112 Ball

Saturday 31st March was the date of the long awaited 112 Emergency Fund Ball at the Mercure Hotel in Kervanseray.

We arrived by taxi at 7pm under the canopy of this beautiful hotel with its breath taking views - staff in abundance to open doors and give directions. When we entered the open plan foyer we were amazed by the space and oppulance of the place, walk to the far end where a terrace overlooks the three pools one of Olympic size.

We were shown downstairs to a large reception area where a fruit cocktail was served in an area dotted with an abundance of settees and pedastools bearing crudities to accompany the drink. From the reception we walked through to a bar in the centre of yet another vast room. The drinks were complimentary, whilst we chatted and drank we were serenaded by Alex Emu Acilis a concert violinist of exceptional talent. The mood was set for a luxurious evening of good company, food and entertainment with the arrival of canapes. Just after 8pm we went to the gigantic dining room where approximately 600 guests were seated at round tables of various sizes. The starters of Artichoke hearts with balsamic vinigarette were waiting on the tables, this was followed by Sol au vent with shrimps then a seasonal salad with sweet basil sauce. The main meal was Chicken with mushroom sauce garnished with mixed vegetables, potatoes and rice and finally a mouthwatering Chocolate and hazelnut parfait, all courses were accompanied by local red and white wine and water.

The meal took three hours during which time we were entertained by Ovidiu and Mimi - pan pipes and vocals, then Dawn took the stage she had a superb voice, followed by Anna who did not seem at her best maybe it was because we were close to the speakers. The Cabaret Group from South Cyprus gave a professional act of song and dance getting the guests to their feet singing and dancing the night away. The final act was a local couple - Ebru and Hakan a vocalist and keyboard duo who performed local songs to an enthusiastic audience. Part way through the evening the sirens blared and a cake festooned with candles was wheeled in for Terry Carter who spearhead the 112 service and his wife to celebrate their forthcoming 40th Wedding anniversary and to say a big thank-you to them for their huge help.

We ate, we drank, we talked, laughed and danced through the night in beautiful surroundings. The ladies wore their posh frocks and looked stunning and the men polished up very well. Thanks were given to all that helped in running of the 112 service and all volunteers that organised the event were applauded - all evening there was a tombola with a top prize of a large fridge from Arcelik. Companies of all sizes and individuals generously donated cash and prizes culminating in a grand proft of £8k, which will be spent on buying life saving equipment for the Accident and Emergency Services in the TRNC.

If you were unable to attend the Ball there will be another fund raising in July for 1000 guests in the form of an open air event and in October a smaller event - a Classical concert in Bellapais Abbey.

I would personally like to thank all those involved for such a fantastic evening, what a feat so professionally organised put together with flair. The hotel staff were at all times polite and attentative whilst under great pressure which helped the evening flow.
Thank-you ALL