Burns night was resurrected by McBursar and was a complete sell out, with many lads and lassies waiting on the reserve list.

The evening started with a welcome drink in the Mansion to traditional music provided by Tom Shaw and his oldest son, Alexander which set the mood for piping the haggis.

This traditional start to proceedings was provided by Martin Davis on the pipes and Paul Fitzpatrick who addressed the haggis in fine border tones.

Then it was down to the refectory for a wee dram (or three) and 'warm, reekin, rich' haggis (vegetarian option also supplied) neeps and tatties, whisky laden pud all followed by cheese and oat cakes before McBursar's highland flings . We 'Stripped the Willow' and 'Gayed the Gordon' 'til the late hours with refreshments along the way.

An excellent night was had by all and many wanted to stay for more, still there's always next year Bursar?

Early March saw another nail-biting Quiz Evening in the Mansion. Nearly 100 parents, friends and staff came to test their mettle against our quiz-master, Simon Edwards. Simon had not been very impressed by a request to make the questions easier than the previous year, but he complied (and no doubt thought quietly what 'thickos' we were for needing easier questions!). The final scores showed that it still wasn't too easy for most people.

"The Idles of March" came first with Easter eggs and wine for prizes, "Pressganged" picked up the wooden spoons and a special prize went to the team with the best name "Norfolk and Chance". Have a few drinks and you'll see why it appealed!

Liz Dawson and team provided a very tasty fish and chip supper at the halfway point for which we are very grateful. Andrew Whitaker and Lara Price ran the bar brilliantly.The evening was a social rather than fundraising one but we still managed to make a tidy profit to go into SPF funds.

More news about the Carnival!  This very social event is designed to bring together existing and new parents at the beginning of the year before the dark days of winter descend. 

Preparations for this new event continue apace.  Each House will be providing a stall at the Carnival  on the theme of 'Carnival Around the World'.  If students do not know about this, then ask your House Tutor who can provide more details. Several attractions are already booked for the Carnival including a Static Balloon Lift, Steel Band, Dance Display, Food From Around the World - provided by Scholarest, Karaoke, Limbo, Fireworks Finale, and much more - look out for details on notice boards and posters.
 
In keeping with the Carnival Theme we would like to encourage everyone to come in costume - not compulsory but definitely fun!  Pick anything you like, it doesn't have to be elaborate, the simplest edition to an outfit can make a statement and contributes to the atmosphere!  So don't be shy, get your thinking cap on in readiness for this most stupendous and illustrious of occasions. You never know we might make the papers, and everyone can do with some good news.   
 
As this is a social occasion and not a fund raising event (costs are a factor), we would be interested to hear from any parents who would like to part-sponsor a stall, an event, provide materials, loan garden chairs and tables, bake a cake - all the usual things that help to bring the community of Prior Park together.  If you can participate, sponsor, or help with the organisation, please contact

We were very pleased to help with the Charities Commissions' request to take part in the biennial Charity Week in the last week of term. Our contribution, raised from shaking buckets at parents dropping off and picking up on Saturday morning (some in very eye-catching pyjamas!!), together with some plate smashing, came to £182. So a big thank you to everyone who contributed helping the total raised reach nearly £4,000 at the time of going to press.