The Hong Kong & Oriental Survivors Weekend
A little party never hurt anybody
We thought that half-a-lifetime after working and playing in Hong Kong and the Far East, both in the army and beyond, it was time to reach out, get together, and celebrate with those we shared such sublime times with …whilst we still can!
So, with some encouragement from like-minded souls, we have taken a flyer and booked North Cadbury Court, a glorious Grade I listed country house in Somerset, for the weekend of 22nd-24th September 2023.
We are also currently involved in an exciting project to help develop the Gurkha Museum and thought that such an event could also double as a fundraiser for this admirable cause. We sincerely hope you will join us for this blast from the past.
Read on for more details, and please forward digital versions of any amusing photos from those times to paste up here.
Dhanyabad/Xièxiè
Garfield & John
“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.”
- Nuri Vittachi
The Kai Tak Ball
Saturday 23rd Sept 2023
North Cadbury Court, Somerset.
In aid of the Gurkha Museum Capital Development Appeal
Tickets: £225 limited to 230 tickets
Dress: Black-tie
The Hong Kong & Oriental Survivors Weekend
Friday 22nd Sept 2023 from 7pm
Chungking Curry Supper (limited to 150 tickets)
Saturday 23rd Sept 2023 from 6pm
The Kai Tak Ball
Sunday 24th Sept 2023 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 22nd-24th September 2023.
North Cadbury Court can accommodate 230 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.
Due to unexpected demand from overseas guests during the soft launch phase of The Kai Tak Ball, accommodation at North Cadbury Court is nearly sold out (subject to payment).
If you wish to go on a NCC accommodation short-list, or if you wish to view some alternative accommodation options in the local area, please see below .
There are plenty of tickets still available for Saturday’s Kai Tak Ball, the Sunday barbecue lunch, and some availability for the Friday night kick-off curry supper, all bookable below.
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
The Kai Tak Ball - £225.00 per person
Friday Chungking Curry Supper - £60 per person
Sunday Gurkha Haven Barbecue Lunch - £35 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 from £70 per room per night – this needs to be booked through us.
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.”