The FHS Regents Park Ceilidh opened on Saturday night in a suitably fitting manner. Over 120 staff and parent guests were piped into St Cyprians Church by Piper Jo and her bagpipes, whose Celtic melodies could be heard from several blocks away you could hear it when we arrived at Baker Street tube station, we were advised by two amused parents!
Guests were welcomed on arrival with champagne and Haggis crisps, served by Sixth Formers adorned in tartan sashes who helped throughout the evening. After a short welcome from the Headmaster, guests were invited to sit down to a delicious buffet style dinner of meats, fish and salads. Each table enjoyed a complimentary bottle of fine Scottish malt, very generously donated by the Brown family, and were entertained by the Pink Ladies jazz band throughout the meal.
A quick round of Take the High Road or the Low Road swiftly followed dinner as guests lowered or raised their Scottish flag aloft to indicate their preference as the calls were made by the Headmaster, in pole position up in the pulpit. The lucky winner was Deputy Head, Mrs Amelia Slocombe, who received a huge bottle of champagne for her efforts in thwarting the competition!
Fun began again in earnest when the Kingsfolk band struck up for the second time and invited guests to the floor to participate in Scottish reels. Much fun and laughter was had by all as our reeling caller instructed parents and staff on moves of varying complexity, and co-ordination became key as the dancing continued until the end of the night.
The Ceilidh Raffle raised over £1,000 for the FHS Bursary Fund with winners taking home an array of prizes including a Haggis (Mrs Fillingham), a necklace generously donated by Tatty Devine – and the opportunity to walk the Headmasters dog!
It was a wonderful and memorable evening, attended by so many FHS parents and staff. Our deepest thanks must go to Mrs Jane Wood, the mastermind of this hugely successful event, and her fantastic team of parent helpers.
A final note a famous Scottish saying goes Failing means youre playing . translated loosely into English means Its better to be doing badly than not taking part. For those who were not familiar with the Gay Gordons or Dashing White Sergeant before Saturday night, please take heart. Thank you all for your energy, humour and constant enthusiasm, and for truly embracing the Gaelic spirit of the evening.
You can view highlights from the evening on our Youtube channel too!
