St. Andrew’s Ball 2018

Each year the St. Andrews Ball is hosted by the Saltire Society of Vancouver. This year it was held at Pinnacle Hotel Waterfront.  It’s a lovely affair and grand occasion.  I’ve been a few times before and truly enjoyed it each time.

Laura looked simply ravishing in a new Ralf Lauren ball gown. The ladies are supposed to wear dresses that reach their ankles or below. A tartan sash is ideally draped over a shoulder to declare the clan.  I did love one beautiful lassies full length skirt in her clan tartan.  The men wear their Scottish attire or black suits or tuxedos.  I was thankful I fit  my blue Hunting Hay kilt. My  Red Royal Hay kilt, over the years,  somehow shrunk.

I loved the stand up bass and violins in the lounge area playing classic Scottish tunes.  What a thoughtful touch.  We all entered with a Grand March.  People watching was made easier that way.  My God the Lassies were lovely, all ages.  The men looked suitably washed.  I couldn’t help but feel some what at home.  

Alison Moen,  the Scottish Country Dance Director, was remarkable providing  clear and concise instructions as to where she wanted us all to go in groups of 4 and 8 and as a whole. Next thing we knew we were actually participating in country dances.  These were the highland source of the modern rather lowland square dances.  

Thomas Budd was the very fine piper  and Alec Robertson, the drummer.  The Haggis was piped in and a marvellous Robbie Burns Toast to the Haggis was given with great flare.  A notably thrifty Scottish prayer preceded the very fine steak meal.  Laura and I sat at a table with a delightful mix of guests.  The conversation ranged the world over with talk of travel, politics. religion,  children and grandchildren.

When we were full with fodod and barely capable of waddling, the band began to play again.   Alison Moen encouraging  us all to join her on the floor for another round of Scottish Highland dancing. So many of us didn’t know what we were doing in one dance so  the laughter nearly drowned out the music. What fun!

A thoroughly delightful evening. 

Thank you olden St. Andrew’s Saltire Society of Vancouver and Pinnacle Hotel Waterfront.