I have to say that I am shocked beyond measure at the president’s description of the hon. Sec. as “The Ayatollah”, as he is a big pussy cat at all times. Even further dismayed at the reference to the damaged spectacles during the conference, of which more later.  2 Parrots indeed. To carry on.  Monday 15^th August, meeting of the Library Sub Committee. Joined by Peter Kormylo and agreed to up the profile of the Winter Club Nights next year.  Thursday, 18^th, impromptu gathering in the clubroom to welcome distinguished visitors from OZ. William and Beverley Tait from Melbourne, Bev is secretary of Melbourne Burns Club. Good night of harmony and fun although William dropped off during the night and had to be prodded by his wife. One of the highlights was the hilarious rendition of “Sam the Skull” by Ian McIntyre to his own guitar accompaniment. Monday 22^nd August, the Renovations Sub Committee. Cost estimates were discussed and arrangements made for the installation of the pane of glass with the copied verses. Progress now being made. Tuesday 23^rd August, The Constitution Revision Sub Committee to consider the comments received. Agreed to accept some and decline others. Convenor Frank expressed thanks to all who submitted suggestions. Agreed to propose an EGM on 3^rd October to ask for approval. Hopefully, this will be the last hurrah!  Thursday 25^th August, annual visit to the Edinburgh Fringe. David Miller, Ted Murray Gordon and Neil Johnston and your blogger journeyed in Gordon’s plush jag to Edinburgh. As ample time was available before the first show at 3.00pm, some refreshment was taken in the Grassmarket before a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile admiring the street performers which included a contortionist.  “An alternative Burns Supper with Talisker” at Monteiths Restaurant was interesting and consisted of a one man show by a singer and reciter before a “three course meal” of haggis, etc, which cost £17.00.  Afterwards, the party repaired to a local diner for a burger and chips before further modest refreshment. Met up with Ronnie Crichton before the next gig at the National Library. This was “The Subversive Poems”, another one man show which dealt with Burns’ verses written in Dumfries, considered by some to be anti government, which being an officer of the Crown, could have brought  him much misery at the time of continental revolution. Enjoyable but marred by the flashing lights back projection.  Ted Murray has to be congratulated on staying the course and thanks due to Gordon and Neil for expert navigation and skilful driving. Friday 26^th August, out with past president Tom Johnstone to visit our former club piper and honorary member, Ian Clowe, who is a resident in Goldielea. Ian and his wife Maybeth were pleased to see us. Sunday 28^th August, a small group attended the Morning Service at the Crichton Memorial Church to witness the dedication of the memorial plaque to the late Dr. George Stirling.  Spoke to Yvonne and Scott Stirling afterwards. Monday 29^th August, the first Executive Committee meeting after the summer break with a mammoth agenda but got through the business which included the revised Constitution, agreed to go to the EGM on 3^rd October at 7.00pm followed by an Excom meeting at .30pm.  Friday 2^nd September, a very pleasant BBQ at the seaside home of Mr. & Mrs Johnston and sons. Vast amount of excellent food which included a salmon newly caught from the Solway and sensible refreshments although the slightly damp weather kept the party in the garage.  Monday, 5^th September, off to Cardross with David Baird and Gordon J. to attend the funeral of Jimmy Hempstead, honorary member and former secretary and past president of Dumbarton Burns Club. Following the cremation, were invited to the home of Moir and Sheenah Nelson for a meal before the return journey. Lovely weather and an enjoyable day except for the sombre reason. That night, out to Moffat with David Miller to meet Walter Watson to discuss the strategy for the Heritage Committee report to the conference.  Friday 9^th September, off to Peebles with David Miller and Les Byers for the conference. For once, the club delegation included the President’s two dogs but they were quiet and didn’t eat much and helped with hosting the pre function reception in the president and June’ room.  The Hydro looked a bit tired but the facilities were first class although we couldn’t get a drink on arrival.  The Friday night informal gathering was interesting for the variety and unsuspected talent but an excellent meal. The AGM was turgid but saw the election of Jane Brown as JVP. As a result of a mishap the previous night, was obliged to seek out an optician in the afternoon for an emergency repair to spectacles, followed by an unscheduled visit to the bar of the County Hotel for a pint and was joined by several members of the Baird family. As the visit was therefore prolonged, missed the afternoon seminar but was pleased to share Les’ bag of chips on the way back to the hotel. The Inaugural Dinner was a glittering occasion with spectacular outfits and an indifferent meal which some found tough but the company was superb. At the Presidential Investiture, Mr. Baird was conspicuously reluctant to part with the Chain but was rewarded with his past president’s badge. The toast list was forgettable. Club delegates assembled in the suite of the World president after the Friday evening and elsewhere on Saturday evening and were joined by Cameron Goodall who does not need a microphone. Managed to evade the masses of bikers taking part in the Round Britain Race on Sunday and arrived home intact. Thanks to David Miller and Les Byers for entertainment en route. Enjoyable weekend but doubt if I’ll be going next year to Harrogate.