The 53rd Highland Ball

Saturday 15th January, 2005 at Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted

On 15 January 2005, the Berkhamsted Strathspey and Reel Club held its 53^rd Highland Ball at Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted. The fine-looking School, originally a Foundling Hospital, was splendidly decorated for the occasion with tartan drapes and shields, together with beautiful flower arrangements.

 Over 120 people had a wonderful evening of Scottish dancing to the stirring music provided by the band of Ian Muir Sound from Prestwick in Scotland. Ian’s band performs regularly on Scottish radio.

Guests travelled from all over the South East of England and some from as far away as Inverness and Kendal. There were many enthusiastic comments on the event.

 MCs for the evening were Valerie Bateson and Alastair Cuthbertson and dancers were piped into an excellent dinner by George Bateson,  one of the founder members of the Club.

 The interesting programme of dances included ‘The Code Breaker’. This dance, devised by John Drewry, illustrates some of the movements of the Enigma code breaking machine. It was devised in memory of Hugh Foss who worked on code breaking during the War at Bletchley Park. Hugh was also an innovative devisor of Scottish dances.

The event demonstrated how fortunate local residents are to have such a thriving Club on their doorstep. Members are now looking forward to the Club’s next Highland Ball on 14 January, 2006. The very popular band of Frank Reid will be performing on that occasion.

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