A CEILIDH held by the Launceston branch of the NSPCC at Launceston Town Hall will now be an annual event due to its attendance and success.

As Donald Mackenzie once described a Ceilidh in 1917 — ‘On long, dark winter nights it is still the custom in small villages for friends to collect in a house and hold what they call a “ceilidh” (pronounced kay’lee). Young and old are entertained by the reciters of old poems and legendary stories which deal with ancient beliefs, the doings of traditional heroes and heroines, and so on. Some sing old and new songs set to old music or new music composed in the manner of the old’.

Redwing, a local well known band who have played for many years at private parties and weddings, played their music and had their own caller who gave instructions to the dancers before all joining in with the traditional Gaelic dancing.

A raffle took place alongside an auction for a hamper that was kindly donated by one of the NSPCC’s ladies.

Hot pasties from Ginsters and quiche were served while a bar was set up selling local ale, cider and wine.

Martin Ryan, chairman of Launceston branch NSPCC, expressed thanks to Launceston Town Council and the mayor Cllr Brian Hogan for their support and Countryman’s Cider, Cornish Patisserie and Penpont Brewery for their kind donations and to KCS Print who contributed to the banner. Thanks were also expressed to the committee members who helped with the organisation of this event but especially to everyone who came along and showed their support.