2^ND January brought the news of the death of honorary member Davie Shankland. David, who proposed the “Immortal Memory” at the Anniversary Dinner in 1979, had been in failing health for some time and his passing brings an era to an end as his like will never be seen again.  A period of silence in his memory was marked at the start of the Executive Committee meeting on 9^th January.  Thursday 12^th, off to Kirkcudbright to Broughton House for an “Evening wi’ Burns”. This featured Leona Evans and others in a programme of music and songs in the magnificent hall with Hornel’s Japanese ladies looking down from the walls. Due to a misunderstanding, David Baird was inadvertently left at Dumfries but Gordon J. and David Miller enjoyed a night to remember. Saturday 14^th, to the Crichton Memorial Kirk to David Shankland’s funeral. The church was unsurprisingly packed and the service which was almost non religious, contained tributes from William Williamson, John Glover and Ian Landles, from Hawick.  At the conclusion, the company spontaneously rose and applauded as the coffin was carried out of the church to the strains of “Auld Lang Syne”.  Time for a nibble at the Easterbrook Hall before proceeding to the Globe with Mr. McIntyre to meet Mark Zygadlo, to discuss his proposals to appear at the Anniversary Dinner as “Robert Burns”. This was agreed to be impractical but the possibility of the Jean Armour Dinner was mooted. Friday 20^th, out to the Deerhunter at Sanquhar by luxury minibus for the Sanquhar Black Joan Burns Supper. This was good in parts. The return journey took forever to go round the houses before fetching up at Cargenbridge at a late hour.  The following evening, a most enjoyable Burns Supper at Friars Carse for the hotel guests. President Frank occupied the Chair and addressed the haggis. Ian McIntyre delivered a thoughtful and informative “Memory” and Gordon J. brought the house down with the “Lasses, O” ably replied to by Jean McMillan-Forster with contributions from Bill Welsh, John Lauder, David Miller, Lee McQueen and Callum Watson. The club’s 123^rd Anniversary Dinner in the Globe Inn on 25^th January was outstanding with a super toast from Len Murray, one of the best and most moving in years.

The guest artistes and members who contributed made for a night of pure magic which will long be remembered (for several reasons) The company numbered 90 and all credit to John Caskie for constructing a faultless seating plan.  The meal was good too and President Frank conducted the proceedings with great style and finished on time. Earlier, accompanied President Frank to the odd ceremony at Burns Statue where members of Dumfries Burns Club and others attempted to lay a wreath and school pupils recited against the noise of traffic. At the Commemorative Service at St. Michael’s Church, assisted to welcome dignitaries and joined the presidential group to the Mausoleum to place the wreath on behalf of Dumbarton Burns Club whose delegates could not be present. Much impressed with the Service, choreographed by John Caskie as secretary of the SSCBA. Friday 27^th, off to Dumbarton to attend the Dumbarton Burns Club’s Burns Supper, en route, called at Hamilton to present Matt Sempie with his Honorary Membership certificate. The supper in the Masonic Temple in Alexandria, was excellent with good company, a superb meal and a memorable address from President Gavin Findlay. Frank was seated at the top table and brought fraternal greetings from the Howff Club. Overnight accommodation at Tullie Inn, Balloch was fleeting but the breakfast was all one could wish for. Missed the Dumfries Big Burns Supper but heard reports from various venues. The club’s annual Burns Supper for the residents of Charnwood Lodge was both successful and enjoyable. President Frank gave a brief but moving “Memory” and Godfrey Bedford’s toast to the “Lasses, o” was polished and witty. A highlight was Ian McIntyre’s ditties to his guitar accompaniment which was much appreciated. Last year’s decision to cut back on long orations and concentrate on songs and music seems to have paid off. Thanks are due to Bill Welsh, Dan Cook, Gordon J., Callum Watson and Lee McQueen. Thanks also to Tesco’s Stores Ltd, Dumfries, for kindly sponsoring oatcakes, shortbread and drinks. Friday 3^rd February, out to the Buccleuch Centre, Langholm to “Honest Poverty”, a show by the Ideoms Theatre company from the Borders, a lively romp through the poet’s works at Mossgeil and Poosie Nancies with much hilarity and great audience participation and a meal of haggis, tatties and neeps. Privileged to accompany John Caskie and Neil and William Johnston. The following day, out at the crack of dawn to Dumfries Academy to help with the Schools Competitions. Another fantastic offering of superb singing, recitation and instrumental playing. The standard just gets higher and higher. Excellent hot soup from the ladies of the Ladies Burns Club. That night, out to Ellisland to the annual Friends of Ellisland Burns Supper. On arrival, found a power cut in progress and thanks due to the resourcefulness of Neil Johnston that portable lights were quickly set up. Before power was restored at 8.10pm, Moir Nelson from Dumbarton had managed to set fire to his programme by a candle. As there was no heating at first, it was perishingly cold but the “Immortal Memory” from Alex Fergusson MSP was first class followed by a remarkable toast to the Lasses. John Caskie raised the tone with his choice of songs and Avril Kerr proved again that she is one of the best Burns reciters in the district.

The Burns season for 2012 is about over.

DS

Can I start by apologising to anyone who was offended in the previous blog entry as mutterings have been heard.  November 7^th and 14^th, two very productive sessions in the club library with William Robson, our bibliophile, who is reaching the end of the project to value the contents for insurance. The morning gatherings are entertaining and enjoyable with Gordon J. and Kenny McK. to lend a hand. 14th November, the Excom meeting to sort out arrangements for St. Andrew’s Night which looks like a cracker. Meeting was followed by a presentation from Webmaster Neil on the mysteries of cyberspace. (Sometimes there’s too much technology!!).   Saturday 19^th, up at the crack of dawn for the luxury minibus to Liberton for the RBWF Quarterly Meeting. Set off at 7.30am from Brooms Road Car Park and almost forgot to collect Gordon. J. at the Five Arches but, as navigator, arrived on time and tholed the morning meeting of the Heritage Committee. Glad we were able to report positively on Burns Mausoleum but heard adverse comments from Ayrshire delegates on the Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage. The plenary session after lunch was a trial but we escaped at 3.50pm to the considerable relief of Ted Murray who had a promise. The Renovations Committee on 21^st heard reports on progress on de-nailing the ancient flooring wood but wisely decided to postpone any major works until after the Anniversary Dinner. The club’s “Question Time” event on 24^th November proved to be surprisingly successful but as usual, poorly supported by club members. Chairman Peter Kormylo deserves congratulations in preventing rancour and refereeing the panel. Excellent contributions from Peter Westwood, Jim Scott, Betty Haining, John Haining, Les Byers and Ralph Coleman who presented President Frank with a collection of his archive material from the club of yesteryear.  Light relief on Saturday afternoon at the “Drambuster’s” Malt Whisky Festival at the Cairndale. Jings, 24 different tables set up with several bottles of superb malts at each.  Attended with Gordon and Neil J., had some modest samples.  Great fun and glad to report that drunkeness was avoided, I think, as our driver on the return journey suggested otherwise BUT Gordon was able to perform with his usual phizazz at Ellisland later that night.  Tuesday 29^th, foregathered at the Globe with PP John Caskie to construct the seating plan for St. Andrew’s Night, nae bother.  The St. Andrew’s Night Dinner on 30^th November was a magical occasion with a powerful toast to “Auld Scotia and New Scotland” from George Reid which brought a standing ovation from the company. One of the most stirring I have heard and I’ve heard a few superb toasts over the years. The supporting entertainment was worthy of the London Palladium at its best. Our young Russian singer was impressive as was Bobby Jess’s “Tam the Bike”.  Glad to see PP Stewart Tweedie receive a gesture marking the 40^th anniversary of his year in office.  Our speaker was excellent company and will hopefully consider a return invitation in future.  Gavin Findlay of Dumbarton Burns Club brought respectful greetings from his members (aye, right) We’ll get our own back on Friday.  The dinner was well chaired by President Frank and thanks are due to the stewards and the team who sold raffle tickets. Although finishing on schedule at 11.30pm, it was disappointing to note the number of empty seats in spite of an appeal earlier by the president to wait till the end.  Dumbarton Burns Club’s St. Andrew’s Night in the Strathclyde Home Stadium, Dumbarton was most enjoyable with an excellent meal, an entertaining toast to “Scotland” from Colin McKay, a media type and first class entertainment. The club was represented officially by President Frank and SVP Ian, but with an entourage which included the entire Johnston family (safety in numbers)  Regret to report that an almost intact bottle of Taliskers was left in the taxi on the return journey to the upmarket hotel and the SVP has agreed to lead an enquiry into the circumstances of its loss.  Back down the road early on Saturday to attend the SSCBA meeting at 11.00am in the Globe (madness) but the meeting was constructive and well organised. John Caskie as SSCBA secretary has made a difference. Business included reports from the Federation meeting, arrangements for the St. Michaels Service in January. Jane Brown as President, reported on the SSCBA(Commemoration) Ltd meeting which has become a secret society.  Next meeting at Gatehouse in March.  Glad to escape for lunch.  The following morning, accompanied President Frank, Ian McIntyre and Ted Murray, his close protection officer, to St. Giles, Edinburgh for the annual St. Andrew’s Day Service.  It was a privilege to be conveyed in such a splendid equipage as the Presidential Porsche and your blogger, as navigator, ensured an arrival in time to enjoy a coffee and scone before the assembly at the Signet Library for marshalling into order of precedence and were joined by David Baird.  The Federation delegation was behind the Sally Army but ahead of the Band of Hope and shuffled across Parliament Square to the            Kirk.  The service was as colourful and impressive as ever with superb singing and chanting from the choir. The luncheon at Roslin was covered in the president’s blog but he omitted to record that the party of Spanish in the hotel were most interested in his kilt. Monday 5^th December, the Executive Committee meeting and many expressions of delight on the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner and provisional ticket requests for the Anniversary Dinner in January.  Tuesday 6^th accompanied Prersident Frank to the DGRI to see Hon. Member Alex Pool who is unwell. Alex was in good spirits and pleased to see us and accepted the bag of seedless grapes as a gift from the club.  That’s all for 2011 and hopefully better days are round the corner.

DS

SVP Ian, David S.,David B,Ted M and I attended the service in St Giles' Cathedral. We met with members of the Burns Federation in the Signet Library prior to being marched over to the cathedral. What a really impressive occasion and I deemed it an honour to represent the club. At the end of the service we spotted Honorary Member Lord George Robertson leaving with his fellow Lords.   Hon Sec David recommended we had lunch at an hotel in his home village Roslin which was excellent . Ted displayed his linguistic skills and was quickly surrounded by lots of attractive Spanish ladies.The rest  of us just accepted that some folk have it and other's don't!!

Pandamonium yesterday for the arrival of Sweetie and Sunshine in Edinburgh. This is not a reference to our Hon Sec . and Ted M. who had also arrived on Howff business.

A much needed cultural uplift was achieved during the week commencing 17^th October. A visit to the Easterbrook Hall on  Thursday 20^th for a superb concert by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with a programme of Mozart’s Symphony No 1 followed by the Cello Concerto in D by Haydn featuring an incredible virtuoso solo by Pieter Wispelwey on the well, Cello. After the interval, an eclectic version of Beethoven’s Symphony No 6 “Pastoral”, the youthful orchestra energetically conducted by Thierry Fischer from the Netherlands. An excellent night with music lovers John Lauder and David Miller. Spotted Marshall Laing and Ted Murray in the mature audience.  Saturday 22^nd.  John Caskie had organised a meal at Sino’s before the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra concert at DG One.  The auditorium was packed to capacity and thrilled to varied mix of jigs. Strathspeys and reels with solos from Dennis Haggerty, Tenor and Collette Ruddy, Mezzo Soprano. A section of the D&G Police Pipe Band appeared together with a young solo piper and highland dancers. The evening was MC’d by Jim McColl from TV’s “Beechgrove Garden” who had a great rapport with the audience. Delighted that Frank Manson and family joined us. This was Frank’s first public appearance since his surgery.  Monday 24^th, the Excom meeting to finalise arrangements for the Hallowe’en Supper. The programme looks super and tickets are sold out. The meeting was followed by a presentation on the “Dumfries Big Burns Supper” to be held in January. The movers and shakers are Graham Main, Festival Director and his side kick, Simon Robertson, Producer. The mood was that the club is keen to help out in some way if the event does not interfere with the Anniversary Dinner. Will await further developments.  Thursday 27^th, Bob Dalziel from Motherwell gave a talk on the history of Glasgow and the Glasgow Tobacco Barons in the 18^th century. Bob knew his subject and his enthusiasm was infectious. A good night but again, poorly supported by club members.  Friday 28^th, Met up with President Frank at the Globe to go over the arrangements for Hallowe’en with Jane Brown and later, with John Caskie to draw up the seating plan. John doesn’t believe in making an easy job difficult and we repaired for luncheon thereafter. The Hallowe’en Supper on 31^st October was one of the most enjoyable I can remember. A witty and polished speaker in Professor David Purdie and two of the most talented musicians ever to appear at the Globe Inn. Andy Kain on the fiddle and former “Young Burnsian”, Craig Paton on the accordion who brought the company to their feet. Guest artiste was Cameron Goodall from Lasswade who did not need a mic, gave a rendition of “The Court of Equity” and later, “Death & Dr. hornbook” to great effect. I have to say that I have never heard Les Byers, John Caskie and Frank Curran in better voice and old friends Alex and David Pool from Langholm were as welcome as ever. Special thanks are due to the team who sold over £230.00 worth of raffle tickets for donation to the RNIB appeal. Glad that the silver three penny bit was not ingested this time and I had pleasure in giving Alan Caskie his half bottle on receipt of the coin for re use. Lovely meal from the new chef Steven and his staff including a cheese board to dye for. A night to remember and expertly chaired by President Frank who finished on time and with few empty seats, too.  Wednesday, 2^nd November, a meeting at Burns Centre called by the Council, to discuss plans for the urgent and much needed refurbishments to the Burns Mausoleum.  Good turnout from Burns Club reps heard some reassurance that a scheme was in place and the senior architect talked it through. Hopefully, work with start no later than April, 2012 with completion by the summer. Next year’s commemorative ceremony will have to put up with the dilapidated state. Thursday 3^rd November, picked up President Frank and Treasurer David Baird for the Friendship Club at Thornhill for a talk by Helen Morrison on “Jean Armour”. Helen brought a group from St. Petersburg in Russia, a teacher and two super girl students one of whom read her own essay on “Mary Queen of Scots”, to great effect. The visitors’ “English” put the native Scots to shame. President Frank accepted a copy of Burns Works in Russian as a gift to the club library. The event was organised by Thornhill Burns Club as part of their winter programme.  Friday 4^th November, the Station Hotel at night for the “Drambusters” malt whisky tasting session. 8 malts of differing bouquet’s and “nose” but as the night wore on; they seemed to go down better. The club was represented by David Mackie, David Baird and Gordon Johnston. The least said the better about the results of the half time quiz. Meantime, preparing the agenda for the meeting on 14^th November.  As a treat after the meeting, the Webmaster will give members a presentation on the Club Website. 

DS 

The September meeting of the SSCBA in the Globe Inn on 17^th September was exceptionally well attended with folk there I haven’t seen for years. This was Jane Brown’s first as President and John Caskie’s first as secretary. The meeting was focussed and well organised and bodes well for the future. In the afternoon, met George Richardson from Aberdeen Burns Club and Steven, his son- in- law, to discuss the itinerary for their visit on 25^th when they are coming mob handed.   Sunday 18^th, the annual Bowling Match with Dumbarton BC AT Newall Terrace. The guys arrived on schedule in good spirits. I was told later that they had been nibbling at a bottle of malt on route. After a welcome from President Frank who managed to welcome the visitors on behalf of “Dumfries Burns Club”, (I never know when Frank is joking) and a refreshment, play commenced with a will and after 15 ends and comfort breaks, the result was declared a draw and trophies exchanged and receipted. The weather was ideal and rain stayed off until 4.15 but by that time the company was in the clubhouse. High Tea at the Globe and speeches before the visitors departed. Thanks due to Bert Hastings for jump starting their minibus with a flat battery.  Gratyeful thanks due to the officiald of Dumfries Bowling Club and Kenny Crookshanks for his patience. This year I managed to give the Tam O’ Shanter Competition a body swerve. Sorry, I just think in that format it’s a  torture.  Library Sub Committee on Monday 26^th and an excellent talk from Helen Morrison on “Burns and Freemasonry” at the opening Winter Club Night on 29th. Record turnout and a lively Q&A session afterwards.  Friday 30^th, off to the Standard Office to talk about the Globe Inn windows project as they plan a feature article in October then that night, a whisky tasting at the Station Hotel with Gordon Johnston, David Baird and others. Caught up with some old friends during the intervals.   The EGM and Excom on 3^rd October. Got the revised Constitution passed with 10 minutes to the surprise of the President. Ticket requests for Hallowe’en are sky high as usual. Wednesday 5^th October, another session with William Robson and Gordon on the library book valuation project, assisted by Ken McKinnon. Progress is now being made. Monday 10^th October, the Renovations Sub Committee where arrangements were agreed for the formal “unveiling” of the facsimile window on 19^th. Guests include Peter Westwood and Matt Sempie who has been given instructions how to get to the Globe avoiding Langholm.  Saturday lunchtime, met up with SVP and Hon. Treasurer to draw up the programme for Hallowe’en. Rab Wilson the original speaker can’t now come so Professor David Purdie will substitute. A treat will be a rendition of “The Court of Equity” by Cameron Goodall. Managed to avoid the Whistle Competition at Ellisland as it should have been held at Friars Carse. (Pratts)  Meanwhile, waiting for word from the Scottish Information Commissioner seeking an opinion as to whether the publication of the WRBF Club Directory in the Burns Chronicle is a “breach of the Data Protection Act” and whether a posting on the WRBF Website with access controlled by password would be allowed.  Ridiculous bureaucracy. Amused by the continuing failure of the SVP to leave a deposit on the club blog.  Its childs play after all.

DS

I have to say that I am shocked beyond measure at the president’s description of the hon. Sec. as “The Ayatollah”, as he is a big pussy cat at all times. Even further dismayed at the reference to the damaged spectacles during the conference, of which more later.  2 Parrots indeed. To carry on.  Monday 15^th August, meeting of the Library Sub Committee. Joined by Peter Kormylo and agreed to up the profile of the Winter Club Nights next year.  Thursday, 18^th, impromptu gathering in the clubroom to welcome distinguished visitors from OZ. William and Beverley Tait from Melbourne, Bev is secretary of Melbourne Burns Club. Good night of harmony and fun although William dropped off during the night and had to be prodded by his wife. One of the highlights was the hilarious rendition of “Sam the Skull” by Ian McIntyre to his own guitar accompaniment. Monday 22^nd August, the Renovations Sub Committee. Cost estimates were discussed and arrangements made for the installation of the pane of glass with the copied verses. Progress now being made. Tuesday 23^rd August, The Constitution Revision Sub Committee to consider the comments received. Agreed to accept some and decline others. Convenor Frank expressed thanks to all who submitted suggestions. Agreed to propose an EGM on 3^rd October to ask for approval. Hopefully, this will be the last hurrah!  Thursday 25^th August, annual visit to the Edinburgh Fringe. David Miller, Ted Murray Gordon and Neil Johnston and your blogger journeyed in Gordon’s plush jag to Edinburgh. As ample time was available before the first show at 3.00pm, some refreshment was taken in the Grassmarket before a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile admiring the street performers which included a contortionist.  “An alternative Burns Supper with Talisker” at Monteiths Restaurant was interesting and consisted of a one man show by a singer and reciter before a “three course meal” of haggis, etc, which cost £17.00.  Afterwards, the party repaired to a local diner for a burger and chips before further modest refreshment. Met up with Ronnie Crichton before the next gig at the National Library. This was “The Subversive Poems”, another one man show which dealt with Burns’ verses written in Dumfries, considered by some to be anti government, which being an officer of the Crown, could have brought  him much misery at the time of continental revolution. Enjoyable but marred by the flashing lights back projection.  Ted Murray has to be congratulated on staying the course and thanks due to Gordon and Neil for expert navigation and skilful driving. Friday 26^th August, out with past president Tom Johnstone to visit our former club piper and honorary member, Ian Clowe, who is a resident in Goldielea. Ian and his wife Maybeth were pleased to see us. Sunday 28^th August, a small group attended the Morning Service at the Crichton Memorial Church to witness the dedication of the memorial plaque to the late Dr. George Stirling.  Spoke to Yvonne and Scott Stirling afterwards. Monday 29^th August, the first Executive Committee meeting after the summer break with a mammoth agenda but got through the business which included the revised Constitution, agreed to go to the EGM on 3^rd October at 7.00pm followed by an Excom meeting at .30pm.  Friday 2^nd September, a very pleasant BBQ at the seaside home of Mr. & Mrs Johnston and sons. Vast amount of excellent food which included a salmon newly caught from the Solway and sensible refreshments although the slightly damp weather kept the party in the garage.  Monday, 5^th September, off to Cardross with David Baird and Gordon J. to attend the funeral of Jimmy Hempstead, honorary member and former secretary and past president of Dumbarton Burns Club. Following the cremation, were invited to the home of Moir and Sheenah Nelson for a meal before the return journey. Lovely weather and an enjoyable day except for the sombre reason. That night, out to Moffat with David Miller to meet Walter Watson to discuss the strategy for the Heritage Committee report to the conference.  Friday 9^th September, off to Peebles with David Miller and Les Byers for the conference. For once, the club delegation included the President’s two dogs but they were quiet and didn’t eat much and helped with hosting the pre function reception in the president and June’ room.  The Hydro looked a bit tired but the facilities were first class although we couldn’t get a drink on arrival.  The Friday night informal gathering was interesting for the variety and unsuspected talent but an excellent meal. The AGM was turgid but saw the election of Jane Brown as JVP. As a result of a mishap the previous night, was obliged to seek out an optician in the afternoon for an emergency repair to spectacles, followed by an unscheduled visit to the bar of the County Hotel for a pint and was joined by several members of the Baird family. As the visit was therefore prolonged, missed the afternoon seminar but was pleased to share Les’ bag of chips on the way back to the hotel. The Inaugural Dinner was a glittering occasion with spectacular outfits and an indifferent meal which some found tough but the company was superb. At the Presidential Investiture, Mr. Baird was conspicuously reluctant to part with the Chain but was rewarded with his past president’s badge. The toast list was forgettable. Club delegates assembled in the suite of the World president after the Friday evening and elsewhere on Saturday evening and were joined by Cameron Goodall who does not need a microphone. Managed to evade the masses of bikers taking part in the Round Britain Race on Sunday and arrived home intact. Thanks to David Miller and Les Byers for entertainment en route. Enjoyable weekend but doubt if I’ll be going next year to Harrogate.

Wednesday 14^th September, the Dumfries Burns Club’s “Autumn Evening”, held appropriately at the Museum with John Caskie, David Miller, and Ted Murray. David Baird now being a member of the Dumfries Burns Club shunned our company. Heard an interesting talk by Chris Rollie on “Burns in England”. Cheap plonk but a good buffet.  Meantime, delighted that the window pane with the copied Burns’ verses has now been installed in the Burns Bedroom in the Globe.  An unveiling ceremony has been arranged for 19^th October.  Friday 16^th September, been told to prepare a report on the conference for the SSCBA meeting on Saturday 17^th, for Gawd’s sake and still to find the runners’ up trophy for the annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club on Sunday. Think I’m getting too old for this now.  (Title is from the Rubiate of Omar Khayyam, not sure of the spelling) DS