The September meeting of the SSCBA in the Globe Inn on 17^th September was exceptionally well attended with folk there I haven’t seen for years. This was Jane Brown’s first as President and John Caskie’s first as secretary. The meeting was focussed and well organised and bodes well for the future. In the afternoon, met George Richardson from Aberdeen Burns Club and Steven, his son- in- law, to discuss the itinerary for their visit on 25^th when they are coming mob handed.   Sunday 18^th, the annual Bowling Match with Dumbarton BC AT Newall Terrace. The guys arrived on schedule in good spirits. I was told later that they had been nibbling at a bottle of malt on route. After a welcome from President Frank who managed to welcome the visitors on behalf of “Dumfries Burns Club”, (I never know when Frank is joking) and a refreshment, play commenced with a will and after 15 ends and comfort breaks, the result was declared a draw and trophies exchanged and receipted. The weather was ideal and rain stayed off until 4.15 but by that time the company was in the clubhouse. High Tea at the Globe and speeches before the visitors departed. Thanks due to Bert Hastings for jump starting their minibus with a flat battery.  Gratyeful thanks due to the officiald of Dumfries Bowling Club and Kenny Crookshanks for his patience. This year I managed to give the Tam O’ Shanter Competition a body swerve. Sorry, I just think in that format it’s a  torture.  Library Sub Committee on Monday 26^th and an excellent talk from Helen Morrison on “Burns and Freemasonry” at the opening Winter Club Night on 29th. Record turnout and a lively Q&A session afterwards.  Friday 30^th, off to the Standard Office to talk about the Globe Inn windows project as they plan a feature article in October then that night, a whisky tasting at the Station Hotel with Gordon Johnston, David Baird and others. Caught up with some old friends during the intervals.   The EGM and Excom on 3^rd October. Got the revised Constitution passed with 10 minutes to the surprise of the President. Ticket requests for Hallowe’en are sky high as usual. Wednesday 5^th October, another session with William Robson and Gordon on the library book valuation project, assisted by Ken McKinnon. Progress is now being made. Monday 10^th October, the Renovations Sub Committee where arrangements were agreed for the formal “unveiling” of the facsimile window on 19^th. Guests include Peter Westwood and Matt Sempie who has been given instructions how to get to the Globe avoiding Langholm.  Saturday lunchtime, met up with SVP and Hon. Treasurer to draw up the programme for Hallowe’en. Rab Wilson the original speaker can’t now come so Professor David Purdie will substitute. A treat will be a rendition of “The Court of Equity” by Cameron Goodall. Managed to avoid the Whistle Competition at Ellisland as it should have been held at Friars Carse. (Pratts)  Meanwhile, waiting for word from the Scottish Information Commissioner seeking an opinion as to whether the publication of the WRBF Club Directory in the Burns Chronicle is a “breach of the Data Protection Act” and whether a posting on the WRBF Website with access controlled by password would be allowed.  Ridiculous bureaucracy. Amused by the continuing failure of the SVP to leave a deposit on the club blog.  Its childs play after all.