Scots School Gala

Every 2 years Scots College hosts a Gala - and it is a very special event. However because of the recent earthquake disaster in Christchurch, they toyed with the idea to cancel it as it did not seem appropriate or wise to run a fun and fund-raising event for the College's benefit when the country was coming to terms with such a huge tragedy down south. On balance they decided to go ahead with the Gala and use it as an opportunity for the Scots community to be able to play an active part in helping the citizens of Christchurch and to make a really tangible contribution to help people get back on their feet. So this year all net proceeds from the Gala are being donated to Christchurch.

It is somewhat ironical that the theme of this year's Scots Gala is "Heroes" - the very services that have been working 24 hours a day to rescue those injured by the Christchurch earthquake. The Gala theme was chosen mid-last year (before the first quake in September) to showcase and profile the range of emergency services to the boys and the wider community - a rather fortuitous choice it turns out to be. It is heart-warming, yet again, to be part of such a caring community and the turnout today at the Fair was overwhelming.

We had a great time and Josh tried out just above every side-show there was. Malcolm & Jill joined us and we all sat in the sun and sampled some of the culinary delights on offer and just soaked up the music and the carnival atmosphere. Joshua loved it but possibly the highlight for him was having the lucky ticket no. 44 which won the raffle which was a HUGE Easter Basket full to overflowing of so many 'things' chocolate!

Hudson didn't miss out either - Joshua was given so much money at the start of the Gala, all in $1 and $2 coins. Out of that money he had to buy himself lunch and also two soft toys for Hudson. The funny thing though was when we returned to the Gala mid-afternoon after receiving a phone call telling us we had won the raffle, we were approached by Mrs Bell who said "Joshua, have I got the deal for you!" - She presented him with a large bag and he was able to go and collect ANYTHING that was left ... for free ! Josh couldn't believe it ... he ran around and came back with 5 more soft toys for Hudson and 2 jigsaw puzzles for Daddy (albeit of flower gardens!)

This was VERY popular - throwing a wet sponge at the Principal, Mr Cassie. Josh had a powerful throw and got him right on the nose!

Huddy couldn't believe it .. so many new soft toys for him to love - but alas as the next picture shows TOO much loving Huddy, reindeer teddy has already lost an eye ... gentle kisses!

The winning raffle ticket - one HUGE basket of everything chocolate!