6th June, a meeting of the Executive Committee chaired with panache by President Frank who is so laid back as to be almost horizontal, but very effective with it.  Agreed to check the feasibility of a trip on the PS Waverley during the summer and to take up the crumbling state of Burns Mausoleum with the authorities. Thursday 9th June, attended a pleasant gathering of Burnsians and others at the Municipal Chambers for a Civic Reception by the Council to mark the election of David Baird as president of the WRBF. Welcome from Convenor Patsy Gilroy, anodyne speeches followed by nibbles. No wine due to Council cost cutting but repaired to the Globe afterwards for modest refreshment.

Shocked on the following morning by news of the sudden death of Mrs. Rose Edgar, secretary of the SSCBA, who had been present at the reception.   Saturday 11th June, SSCBA AGM, overshadowed by the news about Rose but Jane Brown was elected president in succession to David Baird. David Miller moved up to senior VP and Michael Duguid was elected junior VP after ballot. Was unsure whether to demand a recount. John Caskie was unanimously elected secretary. Sunday 12th, Matt Sempie, our antique glazier arrived at the Globe, en famile and on time to re-etch the Burns verses on the big pane of glass. Fascinating to watch an expert at work with an electronic stylus with Burns would not have had available. Joined by David Miller, David Baird and later by John Lauder and Dan Cook who were poised to welcome a party from Newton Burns Club, Ayr.  Lunch afterwards with Matt and family when the kids kept asking questions I couldn’t answer.  Earlier, whilst waiting for Matt to arrive, was attracted to the High Street by the stirring sound of a Pipe Band when the Cornet and party, escorted by Provost Gloom and Baiile Caskie, shuffled past on their way to the Kirking of the Cornet Ceremony. Counted five club members in assorted finery and exchanged salutations. Tuesday, 14th June, attended at North West Dumfries Kirk for an appointment with Rev. Neil Campbell and David Baird to discuss arrangements for the Brow Well Service. Neil suggested a reading form the King James Bible as this was the 400th anniversary of that great piece of literature.  Mrs. Edgar’s funeral on Friday 17th. Chapel of Rest packed and the company included several Federation folk who had travelled specially. A moving tribute to Rose was delivered by David Baird. Accompanied PP Tom Johnstone to the interment at Terregles Kirkyard.  Gave Guid Nychburris a miss this year as was out with friends for dinner that night. The week commencing 20th June was a marathon. Monday night, Library Sub Committee, attended by Peter Kormylo who proposed a club debate and discussion panel in November, with invited guests. Also, a proposal to investigate the installation of a pull down screen and ceiling mounted projector. Costs to be obtained before being remitted to the Renovations Sub Committee. Tuesday, Globe Inn at 5.00pm for an SSCBA office bearers meeting to discuss arrangements for the Fed. Meeting at Georgetown on Saturday. Wednesday, 22nd June, back to the Globe for the Constitution Revision Sub Committee. Now almost in final draft and Frank hopes to present this to the Excom in August for discussion. Funny how more progress is made when half the committee is absent! Thursday 23rd. A team of four cerebral members assembled at the Globe to traverse the route of the Treasure Hunt and to compile clues. Led by David Miller and Gordon Johnston, the group visited 8 pubs (I think) and gathered clues along the route. In your blogger’s opinion, the clues became more cryptic as the night wore on but I kept being shouted down. Back to the Globe, we found we had 40, 50 or 60 clues which David Miller would refine. Saturday, 25th,   At the Globe at 8.15am to pick up a cauldron of soup, crockery, savoury scones and things to transport to Georgetown Community Centre for delegates arriving for the WRBF meeting. Narrowly avoided being scalded in the groin en route. Superb work by the Ladies Burns Club including Dan Cook in welcoming delegates and serving coffee. The morning meeting of the Heritage Subcommittee was harmonious and productive. Mixed views expressed on the Birthplace Museum and Cottage at Alloway but David Miller reported positively on steps in hand for refurbishments at the Mausoleum. After the snack lunch provided the Globe Inn, The afternoon plenary session ended at the unusually early time of 2.45pm. David Baird as chairman reported briefly that the employment of WRBF Chief Executive had been terminated and the matter was now closed. Rather surprisingly, there was no discussion on finances. The convenors’ reports were heard without much discussion and conference in 2012 would be held at the Caird Hotel, Harrogate.  That night, I had the pleasure of transporting David Baird, Ted Murray and Neil Johnston to the Buccleuch Centre at Langholm for the summer concert by “Scocha”, the Scottish Folk & Roll Band. An excellent meal on arrival and delighted to meet Alex and David Pool. The auditorium was set up in cabaret fashion and the Pools joined our table which added greatly to the jollifications.  The band was as energetic and exuberant as ever with great interaction with the Langholm audience who lapped up the programme of old favourites. As designated driver, I eschewed the sauce and got everyone home safely before midnight to avoid one of the party being turned into a pumpkin.  Monday 27th, the Excom again and pleased to note the high uptake of tickets for the Jean Armour Dinner. Sufficient members and friends are interested in the Waverley trip and that will go ahead. John Caskie has brought forward a proposal for a club umbrella and the Webmaster has found a photo of the Hon. Secretary with a cardboard cow for the Website.  Ho, hum.

DS