And We all had a Ball ......!

Early in 2005, at a comittee meeting held at Lodge Polkemmet, it was pointed out by one or two Past Masters
that the annual ball was rapidly becoming more and more 'like any other Saturday night dinner-dance' and was no
longer a special event. "Hhmmmm" said the committee, what can we do this year to rectify that? ....
Go to the Hillcroft Hotel? .... or maybe try something a bit different? ..... We opted for the latter.

We hunted high and low for a suitable venue that could not only accommodate us but was neither too far away
nor too expensive. The answer was to come in the shape of the Fishers's Hotel, Pitlochry.

On the 12th November, 87 party-goers descended on the town of Pitlochry on the occasion of Lodge Polkemmet's
Annual Ball. It was extremely heart warming for me, as RWM, to welcome so many masons and non-masons and their
good ladies to such a beautiful venue, and may I say how glad I was to see the guests and their wives make
such an effort to look so good. Kilts, dinner-suits and ball-gowns were abundant.

The meal, which was delivered both efficiently and mannerly, proved to be a big hit with everyone.

The Grand March then took to the floor with the 32 brethren present and their good ladies forming a rather dignified
procession with no less than 4 reigning masters in the persons of: Tom Gray 927, Andrew Flemming 13,
Freddie Winters 1145, and the newest Master of the province, Robert McLeod who was installed only the
night before at the Lodge St. Andrew Livingston Station No. 1587. We were also blessed with the company
of the PG Sec Bro. Jim Ellis and his good lady, Leslie. There were a total of 9 Lodges represented that night,
927, 13, 160, 305, 590, 827, 1145, 1587and 1658.

The dancing took the form of a Ceilidh to the music of 'John Stuart and his Scottish Dance Band' and the floor was
more-or-less full right up to the last dance just before midnight.

I feel everybody was so comfortable in the fact that no-one had to worry about taxis home or anything,
that many stayed up well into the wee sma' hours for a dram and a gab.

In my opening address on the night I asked the ladies to 'let their hair down and let's have a ball'.
Looking back I can confidently say 'We All Had a Ball!'

Thanks to all who supported the event and helped make it the success it was and you are all
very welcome to come along next year on the 4th November ..... same venue.

Tom Gray RWM
Polkemmet 927

Here are a few shots which I feel capture the occasion and atmosphere ..... Click on the photos to see larger versions.
The Top Table	The Grand March
		A busy dance floor ....
There are many more photos of the Ball which I will provide as an online album ....soon. If anyone would like to contribute some photos from the evening please get in contact.

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