Happy St Andrews Day

Where do I begin, what a hectic few weeks this has been and as a result the Palace Noticeboard has been quite neglected.

Well today is St Andrews Day, a special day for us Scots, as it our patron saint's day. Not only is St Andrew the patron saint of Scotland, but he is also the patron saint of Russia and Greece. Although in Scotland there doesn't seem to be a lot done to celebrate St Andrews Day, for Scottish expats it is a day of celebrations. This year our celebrations were held on Thursday night with the Awali Callies holding their annual St Andrews Night Ball. So out come the kilts and posh frocks. Have to say I think Billy and I scrub up well, mind you I am a wee bit biased!!!!

The Awali Callies' Committee.

Andy Doherty, Me, Brian Tierney, Alistair Woods, Debbie Macleod, Jamie Bowden (British Ambassador to Bahrain), Sarah Bowden, Alistair Macleod, Nancy Shepherd and Billy.

For me, the preparations for the ball are quite hectic as being Secretary of the Callies, one of my jobs was to make the placecards, menus and seating plan lists done.

Not only that I had to the thank you cards to the guest speaker, John Rutherford, who gave the toast to St Andrews, the Glencraig Scottish Dance Band providing the music for the dancing. I have to say thanks to Jak, for the thistle image and backing paper.

I think John Rutherford summed up how many expats, not only scots but any nationality, feel about their heritage by finishing up his speech before toasting St Andrew with the chorus from the song 'Caledonia'

Let me tell you that I love you

And I think about you all the time

Caledonia you’re calling me, now I’m goin’ home

But if I should become a stranger

Know that it would make me more than sad

Caledonia’s been everything I’ve ever had.