The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve once again held a highly successful Saint Andrew’s Ball at the Penina Hotel. This year the Ball coincided with Saint Andrew’s Day on 30 November, so it was great to have a full house of 130 participants.
Our piper Malcolm MacGillivray was of course on hand to greet guests and lead the parade into the ball after the champagne reception.
Chieftain Doug McAdam welcomed guests and initially asked them to give their thoughts to those affected by the tragic helicopter crash in Glasgow the previous night. He then gave a brief history of Saint Andrew’s origins and how he became Patron Saint of Scotland. The hotel kitchen then produced a superb buffet - even preparing a cake with the Saint Andrew’s cross – and the friendly and attentive staff ensured that everything ran smoothly.
For the fifteenth year running the Scottish ceilidh band “The Sounds of Islay” entertained guests warmly. They, along with contributions from piper Malcolm, ensured that the dancing was both energetic and enthusiastic leaving just enough strength for a lusty “Auld Land Syne”.
The Society was grateful to its sponsors EuroFinesco for contributing to the costs of transporting the band from Scotland, to Medal Insurance for providing the flowers and Prime Drinks for supplying the whisky. Janette Owenson very kindly donated the heather and made up the magnificent flower arrangements.
The Society hopes that the Ball will have whetted appetites for their next event – the Burns’ Supper at the Restaurante Ponte Romano in Silves on Saturday 25 January 2014 – another coincidence since this actually falls on the bard’s birthday! So put this event in your diaries now and watch this space for further details later.
And if you want to retain or improve your Scottish dancing skills – or even give it a try – there is dancing every Monday evening at 19:30 at the International School in Porches. To find our more contact Mardie Cunningham on 282 356 029.
If you would like to know more about the Society – no need to be Scots – or if you'd like to join us for the Burns’ Supper at the Restaurante Ponte Romano in Silves, on Saturday 25 January 2014, please give Chieftain Doug McAdam a call on 918 243 597 or Kathy Prentice on 919 635 246.
