Friday 13 March 2009

The Shangri-La, Island Ballroom

On arrival at the Grand Ballroom at noon the ballroom was a shambles. Wires strewn across the floor, flags in the process of going up, hotel staff scurrying to set tables and committee members trying to stay sane. The previous week last minute details had been attended to, checking with the printers, getting banners sorted, seating plans organised and order of ceremonies rehearsed and rehearsed again. Nothing was to be left to chance. Arriving there it felt like the house wasn’t tidied and the visitors were due to arrive at any minute!!!

As the afternoon wore on the hotel staff efficiently organised the setting up of the room. All those involved in the ball kept at it and slowly but surely it was all coming together. Time for a quick change and to get the hair done and the committee were back at 6.00pm. A quick glance around the ballroom, followed by a soft sigh of satisfaction, a job well done, it looked magnificent. The butterflies were intensifying, the next big hurdle. The arrival of the guests. Will they appreciate the hard work, will they have the great night that the committee hoped and worked towards during the past year?

6.45 The guests began to arrive, slowly at first but then in a steady trickle. Both members and guests did us proud. The ladies were a sight to behold, jewelled colours, glittering jewellery beautiful smiles. Not to be outdone the men arrived in elegant tuxedoes against sparkling white shirts and black ties, those wearing their kilts added further to the spectacle.

The Irish dancers amazed us. Dinner was served, the band rocked, the raffle was drawn and everyone had a ball. A quick glance around the room at some ungodly hour of the morning happy faces everywhere, a deep sigh of satisfaction followed, a job really well done!

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this years ball such a great success. Commiserations to Natalie Visscher, our Secretary who missed the ball as she was in hospital. Get well soon Natalie; we’re keeping some champagne on ice!!

Thanks to the ball sponsors, the Shangri La Hotel, Lynette and the Irish Inspirational Dancers R.J, the Gurkhas, Enigma, Eastern Carpets, the photographers and our charity partners.

A warm thank you to our Patron Ambassador Richard O’Brien, and our special guests the British High Commissioner Paul Madden and his wife Sara.

Click here to go to the photo gallery.

We wish to thank the our sponsors for their support for the 2009 Annual Ball. Their generous contributions helped to make this year's Ball an outstanding success.

Sponsors