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.