Burns Lunch

This was the occasion of the Club’s annual Burns Lunch and once again our national Bard was celebrated in some style, beginning with the haggis being piped in by Piper Joelle Miller who played quite splendidly. The haggis was then addressed by Club member Frank Quinault who recited the traditional Address to the Haggis with aplomb as well as much enthusiasm. His performance was as good as one might hear anywhere. Lunch of the haggis along with neeps and tatties was then much enjoyed by all. The entertainment continued with an excellent 'Immortal Memory' from Neil McNair, a leading Burns enthusiast, who has been a past President of the Robert Burns Federation as well as holding leading positions in many Burns’ Clubs throughout the country. He praised Burns as being ‘the greatest Scot of all time’ whose reputation and fame has spread across the world. He highlighted not only the beauty of Burns' poetry, in particular the way he could slip so easily from Scots into quite beautiful English verse, but also the man’s humanity. Burns was not only a brilliant poet but also a kind and romantic nationalist at heart who loved both his native land and also his fellow men and women. Tommie Brown’s 'Toast to The Lassies' in verse was very amusing and much enjoyed by all present. The 'Reply to the Lassies' was bravely done by Bette Hunter in her own inimitable way, defending her womenfolk and giving useful tips to the men attending as to how they might better look after their loved ones. Both toasts were very well received. Musical entertainment then followed,'Ian Hamilton playing a medley of songs on the keyboard and challenging listeners to spot the Burns songs being played. Club member Ann Baird performed a very polished selection of Scots  songs……….. rounded off with some less than professional singing from the audience! Colin Brown, chairing the event, concluded the afternoon with generous thanks to all who took part.