The committee’s Christmas Dinner has increased in popularity since it was inaugurated in 2006 and on 21^st December, 15 members sat down in the clubroom to a sumptuous meal provided by Globe Inn chef James and staff.

The more discriminating present chose the Roast Lamb Shank with a Red Wine and Mint Gravy, served with New Potatoes and Fresh Market Vegetables as the main course but mouth-watering starters and desserts were on offer. For this Festive Frolic, members appeared in seasonal attire although some eyebrows were raised at certain ties and electric headgear. It seemed that George Templeton had a Gnu’s skull on his head but was at pains to explain it was a reindeer.

President John Caskie welcomed the company, which became more raucous as the evening progressed and inhibitions were cast to the winds. The highlight was the visit by Secret Santa Clause’s deputy, who invited members individually to her ample bosom and granted a wish to each and a gift from her sack which caused much hilarity.

After dinner entertainment is best left to the imagination but some photographs are now in circulation, which may be the subject of litigation later. Yes, an excellent night with good company, a terrific meal and some modest refreshments.

As this will be the last deposit on the blogosphere in 2009, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all our readers who, including overseas, are numbered in the handful, a happy and prosperous 2010.  No more Burns until 11^th January.

DS

24/12/09

Remember, Remember that month of November (Part three!)

 November continued

Monday 30^th November; St Andrew’s Night Supper Howff Club at The Globe Inn

St Andrew’s Night at the Howff turned out to be another night to remember for me as President. Just as at the Jean Armour Night and Halloween I was a bit nervous but tried not to show it as I welcomed the entertainers and guests in the club room prior to the event. It was particularly nice to welcome guests of Dumfries and Dumbarton Burns Clubs who as a club we have a good friendship with.

After an excellent meal from the Globe staff which was served very quickly and efficiently we were treated to a great night of entertainment and laughter. Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway Police Patrick Shearer proposed the toast to ‘Auld Scotia’ I found Patrick to be very sincere and passionate about his work, the community and the country he obviously loves, it was a pleasure to enjoy his company at the top table. I had the great honour of presenting him with an engraved tankard of his first visit to the Howff.

Honorary member John Glover and members Donald Shamash, Gordon Johnston, Ian McIntyre and Frank Curran along with Lee McQueen on accordion completed the entertainment line up. Each was in superb form and the variety on show between our various artistes meant it was as great balance for an enjoyable night.

The proceeds from our raffle were to be donated to Past President Peter Kormylo’s project to produce a Burns book in Ukrainian, English and Scot’s. Peter gave the assembled company a short brief on this and during the supper I presented Peter with the total proceeds which were £250. A very humbled Peter thanked the company and we all wish Peter well in his efforts of continuing to foster relationships with Scotland and the Ukraine through the works of Burns.

Auld lang Syne came too quick and the earlier nervous President had now relaxed but the evening was at a close.

Another great Howff night and the month of November at and end.

JOHN M CASKIE

PRESIDENT

BURNS HOWFF CLUB

18^TH DECEMBER 2009

Remember, Remember that month of November (Part two!)

November continued!!

Monday 23^rd November; Executive Committee Meeting.

Held in the club room, the meeting was to make final preparations for St Andrew’s and to debrief from the Gala Concert.

Wednesday 25^th November; Hole i’ the Wa’ St Andrew’s Night.

Along with my musical colleagues James Coutts from Kirkcaldy on accordion and Ian Kirkpatrick on Fiddle, I entertained the members of the Hole i’ the Wa Burns Club at their St Andrew’s Night. The evening took form of an hour of entertainment of music songs and banter before a meal and a toast to ‘Scotland’ which was given by Peter Kormylo a Past President of the Howff Club. Peter was excellent, he spoke humorously of Scotland before being passionate and most of all being poignant and was very well received by the audience. It was then back to more music for the remainder of the night.

Friday 27^th November; Dumbarton Burns Club St Andrew’s Night.

Along with SVP Neil Johnston, I was an invited guest of the Dumbarton Burns Club for their St Andrew’s Night, which was super, and second to none. There were other Howff members in the ‘body o’ the Kirk’ but Neil and I were well looked after at the top table and made more than welcome by President Paul Reilly.

As this is Dumbarton Burns Club’s 150^th anniversary year and the strong friendship between the club’s I presented to Paul and the club, on behalf of the Howff Club, a copy of our Book ‘ A Wee Kist o’ Verse’ and an inscribed barrel for use at their top table at there various functions.

The entertainment and speeches were of the highest order.Lord Advocate of Scotland Elish Angiolini gave a wonderful toast to Scotland, Len Murray toasted the Lasses in humorous but sincere fashion and the reply by Annabel Goldie was also worthy of note. Kirsten Easdale was the guest singer and there was also worthy contributions from Dumbarton Burns Club members. Yes, it was a great night, my first visit to Dumbarton and I am already looking forward to representing the club at their Anniversary Dinner in January.

Sunday 29^th November; Non Event at Edinburgh and Globe Inn Tartan Night.

I arrived at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh to be met by the secretary, the treasurer and Ted Murray who had been joined by old friend Murdo Morrison and his wife awaiting entry to the Cathedral for the annual St Andrew’s Day service. It was freezing and we hovered about for about 30 mins before we eventually found out we were one week early. Coffee and scones were the order of the day at Deacon Brodies Café where the secretary was the butt of many jokes because of us turning up 7 day’s too early.

Later that night I was at The Globe Inn for their Tartan Night. During 2009 Jane and the staff have run many events for Homecoming Year all with a variety of themes and I have tried to attend where possible and was delighted to be present and sing at this one. Lee McQueen on accordion along with pipers and a drummer provided the music and young Highland Dancers delighted the audience with their skill. My good friend Avril Kerr was in fine form with her recitations and Claire Hastings who I had heard a few times this year gets better every time I hear her and she was magnificent with her sweet singing voice and own guitar accompaniment. Mince and Tatties in a massive Yorkshire pudding and a prize in the raffle made it a super night and end to a hectic week.

November part three to follow

JOHN M CASKIE

PRESIDENT

BURNS HOWFF CLUB

17^TH DECEMBER 2009

The end of the Year of Homecoming approaches and with it, the pace of related activities intensifies. 16^th November, met with the president at lunchtime to draw up the programme for St. Andrew’s Night. The following morning, meeting at DG One with choir conductor David McCullough and Bill Welsh along with the DG One team to review the arrangements for the Gala Concert.  On returning home, received a phone call from no less than Nicky Spence, tenor, who “for tax reasons”, neither he or his agent could book his train ticket from London, Euston to Carlisle and Dumfries. Could I do this for him and arrange for his ticket to be collected at Euston, oh yes, and he has a Young Person’s Card. Oh good.  Managed eventually to do this on-line with Virgin Trains but my card is now maxed up and hope the treasurer will arrange early reimbursement to avoid embarrassment.  The concert on 20^th November was excellent and brilliantly MC’d by the president. It was well attended by the public, if not club members and is fully covered in the president’s blog. Personal highlights were Roslin Agnew’s superb voice and the youngsters who won the Scots Language Comp. Fantastic. Very pleased with the Commemorative Book which was well produced by Solway Offset with magical illustrations by John Clark. Have to work out a marketing strategy before the next Excom meeting, Next morning, off to Kilmarnock for the Burns Federation quarterly meeting at the newly refurbished Burns Monument at Kay Park. This was difficult to find. Due to the extreme weather earlier in the week, many Dumfries delegates were absent but they did not miss much. Sunday 22^nd November at Ellisland with Ted Murray to attend the Tree Planting ceremony. Due to the wet weather, only a symbolic tree was “planted” in the Orchard and a mobile commemorative plaque was unveiled in the barn by Ronnie Cairns.  Monday 23^rd to the Globe at 7.00pm for the Excom meeting to finalise arrangements for St. Andrew’s Night. I have high hopes for the seating plan. Delighted that Peter Kormylo’s plea for support for his Burns–Ukrainian Project was adopted. 25^th November, the annual meeting of the SSCBA (Commemoration) Ltd, when a cheque for £100 was received as a donation towards the Commemorative Book.  The November Winter Lecture on 26^th November was especially enjoyable when my old friend Murdo Morrison gave a fascinating talk on the printing history of Burns Works with slide illustrations and samples from his own extensive collection of Burns books. Murdo delighted the librarian with a valuation of a couple of volumes from the library and has promised to return later and conduct a stock assessment. This time the biscuits were fresh. Friday 27^th November, David Millar, president John and me set off for Dumbarton for the Dumbarton Burns Club’s St.Andrew’s Night Dinner. What a superb event, with excellent toasts and replies and entertainment of the best. The president presented the club with the miniature barrel to mark Dumbarton Burns Club’s 150^th anniversary. The hotel rooms were less chilly than last year.  Sunday 29^th November, off to Edinburgh to attend the St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral with David Baird and Ted Murray and met the president at the Kirk. To our surprise, the service was not on that day but the following Sunday. Murdo and Hazel Morrison were also surprised, however coffee and a scone at Deacon Brodie’s Café soon restored the spirits and it was agreed to proceed to Roslin for lunch. I accept no responsibility whatever, for any confusion over the date. The club’s St. Andrew’s Night Dinner in the Globe on 30^th November is covered in the president’s well crafted blog but it was one of the most enjoyable gatherings for some time with an interesting toast from Chief Constable Pat Shearer and superb entertainment from guests and members. Ian McIntyre’s performance on the guitar and bodhran was something else, as they say.  I was delighted that Paul Reilly and Gavin Findlay from Dumbarton were able to join us and to reciprocate the hospitality from their celebrations. A good report from Frank Manson on the Dumfries Burns Club function at Ellisland on 27^th November attended by Godfrey Bedford and himself as delegates.  There was no let up and on Wednesday 2^nd December, meeting with Jackie Grant from the Standard and the president and librarian to discuss a feature article on the club as a reflection on the Year of Homecoming from the club’s point of view. We’ll see what actually appears.  Saturday 5^th November, the SSCBA Quarterly meeting in the Globe Inn, which was brief and interesting for what, was discussed before and afterwards. Attention was drawn to a press report from Moffat Probus Club. Luncheon, which followed, was light relief and attended by Mike Duguid, president of the RBWF. Sunday 6^th December, another attempt to attend the St. Andrew’s Day Service at Edinburgh. This time it was on and the treasurer, Ted Murray and I gathered in the Signet Library to meet up with others from the Federation before being marshalled for the procession to the Kirk. We were placed behind the Brownies but in front of the Band of Hope. The procession was as colourful as ever and included the Knights of the Thistle, judges of the High Court and officials of the Lyon Court, as well as academic and professional bodies. The minister made a sarcastic reference to persons seen lurking near the cathedral on the previous Sunday and gave instructions on how the date of the Service can be calculated.  I was able to follow the sermon this year and the choir and organ were impressive. Later, had lunch at Roslin.  Monday 7^th December, the Excom meeting which was constructive with favourable views on the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner, other than a scurrilous comment from one member.  Well-earned congratulations were offered to Neil Johnston and George Templeton on the success of the seating plan and hopefully this will be the format for the future.  Tuesday 8^th December, travelled to Sanquhar with the president and was joined by the treasurer to present the Best Secondary School prize in the Scots Language Comp. to Sanquhar Academy. We were well received by the depute head teacher who assembled the winners from the school for a photograph. President John spoke on the importance of promoting Burns in schools and presented the prizes with great aplomb. John does this sort of thing so well and got a good response from the kids.  Saturday 12^th December, yet another concert by the lads from “Scocha”, at the Buccleuch Centre, Langholm. Ted Murray’s offer to drive was accepted with alacrity by the treasurer, librarian, secretary and past president Dan Cook. Met on arrival by Alex Pool and son David and ushered to a reserved table for supper which was a traditional Christmas meal with alternatives.  Seated at the back of the hall, the concert was the usual exuberant and energetic mix of stirring, patriotic and novelty numbers with fantastic interaction with the audience. Langholm loves Scocha and Scocha loves Langholm as this was the second of two concerts on successive nights. Iain Scott and Davie Chapman’s enthusiasm was infectious and at times, the whole audience was on its’ feet and some were dancing.  Towards the end, Ted Murray left his seat on a pretext and was later seen gyrating with a young sylph-like female near the front. He said later that this was a side effect of his medication. Back home by midnight after a super night.  Thanks are due to Ted Murray and his skilful navigator. Looking forward to a rest now. This is a job for a younger man, I think.

Remember, Remember that month of November!

(Part one!)

November 2009 proved to be one of my busiest months since taking over the role as President of the Howff Club back in April.  As well as the Emily Smith concert mentioned in an earlier blog and many meetings, debriefing from the Halloween supper, preparing for St Andrew’s Night, finalising details of the book to be published from the schools poetry competition and the final preparations for the Gala Concert, there were many enjoyable and entertaining events to report.

Wednesday 4^th November; Past Presidents Photograph

Especially for ‘Homecoming’ year it was suggested that the club should invite all the surviving Past Presidents to the club room for a photograph to mark the ‘250^th anniversary year’. The last such photograph was taken during the celebrations of 1996. It was pleasing for me to welcome 28 of the 32 Past Presidents still with us today. The other four were either on holiday or unable to attend due to illness. It was a rare night meeting and reminiscing with these eminent gentlemen who have made the club what it is today. After the photo shoot a light buffet was served and a ‘dram’ to toast many more years of success not only for the club but for all who have held or will hold the esteemed office of President.

Friday 20^th November; Gala Concert of Scottish Culture

DG One leisure centre was the venue for the clubs Gala Concert of Scottish Culture, as well as welcoming everyone I had the task as compere for the evening where it was a privilege to introduce as part of that entertainment, Dumfries Male Voice Choir and their conductor David McCullough, Singer Roslin Agnew, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary Pipe Band, William McRobert and his Scottish Dance Band, the winning kids from the Scot’s language competition and special guest artiste Nicky Spence. It was a super evening and the favourable comments form many friends, supporters and very appreciative audience as they left at the end of the concert made it more worth while. The accompanist for the evening was Scott Miller.

During the evening the book published by the club from the Scot’s language competition were released for sale. (See separate blog!)

November part two to follow!

JOHN M CASKIE

PRESIDENT

BURNS HOWFF CLUB

5^TH DECEMBER 2009