Monday 6th February, the Excom heard many congratulatory comments on the Anniversary Dinner and the CD’s will be in big demand. Friday 10th Feb. The annual Befriending Burns Supper at the Easterbrook. Fraser Sanderson made a genial chairman and the “Memory” was proposed with style by Alex Fergusson MSP. The toast to the Lasses was a marked improvement on last year. This is a fundraising event for a worthwhile cause and the club was well represented. PP John Caskie and Donald Shamash contributed to the excellent entertainment programme. The Clubroom Renovation Sub Committee met on 13th February and is making progress at last. The Community Payback Team has completed the de nailing of the ancient wood for the floor and David Miller, as Clerk of Works, is chasing up the plasterer and electrician. It is thought that the clubroom may be out of use during April but hopefully ready for the AGM on 10th May. Tuesday 14th, a rare visit to Palmerston for the QOS V Aberdeen Cup Tie replay. Honorary member Matt Sempie, an Aberdeen supporter and his wife Carol were attending. Met up with President Frank and the Sempies at Cavens for fish and chips before the match. Slightly nervous to be seated with the visiting support but soaked up the good natured banter. The anti Rangers chants from Aberdeen were a hoot. Enjoyed the match more than expected, especially the second half when Queens piled on the pressure and Aberdeen looked to be in trouble on occasions. The result could have gone either way and Aberdeen scored the winning goal in the first minute of injury time. Bloody cold and the conditions at Palmerston were basic. Missed the cup of Bovril and pie at half time. Meeting of the SSCBA Office Bearers at the Globe on 21st Feb. John Caskie as secretary has brought breath of fresh air to this dinosaur. Discussed the agenda for the quarterly meeting at Gatehouse on 24th March. The February Club Night on the 23rd, was well attended and the speaker, James Thomson from Kilmarnock, gave a fascinating talk on the story behind “Tam O’ Shanter” stating that some of the characters in the poem were based on real people Burns knew in Kirkoswald. Friday 24th, the final of the annual Round Table Charity Pub Quiz at the Edenbank. The club team, “The Burns Unit”, achieved a cumulative score of 272 from a possible 400 and were awarded the Runners Up trophy which Ian McIntyre accepted with aplomb. This is just the start and an application has been sent to the “Eggheads” TV programme. Congratulations to the cerebral members who turned out on the Friday evenings. The Leap Year Dinner on yes, the 29th February, was first class with a superb meal and a witty and erudite toast the “The Club” from Gavin Findlay, president of Dumbarton Burns Club and an interesting reply from PP J. Scott. The entertainment was couthy. Glad to see PP Jim McAlister reprise Langley Roberts’ “D-day Dodgers” which was a blast from the past. Ian McIntyre’s “Granny” takes a bit of beating as well. Thursday 1st March, the subcommittee formed to revise the membership application form met under President Frank and a draft was finally agreed for submission to the Excom on 5th March. Saturday 3rd March, the Friends of Ellisland Coffee Morning, lovely drop scones and pancakes but cold and damp. Quite well attended. The Excom meeting on Moday 5th chucked out our draft membership app. Form and will need further consideration by the subcommittee. This could go on for years. Saturday 10th March, out to Ellisland for a very pleasant social evening as guests of Les and May Byers. Lovely meal and excellent entertainment from the company. Also during February, managed to get out an edition of the electronic newsletter, Howff Club E- Mail Express with some hiccups due to having changed my ISP but thanks due to Neil Johnston for his input.
DS