Our Society is the oldest existing Scottish Society in Kent, in the top five oldest in England and among the
oldest in the world!! Be Proud Of It !
Brief History :-
A gathering of 8 very patriotic Scots in the Prince Regent Inn, Market Square, Dover, in September 1887 led to the formation
of the Dover & East Kent Scottish Society. There were three basic principle objectives
- Promoting social and freindly meetings of members,
- Holding an annual dinner,
- Relief of deserving fellow countrymen and their families.
Following the small get-together, the first St.Andrews's Day dinner was held in the Apollonian Hall on November 30th 1887.
The Dover Express reported, on 2nd December 1887 that "For years-nay for generations there have been men from over
the border settled in this ancient borough and there are always a goodly number of Scotsmen in the regiments quartered
in Dover. Now the idea has been started, henceforth, Scotsmen in Dover will meet together to celebrate their National
feast day"
Initially the Society was very much the preserve of Scottish menfolk but soon ladies were seen watching the celebrations of
Scottish music, dancing and singing and of course haggis. Thus the interest grew and spread but full membership was still
only available to men. Due to the large number of members deriving from the various Forces Regiments stationed in and
around Dover, many toasts and speeches had a regimental tone but through time changes were made and membership
covered a much wider spread of people who brought their own enthusiasm and ideas to help mould the organisation.
In the early days, occasionally Burns Night events were also held with considerable success and other events included
Caledonian Games and Scotish concerts in London.
In 1900, the St.Andrew's flag flew from the municipal buildings in Dover for the first time to marke St.Andrew's Day and
also during 1900 the Society was presented with a signed portrait of Sir Walter Scott and later acquired a portrait of
Robert Burns, which is still prominently displayed at all Burns Supper nights.
Activities during the periods of the two world wars virtually halted but in 1946 there was a resurgence of interest and
in February that year a resolution was passed unanimously to allow ladies full membership of the Society. However,
it was not until 1979 that a woman was elected as President of the Society when Mrs Dorothy Macfarlane became the
First Lady President. Ironically, the same year that Great Britain elected it's first Lady Prime Minister !!!. Also in 1946
the rules were abridged so that each member could have a copy and a President's Badge of Office was purchased for
the princely sum of £27.0.6d. (This required refurbishment in 1999 at a cost of £165 !!) | 
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