 EDINBURGH REDS’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER

Edinburgh Reds’

20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

by Kevin Tabone

From the day Peter Wood, Chairman of the MUSC Edinburgh Reds, informed us about his intention to organize a dinner to celebrate the 20th anniversary since the branch was formed, some of us immediately showed an interest to make their way up to Scotland.

For some of the ones who made the trip, this was going to be the first flight since the pandemic hit the world and, I must say, preparations felt a wee bit different and more difficult than before. Filling of new forms, making sure we knew what the country’s pandemic rules are, taking swab tests. All this had to be done to ensure all of us were compliant and not ending up going to the airport but having to be left behind.

And so the day finally arrived! On the 7th of October 2021, a group of 12 MUSC Malta representatives made their way towards the Malta International Airport to take the flight to Edinburgh Scotland. After all the routine checks were completed and a near-4-hour flight, we touched down in the wonderful city of Edinburgh. Some of us had booked tickets to attend a Genesis concert and so made their way directly to the venue whilst the rest checked-in to their hotel rooms.

One has to also appreciate the fact that, after nearly a year and a half, this was also the first time we were meeting face to face with so many of our friends. We definitely had a lot to catch up on and the hello’s took so much longer than usual! In the evening we then went to eat at a Chinese restaurant.

On to the next day and this was one which we were all so looking forward to. In the early afternoon we left The Grosvenor Hotel by coach to head to South Queensferry and board the Forth Belle cruiser. On the boat we were joined by the brilliant Lou Marshall, a Scottish piper, who made sure the atmosphere throughout the day was one to remember! We then sailed around the 3 bridges and headed to picturesque Inchcolm Island for a short stay. Afterwards

The day of the main function – the Dinner! For some of us the day started with disappointment. We tried to buy tickets to access the Edinburgh Castle but we were told that all were sold out. But fear not, we made other arrangements and bought tickets for The Scotch Whisky Experience. Those who know me might be surprised to learn that I joined the group for this. But throughout the years I made learned that when in Rome do as the Romans do! So when in another country I always try and experience the locals’ traditions as much as possible! And boy was this an experience! I’ve never seen such a whisky collection in my life!

It was now time to head back to our hotel rooms to prepare ourselves for the dinner. I might sound bombastic here, but it is the absolute truth. I have never taken so long to dress myself for a dinner. Not even on my wedding day! As a surprise, all of us, bar one, decided to wear the traditional kilt for the dinner. None of us had ever worn a kilt in our lives but we all felt it was a proper and fitting gesture to do to honour the Edinburgh Branch. What an entrance the MUSC Malta boys made!

Apart from having a full table, representing MUSC Malta, the local supporters’ club was also honoured to have two persons, President Joseph Tedesco and ex-President Joseph Glanville on the top table. Introductions were made and food was served. For those who never attended such dinners, I assure you that you are missing out on a lot. The atmosphere during the whole event is one to behold and this was no exception. It was only fitting that MUSC Malta President Joseph Tedesco presented Edinburgh Reds Chairman Peter Wood with a memento marking the occasion. A raffle was held and we were lucky enough to have one of the Malta boys win one of the prizes. The voice of Old Trafford Alan Keegan then hosted a fund-raising auction. A total of £11,300 was raised on the night and proceeds were donated to a number of charities, one of which was The Millennium Chapel, brilliantly run by Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro. Sunday and Monday were dedicated to sightseeing; part of the group for the second time attempted, this time successfully, to access the Edinburgh Castle, whilst the rest made their way to other parts of Scotland. During one of these trips we even managed to achieve another first for our beloved supporters’ club – the MUSC Malta flag was proudly seen along the Edinburgh streets on the hop-on hop-off bus!

After such a memorable trip, it was time to return to our homes, but not before recounting the many wonderful memories and new friends we made during this trip. On behalf of the whole group I wanted to express my thanks and appreciation towards the warm hospitality Peter Wood, Gordon Horn and all those who contributed towards such a successful event.

I’m sure there will be more memorable similar celebrations in the future and I can’t wait to experience such a thrill over and over again! I can even hear the whole group saying ‘Aye!’