The Hong Kong & Oriental Survivors Weekend
A little party never hurt anybody
A few years ago we thought that after half-a-lifetime working and playing in Hong Kong and the Far East, both in the army and beyond, it was time to reach out and get together to celebrate with those we shared such sublime times with …whilst we still can!
So, with some encouragement from like-minded souls, The Kai Tak Ball was born in 2023. The hugely successful gathering was held at North Cadbury Court, a glorious Grade I listed country house in Somerset.
The weekend involved over 250+ guests, many travelling from overseas including Australia, US, Bermuda, Mustique, Singapore, Switzerland, Chile and of course Hong Kong.
As a charity event we also collectively raised over twenty five thousand pounds for The Gurkha Museum’s Project Kaida capital raise appeal, an institution and project very close to our hearts.
The plan is to go again in September 2027; the 30th anniversary of 1997!
We have again booked North Cadbury Court for the weekend of 17th-19th September 2027 with the Kai Tak Charity Ball on Saturday 18th September.
North Cadbury Court provides luxurious accommodation for 80 but there are many additional places to stay in the local area. Please ask for details.
Once again we are delighted to be fundraising for the Gurkha Museum’s Project Kaida capital appeal.
We sincerely hope you will join us for this second blast from the past.
Read on for more details.
Dhanyabad/Xièxiè
Garfield & John
“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.”
- Nuri Vittachi
The Kai Tak Ball
Saturday 18th Sept 2027
North Cadbury Court, Somerset.
In aid of the Gurkha Museum Capital Development Appeal
Tickets: £TBC ON SALE FROM JUN 2026
Dress: Black-tie
The Hong Kong & Oriental Survivors Weekend
Friday 17th Sept 2025 AM
Kai Tak Golf Competition & Guided Somerset Walk
Friday 17th Sept 2025 from 7pm
Chungking Curry Supper (limited to 150 tickets)
Saturday 18th Sept 2025 from 6pm
The Kai Tak Ball
Sunday 19th Sept 2025 from 1pm
The Gurkha Haven Barbecue (limited to 150 tickets)
North Cadbury Court, Somerset.
About North Cadbury Court
Hong Kong Take Thy Soul, And England Keep My Bones!
- William Shakespeare (ish)
North Cadbury Court is a luxurious Grade 1 listed 16th Century grand country house set in rural Somerset. Also, a family home for generations, it provides an exceedingly warm, welcoming, fun and relaxed atmosphere. It is truly a special place.
The house, its five-star facilities and 1,500 acres have been exclusively reserved for The Kai Tak Ball and The Hong Kong & Oriental Survivors Weekend over 17th-19th September 2027.
North Cadbury Court can accommodate 250 guests for the Kai Tak Ball and 80 guests in 43 historic bedrooms restored to five-star luxury for the weekend.
Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.’
- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
The house features numerous reception rooms, a spa wing with pool and jacuzzi, gym, games room, a ‘secret’ underground nightclub and casino, outdoor grass and hard tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a boating lake and a memorable rooftop golf tee.
To book a room for the Hong Kong & Oriental Survivors Weekend see below for details. Additional accommodation is also available in the local area – see below for links.
The house is situated 2 ½ hours drive from London just off the A303 past Wincanton. London Heathrow is just under two hours away, Bristol Airport is an hour away. Trains from London Paddington take 1hr 45mins to reach Castle Cary which is 10 minutes from North Cadbury. There is also Temple Combe 15-20 minutes away from North Cadbury which is a direct line from London Waterloo.
Available Accommodation
Stop-press.
We will start selling tickets and rooms from early June 2026
First Floor
Second Floor
East Wing Main House - £800 for a party of 7 or individually
Stable Wing Rooms - Carriage House £1000 for a party of 10 or individually
Stable Wing Rooms - Stables £900 for a party of 9 or individually
Stable Wing Rooms - Horse Stalls £800 for a party of 7 or individually
Stable Wing Rooms - Tack Room £900 for a party of 8 or individually
The Gurkha Museum Appeal
For over 200 years, Gurkha soldiers, recruited from Nepal, have loyally served this country. Reliable estimates suggest that over that period between 350k and 400k Gurkhas have served , many making the ultimate sacrifice. More than 90k served worldwide during the First World War, with some 6k giving their lives.
Around 120k served in every major land theatre of the Second World War, with around 8k killed. In both World Wars, many thousands more were seriously wounded. This service and sacrifice for Britain continues today with Gurkha soldiers and units participating in all major British Army operations this century. 14 members of Gurkha units lost their lives on operations in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014.
Next Steps - Keep Calm & Lets Party
Golf Competition - £TBC per person
The Kai Tak Ball - £TBC per person
Friday Chungking Curry Supper - £TBC per person
Sunday Gurkha Haven Barbecue Lunch - £TBC per person
Available Now on a First-Come-First-Served Basis.
To reserve ball tickets, the other events and accommodation or for any queries, please use the form below or send us an email (please do not contact North Cadbury Court direct for accommodation).
Alternative accommodation options can be found here. We have also arranged for 45 discounted rooms at the Travelodge, Wincanton (15 mins from North Cadbury) – rates TBC in 2026.
We have arranged for a minibus/taxi service operating throughout the night to transport guests back to their accommodation in the local area.
“捷足先登。
A fast foot arrives first.”