Burns Night

The Rotary Club celebrated the Bard's birthday in memorable style at last week's Burns' evening in the Buccleuch Hotel.  President Scott Elliot welcomed a large turnout of members, wives and friends which started off with the haggis piped in by Howard Walker and borne aloft by Phil Coltman, mine host.  The address was given in robust fashion by Gus Neilson after which Jock Thorburn gave the Selkirk Grace.  After a meal of the appropriate fayre Bobby Cairns took over as M.C.  The singers were of the highest quality comprising Pat Sutherland, Joyce Tinlin and Michael Aitken performing Burns' well-loved songs.  The pianist was the accomplished Rosalyn Walker.  The Immortal Memory was in the excellent hands of Norman Turnbull who was succinct, precise and laced with humour and thoroughly enjoyable and did the toast proud.  The obligatory "Tam o' Shanter" was performed from the top drawer by Michael Aitken and the company doubted if they had ever heard it "performed" more eloquently than Michael did.  In his vote of thanks President Scott Elliot congratulated all the artistes for their excellent contributions and Bobby for organising the Supper and the evening concluded with the singing of the traditional "Auld Lang Syne."  A special bottle of whisky earlier donated by the Langholm Club President was raffled and the popular winner was Joyce Tinlin.