Burns Night – BY Kennedy Procter –
The Automatic Vending Association held their annual Burns Night on Friday at Norton House Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh. The night was a huge success with over 90 in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Guests were entertained with a Ceilidh Band and a DJ and over the course of the evening everyone seemed to make their way to the dance floor following the lead of the Scottish members in the Ceilidh callings. It was a spectacle not to be missed.
Guests were piped in by a traditional Scottish Piper dressed in full Highland regalia. A five course meal was then served including haggis, of course, to start. As the haggis was brought out by the wonderful waiting staff, the Piper addressed the haggis in true traditional style. Steve Collins nearly had his eyes cut out by the piper who used him as a prop during the address! Wine and beer were flowing with two bars to top up from if that wasn’t enough.
The AVA would like to thank their Burns Night sponsors, SV365 Technologies for the Whisky Toasts and for all those who drank the unwanted drams… you know who you are. Thank you to Nestlé Professional, Crane Merchandising Systems and Connect Vending for sponsoring the raffle prizes. Over £725 was raised on the night, thanks to the generous donations made by guests. The winners of the raffle prizes were:
£200 TUI Voucher – Diane Hunter, Apple Vending
£150 John Lewis Voucher – Michelle Hefferon, NIVO
£100 M&S Voucher – Thomas Smith, Abercromby Vending
David Walker from JDE Professional had also donated a Tassimo Machine which was won by Louise Wardle from Evoca. The AVA also decided to give away an extra little something; as you probably know the AVA is holding a brand new major event in London this June celebrating their 90th Anniversary – AVA Live. To celebrate the announcement, Chief Executive David Llewellyn gave away 2 tickets for the 90th Anniversary party on June 13th, worth over £240. The winner was Paul Emery from Coffetek. Congratulations to all prize winners.
All in all, Burns Night was a brilliant event with David Llewellyn stating that “After the fun and games with the Burns Supper in 2018, when the weather turned it into a St Patrick’s day celebration, it was great to see so many people back enjoying themselves on the actual Burns night.” The AVA would like to thank all those who attended and for making the night as memorable as it was.
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