Charity Burns Supper 2025

Last Friday, 24th January, saw Penrith Rotary Club holding its annual Charity Burns Supper at the Roundthorn Hotel in Penrith. Despite the storms, the event was a huge success with over 50 guests attending the traditional celebration of Robert Burns’ birthday with delicious food, wine, poetry, songs and dancing, just as he would have wanted!

Guests included members of the Rotary Club of Horwich, and a contingent from Penrith Chamber of Commerce. The night was kept on track by MC Dawn Smart and began with the traditional piping in of the haggis by George Kinnaird on bagpipes and Rotarian David Cole making the toast to the haggis before slaying it! The evening continued with a brief insight into Rabbie Burns life and loves, followed by the tongue-in-cheek toast to the Lassies given by Rotarian Nick Capron and the requisite response with the toast to the Laddies from Rotarian Sara Harris.

A splendid three course dinner was served up by the Roundthorn Hotel, including haggis, neeps and tatties, and the welcoming service was excellent as always. Following the meal, a raffle was held for the many donated prizes, as well as an auction for a cooking class and dinner for four, kindly offered by Pat Russell of the Lake District School of Food and Wine, raising over £800. Penrith Rotary would like to pass on enormous thanks to everyone for their generosity in the money raised for Rotary good causes.

Rounding off the evening in true style, guests enjoyed a raucous ceilidh with music and calling by the excellent Thrice Brewed. The dance floor was thronging with people enjoying dances such as the Dashing White Sergeant, St Bernard’s Walz and ended with everyone joining in for Auld Lang Syne.

This event is a major highlight of the Rotary calendar, livening up a gloomy January, and plans are already underway for next year’s Burns Night Supper. Keep an eye on the Penrith Rotary website for event and ticket announcements to avoid disappointment.