Dressed in his full regalia, guest Piper Dave Kirk, piped in the Guests, ranging from the great and the good of the Club, through senior team players, Mini and Youth coaches, a variety of guests, "Wannabe" Moles, and finally, a comprehensive tun-out of Moles, some 50 in total.
The evening started with Don Boyd rendering Grace in his best Scottish accent - a skill that he only exhibits on special occasions. Chef for the night, Neil Johnson, presented the Haggis, again to the stirring pipes of Dave Kirk, and then the first highlight of the evening, the Addres to the Haggis by Al Taylor. For the great unwashed, a printed copy in both Scots and English was made available of his speech. The meal was of traditional Scottish fare, Cullen Skink soup to start, haggis, neeps, and tatties with a whisky sauce for the main course, followed by Cranachan, and finished with biscuits and cheese.
Al Taylor, resplendent in his finest dress kilt, spoke again, providing numerous tales, particularly of Moles activities of the past, all thoroughly appreciated by his audience. Gordon McQuade then presented a variety of awards for outstanding successes within the Moles community, to "Judge" Forbes, "Wannabe" Moles Marc Lloyd, Mike Murray, and Graeme Trigg, and finally, to the most esteemed Mole, Captain Stan Slade. The awards were so gratefully received, that both Gordon McQuade and Jim Gillham were rewarded in a similar vein.
Not content with an impromptu rendition of "Flower of Scotland", the assembly finished the meal to a hearty rendition of "Auld Lang Syne", after which, all the guests retired to the Main Bar for a celebratory drink to conclude the evening's celebrations.
A raffle was held during the evening, raising £270 for GRFC Mini & Youth Section - thanks to all who participated, and thanks to all who donated prizes, including Terry Medes.
A most enjoyable evening was had by all, and thanks are due to all those in making it such a success, particularly Neil Johnson for again demonstrating his value to the Club, serving such fine fare to all.
Book early for next year's party to avoid disappointment"
We are organizing a repeat evening for Friday 25th January 2013, and a St George's Night for 20th April 2012.
Mole practicing for next year!
