IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball 2007

The 2007 IMCA midsummer charity ball, in aid of the World Maritime University (WMU), was intended to be an event with a difference. Guests' feedback attests that all expectations were far exceeded, with a glamorous evening full of surprises.

A Scottish piper welcomed the 250 guests from a balcony overlooking the sweeping gravel drive and National Trust of Scotland castle porch. A champagne reception was held in three formal castle rooms up a wonderful stone spiral stair, where castle guides and musicians created a historic atmosphere. A huge marquee on the castle lawns had been prepared ready for dinner and dancing. Harpist Marie Main transferred from the castle to the marquee and gently seranaded the guests until she was usurped, seemingly rudely, by an out of tune 'happy birthday' song. However, the surprise singers soon morphed from their interrupting mode into a stunning performance of favourites from the operas, given by Opera on the Run.

After dinner, our game of 'A Wing and a Prayer' led by our intrepid wing walker, John Greensmyth of Technip, amassed charity donations for the WMU. The WMU was established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which means so much to the industry and seafarers in general and where IMCA is proud to have Observer status. Based in Malmo, Sweden, the WMU offers high-level maritime education and training, mostly to developing countries, in support of its promotion of the IMO ideals in those countries. These ideals include maritime safety and security - matters close to IMCA's heart. The WMU also kindly supplied some of their brochures and prizes for our game. Each year, IMCA supports an international charity connected with its work through the annual ball and the WMU was a worthy cause for 2007. Proceeds from the game and a casino running in parallel to the dancing amounted to £2,500, which was presented to the WMU by Hugh Williams, IMCA Chief Executive. More details on the WMU can be found at www.wmu.se

IMCA's new President, Knut Boe of Technip, thanked Frits Janmaat of Allseas for his marked contribution as President 2005-6 and presented him with a picture of his golfing ambitions at St Andrews.

The evening continued with dancing attracting record numbers onto the floor, before fireworks bursting high above the grand trees in the castle grounds. As the explosives finally died away, the Turriff Pipe Band marched out of the wooded darkness and smoke as a grand finale to a great evening allowing the guests to depart with the skirl of the pipes in their ears and the beat of the drums in their hearts.