Our first ever Burns Night Ceilidh proved to be a big success, raising over £5k for our Harefield Healing Garden Appeal

More than 150 supporters came to St Edward's School in Oxford to celebrate Scotland's favourite poet and the life-saving work of Harefield Hospital. Following a tireless effort from staff and volunteers, the hall was soon draped in tartan ready for a night of dancing, a live band, bagpipes and, of course, a haggis supper.

People of all ages, from all walks of life graced the dance floor to the sounds of our fantastic traditional band Hetty Pegler's Tump, and our brilliant caller Merrick, who kept guests on their toes during the dancing. He gave a fine rendition of Burn’s Ode to a haggis, after the haggis was 'piped in' by Peter Street on the bagpipes.

In total, with everyone's support, we managed to raise over £5,000, which will go directly towards the creation of a Healing Garden at Harefield, designed to provide a peaceful outside experience for patients, staff and visitors at the hospital. 

Thank you to all those involved in the success of the evening, including Nicola Creed, Smith’s Garden Centre in Denham, who provided plants for the evening, as well as TV production company Novel Entertainment who helped decorate the hall with bunting. 

A special mention to all the generous people who donated prizes to our raffle: 

Adrian Oliver Medium 
Arbequina Restaurant
Ashtanga Yoga Oxford
Blenheim Palace
Bonn Square Therapy Room
Broughton Castle
Digme Fitness
Experience Oxfordshire
Garsington Opera
Modern Baker
Mahogany Hair
Oxford City Sightseeing Bus
Oxford Golf Club
Salter's Steamers
Serenity at Sibford
Seven Stars Restaurant
Spirit of Toad
The Nut Tree Inn
Ultimate Picture Palace
Yoga Quota