An important update on arrangements for the Summer Ball being held in the Marquee at the Vale da Telha Hotel on Saturday July 21^st….

Since our original post we have been delighted—and more than a little overwhelmed—by the response from the community up here.

After an original print run of 100 tickets when they first went on sale on June 2 we had to print further tickets on two occasions, such was the demand.

We have now had to decide, after discussions with Bruno, the hotel owner, and a careful scrutiny of the Marquee (taking measurements etc) that we must limit the number of tickets to 220 for the comfort of those attending!

And that means some people may be disappointed if they don’t move quickly, as we are now almost sold out down to the last dozen or so.

From the outset we have had people ringing and e-mailing from abroad, asking us to reserve tickets, such is the interest in this “posh” do, which it is hoped will become the annual social highlight of the year on Vale da Telha.

Although the original plan was for the evening to begin at 7.30pm we decided at a meeting with Bruno on Wednesday that the three bars he is providing will open from 6.30pm so people can get there earlier, if they wish, and settle in.

The independent caterers will open the cold buffet at 7.30pm so, again, we can complete the serving of food etc., in time for the music and dancing to begin at a reasonable time.

There will be three bars and drinks are pre-paid; two or three of Bruno’s staff  from whom the pre-payment vouchers can be purchased, will be circulating amongst the guests.

You can buy enough not just for your next round of drinks, but for several rounds, so you don’t need to keep going back to buy more vouchers each time you want to buy your drinks, the prices of which Bruno assures us will be kept to Vale da Telha levels.

Incidentally, you should bring with you, hang onto and not lose your tickets as these will be needed first for admission and then to access the buffet.

AN APPEAL FROM THE ORGANISERS: Sharon and Chris, who ran a successful catering business in the UK before retiring to Vale da Telha, will be providing the catering for the Summer Ball.

But they need some additional refrigerators to store the food just prior to the night of the Ball.

We have managed to source three or four but they do require more. So we would ask if any of you has an empty fridge doing nothing in your house, garage or shed that we could borrow for a few days from approx. Wednesday July 18^th to the following Sunday or Monday, could you let us know.

You can contact us by e-mail at info@amovate.com and we will arrange collection and return.

Alternatively if you see any of the following committee members on your travels around and about just tap them on the shoulder and utter the magical words: “Pssst—wanna borrow a fridge?”

Peter Johnson, Ian Bedford, John Bergstrom-Potter, Sue Bedford, Maria Franca, Ken Cragg, Dave Ogborn, Rick Hursthouse, Gunnar Hermansson, Steve Carmichael or Matt D’Arcy.