1^ST of March and the Renovations Sub Committee gathered in the Globe to meet Matt Sempie, our specialist glazier, who made the facsimiles of the window panes inscribed by Burns, to discuss the display options. At 7.30pm, Matt hadn’t arrived and still hadn’t arrived at 8.00pm so members partook of supper in the Burns Room. Mr. Sempie turned up at 8.30pm having taken the wrong exit ramp off the M74 at Beattock and found himself in Langholm, yes Langholm! Following a hurried bite, Matt was able to advise us on the best layout and agreed to produce another sheet of glass to fit the frame. On Thursday, 3^rd, accompanied PP Tom Johnstone to visit the club’s former piper, Ian Clowe who is now a resident at Goldielea. Ian was pleased to see us and accepted a set of the Anniversary Dinner CD’s. That evening, drove the president of the Robert Burns World Federation toThornhill Burns Club where David spoke on the work of the Federation and presented the prizes to the winners of the school children’s completion.

Saturday 5^th, regretfully unable to attend the FoE Coffee Morning at Ellisland in order to accompany the president of the RBWF to New Cumnock where he unveiled a striking bronze statue of Burns in the town centre. After the formalities, retired to the Bridgend Inn for nibbles before the return journey avoiding the detour.  Thursday 10^th, Hon. Member Professor David Purdie favoured the club with the first presentation of his illustrated talk on the newly discovered letter from Burns and an early draft of the poem “on a Wounded Hair”. David was as entertaining and informative as ever and it was a privilege to be present. A lively social hour ensued in the Snug. Saturday 12^th,  Saturday 12^th, lunch at the Globe with Walter Watson to discuss tactics for the Federation meeting at Alloway on the 19^th. Walter can’t attend and asked to take the Heritage Committee. Joined by David Baird, David Miller and Ted Murray who brought some comic relief. Sunday 13th, off to the Birthplace Museum at Alloway by luxury minibus with 15 members, spouses and guests from Dumfries Ladies. The £21m showpiece is impressive but biased towards the commercial aspects and the charm of the cottage, “The Auld Clay Biggin” is all but destroyed but that’s progress. Superb lunch at the Brig o’ Doon Hotel before returning home pausing en route to admire the Burns Statue at New Cumnock.  Friday 18^th, a social gathering of the office bearers at the residence of the president and on Saturday 19^th, off to Alloway for the Federation meeting skilfully chaired by David Baird. The Heritage Committee was conducted in a constructive and harmonious manner, unlike some others and the report in the afternoon was well received. Dumfries Burns Club held a debate at the Museum on 22^nd on the subject “That if Burns had been alive, he would have approved of Wind Farms”. PP David Miller led for the opposition and was the only speaker who made any sense. The vote was rigged and the motion was carried.  Was obliged to miss the Games Night at Marchmount Bowling Club on 25^th as I had the pleasure of accompanying the president, David Baird and David Miller to the Bachelors Club Burns Supper at Tarbolton. Excellent meal, atmospheric venue and superb entertainment made for a night to remember with modest refreshment. Thanks due to the president for providing the fast car. Saturday 26^th, the SSCBA meeting at Gatehouse, chaired in a haze by Mr. Baird but compensated by a good lunch at the Murray Arms. Thursday 31^st, the last of the winter Club Nights in the Globe when Denis Chanarin of the Loch Arthur Community gave an illustrated talk on the work of facility at Beeswing. Another excellent night but again, shunned by members including committee members. Friday 1^st April, an appropriate date for a charity whisky tasting at the Cairndale when the club was represented with a table of ten connoisseurs of malt whisky. Our table got the lion’s share of the raffle prizes including the first prize of a cask, equivalent to 32 litre bottles when matured and duty paid, won by President Neil. The evening which was well attended raised over £12k for the Oakfield Children’s Respite Home in Dumfries.