The ballroom at Cinnamon Grand was filled to capacity when Bridgetines of all ages gathered for a gala evening of song and dance. Bridgetine Toe Tapper held on November 8, was attended by almost 500 Bridgetines and friends, including the Rev. Sisters of St. Bridget’s Convent. Music was provided by Sohan & the X-periments with Clifford Richards as compere.
Past Bridgetines Mignonne, Anne Jayamanne and the Evergreens added glamour to the entertainment. The sing-along and impromptu dancing were enjoyed by all.
Taste of the Scottish highlands
Whoever said Colombo was lacking in interesting activities was terribly misinformed. There is an array of exciting events happening in and around Colombo and one such upcoming event is the St. Andrew’s Ball 2009.
Organised by the Caledonian Society of Sri Lanka, the ball will bring exotic culture from the Scottish Highlands down to the tropical shores of Sri Lanka. It will be an evening of traditional bagpipe and drum music, an exhibition of sword dancing and fare which includes the star attraction, Haggis and Scottish whiskey.
This would be an ideal chance to taste Scottish national dishes that will be prepared to the authentic native recipe. “Haggis is a large sausage made with meat and mixed with oatmeal. It’s boiled and spices such as pepper and ginger are added,” said Rev. John Purves of St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk and chieftain of the Caledonian Society who is involved in organising the ball.
The St. Andrew’s Ball has been an annual event over the past 50 years in Sri Lanka, even though the Scottish community is quite small here. The Caledonian Society consists of 30 members, 10 of whom are Scottish. Minister Purves says, “The society has probably been in existence since the British came here in 1796 and is probably the oldest society in Sri Lanka.”
All those who are interested and would like to experience Scottish culture, and give Scottish dancing a try are welcome to the event.
The ball will be held at the Galadari Hotel on November 20 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are priced at Rs. 4,500 and can be booked by contacting Minister Purves on 0779127994, Fiona on 2598502 or
emailing finoamcd@sltnet.lk. |
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