THE MID-SUSSEX CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
The Society has a programme of activities of various types throughout the year ranging from the formal Burns’ Night Celebration to an informal Walk and Scottish Tea which all family members and friends are welcome to attend.
Burns’ Night Celebration
This is the flagship event of the year and comprises a formal dinner complete with the traditional ceremony of piping in the haggis.
In addition to the traditional speeches, there is the opportunity for some Scottish Country Dancing after the meal. As dancing is not the primary function of the Society, the dances are relatively easy and an opportunity is provided to practice in the weeks prior to the dinner.
In the last few years the event has been held at the Sofitel, Gatwick.
St. Andrew’s Night Celebration
While the dinner is less formal than the Burns’ Night, this provides a second opportunity for Scottish dress. As with the Burns’ Night, there is the opportunity for dancing after the meal, and again an opportunity to practice is available beforehand.
At Home
These are informal gatherings of members, again in the Old School Hall in Cuckfield, which provide an opportunity for members to get together over a light finger buffet. The evenings will usually include other activities such as a quiz or dancing.
Golf Day and Garden Party
For those who enjoy a game of golf, there is the opportunity to get together each summer, with the non-golfers joining later for a Summer Garden Party at the home of one of our members.
Theatre Visits
Each year the Society organises a theatre visit, usually to the Festival Theatre in Chichester. Recent plays attended include Enron, Separate Tables, Calendar Girls, and Donkey’s Years.
Family Walk and Scottish Tea
In the Spring we have an opportunity for all family members to get together for a country walk of around 4 miles followed by a Scottish Tea. Recent walks have included Ardingly, Westmeston, Horsted Keynes and Shipley.
Members’ Evening
These provide an opportunity for members to get together, usually in the Old School Hall in Cuckfield, with one or more guest speakers invited.
Other Visits
In addition to our regular meetings we also arrange visits to places of interest. These have included such diverse visits as Nutbourne Vineyard, Leonardslee Gardens, Badger Watching at Wakehurst, and a cruise on the SS Waverley.
AGM/Cheese and Wine Party
Finally, in June each year there is a Cheese and Wine Party, a social gathering which also acts as an incentive to attend the Annual General Meeting to review the year and elect the committee for the subsequent year.
