Prince's Trust

THE GATHERING Charity Ball and Auction

Stirling Castle, Thursday 26th February 2009

Click here for the background to The Gathering

Finally the day arrived, overcast but fair for the Dollar Academy Gathering Team to host their showpiece event and fundraiser for the Scholars’ Challenge.  For months the team had prepared and now was to be the day of reckoning.

Frantic last minute arrangements were made to ready the hall and castle to ensure this was to be a night to remember.  The guests began to arrive around 7pm welcomed over the drawbridge by the skirl of the pipes played by Dollar Academy’s own Jamie McCann (Form V) and Lucy Ferguson (Junior 2), and then to the Chapel Royal, the door of which was illuminated by flaming torches, rekindling memories of a bygone age.  Once inside they were offered drinks and invited to peruse the art work which would form part of the auction, whilst being entertained by our own jazz band led by the inimitable John McGonigle.  This certainly got the evening going with a swing.  The First Minister joined us and mingled freely with both guests and pupils, posing for photo opportunities which I am sure will adorn many a fireplace.

And so to dinner.  The great hall was resplendent with decorations prepared by the team and gave the proceedings an air of medieval opulence.  There was a welcome from Kirsty Fergusson and David Lawrie on behalf of the Dollar Team and an introduction from our Master of Ceremonies, Andy Cameron who would later unlock many a wallet during the auction!  There then followed the keynote address from our First Minister Alex Salmond, who, clearly impressed, gave an inspirational speech on the virtues of the team and the youth of Scotland in general.

There then followed an excellent meal provided by 'Nairns at Stirling Castle', and, not to miss an opportunity to raise funds, the silent auction and a table raffle took place in tandem with the food.  Members of the team were allocated a table each and, coordinated by Nicki Griffith, they acted as runners for the bids.  The VDU was constantly updated with fresh information; thanks to Hazel Duncan for this.

After the meal and following an introduction from The Gathering’s Events Co-ordinator,  Emma Brown, we were treated to a speech by Geraldine Gammell, Director of the Prince’s Trust in Scotland.  Geraldine described the role and works of the Trust and praised the work of the team for their efforts in organising such an event.  We then had a presentation from Rachel Mason, who has benefited from the work of the Trust.  This was very well received and helped give focus to the purpose behind the venture.

The evening was now in full swing and we were treated to a double act of Iain Smith and Andy Cameron who auctioned the promises so kindly donated to the event.  Iain displayed all his experience as an auctioneer while Andy regaled us with some hilarious banter and urged us to dig deep for the cause.  And dig deep everyone did beyond all expectation! The final sum raised by the end of the evening was in excess of £65000.

After the auction, music and dancing commenced to “Salsa Celtica” and this unique fusion of Latin and Celtic music had toes tapping and hips swinging.  Suitably exhausted, we were then treated to some virtuoso singing from Dollar’s own Carla Chiappa, and it was easy to see why she will soon be singing with Scottish Opera.

The highlight of the evening was the “Midnight Moment” where the youth of Dollar would declare their aspirations for the future.  This was preceded by one of Dollar Academy’s smallest pipers, Lucy Ferguson, whose head and drones from the pipes barely came above the balcony rail.  Jennifer Duncan, Form II, then read the declaration flawlessly and with conviction; it was a moment to savour.  And so the night drew to a close.  The Dollar Academy Pipe Band, playing under the excellent leadership of Craig Stewart, was a remarkable spectacle 'beating retreat' in the courtyard of the castle.  They then piped the guests to their cars, lining the cobbles with a guard of honour.  Suddenly all was quiet; it was over.

There are too many people to mention and thank by name who made contributions to the success of the evening.  However, special thanks must go to Gordon Galloway, “The Dragon” and Steve Uphill our Corporate Volunteer, who gave unstinting support throughout the duration of the challenge.  Thanks to our First Minister, Alex Salmond and our intrepid auctioneers Iain Smith and Andy Cameron.  Thanks to the Dollar Academy Jazz Orchestra and Dollar Academy Pipe Band and to all the staff from Dollar who worked so selflessly to ensure the success of the event, especially Mrs Keane and Mrs Stanhope.  Thanks to our sponsors and contributors for the event and to all the guests who participated so willingly in the proceedings.  Last but not least thanks to the team who excelled and embraced the Scholars' Challenge so wholeheartedly.