UK women celebrate Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Apart from celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the ball was also the UKWC’s major fund-raiser — the monies raised will go towards assisting the Princess Elizabeth Centre that is in dire need of funds after the disastrous floods of 2011.

The evening began with cocktails in the foyer of the ballroom and the VIPs in a private room — no media allowed.

Guests sipped drinks and chatted until 8 pm when the VIPs emerged from seclusion. The British High Commissioner and Dr Charlotte Bigland proceeded by the piper, Lance Corporal Andrew Parsons, led the way from the cocktail reception to the ballroom.

Once most of the guests had found their seats, Master of Ceremonies Mark Kelynack asked all to stand for the National Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago and “God Save The Queen,” played by the TT Police band that followed the anthems with a tribute to the United Kingdom beginning with “Land of Hope and Glory”, a Welsh, then an Irish and finally a Scots melody.

The Alternative Quartet provided music for dining, Natasha Babwah sang a selection of British popular ballads before patron of the UK Women’s Club, Dr Charlotte Bigland gave the Patron’s Address. The Loyal Toast, proposed by the British High Commissioner concluded the formal part of the ball.