Caledonian Society Marks St. Andrew’s Day
The Caledonian Society of Bermuda marks its 75th anniversary this year, making its annual St. Andrews Ball a particularly special event.
The Ball celebrates St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, and has proven to be one of the most high-profile events on the Bermuda social calendar.
“However, to celebrate this landmark, the Society is pulling out all the stops to ensure it is a night to remember,” said a spokesman. “In addition to the usual raffle, the Society will up the ante by hosting a silent auction, to help raise funds and awareness of another huge event taking place next year when the Atholl Highlanders will arrive on the island.
“This Scottish infantry regiment is Europe’s only legal private army and will be coming to take part in the celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday and participate in Bermuda’s first ever Highland Games.”
Atholl Highlanders Parading At Blair Castle, Scotland
Items donated for the raffle and silent auction include a signed Celtic shirt, signed Rangers shirt, signed Scotland Rugby Union jersey, a Scott Gemmell print, a stay at Cambridge Beaches, a family portrait from Mark Tatem Photography, Bacardi goodies, Fairmont experiences and a round of golf at Riddell’s Bay.
The Ball will take place at the Fairmont Southampton on Saturday, November 26th and the Society insist that you do NOT need to be Scottish to attend — you just have to enjoy good food, good company, drinking, dancing or any combination of those.
The event kicks off with a cocktail reception from 6.30pm until 7.30pm, after which there is a Grand March as the pipe band lead everyone into the ballroom for dinner at 8pm.
The four-course dinner will be followed by the ceilidh portion of the evening –Scottish dancing, pronounced “kay-lee” — with live music from the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, and then you can dance the night away until 2am with DJ King Arthur.
The traditional Scottish dancing is easily picked up on the night, however there will also be a free practice run at Police Recreation Club on the Wednesday before the Ball [Nov. 23] from 7pm until 9.30pm to show ball-goers the basics and is always greatly enjoyed by those in attendance.
Scott Devine, President of the Caledonian Society in Bermuda said: “I’m delighted that the Caledonian Society of Bermuda will be celebrating such a historic landmark and the whole committee is looking forward to this being our biggest and best event yet! The Caledonian Society will not be hosting our annual Hogmanay/New Year’s Eve Ball this year so, if you usually go to one or the other, we have made the decision very easy for you this year.
“We hope to see everyone come out to support our charitable causes and enjoy one of the best nights of food and dancing anywhere on the Bermuda social calendar.“
Dress code is black tie and tickets are $180 each, including everything but additional drinks. Tickets can be purchased for individuals, couples or whole tables (tables are either for 10 or 12 people) and are available from Ian Hind at iHind@becl.bm or online from www.premiertickets.bm.
The Caledonian Society of Bermuda (Registered Charity #896) was formed on November 29, 1936 to promote all things Scottish in Bermuda.
The Society is famous for our ceilidhs, Burns Suppers, Hogmanay Balls, St. Andrew’s Balls and more.
It has been heavily involved in supporting local charities since its inception and is now in its fourth year of offering an educational grant to support a Bermudian student continuing their studies in Scotland.
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