On Saturday 14 March, the Lathallan Parents Association (LPA) organised its first large-scale event since before the pandemic, The Highland Spring ball, held at Brotherton Castle.
The event brought together more than 80 parents and guardians from across the Nursery, and Junior and Senior Schools, as well as Lathallan staff, for a meal and ceilidh, with the aim of raising funds for the LPA and charity.
On arrival, guests were presented with a choice of cocktails, fizz and mouth-watering canapes, donated by Chris and Rachaelle Beattie from Roo’s Leap, while The Bay Fish & Chips in Stonehaven was on hand to provide catering via their mobile van, The Bay on the Road.
After a welcome game of Heads or Tails, the LPA ran a Silent Auction, with a range of incredible prizes up for grabs, including an original painting, painter/decorator services, gym memberships, hotel and holiday cottage stays, an afternoon tea, dining experiences, a gift hamper and more.
Following the auction, and with happily-full bellies, the ceilidh began – with music provided by Reel of Fortune who combined classic ceilidh tunes like The Gay Gordons with pop hits like Frankie Vallie’s ‘Oh, What A Night’. Despite them being fully booked for weddings until 2024, the LPA magic was clearly in full force, with the band fortuitously available on the night of the ball. They were so good that the dance floor was full all night, until carriages at midnight and, with the band’s fiddle player Joe Hibbs growing up in Johnshaven, they were delighted to have been asked to play at the school.
LPA Social Convener, Lucia Brown, said: “We could not be happier with how the event unfolded and the feedback has been very positive. The event could not have happened without the amount of LPA and staff volunteers, and the support of local businesses who contributed either with their time or through donating directly to the auction or the event itself.
“We met some great people and businesses while organising it and look forward to working with them in the future. It was particularly moving to see parents’ businesses come forward to support the LPA and the school staff were amazing contributors too. Overall, it was very touching to be part of such a giving community.
“We cannot thank everyone enough – whether those buying a ticket or directly contributing, sending out an email or the volunteers who helped clear the hall the morning after. Everyone did a superb job and it was a pleasure organising this event.”
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LPA Chair, Maria Coll, added: “Mr Toley kindly offered us the castle for the night and we just put our skates on and organised it – in just five weeks! We had some challenges with catering initially and the event changed organically, but thanks to the team’s agility we stayed on top of these changes and event planning stayed on track.
“The attendance was spectacular and the Assembly Hall could not have looked any more glamorous on the night thanks to our dedicated decorations team – Sharon Bruce, Vicky Stewart, Jen Butler-Madden, Fiona Fraser and Karen Summers. The grand welcome by Lathallan’s Pipe Major, Craig Kinkead, gave the event just the right atmosphere! Thanks too to Callum Shirreffs, a former pupil, for helping with photography.
“With this event such a success, we are looking forward to organising a bigger, grander ball one day and, of course, have our usual events programme to look forward, including our Mini Highland Games.”
Lathallan Headmaster, Richard Toley, shared his appreciation, saying: “I know from experience that events like this do not just happen; they require planning, promoting, time, effort, frustration and a lot of set-up and tidy-up! Thank you all so much for making it such a memorable night for those who attended, and for the funds you raised.”
The final amount raised totalled an incredible £2585 (thanks to LPA Treasurer, Scott Keenon, for dealing with all the incomings and outgoings!), with just over £500 of this ring-fenced for Lathallan’s YPI-winning charity, The Haven in Stonehaven. The remaining money will be used to support various initiatives intended to aid and improve the children’s experiences at Lathallan.
The LPA and the school would like to express our gratitude to the many local businesses, including parents’ own companies, and staff who supported this event and/or donated prizes to the silent auction. Including: Ross Safety & Survival; Lawrence Milne Decorators Limited; Fraser Property Group; Roo’s Leap; Gauld Electrical; Ann Madden Artist; Glen Clova Hotel & Lodges; Impact Fitness Stonehaven; The Fife Arms; Bio Skin and Wellness; Pipers’ Coffee Shop (Lathallan School enterprise); Paul and Marian Lawrie of the Paul Lawrie Foundation; M&S; Miss Bell; Mr Toley; Mrs Howie; Mrs Cook; The Brown Family; The Broadley Family; LPA Merchandise and Lathallan School Pipe Band.