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