, Sheila did allude to the ‘girl power’ seated at the top table!
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Our piper for the evening was a young 16 year old lad named Sam Johnson who took his duties very seriously and did a splendid job throughout. After piping outside the hotel to greet everyone as they arrived, he then piped in the haggis in fine fashion. The ‘ladies’ theme then continued as Mrs Lynda Wildgoose proceeded to deliver a truly rousing address to the haggis that will be remembered for a long time to come. There followed a delicious meal with the roast beef being carved before our very eyes!
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Professor Ian Cooke did a fine job as Toastmaster ensuring the evening ran smoothly. He introduced Mr Angus Middleton, Past President of the Robert Burns World Federation who gave ‘The Toast to Scotland’ in a most entertaining and humorous way.
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The ‘silverware’ was then presented by our President Sheila – the golf winner’s cup to Martin Mould and Harare cup to Andrew Mould. As for the bowling, Richard Souter once again laid claim to the gent’s cup whilst the ladies cup went to a new winner Sue Cameron.
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The night then continued splendidly with the Danelaw Scottish Country Dance Band once again providing the music for the dancing. It was wonderful to see so many people eager to show off their dancing prowess. Occasionally the lack of skill was more than made up for by their enthusiasm and a good time was had by all! Our Master of Ceremonies was Ian McMaster and he did a fine job keeping us all on track and rounding up people to make up the sets.
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Sheila signalled an end to the evening by reciting the Celtic Blessing and this was followed by the National Anthem.
Events such as this do not just ‘happen’ – they take an enormous amount of organisation and thanks must be given to all the people who worked so hard to ensure the night was the enormous success that it truly was. Thank you also to all the people who came to support the evening – another highlight in the Caledonian year.
Sue Cameron
