The club was well represented at the fourth Burns Supper of the Befriending Project, held at the Easterbrook Hall on 12^th February. The top table was almost entirely composed of members or honorary members and the chairman was Alex Fergusson MSP, a good friend of the club. Over two hundred of the great and good of Dumfries were assembled to hear an “Immortal Memory” skilfully delivered by Peter Kormylo and the “Lassies” toasted by James Haining in his inimical manner. Maureen McKerrow replied to the Lassies” with some wit and our president provided some songs along with Cheryl Easton. Bobby Jess recited  “Holy Willie” and a good night was had excepting for the outrageous Easterbrook bar prices. Gordon J. managed to sell two copies of “A Wee Kist O’ Verse”. I was later asked by the Befriending Project Organiser to do a bit for the Standard and now wonder if I can start up as a freelance scribbler.  The following night, out to the Burns Centre Film Theatre for the world premiere of “Father of the Bard”, two drama documentaries on DVD telling the story of the Burnes family’s early life in Kincardineshire before grinding poverty forced William Burnes to seek a better life in Ayrshire where he married Agnes Broun and his eldest son Robert was born in the “clay biggin” at Alloway. The DVD’s were produced by David Ramsay for Aberdeen City Council and the cast largely consisted of people with learning difficulties. I found this a moving but uplifting experience.  Meantime, the “Burns Unit” performed at round two of the Pub Quiz. Led by JVP Frank Manson, the intrepid team did considerably better than the first. Congrats are due to Frank, Ian McIntyre, William Johnston and Ian Jordan.  However, different personnel took over for round three and the score soared to 91 from a possible….. David Miller, Godfrey Bedford, Rab Walker and the writer confirmed the club’s reputation for excellence. On Friday 26^th February, Ted Murray, John Lauder, Derek Rogerson and myself returned a cumulative score of 353 but were unplaced. A lively night and the sum of  £1200 was raised between the Breast Cancer Charity and McMillan Nurses, two worthy causes.

Earlier, on 20^th February, president John Caskie, senior vice president Neil Johnston, Hon. Treasurer, David Baird, Hon. Librarian Gordon Johnston, honorary member Jane Brown and the writer journeyed to Edinburgh to attend the annual Burns/ Shevchenko Supper at the Ukrainian Social Club, organised by Peter Kormylo. This was another interesting and colourful event with the company drawn from all ages and the programme included David Baird, John Caskie James Haining and Jane Brown. Not having Ukrainian, I was unable to follow the appreciation of the Ukrainian national poet, Taras Shevchenko, given by a lady present but managed to stumble through the Ukrainian National Anthem at the end. This is a much more stirring tune that our own. Gordon Johnston’s skilful driving and navigation meant there was no repetition of last year’s fiasco. February’s Winter Lecture on Thursday 25^th, was one of the best for a long time. Peter Westwood, editor of the Burns Chronicle, held the company for two hours with his talk on the history of Burns Cottage and the descent of the Burns Family Tree. Before Peter’s talk, I was shown a proof copy of the forthcoming Burns Chronicle Special Edition. Extending to over 700 pages, this record of the Year of Homecoming and the 250^th anniversary of the birth of the Bard, has numerous pictures, articles and features from personalities and Burns Clubs worldwide and includes several pages from the club. It is a recurring shame that these lectures are shunned by members. Only one member of the committee managed to attend but thanks are due to members’ spouses and visitors for making up the numbers and the half time biscuits were good. Saturday 27^th February, out to Ellisland with David and Norma Miller for a “party” to thank those who had assisted with the Ploughing Match. To my considerable disappointment, Joanna Lumley was absent but some wine was quaffed and nibbles consumed. The entertainment included the lovely voices of Holly Little and Bill Welsh.  The Burns season for 2010 is now officially terminated. Hooray.

DS 28/02/2010