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 4th 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 ‘250th 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 20th 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