Presidents’s Blog July 2014

President’s Blog July 2014
Update

It’s been a strange kind of month. When writing this I had hoped to be musing merrily on the Jean Armour Supper and other events of Howff significance. Unfortunately I could not make the supper due to a sudden illness which also almost scuppered my attendance at my daughter’s wedding held a few days prior to the supper. Many thanks to Callum Watson for standing in at such close notice and from all accounts a good night was had by all. Apart from a week resting up in the highlands and islands (highly recommended) and an incident with an exploding power shower at Airth Castle that almost took my head off, I am pleased to report that I am now firing on all three cylinders!!

Before all this kicked off, my wife and I had the pleasure of attending the Guid Nyburris celebrations where we enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the proceedings in weather more associated with the Bahamas than Bonnie Galloway. The ceremony went smoothly and we retired to the Municipal Chambers along with other guests and dignitaries to a rather nice buffet lunch.

Wauchope Cairn
A place of pilgrimage for Burnsians, especially those who stay near the ‘people’s republic of Hawick’, the Cairn marks the site of the home of Mrs Elizabeth Scott an ardent admirer and correspondent of Burns. Even using 21st Century transport it’s a remote spot which must have been even remoter in Burns’ day. After wreath-laying, a moving tribute was paid by the inimitable David Scott from Duns and the company retired to the Hawick Burns Club. Our party was made to feel most welcome and we were treated to a sumptuous buffet and superb entertainment. The diversity and depth of talent in Hawick Burns Club is much to be admired and we were entertained by wonderful singing, humorous poetry, recitations and piping. David Smith (our honourable Sec) was invited on to the stage to play the part of an errant bus driver in a brilliant humorous sketch expertly delivered in a broad Border twang by a member of the Hawick Burns Club! The hilarity of this can only be appreciated by viewing the video clip that Callum Watson recorded ‘live at Hawick Burns Club’. Well done David! David Miller and Calum contributed to the days entertainment with a song and some excellent piping. Reluctantly we had to bid our hosts adieu – a great day out was had by all. In deference to James Thomson (a Hawick Man) and the author of The Star o Rabbie I’ll close with a few lines……

Guid friends when by the fireside ye recline
reflect anon anither day is done
dark skies are but the canvas o the Lord
whaur brightly shines
the star o Rabbie Burns!

John Clark
 

 

 

About John Clark

Howff Club President 2014 - 2015
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