On Saturday evening, over 50 Friends of King’s celebrated Burns Night with a three course dinner and Ceilidh.

From the tartan flags adorning the walls of the Memorial Hall, to the thistles on the place cards, the overriding theme was, inevitably, Scottish! We were welcomed for pre-dinner drinks by the impressive sound of Jenn Bottrill on her bagpipes, who then led the haggis in for dinner. After a wonderful ‘addressing of the haggis’ given by Douglas Barns-Graham, former Chemistry teacher, who was welcomed back, the guests then dined on smoked salmon, haggis and the traditional Scottish Cranachan – all served by very attentive 6th Form pupils.

The delicious meal over, the gathered throng took to the dance floor -  The Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow, to name but a few of the numerous reels attempted. The Headmaster, just one of many kilt-wearers at the event, ‘called’ the reels with a clarity that got the most unlikely of dancers on their feet - the ‘pros’ amongst the guests led the way for the ‘amateurs’. After an exhausting few hours and with no injuries to report, the evening drew to an end and was deemed great fun. Whilst some money was raised for the Friends, the evening was very much aimed at making friends rather than cash. Many thanks to all those who supported the event. A gallery of photos from the evening can be viewed by clicking here.