Forewards

Patron of the Ball

Tonight we celebrate the 24th year of the Touch of Tartan Ball and we hope to raise, as always, a magnificent amount for CHILDREN 1^ST. This goes to help mend and repair damaged children living across Scotland and particularly here in the North East. It is a very sad sign of the times that we live in, that each year more and more is required to carry out this much needed work. Without the generosity of you, our so very generous Sponsors, Supporters and Friends the excellent works carried out by CHILDREN 1^ST could not continue. I would like to thank you for this and ask you to celebrate with me your very valued contribution to the Touch of Tartan Ball's success.

David Paton of Grandhome OBE, KStJ, DL

CHILDREN 1^ST

I am very pleased to welcome you to the 2011 Touch of Tartan Ball and I am sure it will be a brilliant evening. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting the work of CHILDREN 1^ST By being here this evening, you are directly helping vulnerable children and young people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. I would also like to say a special thank you to the volunteer Touch of Tartan Ball Committee, whose huge commitment, enthusiasm and talent make the whole event possible.

At CHILDREN 1^ST we listen, we support and we take action for Scotland’s most vulnerable children and young people. It is our belief that children do best when they are able to remain safely within their families, whether that is with their parents or with members of their extended family. We support children and young people directly and we work with their families to help them provide the best care for their children.

In these difficult financial times, far from diminishing, the need for our services grows. Many of the families with whom we work are being hit hardest by job losses, increased costs of the basics for a decent standard of living and the reduction in support services. Parents tell us that, as a result of involvement with our staff and volunteers, as well as with the other parents and carers, their confidence and their skills in looking after their children, from babies to teenagers, grow. Many of them talk about enjoying being a parent, sometimes for the first time, and this makes for happier and more secure children.

We watch children and young people’s behaviour change; they are less fearful, isolated, withdrawn or aggressive. They have opportunities to heal some of the hurts they have experienced in their short lives and they begin to believe in themselves and the possibilities for their future. Thank you for helping CHILDREN 1^ST to be there when we are most needed and thank you, especially from the children that you will help tonight. You are joining the many people who have supported the Touch of Tartan Ball over very many years – what a lot of difference that has made to thousands of children!

I hope you have a wonderful evening. Thank you.

Anne Houston - Chief Executive

Chairman of the Ball

I want to extend a very warm welcome to you all to this evening's Touch of Tartan Ball, which tonight celebrates its 24th year.

I have been involved with the Touch of Tartan Ball since the very first and was honoured to be Chairman of the Ball in 2005. I am absolutely delighted to be Chairman once again and hope to make 2011 another record year in respect of the monies raised to help CHILDREN 1^ST to continue the much valued and regretfully much needed work helping vulnerable children in our area, the North East and across the rest of Scotland. For the first time this year we have a totaliser running which will show the updated amount that is being raised throughout the evening.

The role of Chairman of the Ball is only made successful by the commitment of a great team of volunteers who make up the Ball Committee and I would like to thank them all for their tremendous support and hard work throughout the year. Planning each year's ball takes a full year and already plans are starting tonight to make sure our Silver Anniversary Ball next year will be another night to remember.

I would like to thank Laurence and Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen, who first attended the Ball in 2003 and since then have been tireless supporters. It is great to be able to welcome them back to the ballroom tonight and I would personally like to thank them for graciously agreeing to attend once again as our Guests of Honour.

The Ball Committee would like to welcome and sincerely thank our Headline Sponsors BP, Dales Engineering Services, Rigmar, Senergy and Transocean for their valued generosity and support. This year we also thank our Sponsors Anderson, Anderson & Brown, Bristow, Logik, Marathon, Petrofac, Prospect, Sparrows and Specialist Subsea Services whose giving has helped so greatly in putting together tonight's glittering ball.

We are as always grateful to the exuberant Malcolm Appleby for designing yet another stunning Banchory Bangle for the raffle that will be drawn later this evening. Tonight's main prize of this year's design is both the gold and a silver bangle with the second draw winner receiving a silver version. There is also a third prize of a £100 voucher towards an Appleby piece.

Our appreciation also goes to all who have contributed toward both this evening's auction and tombola, both of which year after year contribute so significantly to the amazing total raised by the Ball. This year our stalwart supporters Jamieson and Carry have crafted yet another piece of stunning jewellery that will grace some lucky lady's neck and I would like to thank them so very very much for their enduring support.

I would also like to thank Susan Ball who is responsible for the rich and sumptuous decoration we see tonight. Each year Susan creates decor that transforms the already magnificent Beach Ballroom.

A big thank you must also go to all the staff here at the ballroom for the meal we enjoy tonight and their friendly and efficient service.

Finally, I would like to say a very big thank you to all who have helped, including everyone here tonight, to make this evening the thoroughly enjoyable and successful occasion I am sure it will be.

I trust you all have a marvellous night and one to remember – I intend to!

Allan A Doig - Chairman Touch of Tartan Ball 2011