Edinburgh: Yes! South Africa: No!

The annual conference of the Robert Burns World Federation was held in Edinburgh over the weekend of 4/5/6 September, the events are listed in the secretary’s blog, so I wont repeat the ‘on gans’ other than agree it was a super weekend with great company!

It’s at gatherings such as this, I realise just how much the Howff Club is respected and regarded by many. Whilst proudly wearing the President’s ‘chain’ I was greeted by people from far and wide asking what the ‘chain of office’ was and when replying ‘Howff Club’ they were all complimentary to myself for holding the valued position of President but more so for the high esteem the club has within the Federation and amongst its members.

Although enjoying the weekend I was always reminding myself I could have been at HampdenPark watching Scotland take on Macedonia in their quest to qualify for the World Cup finals next year in South Africa. Delighted to hear the boys had won by two goals to nil, I was now eagerly awaiting the following Wednesday when I would be able to attend Hampden for the now crucial game against the Netherlands.

When the Wednesday came I was there amongst the other 52,000 Scots cheering on the boys in the hope that we would make the playoffs! But alas it hadn’t to be, here we are, where we have been for many years now ‘glorious failures’ once again.!

So Edinburgh played its part as a super choice for the conference as I’m sure Aberdeen will next year.

My dream of a trip to watch Scotland compete in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa is sadly, all it is.

JOHN M CASKIE

PRESIDENT

BURNS HOWFF CLUB

SEPTEMBER 2009