The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve once again held a successful Saint Andrew’s Ball at the Penina Hotel near Portimão.
This year the ball coincided with Saint Andrew’s Day on November 30, so it was a full house with 130 participants. Piper Malcolm MacGillivray was again on hand to greet guests and lead the parade into the ball after the champagne reception.
Chieftain Doug McAdam welcomed guests and 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 buffet – even preparing a cake with the Saint Andrew’s cross – and the friendly and attentive staff ensured that everything ran smoothly.
For the 15th year running, the Scottish ceilidh band The Sounds of Islay entertained guests warmly and, 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 donated the heather and made up the 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 January 25 2014 – another coincidence since this actually falls on the bard’s birthday.
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 7.30pm at the International School in Porches. To find out more contact Mardie Cunningham on 282 356029.
If you would like to know more about the Society – no need to be Scots – give Chieftain Doug McAdam a call on 918 243597 or Kathy Prentice on 919 635246.
