The president says my blog entries are verbose and he’s probably right but, Hell!, can the tiger change his spots?, Anyway, to catch up, Renovations Sub Committee on 14^th Feb. when it was agreed to invite Matt Sempie, our antique glazier, to the next meeting on 1^st March to advise us on options for the display of the facsimile window panes. It was also agreed to remit the proposed club mug for advertising in the April newsletter to ascertain interest from members. Friday 18^th Feb. Back to the Edenbank for round 3 of the Round Table Pub Quiz when David Miller, John Lauder, Ian McIntyre and your blogger clawed the score up to 66.1/2. Great fun!  At the last minute on Saturday 19^th, asked to provide transport for the club delegation to the 5^th Robert Burns / Taras Shevchenko Supper at the Ukrainian Social Club in Edinburgh. Had to get gassed up first but was happy to drive David Baird, Maureen McKerrow and Neil Johnston, if not in a high performance car, but certainly a high performance driver to the venue in Royal Terrace without incident. The function was lacking in atmosphere from previous years but David Baird’s “Immortal Memory” had some merit as had Maureen’s reply to the “Lasses, O” despite a racket from the end of the hall. Jim Haining’s toast to “The Lasses, o” was droll and Peter Kormylo’s recitation of “Scots Wha Hae” was as rousing as ever. One of the highlights was a performance on the Bandura, a traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument, by Olesander Petlura. I’ve now become skilled in singing the Ukrainian National Anthem which is more stirring than ours. A downside was that as designated driver, I had to stay off the sauce. The February Winter Club night on 24^th heard a talk from Simon Thorp of the Heather Trust when he spoke on the importance of the natural upland moorlands and its place in the planet’s eco-systems and the challenges it faces. This was perhaps different from the customary talks but interesting and provoked a lively question and answer session. The final of the Round Table Pub Quiz took place on Friday 25^th when the “Burns Unit’s“ dream team of Rab Walker, William and Neil Johnston and your reporter achieved an impressive final score of 74, or possibly 76 and finished way up the leader board. About a £1K was raised for Alzheimer’s Scotland which may be of some comfort to members in future. Rab won the club’s donation to the raffle of a bottle of Burns Whisky which he generously returned to the club.  The Globe Inn’s “Alternative Burns Supper” was held on Sunday 27^th and well supported by club members. Dinner consisted of mince an’ tatties and entertainment was superb with recitations from Bobby Jess with “Tam the Bunnet”, Bert Hasting’s “Candle”, music on the box from Lee McQueen, fiddle music from a young member of the Globe Inn staff and inspiring songs from Ian McIntyre with his own guitar accompaniment. John Caskie’s rich tenor voice raised the spirits but by far the highlight of the night was the trio of members who performed “Willie brew’d”, David Miller, David Baird and John Caskie, directed by D. Smith which received umpteen curtain calls and may attract attention from a Hollywood producer. Meantime, the February issue of the “E-Mail Express” was produced after a hiccup and thanks due to Neil Johnston for his technical expertise.

Oh dear, I’ve been verbose again, sorry Neil.  DS

Well maybe not - the Round Table charity pub quiz, 4 Friday evening during February -We thought that we were on a roll 60 the first week then 66 followed by a 72.  Now it's the team with me in it possible the most original answer I came up with was a ballet dance with 2 people - Pas de deux - well it got the point for the team but I don't have an extensive knowledge of ballet but I do have the box set of  "Only fools and horses"   (pas de deux - Rodney) . anyway we managed a credible 70 points.

Thanks to all the club members who made up the teams over the past 4 weeks and helped us towards a to 10 finish for the series.

Among the heather - Simon Thorp intereged us with the ecological impact of the heather and grassland moors around the UK.  The importance of peat and the need to keep it moist as it retains massive amounts of CO2, the upland moors provide an estimated 70% of our drinking water, they provide entertainment - hillwalking, cycling shooting to ame but a few - wildlife and pasture. 

I had never really thought of the diversity and advanced management that goes into apparently barn ground

Thanks Simon. 

  

David Baird, Jim Haining, David Smith, Peter Kormylo, Maureen McKerrow & I travelled to auld reckie ( Edinburgh) to attend the Friends of Ukraine Burns Shevchenko Supper, where we enjoyed a mix of traditional Scots and Ukrainian entertainment and a mix of Borscht soup, haggis tatties and neeps.  This is the 4th such supper and I was very surprised to hear the similarities in the lives and trials of the two national poets.

I must add a special thanks to DS for chauffeuring as my chariot wouldn't go......

We're not just about the Howff, occassionally we get out and every year we host a burns supper for the Charnwood Lodge care home.  Traditional fair, Soup, Haggis Tatties and Neeps, great singing and music from Bill Welsh, Frank Curran, Ian McIntyre, and a couple of short speechs -The Immortal Memory and toast ta the Lassies. - Piper Major Callum Watson piped the haggis and played a lament.

I think in future more musicand songs, less speechs. 

The Befrienders Burns Supper in the Easterbrook Hall was a very splendid occasion and a very very worth while cause.  It was a pleasure to be at their burns supper, club member, John Caskie was singing and honorary member Jane Brown gave the Immortal Memory to Robert Burn as Jean Armour.
It was however disappointing that the address to the lassies didn't go down very well with many of those present, whilst I can understand controversial, and alternate views on Robert Burns and his attitude towards the Ladies, it didn't seem to be the right time or place for the content and speech delivered my Mr K Eggo.

     

Out to the Buccleuch Centre at Langhom on Friday 4^th February with President Neil and PP John Caskie to see “Burns Bites Back” a show by the Idioms Theatre group based in the Borders. Having seen this last August at the Edinburgh Fringe, we knew what to expect and weren’t disappointed with the eclectic mix of music, poems, songs and a bravura recitation of “Tam” featuring Alex Pool on the bagpipes, all to great comic effect. A traditional meal followed before “despising wind and rain and fire” for the return journey. The club team, “The Burns Unit”, reformed for the annual Round Table Charity Pub Quiz in the Edenbank on 4^th February and a small but perfectly formed group of members returned an impressive score of 60/100. Thanks are due to John Lauder, Gordon Johnston, Ian McIntyre and Ted Murray all of whom reassembled on the morrow at the Academy to assist with the SSCBA Schools Competitions. Once again, your blogger was amazed by the high standard of performances in singing, reciting and instrumental work and a great debt of thanks is due to the teachers and parents for their encouragement. The judges which included David Baird had an unenviable task. Again, the main hall in the Academy was perishing but thanks are due to members of Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No. 1 for the excellent snack lunch. That night, attended the first of the FoE Burns Suppers at Ellisland which was interesting and enjoyable. Met up with Moir Nelson and George Munro from Dumbarton Burns Club.  The Executive Committee met on Monday 7^th February and opinion was near unanimous that the 122^nd Anniversary Dinner was outstanding for the speakers, artistes, meal and organisation. It was noted that other than the accompanist, all contributors were club members and were warmly thanked by the president.

Many members reported on their attendance at Burns Suppers far and wide. The “Burns Unit” gathered again on February 11^th, this time the score shot up to 66/100 thanks to the cumulative brain power of David Miller, Rab Walker, William Johnston and the writer. It is suspected that the adjoining team from the Cooncil had sight of the questions in advance. The fifth Annual Burns Supper of the Befriending Project was held in the Easterbrook Hall on Saturday 12^th when I had the pleasure of accompanying David and Norma Miller and Neil Johnston. Guests included Jane Brown who proposed an excellent toast to the “Immortal Memory” through the eyes of Jean Armour and a spot from John Glover whose impression of Max Boyce whilst perhaps unusual at a Burns Supper was droll and appreciated. John also addressed the Haggis with gusto. The least said the better about the toast to “The Lasses” but John Caskie’s superb tenor voice was well matched with sympathetic accompaniment on the keyboard from Peter Gunnell. Fraser Sanderson filled in as chairman in place of Alex Fergusson MSP who was overseas. The raffle and auction went on forever but the meal included a “Galloway Haggis” served in a light flaky pastry which was palatable. A bonus on the return journey when the taxi driver purchased a copy of the “Burns in Ukrainian” (honest).The club’s Burns Supper for the residents of Charnwood Lodge was held on 13^th February when the concert party gathered at 6.00pm and were joined by Mr. Baird at 6.20pm, to be welcomed and piped to the top table by Callum Watson. The function went off satisfactorily but I am now of the opinion that long toasts should be dropped in favour of more songs and music for the old folk. Thanks are due to Frank Curran, Bill Welsh, Ian McIntyre, Gordon Johnston, David Baird and George McKinnell who stood in at the last minute as accompanist. A resident, Mrs Adeline McNaughton proposed a vote of thanks at the close.

DS

It is strange, there are so many talented youths in our local schools and yet there were barely a handfull of people, other than parents turned out to appreciate the efforts.  It is a great shame that the format of the competition is such that it is not possible to see all the junior and senior performers. It must be an almost impossible task for the judges to nominate the winners from such talent.

Anyway assisting to escort the pipers to the judging,  keeping the doors shut during recitals and singing together with some lifting and carrying to help set things up. 

A long day but worth while.

A few members of the Howff had seen this alternative portrayal of some of the Works of Robert Burn at the Edinburgh Fringe, so when I seen it advertised at the Buccleuch Centre in Langholm I knew it would be worth the long and treacherous journey. so DS contacted Alex Pool who was able to arrange the necessary tickets. 

The performance was excellent interspersed through a traditional, well almost, Burns supper.  the evening was hilarious even for the dedicated Burnsian.   This group from the Borders based theatre company are very talented and seem to be really enjoying themselve.

If you see this advertised, if there are tickets available, Go.....

After a long gap, good to get into the blogging habit again. Since the last entry, I had the pleasure of attending “Carols in the Car Park” on 10^th December, at Locharbriggs Community Centre, hosted by past president John Caskie and featuring Willie McRobert on the box with a good attendance of local kids and parents who gave the old favourites laldy. Inside, we had party games with prizes and nibbles. Saturday 11^th December, out to the Buccleuch Centre, Langholm for the Scocha concert and seasonal meal. Met up with Alex and David Pool. The boys provided the usual scintillating mix of crowd pleasers and some new numbers with the customary banter with the Langholm audience. Ted Murray, as designated driver did well to find the venue. The club’s annual Christmas Dinner, now growing in popularity and in its third year, was held in the clubroom on 20^th December when 16 members sat down to a fabulous meal and quaffed some wine. President Neil was a generous host and “Santa” made a surprise visit and dished out gifts to all. Following the traumas of Ne’er Day, the Executive Committee met in full plenary session on 10^th January and deliberated long and hard on the Anniversary Dinner arrangements. The programme looks great and as it would be a full house, it was resolved to overcome any problems with the seating plan with grim determination. On Friday 14^th, attended a Whisky Tasting at the Station Hotel with Gordon Johnston and met some old friends and a selection of island and highland blends. On the morrow, bright-eyed and bushy tailed to Glasgow University to attend the Burns Seminar at the Western Infirmary Lecture Theatre. Time for an excellent bar lunch at the nearby Common Room pub. The seminar was stimulating with a variety of papers on aspects of Burns. Personal highlights were the talk by Dr. Natalie Kaloh Vid, on “Ideological adaption of Robert Burns’ Poetry in the former Soviet Union” with hilarious examples of the translations of Samuel Marshak which omitted all references to aristocracy and belief in God. Sir Kenneth Calman spoke on “Tam O’ Shanter’s Mare, a study of Burns and Health”. Did some networking at the break. Thanks due to David Miller for skilful driving and finding a parking place. Disappointed that the Round Table Burns Supper was cancelled this year under mysterious circumstances but hopefully the Table will get their act together for next year. The sad news came through on Tuesday 18^th of the death of the club’s honorary president, Dr. George Stirling, the senior past president and one of the characters of the Howff Club since the 1950’s He’ll be sadly missed.  Thursday 20^th, met with John Caskie to finalise the seating plan which John has got off to a T and if anything goes pear-shaped, it’s not his fault. Dumbarton was the target on Friday 21^st for the rescheduled Dumbarton Burns Supper. As the Dumbuck Hotel was out of action due to water damage, the Burns Supper was held in a Masonic Temple in Alexandria. This was a magnificent venue with splendid decorations, an excellent meal and superb company. President Neil, at the Top Table, conveyed fraternal greetings from the Howff Club and his father addressed the Haggis inn great style. A hugely enjoyable evening with first class toasts and entertainment. Our hotel in Balloch was adequate if a bit noisy from the adjoining room. Looked for sawdust in the president’s room in the morning. Due to a domestic problem, was unable to attend the Burns Supper at Friars Carse on Saturday 22^nd but reports suggested that a fine time was had with great interaction from the company at the end. Monday 24^th on the overcrowded 8.15am train from Lockerbie with the President and Librarian to attend the launch of Peter Kormylo’s book of Burns translations in Ukrainian at the Ukrainian Consulate General in Windsor Street where we met up with John Clark and David Baird. After a welcome from the Consul General, speeches were made by some dignitaries and David Baird and to his surprise, John Clark. Peter’s collaborator, Ms. Hanna Dyka from Keiv was present and spoke warmly of the Scots’ hospitality. Lunch at the Cafe Royal before the return journey. The 122^nd Anniversary Dinner on 25^th January in the Globe Inn was one I will remember for a long time for starting on time, for an excellent meal, a Haggis addressed with gusto and an “Immortal Memory” from Peter Kormylo which brought the company to its feet. Harry Hutchison standing in for Murdo Morrison gave a superb toast to the “Lasses, O” in his relaxed and conversational style and Jim Haining’s “Drouthie Cronies” at 12.10am, was what we would expect for wit and perspicacity. Our musicians, James Coutts and Ian Kirkpatrick were tremendous and club members who sustained the programme were fantastic including a graphic recitation of “Tam” from Alex Pool. Neil made a genial chairman and conducted the proceedings with authority and humour. He also finished on time with only a few empty seats at 12.30am. Earlier, members gathered in the Globe for lunch prior to the Annual Commemorative Service at St. Michaels and were joined by President Patrick Trust and Secretary Moir Nelson from Dumbarton Burns Club, also Hanna Dyka who would be a guest at Dumfries Burns Club that evening. The club was officially represented at the funeral of Dr. George Stirling by the president and junior vice president. A highly enjoyable supper was held in the Globe on Thursday 27^th in honour of Hanna Dyka when a small company foregathered for an evening of song and story. JVP Ian McIntyre presented Hanna with a gift on behalf of the club as the president was on duty with the Annan Ladies. Friday 28^th, accompanied Peter, Gordon and Hanna on a visit to the new Birthplace Museum at Alloway when Hanna presented director Nat Edwards with a copy of the translations. Met Federation past president and honorary member Joe Campbell. Having seen the museum previously before being opened, I was impressed with the layout and interactive displays  but wonder what the “Old Guard” Burnsians will make of it.  Another Burns Supper at the Globe tonight. I’m glad January is over.

^DS

This was the second time that I have had the privilege to attend the Annan Ladies Burns Club accompanied by Frank Manson our Junior Vice, and the Dover Rover Harry Hutchinson.  My expectations of a good evening were high and I was not disappointed, the Annan Ladies club have some superbly talented members many of whom I hoped to see at the SSCBA schools competition in a few weeks time.  There is always a warm and friendly welcome so I was delighted to be able to deliver fraternal greetings  from the Howff Club.

One of Jim Hainings jokes about public speaking rings a bell - something about a natural laxitive. But thanks to the pre planning by the Secretary, Mr Smith, things seem to have run like clockwork.  The most important thing everyone I've spoken to has enjoyed themselves. 

I must givea public thanks to all the artist who performed on the evening and assisted to make it such a fantastic Burns Supper, Pipe Major Callum Watson, Ian Kirkpatrick, James Coutts, Bill Welsh, Dan Cook, Frank Curran, Les Byres, John Caskie, Gordon Johnston, Harry Hutchinson, James Haining, and of course Peter Kormylo for his Immortal Memory.

What a fantastic evening

 

 

   

The venue :- The Ukrainian Consulate Edinburgh

The Host:- The Ukrainian Console General

The Reason :- The UK Launch of Peter Kormylo and Hanna Dykas Publication of translations of selected works of Robert Burns in Ukrainian.

Train from Lockerbie arrived in time to have a coffee in Edinburgh before attending the official Launch of the book at the Consulate  which was atended by representitives of the Scottish Parliement, Ukrainian Console and Ukraininan supporter of the book, Sweedish Console and Italian Console to name but a few.  It was delightful to meet Hanna who unfortunately was on a whirl wind tour of the Burns sites, as well as other notories of the Burn fraternity.

there then followed a mad dash back to the station to catch the train back to Lockerbie, via the Cafe Royal of course.

Well done Peter and Hanna

Friars Carse and the Howff with some assistance from the Dumfries Ladies No. 1 host a Burns Supper for Guests at the Hotel. The year as president has been a experience all these places were Robert Burns would have visited on occasions.  The supper was an experience with thrills and spills and the occasional surprise, our member manager to rise to the occasion and the hotel guests were delighted with the evening vowing to return next year even though the Haggis went slightly adrift as had some of the guest after all there was lots of bottles of Grouse on the tables.

 

Despite a change of date, venue and chef, the usual place is a wash out after the header tank burst - but the Dinner goes on and I'm deighted to have had the honour of being a guest of the Dumbarton Burns Club , unfortunately due to the change of date a lot of the Howff member who usually attend the Dumbarton Supper were unable to attend, David Baird, David Millar, Peter Kormylo, and James Haining were all therwise booked.  This proved to be a superb evening where all the entertainment was provided by the Dumbarton Club members and the new ( possible temporary) settings of the Masonic Temple in Alexandria proved to be a superb atmospheric setting and well received.

 

Thanks to Patrick Trust and Moir Nelsonfor the invite 

p.s. I'm sorry about the missing Laphroig.    mmmmm   

This was the second time I had attended the Robert Burns Lectures at Glasgow University - they had pieced together a superb variety of interesting and diverse speakers related to the Bard.   artifacts and memorobilia, Mauchlineware, Burns amd Medicine, Burns and the common people, The translation of burns to Russian by Marshak, also a session on Burns and the Web (WWW).

A varied and educational day worth a visit but the weather almost spoiled the day as we wondered if we would be able to ge there. 

David Smith does a fantastic job everything seems to be going according to plan, the program is prepared and the menus are now printed.  Then we here from Murdo Morrison that an operation is pending so he can't fulfill the delivery of the Toast to the Lassie. 

But David rises to the occassion, "I'm Sure Harry Hutchinson will do the toast to the Lassies" next thing I know, it's arranged Harry was coming to the dinner and would be delighted to stand in at short notice.

 

Thank to both David, & Harry

 

 

Happy New Year Everyone.

I hope that everyone that reads this message has a very happy and health year in 2011.

Oh and welcome to the coming season of Ram A Dram.

Santa's Coming tonight, well actually it's Jane Brown - hey who wants to kiss a big hairy man that isn't your grandfather.  I was so glad that I managed to attend the clubs impromptu Christmas Dinner.  The Globe Inn Staff Excelled themselves with great service and fantastic food.  The wine flowed and the mirth and merryment oozed from every corner.  Once again the clubs talented singers made a good evening a great evening.

I've attached a photograph but I feel I should point out that this was taken before the evening started !!

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, three intrepid members ventured out early on the second Sunday in Advent, 5^th December, to brave frosty roads, hoping to attend the annual St. Andrew’s Day Service at the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St. Giles Cathedral.  The president, secretary and Ted Murray, the club mascot, made it to Abington when the equipage of Mr. Baird, president of the Robert Burns World Federation, was spotted at a more sedate pace but lost them at Penicuik.  The roads on the approaches and the City Centre were treacherous and parked cars had disappeared under mountains of snow but undeterred, the president navigated, with some advice, to Chambers Street and parked in a snowdrift. Mr. and Mrs Baird having reappeared, it was resolved to visit Deacon Brodie’s Coffee Shoppe nearby the Kirk and the party trudged over pavements of hard packed snow and ice to the danger of passersby. Assembling in the impressive Signet Library, the delegation was awestruck by the majesty of the Great and the Good who robed up and were marshalled into order of precedence. The delegation from the Burns Federation were few in numbers due probably to the weather but made up for it in quality. Some groups, principally the Universities and Learned Societies, were preceded by their Macebearers and duly shuffled across Parliament Square to the Great West Door of the Cathedral inside of which is the powerful Burns Memorial Window. Ushered to our pew, the congregation was welcomed by the Minister of St. Giles, the Rev. Giellesburg McMillan and called to Worship. The Choir of St. Giles was sublime and Readings from the Old and New Testament were delivered by a judge and an ex banker. Being uplifted by the Service, it was decided to repair to the Roslin Glen Hotel, Roslin, some 5 miles south of the city, to partake of luncheon. The president and Mr. Murray were attracted to an item on the menu, “Ostrich Pie” but were disappointed on being told that “The ostrich pie wiz oaf” so settled for breaded haddock.

The return journey was uneventful and sincere thanks are due to President Neil for his driving skill in less than ideal conditions. Entertainment was supplied by Mr. Murray.

DS

At the SSCBA quarterly meeting today it was reported that the World Federation has announced that it will no longer have its quarterly meeting as these "social events" are costing between £3500 and £5000 per year to run - if this was the case I'm not surprised that the federation is in such a dire financial position.  The church service on the 25th of January 2011 will be around 1.30pm or possible 2.00pm in St.Michaels Church and the Brow Well Ceremony will be on the Wednesday 20th July 2011 with a venue for the following function to be advise later. 

Next meeting is in Gatehouse of Fleet on the 19th March 2011 to announce the venue for the function after the brow well ceremony

 

John Clark, a quite, mild mannered, local artist and poet showed another side at the clubs November talk.  In an audio visual extravaganza  John took us on a tour down under with stunning scenery complemented by poem read from his book and the occasional distant sounds of the didgeridoo and ouigi board in the background.  His in his travels he had encountered crocodile vicious koala bears and many other indigenous species BUT he never mentioned the spiders..... 

St Andrews Night Dinner

It was great to be back in the Globe and despite one or two minor problems related to the seating plan, I think that a good night was had by all.  Sir Neil MacIntosh CBE delivered an excellent toast ta auld Scotia.  Chris Rollie was as always superb with his recitation of the Holy Fair, which I first hear Chris recite when my father was president of the Howff, another welcome face to the Howff Willie Horne entertained us with a newer poem "Wullie the Waster" , possible a newer modern Tam o' Shanter but none the less and experience delivered by a master.
John Caskie, Frank Curran and Les Byres were all in fine voice and were accompanied by Max Houliston.

Once again my thanks go out to all of the artists and guests on the evening, it is your talent and assistance which makes the evening in the Howff so enjoyable, lets face it if I were to sing I think everyone would leave early.  

p.s. Thanks to DS, the Globe Inn & Diageo ( for the wee dram o' Grouse)

It has become traditional that the president of the Howff is invited to attend the Dumbarton Burns Club St. Andrews Night Dinner in the Dumbuck Hotel I'm really glad that this arrangement was started by my predecessors, else I would have missed an excellent evening in the company of many friend I have had the privilege to meet at various outing and boolin' matches.  I really like the idea that they have adopted their own club song - Piper o' Dumbarton. Which I understand is sung, usually by John Young, who gave our toast to Jean Armour this year, towards he end of the evening.  So come on Howff Club members what is our song?? 

So President Patrick Trust, Moir Nelson and members of Dumbarton Burns Club Thank you all for your hospitality and a superb evening.

It was a great honour and a privelage to attend the Dumfries Burns Club St.Andrews Dinner at the Woodlands.  It is alway good to meet friend and enjoy their company but also to meet new friends.  Ian McIntyre (JVP) and myself were well looked after and enjoyed some excellent entertainment.   A few of the entertainers were Howff Club members but I guess it just shows that there is no annimosity between other Burns clubs.

A great night thanks to president Isa and the members for the Dumfries Burns Club forthe invitation and your hospitality, I hope that we can extend the same hospitality on the 30th at our dinner. 

Big thanks to May and Les Byres for the welcome, the soup, pies and mushy peas.  not to forget the buscuits & cheese, coffee & mints too.

There follwed a night of recitation, song, stories and jokes. 
A super evening in that, probably the one of closest you could get to the Life of Robert Burns, kitchen at Ellisland Farm.  Everyone I've spoken to, seems to think, they enjoyed themselves.   

It was a delight to be invited to the initial launch of the compiled translations of popular works of Robert Burns into Ukrainian.

Less than a year ago Peter Komylo had suggested to the committee of the Howff club that he intended to start fund raising to compile and publish the translation and the club donated the proceeds of one of its raffles to the fund.  Other individuals donated various sums to the cause and before long we hear that production was underway.  The purpose of this meeting was to recognise those who had donated as we were each given a copy of the book, signed by the authors Peter & Hana.

The book is unusual in that it has the original verse on the left page and the translation in Ukrainian on the right page.  Club member John Clark has drawn many of the illustrations and sketches within the book.

I would like to thank to Peter and Hana and also all those who have contributed towards its production.

Jane Brown from the Globe Inn had arranged this in the theatre Royal in Dumfries and what a superb afternoons entertainment this was.  Although disappointing that there were so few local people to support the event thankfully people had travelled from far and wide to see the performance.

 This was an extraordinary achievement given that the cast of the Jolly Beggers were all still at school, the oldest was 16 add to that, they are from school 61 in St Petersburg, Russia and I'm sure that you will appreciate the enormous effort which has gone into learning the verse in auld Scots.

The performance was complemented by some of our own youths like young burnsian of the year piper Calum Brown.

Well worth the tie to see the potential and talent of our planets youths.  

The run up to Hallowe’en is always busy but this time further complicated by the temporary closure of the Globe but a meeting with Stewart Black at the Moreig on 14^th ironed out potential problems and things look good for the Supper on 1`st November. Friday 16^th Nov, invited for a meal at the Aberdour followed by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra concert at DG One. Meal and company was excellent and the concert, MC’d by Jim McColl of the “Beechgrove Garden” was fantastic, featuring a superb Tenor and Mezzo Soprano as soloists and also the D&G Police Pipe Band. Every seat was taken. Good to see John Mason, the conductor, who brought the “Strings of Scotland” to the Academy Hall several time in the 1980’s, hosted by the club,  Locharbriggs Community Centre was the venue for a special meeting on 19^th to discuss the Website and how help can be offered to the Webmaster to keep the site updated. Agreed that John Caskie, Kenny McKinnon and I will prepare content for posting by Neil. The Moreig again on 21^st to meet with Peter Kormylo, John Clark, the president and librarian to discuss arrangements for the launch of Peter’s translation of Burns into Ukrainian. The sample featured superb illustrations by John Clark. Agreed to launch on 15^th November at the Globe with a reception for the sponsors and press. Nibbles and cheap plonk to be served. Excom meeting on the 25^th was constructive and harmonious due to the chairmanship skills of the president. Full house for Hallowe’en and a seating pan to be drawn up. Duties allocated to members and the programme announced. The second club night was held in the Moreig on 28^th when Marion Aitken gave a fascinating illustrated talk, on Robert Burns and “Annie Laurie at Friars Carse” dealing with the relationship between the Laurie family of Maxwelltown House and the Riddell’s of Friars Carse, the poets neighbours and friends. The attendance was disappointing and I wonder, not for the first time, why members ignore these interesting nights. Hallowe’en was a superb night. The guest artistes, Andy Kain and Liam Stewart on the fiddle and box respectively were pure magic and were the highlight of the night. Guest speaker Iain Scott was entertaining and the supporting artists from the club were excellent. Some amusement was caused when Past President Jim Haining “found” the silver 3d and accepted the half bottle of strong drink with alacrity. Good meal and service from the Moreig  but lacked the atmosphere of the Globe.

Monday 8^th November, two fast cars left Dumfries with 10 members for a trip to the Mitchell Library in Glasgow where arrangements had been made for access to the famous Burns Room with its magnificent collection of 4500 volumes of Burn’s works and other material. Met by the Curator, Christine Henderson and a fascinating hour and a half spent in browsing. Peter Kormylo who met the party on arrival, regaled Christine with a rendition of “Scots Wha Hae” in Ukrainian and presented her with a copy of his translation. The lassie was almost overcome with emotion. Earlier, a call was made at the premises of Hurry Bros. Specialist Glaziers, on the London Road, to collect the facsimiles of the three window panes with inscriptions by Burns, removed from the Globe Inn in 1834. Our glazier, Matt Sempie, has produced superb copies of the panes, which together with three pieces of matching antique glass, will be reinstated in the Globe during their 400^th anniversary year.  Tuesday, 9^th, met up with the president, librarian, John Clark and Peter Kormylo to meet a journalist, Andrea Thomson, from DG Life, to discuss Peter’s book and arrangements for the launch on 15^th November.  It’s great when a plan comes together, have now had confirmation from Radio Solway, Dumfries Standard and the Courier, as well as DG Life, that they will attend.  Hey, Ho.  Meantime, met up with the president to draw up the programme for the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner and in my “spare time”, compiled the newsletter for the SSCBA Quarterly meeting on 4^th December.  DS

A full Car, na twa full car load of folk trundled up ta Glasgow, stoppin off for coffee on route.  the it was time to collect the facimilies of the pane of glass, inscribed by Rabbie himself, which were removed from the Globe Inn around 1834 and were sold at auction.  Matt Sempie has done an amazing job, we just need to agree how we are going to display them.

Anyway to oor tale twa full car loads of folk trundled up ta Glasgow stoppin off for coffee on route to the Mitchell Library and a visit to the Burns Room - it is I assure you well worth the visit the room itself is not what I had expected - you know the 16ft x 20ft with bookshelves round about - no quite the opposite, but take note if you do intend to go you will need to arrange in advance as a guide is needed as I suspect is a big ball of string to help you find your way back out.  The Burns room is a magnificant hall in which the collection ov over 4500 burns editions are housed unfortunately neither of the 2 Kilmarnock editions nor the actual manuscripts which the Mitchell own were on view but we were allowed to browse the books and newspapers many of which are from the 1780's & 1790's 

Les Byres was able to recite the curators favorate - the letter to William Nicol and Peter Kormylo recited in Ukranian before gifting a copy of his recent publication Burn in Ukrainian.

 

I know that we president are only here for a year but like others before me I always hope that everyone will have a great night, one of my objectives for the year is that people enjoy themselves wi' their friends, and whilst we weren't in the Globe Inn, I was quite sure that we would have a really good evening. 

We were again in for a treat as Andy Kain and Liam Stewart were performing for us again - last time they were at the Globe I was not able to appreciate their ability as I was through in the Snug but this time I really enjoyed their performance.  Added to that our own John Caskie, Les Byres, Frank Curran and our guest speaker Iain Scott, or Scottie fra Scocha and we had an excellent evenings entertainment but it just would have been better in the Globe.

My thanks to all the artists and guests for their contributions and also to Hon. Sec. DS for his organisational prowess   

I know that we president are only here for a year but like others before me I always hope that everyone will have a great night, one of my objectives for the year is that people enjoy themselves wi' their friends, and whilst we weren't in the Globe Inn, I was quite sure that we would have a really good evening. 

We were again in for a treat as Andy Kain and Liam Stewart were performing for us again - last time they were at the Globe I was not able to appreciate their ability as I was through in the Snug but this time I really enjoyed their performance.  Added to that our own John Caskie, Les Byres, Frank Curran and our guest speaker Iain Scott, or Scottie fra Scocha and we had an excellent evenings entertainment but it just would have been better in the Globe.

My thanks to all the artists and guests for their contributions and also to Hon. Sec. DS for his organisational prowess   

Marion Aitken has quite a CV and presented a superb take on the Friars Carse as it was when Robert Burns visited and the relationships and connections between it surrounding families.  This was an interesting talk which left you wanting to know more and it encouraged members of the club who were knowledgeable on the subject matter to explore the subject further with Marion. another enjoyable talk although once again not too well attended.

21st October

We met Peter Kormylo at the Moreig Hotel  to discuss the launch of the book which he has co-authored and published gathering together the best translations of popular poem of Robert burn into ukrainian

Ми зустрілися з Петром Kormylo на Moreig готель для обговорення запуску книги, які він є співавтором і опубліковано збірку найкращих перекладів популярної поеми Роберта потрапили в українському