It was a shame that some of the competitors weren’t able to attend through illness and I hope that you are getting back to normal again, however the Dfs Ladies once again did themselves proud by running a slick competition in conjunction with the Globe Inn.  5 worth renditions of Tam ‘o Shanter  and I think non of the audience could agree the winner so I’m not sure how the judges decided but whilst they were deliberating John Caskie entertained us to his usual excellent standard.  Well done John.

And congratulations to all the entrants a worthy effort.

 

I really think that we should all go back to school and learn to count, but as usual we were extremely well looked after and it was a pleasure to be with our friends fra Dumbarton.  Despite some heavy rain showers we managed to play enough ends to get some scores on the cards and the count showed “A DRAW” but I guess when we’re with friends we’re all winners.  Thanks again for the Meal and your hospitality guys a supper day, see you in Dumfries next year and mind you don’t lose the trophies…..

 

The usual eccentric exuberance, a few squabbles, and great fun.   

 

Congratulations to David Baird on his election as President of the Federation .

 

All in all a good weekend.

As most Burnsians are aware Mike Duguid was involved in an accident earlier in the year, but the SSCBA had arranged a civic reception osted by Dumfries and Galloway Council to mark his year in this prestigious job.   It was a pleasure to be asked to attend on behalf of the Howff Club to wish Mike all the best Patsy Gilroy welcomed everyone and congratulated Mike on his achievement in the absence of Provost Groom, it was also nice to see Ian Kirkpatrick playing the millennium fiddle.

Well Done Mike…

 

At the Howff were proud to welcome visitor to the Globe Inn and give them the benefit of some local knowledge to show them the Mausoleum in St. Michaels and the landmarks in the cemetery, as well as the Globe Inn Burns room, bedroom and Howff Club room and I was pleased to be introduced to the Newton Lads Burns Club on Saturday and the Larkhall Burns Club on Sunday afternoon.

 

Thanks to DM we arrived in plenty of time at auld reekie in plenty of time for our first event of the day only problem no parking so DM had to park 6 miles away and run back to the venue where Professor Purdie and Camron Goodall were presenting on the third enlightenment, which had a slant towards oor Robert, Cameron sang & Played in between Prof. Purdies speech and the dulcet chirps of the mobile phone. Then we were off a walking tour of some of the places where Robert Burns would have visited. After the short tour & Lunch at the Beehive we took a taxi to the next venue after all it’s a long way with short legs.    Anna Hillis and Cheryl Easton were performing at the same venue so we called in and had 2 shows for the price on none, they were both part of the free fringe, but very enjoyable anyway sometimes the best cost less….. not very often I’m afraid.

We had left the car near to the Beehive but it had been recommended that we should visit the White Hart and it was well worthy of a visit the entertainment was great atmosphere enjoyable and most of us weren’t driving.

 

Sorry DM someone else’s turn next time…..

 

There was no cutlery, or plates to wash tonight, its a traditional fish supper individually wrapped.  Alternate poems written by Hugh Waters, Address to the Fish Supper was delivered by John Clark  and a rendition of his Twa Dugs poem was given by David Baird, David Millar & Gordon Johnston,  both poems were based on Robert Burns poems.

As part of The Globe Inn's 400th anniversary celebrations the Howff held the alternate supper and great thanks to Maureen and Gordon McKerrow for their support and gifts of wine on the tables, special offers on the bar prices and also for inviting James Coutts & John Caskie to add to the evenings entertainment. 

Club members Bert Hastings, Carlo Rinaldi, Jane Brown (no freedom of the Burgh), John Lauder & Les Byers added to a light hearted evening of fun and clatter.

I really enjoyed the evening and hope that everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did, thanks again to everyone at the Globe Inn.

  

I’ve been told that blog entries should be short and punchy so here goes.  The Treasure Hunt on 14^th July was memorable for several reasons but was conducted in an atmosphere of good humour and a violent thunderstorm. As one of the invigilators, I had to stay off the sauce but congratulations are due to the winning team for their prowess in deciphering the cryptic clues and spotting the deliberate misteak. Thanks also due to Gordon Johnston and David Baird for compiling the clues. David Miller was sadly missed.  The Globe Inn “Jacobean Night” on 15^th July was great fun and the Hog Roast was delicious. The following night was the annual dinner and muster of the Royal Dumfries Volunteers in Burns‘Room, under the genial chairmanship of Col. Arent De Peyster (AKA Chris Lyon) and the induction to the Corp of David Miller whose soubriquet is the Rev. Babington.  The dinner was what we have come to expect from the Globe and some strong drink was taken. This included copious quantities of red wine and as a result, the latter stages are now a mist.  David Baird was obliged to lay off the sauce as he had to drive to Ayr and Alloway on the following morning to attend the Ayrshire commemorative events, representing the president of the RBWF. I successfully gave that a body swerve this year. The Brow Well Service was held on 21^st July in beautiful weather although the turnout was poor in comparison with last year. Mike Duguid delivered the oration, attending his first official engagement since his serious accident and David Baird presided for the last time as president of the SSCBA. The Rev. Neil Campbell conducted the devotions and the social evening at the Bruce was enjoyable and well MC’d by Jane Brown. Saturday 24^th July was a day of events in Edinburgh held by the Edinburgh Association of Burns Clubs marking Burns’ death and started at 10.30am with a ceremony at the Burns Monument at Calton Hill which included an address by Professor David Purdie and some songs for others.  The party were bussed to the City Chambers for a reception by the Lord Provost and then bussed to Lodge Liberton 1001, for a reciting competition when the competitors included Gordon Johnston who delivered Burns’ “The Inventory”. A simple meal of haggis, neeps and tatties followed and a social evening took place until club delegates retired to their digs at the foot of Liberton Brae. Bright-eyed and bushy tailed on the following morn, the president and Librarian returned to Dumfries and the Treasurer and Secretary journeyed to Kilmarnock to attend the commemorative event at Kilmarnock Cross at 2.00pm. At least, that was the plan but the diversions due to road works meant that unscheduled visits were made to Muirkirk, Newmilns and Mauchline before reaching Kilmarnock at 12noon when several mugs of strong coffee at Witherspoons were consumed. The ceremony was notable for a scurrilous reference by the president of Kilmarnock Burns Club who claimed that “Ayrshire nurtured the poet and Dumfries killed him” but Mr Baird put him right in no uncertain manner during his speech to the company afterwards. Leaving Killie, it was intended to call in at the Globe’s BBQ in the Close in the afternoon but by this time, your blogger was fatigued and decided to head for home.

An approach was made to the Alloway Trust in 2008 for permission to make facsimiles of the window panes from the Globe Inn with inscriptions by Burns in time for the Globe’s 400^th anniversary in 2010. The panes had been removed from the Globe in the 1830’s and found their way to the Alloway Museum. They were less than helpful initially and the Museum was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland in 2009. After 18 months of negotiation, they agreed to a visit by club officers to inspect the panes and agree the best way to make copies.  Accordingly, on 30^th July, the president and secretary travelled to Hopetown House, South Queensferry, to the NTS conservation workshops were the panes were being “conserved” and met up with a specialist glazier from a firm in Glasgow. The NTS staff was reluctant to allow the glazier to make a tracing of the inscriptions but agreed to digitally photograph the panes which meant manhandling the fragile glass on to a board with a heavy camera mounted on a stand above. What fun. Our glazier, Matt Sempie , from Hurry Bros. was enthusiastic and promised an early result. Hopefully, the facsimiles will be ready for display this year. Wednesday 4^th August, out to Radio Solway with the librarian to listen to a magnetic tape recording of a club function in 1965. Previous attempts to play the tape were unsuccessful but Radio Solway agreed to try it on the studio equipment. This worked and the tape of a St. Andrew’s Night Dinner was hilarious. Things don’t change much over the years as the chairman was long winded and there was much background noise but this is an important club historical artefact and it is hoped to convert the tapes to minidisc. Saturday 14^th August, the club outing to Cockermouth and Whitehaven, 14 members and friends were conveyed by luxury minibus to Jennings Brewery for a guided tour which included three half pints of different strength ales. The beer was excellent and the tour fascination. This was followed by lunch on the premises before travelling to Whitehaven to the Beacon Centre for a visit and a walking tour of the historic Harbour area, by a local tour guide. Another highly enjoyable afternoon in first class weather. The return journey included a stop near Carlisle at “John’s Plaice” for a mammoth fish & chip supper. An excellent day with thanks and congratulations due to Neil Johnston for organising the itinerary.  A meeting of the Renovations Sub Committee on Monday 16^th August when good progress was made in the programme to upgrade the clubroom and anteroom. The club’s Fish Supper Night was held in the Globe Inn on Thursday 19^th August and proved to be an outstanding success for the excellence of the fish & chips from Peter Domicelli at the Midsteeple and the awesome entertainment which included a performance of a parody of Burns’ “Twa Dugs” by Gordon Johnston and David Miller with narration by David Baird. Gordon who played the posh dug, sported a bowler hat which made him a dead ringer for Stan Laurel. The highlight of a superb night was the magical accordion of James Coutts. Neil’s year goes from strength to strength. On the following morning, the treasurer, librarian and secretary foregathered to calculate the income and were pleased to report a modest profit with thanks to the Globe Inn for their input.  Saturday 21^st August, assisted with the street collection for Children 1st and enough said except an enjoyable lunch in the Globe afterwards. On the way back to Gordon McKerrow’s office with the cans and things, Ted Murray who still had a balloon, made towards an urchin and offered her said balloon but fortunately she ran off which perhaps was just as well.   A welcome break from the Executive Committee in July and August but all good things come to an end and the next meeting is due on 30^th August.  DS

A luxury coach transported a group of club members and friends on a club outing to Cockermouth and beyond.  The first stop was a tour round Jennings Bros. brewery at the Castle Brewery in Cockermouth it was interesting to see how they have merged the old and the new in an very old building, maintaining a lot of the character.  Given the devistation of the recent floods it is good to see that the parent company has invested in the future of the brand. 

We enjoyed a light lunch and sampled some of the products before moving on to the Beacon Centre & Museum in Whitehaven where we toured the collection and learned of some of the changing history of what was once the UK's 3rd busiest port.  We then had a short walking tour of the harbour area, learning of the squalid accommodation, arduous working environment in the mines and the ships of the slave trade which went through the port.

We also saw "The World" cruise liner which was anchored just outside the harbour.  "The World" is an exclusive vessel on which apartments are sold to rich clients who live on board to avoid tax or just to see the world.  We were surprised when club member John Lauder was stopped in the street and asked if he was ashore from "the Ship" - hmm

The Coach then made its final stop at John's Plaice, just outside Carlisle where sat in, obviously for fish 'n' chips. 

The Great weather helped to make this a great day out.       

The Murals in The Globe Inn Close were begining to look tired and it was a delight when I learned of the intention of Civic Pride to have them replaced.  The Provist, Jack Groom, unvailed the new "muriels" on Wednesday the 11th August I was pleased to represent the Howff Club, with David Baird, at the unvailing and express our thanks and admiration to the artist Josephine McSkimming, the members of Civic Pride and Dumfries and Galloway Council for the new murals which now adorn the close.

David Smith, our honory secretary, and I travelled by magic carpet to Hopeton House after many communications with the National Trust for Scotland we had managed to get to see the panes of glass which had been removed from The Globe Inn and sold in the early 19th century. 

The Glass panes are undergoing restoration by conservators at Hopeton House in view of the Forth bridge.  We would have liked to repatriate the panes to The Globe Inn especially as this is the 400th anniversary of the inn, however they are in a very fragile state, and the National Trust will not allow them to leave their 'care', ultimately they will probably be on display at the new Robert Burns birth place museum at Alloway.  As a result the Howff is interested in commisioning reproduction or facimilies of the panes which will be displayed in the Bards favourate Howff.

It was a very interesting, educational and surprising visit and a real pleasure to see the inscriptions by the Bard on the glass and infact to touch a piece of historynormally beyond our reach.

A good lunch in Rosslyn finished the day and we had managed to get some great photographs of the panes of glass to start us on the way.

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.

Hi Neil

Can we meet to finalise the arrangements for the Jean Armour Dinner?

I'm indebted to our hon. Secretary for the amount of time and effort which goes into the organisation to ensure that we 'the President & Member' have a great night most eventualities are planned, the menu is checked and I agree to print them.

During our meeting with Jane we manage to agree a on the 19th August for an additional evening evening in the Globe,  I had hoped to be able to add to their 400 year celebrations and it has been decided that we shall have a 'Fish Supper' with the address to the fish supper and some other light hearted entertainment, also we are hoping to arrange the return of "the gangral buddies" who appeared at the Globe last year when only a handful of Howff members attended and I'm sure that most members would really enjoy the performance which we hope will be the 2nd October, just before the Globe closes for the repairs to the wall.

 

 

Frank Manson has been very diligent and is methodically working through the rules and regulation of the club, it is surprising how the simplest of line can create such a lot of points for discussion. 

At the sub-committee tonight we seem to agree to change something then when you read it again later you think perhaps we should change that  again because if ........ then ........... because ............!    or  should that be under membership and not committee, etc. etc.

The work goes on and thanks are due to Frank, John Lauder, John Caskie, Bob Walker for their input so far there are some proposed changes which should ultimately benefit the club and other which just make things easier to understand. 

   

Restoration Restoration Restoration

We met in the committee room and David Millar explained the proposed sketches which had been drawn by Chris Lyon at some time, also there was some discussion as to what was under the current carpet and if it was lifted what we could put down,  some consideration need to be give to noise in the room downstairs if  a wood floor was laid in the club room anyway, thing are progressing and it is proposed to ask Mrs McKerrow to comment on what can be done to enhance the club room and ajoining library area before any decisions are made, we are also intending to wait until the exterior wall has been secured in October..

It has happened before, it's been 2 years since the Howff had to de-camp to the Moreig, and whilst the did look after us, it just wusn'y hame.  Once again the Secretary, Treasurer and President had to Stuart at the Moreig to arrange for our October meetings and more importantly our Hallowe'en Supper.   The visit went well and the bookings are made, we've had to compromise on the meal slightly, and hopefully this time someone finds the Silver Sixpenny - last time we were at the Moreig we think that someone must have eaten it, but I suspect that the 1/2 bottle prize would be enjoyed by someone........    

Anyway the price has been agreed, the room booked and we're good to go.  It would be better if we could go to the Globe it has that special atmostphere, but the next section of the wall really need sorted the job is supposed to be finished in October but it can't be guaranteed that all the work will finish on time. so the Moreig it is.  

Unfortunately due to a prior commitment  I couldn’t get to the Globe Inn as early as I would have liked despite having had 60 years to arrange this, but I was glad to see that John Caskie, David Smith, David Baird, Kennie McKinnon and George Templeton were all still there and the party was in full swing when I arrived. A fantastic medley on the pipes and a song composed and played by Lee McQueen on the accordion were among the highlights of an excellent celebration and our best wishes go to Jane along with a wee bunch of flowers to add to the garden centre which was accumulating behind the bar.  I hope that Jane had a brilliant day to celebrate her 60^th birthday and hope that we can be associated with her in the Globe for many many years to come.

Arriving in Mauchline things seemed very quiet, but the car park was open and there was attendants directing us where to park.  David Baird was representing the federation at the opening ceremony  at the Jean Armour statue so he was suited, booted and wearing the regalia, as we waited at the cross for others to arrive a police escort whizzed by sirens  & the works one way, then the other and back again, not entirely sure why bit it was fun to watch as the seemed to lose their charges so a quick u’ turn and flying by again.  The fair started at 11am and steadily more and more people arrived, before the long the centre of the town was a throng, lots of small stalls pedalling their locally produced wares, people walking around in period clothes, food stalls selling anything from burgers to smokies, but to my disappointment no giant Haggis this year.  A Mobile stage at the top end hosted many of the visiting performers and artists, the community hall in the centre also hosted some performances and small had a cafe.  Whilst the church was our apparent venue of choice, possible because most of the performances were of a  Burns nature, excellent performances from Willie Stewart, Shelly Clark and friends, and the Mauchline Burns Club featuring Daddy Auld, Willie Fisher, Pussie Nancy and other local worthies.  Not to mention a visit from the fire and brimstone preachers , who had accosted us earlier in the street “you’ve missed this morning service! But you be  there for the next sermon in an hour” – just time for lunch at Poosie Nancies .

A good entertaining day was had by all and its worthy of a visit in future years.

The club Bowling Night at Dock Park on 20^th May was interesting for the skill displayed by some members and the efforts made by others to avoid winning the coveted “Draffan Cup”. Some 28 members and friends turned up and were quickly marshalled into teams by Bob Wilson who has brought this to a fine art.  Although the weather was clement, the state of the green left a lot to be desired as there was a surface layer of fertiliser which made the bools slippy and irritated the skin but this must have discouraged the attendance of the customary midges. Three ends were played and the company repaired to the Globe for prize giving and sandwiches. President Neil Johnston presented John Caskie and Elaine Whitehead with the cup and Kenneth Mackinnon and guest, Ian Meechen with the runners up prize. This is John’s second time as winner and it is thought that he will get the Draffan Cup to keep if he wins for a third time. A very enjoyable social hour followed which included a birthday cake donated by the treasurer on the occasion of the anniversary of his birth.

Friday 21^st May. Office bearers were invited to the official opening of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival at Gracefield. The president, treasurer, secretary, librarian, past president David Miller duly attended at 6.15pm. It seemed like everybody who was anybody (and some who weren’t) gathered to be welcomed by Dame Barbara Kelly who asked Alex Fergusson MSP to declare the Festival open. A gracious speech was made by Patsy Kilroy, convenor of the Council who thanked all involved. Refreshments consisted of a glass of cheap plonk and a tired vol a vont but times are hard nowadays. Members took the opportunity to view the “Decade” exhibition of “diverse and exciting acquisitions in contemporary art from 2000 – 2010”. Contemporary art is perhaps an acquired taste. That well known patron of the arts, Godfrey Bedford, was seen in an upper gallery. It was with some relief that members scuttled back to the Globe Inn for strong drink.

Saturday 22^nd May, accompanied David Baird to the Federation Schools Choral Competition at Peebles High School. David was deputising for Mike Duguid who was unable to attend due to his accident. This was a super afternoon with eight primary school choirs from all over providing excellent entertainment. The winning choir was Townhill Primary from Dunfermline. Some disquiet was occasioned when Mr. Baird, who was sporting the impressive presidential chain of office of the SSCBA, was accosted by a Federation official who compelled him to remove the chain on the grounds of “inappropriateness”. More will be heard of this.  On returning to Dumfries and having decided to call at the Globe for light refreshment due to the heat, we were pleased to meet some members who had been conducting a ten-cent tour for a party of “Jolly Jaunters” from Bellshill. Gordon J. who is a natural born salesman, managed to sell four copies of “A Wee Kist 0’ Verse”.

In need of spiritual uplift, your “blogger” travelled to Mauchline to attend the 9^th Annual Mauchline Holy Fair. Gordon, Neil and Betty Johnston, David Baird made up the party and arrived in time for David to join the official group at the Jean Armour Statue top open the proceedings.  The Holy Fair is a loose re enactment of the piety and ribaldry, made famous in the bard’s poem of 1785. One of the highlights of an enjoyable afternoon was the performance in the Kirk by Shelley Clark and friends and later, the “Meet Burns Folk” show with members of Mauchline Burns Club and others including Angus Middleton. This included the appearance of the Manic Street Preachers who seemed a tad subdued in comparison with previous years. The “Real Steel Band” from Milnthorp and a pipe and brass band entertained out of doors. The weather was slightly damp which may have affected the turnout this year but there were plenty of friends to greet during the day. Lunch at Poosie Nancies. Thanks are due to Gordon Johnston who, as designated driver, had to stay sober.