On the 24th July the Edinburgh & District Bruns Clubs Association held there first Anniversary Celebration including a poetry competition which they hope will become an annual event.  For the inaugural event I was privilaged to have been invited to attend for the full days celebration of our national bards time in Edinburgh.  The day started at the recently renovated Robert Burns Monument on Carlton Hill where a dedication was given, the Lord Provist of Edinburgh welcomed the guests and we were entertained with poem and song from the hand of the bard.  we retired from the monument to the Edinburgh city chambers for a civic reception as guest of the city, a magnificant building with spectacular views across Waverly station and Princess Street to the New Town beyond.  It was an pleasure to be able to see inside the city chambers, the artifacts and paintings adorning the walls are spectacular, the Lord Provist welcomed us all to Edinburgh.   It was again a pleasure to see Mike Duguid president of the Robert Burns World Federation Ltd. was able to attend and give an oration.  

In afternoon the E&DBCA held the poetry competition,  competitors had to deliver a poem or epistle written by Burns of between 70 and 150 lines, the Howff Clubs Gordon Johnston delivered "The Inventry" and I though that he should have been in line for a prize, but sadly the judges didn't agree however it was a fine afternoon listening to some of the best deliveries and different styles. 

The day was finished off with an evening of sang and clatter or as they say in the Auld Reekie a Harmony Night.

      

It was very pleasing to see Mike Dugiud is beginning to return to health after his accident earlier in the year and that he was able to attend and deliver the oration at the annual Brow Well Ceremony on the 21st July.  It was warm, with the evening sunny shining across the Solway Firth which added to the atmosphere that made this a particularly memorable event and once again a large number of people gathered to join with the Scottish Southern Counties Burns Association ceremony and social gathering there after.  The usual minister had retired since last year ceremony and has not been replaced as yet however the interim Moderator Neil Campbell, whilst not a Burnsian, rose to the occasion and seemed to have done some research for his part in the ceremony, and the Psalm chosen was one which most people know and could sing which helps.

Thereafter we retired to the Bruce Hotel in Annan where Jane Brown was compere for evening.  We enjoyed entertainment from many talented individuals from across the Southern Counties and beyond.   The magic buffet that kept re-appearing and moving tea cups added to the entertainment.  A great night made better by the company and the stars who performed 

I've not found or at least brought back any treasure but I have had a great pleasure taking part in this years Howff Club treasure hunt .   What about the weather ....  well.... 

I've visited one or to pubbs whihc ii hivny been in fir agies an a'v hid a wee dram here in theer as weel.

Ta, jane fur the pies an' peas even if we wur a wee bit late.

 

 

Recent events have been well covered in the president’s blog but here is my take on things since the last entry in May.  Delighted with the favourable response to the launch of our electronic newsletter, “Howff Club E-Mail Express” and thanks are due to John Caskie for his encouragement and suggestions and to the president for his technical expertise.

Met Gordon Ashley on Monday 31^st May, with the librarian and treasurer. Gordon who is based in Australia is researching for a book on Burns statues worldwide and wanted to include the club’s statue to Jean Armour. Pleasant morning spent with lunch in Burns’ Room.  Library Sub Committee on 1^st June and another attempt to play some old tape recordings from club functions in the 1960’s but the machine borrowed from Radio Solway could not play at the required speed which led to a “Pink & Perky” effect. Back to the drawing board.  Hon. Member Jane Brown’s 60^th birthday party in the Globe on 3^rd June was hugely enjoyable. 60? Surely not.  Excom meeting on 7^th June was productive and well conducted and on Wednesday 10^th, Bert Hastings and I met Rev.Neil Campbell, the Interim Moderator at Ruthwell Kirk, who is taking the Service at Brow Well this year, to discuss the Psalm and tune which hopefully will be known by everyone. Sub Committees on Tuesday and Wednesday, covered in the president’s blog and out to the Burns Centre on Friday 18^th with the librarian and treasurer to attend the live broadcast of “Brian Taylor’s Big Debate” from Dumfries. Some lively questions on topical matters answered by a panel of four local politicians. Interesting for a glimpse behind the scenes of live radio.  Monday 21^st, met with the president and Jane Brown to discuss the format for the Jean Armour Dinner and to ensure any problems are eliminated. Saturday 26^th, early start for Kilmarnock to attend the Federation Quarterly meeting at Dean Castle. The delegation was delayed by the police at Sanquhar for a “routine check, Sir” but D. B. Baird, who was driving had nothing to worry about and the journey was completed without incident. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Baird in his capacity of SVP and apart for attempts to derail the Board’s decisions regarding the Editor’s fee, the proceedings were unremarkable. The Heritage Committee report was delivered by your reporter as the convenor was “fatigued”.  Sunday 27^th, party from the Sandyford Burns Club, Glasgow for the ten cent tour in the afternoon.  On return to the Globe from the Mausoleum, a loud cheer was heard from the lounge as Engerland had lost to Germany in the World Cup.  Monday 28^th June, the last Excom meeting before the summer break. Lack of numbers meant the usual mini bus to Wauchope had to be cancelled but there is more interest in the outing to Cumbria in August. Agreed to have a Fish Supper Night in August as well.  Monday 1^st July. Met up with Gordon J. And Graham Trickey, our consultant, to put together an application for Lottery Heritage Funding to renovate the club’s Centenary Banner. To be successful, applicants have to demonstrate that they are “inclusive” and we are obliged to welcome allsorts. We shall see.

Sunday 4^th July, out to Covington Mains, Lanark, to mark the spot where the Bard overnighted on his trip to Edinburgh in 1787, fully described in the president’s blog. The 6^th Jean Armour Dinner on 5^th July was one of the best I can recall with superb speakers and artists and an excellent meal except for those who did not like salmon. Neil has a very relaxed style in the chair and many messages of congratulations had since been received. Yes, a night to remember.

“Scocha” came back to Langholm on 9^th July and I had the privilege of attending with the president and treasurer. Another vibrant night with fantastic interaction with the enthusiastic audience.  Wauchope Cairn, Hawick, was the venue for Sunday 11^th July with another enjoyable afternoon with friends. Monday, due to past president David Millar’s indisposition, was conned into assisting with compiling the non cryptic clues for the Treasure Hunt and therefore had to visit six pubs. Tuesday morning tried to decipher my notes for the clue sheets. This should be a laugh on Wednesday night but the pies & mushy peas will be welcome.

DS

Plans changed as David Baird was unable to travel with us to Hawick.  However at shortnotice Jane Brown agreed to come.  We are always given such a warm welcome at Hawick Burns Club and the locally talented artists which add to the afternoons entertainment is exceptional.   Again the weather held for the ceremony at the Wauchope cairn I think that we all went prepared as it was raining when we left Dumfries, but the skies cleared and at points the sun shone.

It is a great shame that the cost of hiring a mini bus restricted the numbers for the Howff who were able to support the Wauchope Cairn Ceremony this year but hopefully we can make other arrangement in the future.

 

 

David Smith, David Baird & I went across to the Buccleuch Hall in Langholm to see Scocha live with there new program, some new songs and some old favorites - as usual an excellent evening, nice to see Alex Pool unfortunately he couldn't stay long as he had visitors but good to know he's keeping well and is going to come across to some of our functions, so we an catch up with him later in the year.

A great night - A little bit of a push to get through the program but if you weren't there you missed an excellent evening & following morning.......

My sincerest thanks to all the artists and guest FANTASTIC.

Thanks everyone

Thankfully the rain stopped for long enough for the wreaths and floral tributes to be laid at the cairn opposite the farm at Covington Mains.  It was still very windy but quite a large gathering has ventured out and braved the elements on the worst day for 7 weeks.  Howff Past president & treasurer David Baird delivered the oration in his capacity as Senior Vice President of the World Federation before the assemble retired to a reception in Symington, where we were entertained ny the Lanarkshire Burns Association and some of their very talented youths.  I was a plesent surprise to see representation from the Dufries Ladies No.1 there also.