Seasons Events
AGM Meeting in the Howff
The club AGM once again took place in the Howff club rooms on the 26th April 2008 when David Miller was installed as President for the coming year, John Caskie elected Senior vice president and Neil Johnston was elected as Junior vice president.
for Full Report click here
2008/2009
Date: Event:
11 May 2008 Coldstream Bridge
29 May 2008 Bowling Night
24 May 2008 Mauchline Holy Fair
13 July 2008 Wauchope Cairn
03 July 2008 Treasure Hunt
07 July 2008 Jean Armour Dinner
23 July 2008 Brow Well Service
16 Aug 2008 Edinburgh Tattoo
5 – 7 Sept 08 Federation conference
14 Sept 2008 Dumbarton Bowling Match
31 Oct 2008 Hallowe’en Supper
01 Dec 2008 St. Andrew’s Night Dinner
23 Jan 2009 120th Anniversary Dinner
27 Mar 2009 Games Night
tba April 2009 “Spring Fling” Crichton
30 April 2009 Annual General Meeting
Winter Lecture Programme
2008 / 2009
Please Note - As the Globe Inn will be closed to the public from that date, the venue for the first two talks will be the Moreig Hotel, Annan Road and will commence as usual at 7.30pm.
25th September, Major (Retd) Nancy Duncan “Nursing in Iraq”
30th October, Mr. E. J. Murray, “Words & Expressions”
27th November, Mrs. Elaine Kennedy, “Barrie”
26th February 2009, Mrs. Jane Brown, “Trip to St. Petersburg”
26th March 2009, Mr. Graham Roberts, “Town Archives”
23rd April, 2009, Whisky tasting by T. B. Watson’s - (Pre bookin Required)
All talks take place in the clubroom at 7.30pm. Friends of members are welcome.
Anniversary Dinner, 23rd January 2009
Members of the Dumfries Burns Howff club filled the Globe Inn to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth. For the Howff it was the 120th dinner and in this special year it stimulated thoughts about the days when Robert Burns frequented this very inn. Everyone present knew they were in a unique place.
President David Miller welcomed club members to the dinner and introduced Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen, David Clapham from Glasgow and Alex Pool a long-time Howff supporter from Langholm. Once again the Dumfries Howff Club had laid out a sparkling top table.
Members, sensing history in the making, were in loud voice when past-president Frank Curran sharpened their appetite with “There was a Lad”, which was immediately followed by grace from the “Rev” Dan Cook and a word-perfect and stimulating “Address to the Haggis” by the president.
Secretary David Smith announced greetings from 125 clubs that indicated a rich vein of Burns fellowship around the world. He had received felicitations by email, letter and telephone from places such as Vancouver, Santa Barbara, Budapest Australasia as well as from clubs and societies in the UK.
A rousing rendering of the “Lass o’ Ballochmyle” led by Frank Curran put the company in fine spirit for the most important part of the evening, the Immortal Memory.
President David Miller introduced Lord George Robertson who had before being elevated to the House of Lords held senior positions such as Defence Secretary, Secretary General of Nato and Labour MP.
Beginning his toast, Lord Robertson reflected on how after 250 years, the works of Robert Burns were alive and fresh as if written yesterday and how the life of the poet continued to be celebrated almost everywhere in the world. It was interesting, he noted, how we are all mesmerised by his words, music and the enduring spirit of his message.
He pointed out how curious it was that Robert Burns more than all the great men and women of letters in British history still had followers who sat down every year to listen to his works. No-one, not even Shakespeare, Chaucer, Byron, Tennyson or Carlyle had devoted admirers that met every year to eat offal and drink copiously while being entertained by their poetic works.
Lord Robertson continued to provoke thought among members when he outlined how Robert Burns had become a part of the world language. He had left a remarkable linguistic legacy with millions of people being quite oblivious as to the origins of sayings such as “to see ourselves as others see us” or “the best laid schemes of mice and men”. And renditions of “Auld Lang Syne” and “A Man’s a Man for a’ That”, the song of international brotherhood.
He continued by reminding the company that although Burns’ life and loves are long gone, he is still with us and that Burns brings to life many of our personal thoughts and most secret feelings. This, he proposed, was the real reason for Robert Burns’ enduring popularity. He was a man that listened acutely to the speech, banter and crack in the street and in the field and he had watched and witnessed with the tune and then he distilled that “heady cocktail” into the mighty words that we read and relish today. He could spot with unerring skill and perception the warmth and humanity of the common man and woman and speak to us of the tenacity of the dignity, intensity, troubles and hardships.
In his toast, Lord Robertson also made poignant observations about how Burns had enjoyed fortune, fame and penury and how “he loved and lost and lost and loved”. But on his death, rather than being pilloried as a love rat that would have been the target for a Sunday tabloid “life-destroying” exclusive he died a legend with millions of dedicated admirers recalling his memory ever since.
His works such as “A Cotter’s Saturday Night”, “Tam ‘o Shanter” and “To a Mouse” were amazing examples of “narrative, poetic heart” that illustrate a range of emotions while adding colour, drama and theatre. Burns had been claimed by most major political parties as endorsing their policies but he was, said Lord Robertson “a champion of the underdog, a patriotic Scot and a believer in the unity of and between people”.
In proposing the toast, Lord Robertson asked Howff members to recognise one of the nation’s greatest sons: “An international icon and Scotland’s national bard, an ordinary man with extraordinary talents who stills inspires and bewitches us all in these long years since he was taken from us here in Dumfries but leaving with us a legacy of magic and enchantment, which lives on and on and on.”
As the company raised its glasses, club piper Calum Watson played a lament and with the sound of “Scots Wha Hae” melting into the distance, Members gave Lord Robertson an enthusiastic ovation.
President David Miller had the pleasurable duty of presenting Lord Robertson with an honorary membership and the club tie. He joins a distinguished group of members that include many great Scots.
This, most special anniversary dinner, had reached a peak of passionate fervour and the company needed little encouragement to once again raise voice with “Green Grow the Rashes” and “A Man’s a Man.
The company and the atmosphere became more relaxed when Alex Pool began his recitation of “Tam o’ Shanter”. His presence was greatly appreciated in the Howff as he is considered to be one of the best narrators of this tale in the world. The expression on the faces of members certainly bore testament to this and they might have been likened to those witnessing a most compelling sermon.
Glasgow lawyer, David Clapham proposed the toast to “The Lasses, O” with a medley of jokes and tales and Chris Lyon made full capital of his stage to poke good-humoured fun at fellow club members in his toast to “The Drouthie Cronies”.
Past-president Bill Welsh sang Mary Morrison and vice-president John Caskie led the company in further community singing. The Company and Singers were accompanied by Lee McQueen on the accordion. Gordon Johnston gave a memorable recitation of the rarely heard “The Inventory” a poem prompted when Burns received a mandate from the surveyor of taxes.
Junior vice-president Neil Johnston in his toast to “The Artistes” paid tribute to the exceptional skill and talent of those who had taken part making this a truly special and memorable anniversary dinner.
St Andrews Night 1st December 2009
Members of the Dumfries Howff Club gathered at the Globe Inn to celebrate St Andrew’s Night. The evening promised good measures of patriotism, Auld Scotia, Burns and a’ that but there was also undiluted delight among Howffers because they were back in the Globe following its closure for essential structural repairs.
Gordon and Maureen McKerrow, owners of the Globe Inn, were warmly thanked by club president David Miller for their caring custodianship of this national treasure and home of the Howff.
A new floor, upholstery and freshly painted walls give the Globe a brighter and more modern image but not at a cost where 400 years of unique history have been covered up. The old clock on the wall at the bar is set in darkened and aged wood and if you give it a long, hard look you will surely see it wink its approval.
After grace by Dan Cook, a dinner of cock a’ leekie soup, steak pie, cheese and oatcakes was served.
Following dinner, the evening’s entertainment commenced with a song from musical director, Frank Curran. His song Always Argyll was touching, reminding the company of what it can be like to be Scottish and in distant places. However, the poignancy of the moment lessened and Howffers’ hearts were raised when Frank sang a jaunty version of Corn Rigs; the Bard had made an entrance.
Past president Les Byers continued the Burns theme with a recitation of The Proposal, an unfinished poem that was discovered under the poet’s desk. And honorary member Chris Rollie held Howffers’ attention as he galloped through Burns’ Holy Fair displaying great command of the tale that mischievously uses religious terminology to stress the difference between what really goes on and what is supposed to go on.
Songs by club member Ian McIntyre and Lionel McLelland preceded the evening’s significant moment, the toast to Auld Scotia.
Peter Kormylo, a past-president and honorary librarian delivered the toast with passion and poignancy using on occasion the words of Robert Burns to amplify his point. He reminded Howffers that Auld Scotia was a term of endearment and that those two words have the power to fire the flame of patriotism and love for our mother land.
It is a concept that lives on for those that live and breath for Scotland. He said that there was no better observer of Auld Scotia than our own national bard. Burns’ poetry, letters and songs are woven throughout with an intimate knowledge of his country’s history and social context of that time, coupled with a fierce pride in the land of his birth.
However, it could be argued that Burns’ lifetime coincided with changes in Auld Scotia. He was born 14 years after the Jacobite Rebellion and six years after the last Jacobite rebel had been hanged. His childhood coincided with events of national and international importance. At home the Scottish people were feeling the consequences of the act of union of 1707, the disastrous aftermath of the 1715 and 1745 rebellion, the industrial and agricultural revolutions were beginning and they would change the face of Auld Scotia forever. Abroad the demand for democratic government and the rights of individuals were fuelling the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. The world stage at that time was filled with reports of floods, disasters and wars. Britain was at war and was to remain at war for most of Burns’ life.
Kormylo imagined how a young Burns might be coloured with what he saw on the Firth of Clyde as tall ships returned home with weary mariners and rich bounty from newly won colonies. But in that same firth, other vessels were tilting full sail towards the wide Atlantic with a human cargo of displaced Scotsmen heading for the remotest corner of this new world from which many would never return. The Scots would help to build the British Empire. Many were the sons who would die defending it. Auld Scotia was giving birth to a much-changed land.
It produced sons and daughters that knew how to fight with courage and determination for cunning and stealth. How history repeats itself. The difference being the battle zones are far more complicated, the weapons far more sophisticated and the killing merciless.
Kormylo reflected on how today Auld Scotia’s battalions are still fighting in dangerous corners of the world and on this very night in the battle against international terrorism our sons and daughters are in the freezing mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq. They have with them a spirit that has been nurtured in the generations of Scots who inhabited the land. They take with them the courage of the immortal Wallace and the cunning of our King Bruce.
“In this morning’s news from Basra,’” he said, “where pipers played at the gates of war, we learned of the launch today, December 1, 2008 of the most dangerous compact disc ever recorded. The Spirit of the Glen by soldiers of the pipes and drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards has the dubious honour of being the first album to be professionally recorded in the theatre of war.
“A newssclip of Pipe Major Ross Munro playing the Flowers of the Forest in full national dress on the runway at dusk with a helicopter flying overhead, and the glow of flaring oilfields a few miles away, you would know the spirit of Auld Scotia was alive and well.
“And when you hear Major Angus Blair’s troops armed to the teeth sing Dear Lord and Father in the tent at the airport you cannot fail to think of Bruce’s army starving and outnumbered, humbly kneeling in prayer before their Maker on the field of Bannockburn.”
Burns wrote this
For gold the merchant ploughs the main,
The farmer ploughs the manor;
But glory is the sodger’s prize,
The sodger’s wealth is honour:
The brave poor sodger ne’er despise,
Nor count him as a stranger;
Remember he’s his country’s stay,
In day and hour of danger.
Peter Kormylo reminded us that we are living in a cruel and precarious world. Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.
He chose the words of a prayer that was written 200 years ago to make his formal toast to Auld Scotia. It was written 10 years after Burns’ death in 1806 and every year since then the St Andrew’s Society of Baltimore has celebrated the Kirkin of the Tartan. After the congregation has sung the Old Hundred the tartans are formally presented accompanied by these words:
“God of our fathers and mothers and of the long line of brave and good people who brought honour to Scotland in the light of faith and patriotism in dark days, surmounting hardships and sorrow with skirling pipes and the colours of unconquerable clans. We celebrated life with dance and song and Your gifts of Highland dew. We the descendants will bring before You these tartans symbols of our families both past and present. We ask Your blessing on them and all that they stand for so that we in our generation may pass on to others the special greatness that we have received for the honour of Your name and the wellbeing of all mankind.
In the name of Andrew the Apostle and the patron saint of Scotland, Auld Scotia.”
Further songs from John Caskie, Ian McIntyre, Lionel McLelland, a musical selection from Max Houliston and greetings from Dumbarton and Dumfries Burns Clubs ended the evening on a high note of friendship.
Junior vice-president Neil Johnston acknowledged the recitations, songs and toast to Auld Scotia and invited the club members’ appreciation.
An October Hallowe'en nicht's tale
For the first time in its 119-year history, the Burns Howff Club met outside the Globe Inn, Dumfries for its Hallowe’en Supper. Essential repair work at the Howffers’ spiritual home meant that the unique mystical ambience that percolates through the Globe Inn was missing, however, it did not prevent an evening of spellbinding storytelling that was peppered with song and rhyme.
President David Miller welcomed guest speaker Tom Pow who is currently head of Creative and Cultural Studies at Glasgow University’s Crichton Campus and Alex Pool, a worthy of Langholm and friend of the Howff for many years.
The evening began gently with crooner Frank Curran setting the mood but the temperature was raised by Alex Pool’s skilful delivery of A Scotch Nicht. This was followed with old favourites, Dancing in Kyle and Grannie’s Heilan Hame, sang by senior vice-president John Caskie.
Despite Hallowe’en being associated with haunting tales and horror stories, there is regularly a place for nationalistic fervour and Kevin Thompson and Douglas Abercrombie of Bowhill Burns Club delivered this. Their stirring performance of Awa’ Whigs, Awa’ was a palpable reminder of how our nation endured hardship and of the deplorable gap between rich and poor.
Alas, rising emotions were soon harnessed when guest speaker Tom Pow was introduced. In no time he had the company spellbound as he explained Hallowe’en with tales of the supernatural and how a turnip lantern’s candle was symbolic of the soul that resides within our heads. His storytelling was masterful and it possessed all the ingredients that allured, enthralled and held the attention. Howffers were silent and solemn or scared stiff and for a while they looked like a group of men waiting to go to a colleague’s funeral. They were hopelessly caught in a trance, anxiously awaiting to be released from the unbearable tension. But Pow, the genius storyteller did not deliver this freedom to them until the last sentence and the final word.
He demonstrated skilfully the art of the storyteller with language and expression that carried the group along, magnetised by his charismatic delivery.
Howffers could at last sit back for a while and relax because they were back on familiar ground with the next entertainer Donald Shamash and his recitation of Tam o’ Shanter. They knew this tale well and what was going to happen.
However, they had not reckoned that Shamash, like a fine bottle of claret had reached his finest moment.
He raised the excellence benchmark with a delivery that many reckoned to be the best ever. His mad, delirious, dancing eyes where full of cunning, evil and apology but best of all he kept every line in the tale buzzing and full of life. This was a memorable performance of Tam o’ Shanter that will be hard to follow.
A further medley of songs and music from earlier contributors and the Howff’s Ernie Currie on accordion helped complete a most entertaining evening. Junior vice-president Neil Johnston delivered a vote of thanks that received hearty acknowledgement from those present.
Winter Lecture 30th October 2008 - Mr E. J. Murray
The second Winter Lecture of the season was held in the Moreig Hotel on 30th October when president David Miller welcomed members and friends and introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Ted Murray.
Ted’s topic was “Words & Expressions” and dealt with numerous well-known phrases and sayings, which, over the years, have passed into common use.
One example, “No room to swing a cat”, came from the days of Nelson’s navy when a flogging with the “Cat o’ Nine tails” was a regular punishment for sailors who offended.
The flogging was usually carried out in the cramped conditions below decks where space was at a premium and gave rise to the modern use meaning “no room” and nothing to do with the domestic pet.
Mr. Murray cited other examples from history with unusual modern connotations, which led to some lively audience participation with an exchange of common expressions having surprising origins.
Ted was thanked by Neil Johnston.
Winter Lecture 25th September 2008 - Nancy Duncan
Junior vice president Neil Johnston welcomed the company and introduced Mrs. Nancy Duncan (Major Retd.) who spoke on her role in the Territorial Army Nursing Corps. during the Gulf War. Major Duncan enthralled her listeners with a witty but poignant account of her experiences in the desert in a MRS (Medical Reception Centre). Working under great pressure, often in extreme temperatures with cumbersome protective clothing and respirators, necessary in case of gas attack. Many nationalities were represented in the camp and Nancy and her colleagues had opportunities to socialise and celebrate different National Days. Daffodils and tinned haggis were flown out from the UK to mark St. David’s Day and Burns’ birthday. Major Duncan illustrated her talk with photographs memorability and some examples of her protective equipment.
Following a question and answer session, Mrs. Duncan, who admitted to being Hon. Treasurer David Baird’s sister, was thanked by Neil Johnston.
Dumbarton Burns Club - Bowling Match
 
On one of the best days, weather wise, for some time a number of club members travelled by coach to meet friend from the Dumbarton Burns Club for the annual bowling competition. Despite our best efforts we were unable to retain the trophy but still enjoyed a great day. Congratulation to Dumbarton on a very close competition
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
On a visit to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 21st August a party consisted of the president, treasurer, secretary, junior vice president and Mr Ted Murray, met up with honorary member Mr. Ronnie Crichton. Then attended a show at the Roxburgh Hotel, where a performance of "Loving Burns" was given by two ladies, it was loosely based on the supposed meeting between Jean Armour and Agnes McLehose and was most enjoyable. The second show took place at the Beehive in the Grassmarket, featuring the comedian Bruce Fummey in his one-man show, “About Robert the Bruce”.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
On the trip to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 2nd August when a party of members, accompanied by relations and some friends of the club, visited Edinburgh to the parliment and tattoo. On arrival at Holyrood, members were escorted by knowledgeable guides through the corridors of power of Scotland, an amazing integration of wood, granite and concrete.
Then onto the Castle for the Military Tattoo during which we were witness to some phenomenal marching skills and musical entertainment from around the world, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Canada, Great Britain and of course, Scotland.
Jean Armour Dinner
On 7th July the club held the annual Jean Armour Dinner, which followed the wreath laying at the statue. It had proved to be an excellent evening with superb toasts from Melanie Harris and John Haining and entertainment of a high order.
Wauchope Cairn Ceremony
14 members and friends journeyed by mini bus and were accorded the customary welcome by members of Hawick Burns Club. At the cairn ceremony, John Haining President of the Robert Burns World Federation gave an oration on Burns’ Border Tour in 1787 and wreaths were laid including the club’s tribute by the president and on behalf of the SSCBA by Mr. Baird. An enjoyable social gathering in the Hawick Burns Club followed which featured turns from several clubs.
Kilmarnock Cross
The Club was represented at a ceremony at Kilmarnock on 27th July to commemorate the printing of the Kilmarnock Edition by John Wilson. The club was represented by the president, secretary, Mrs. Brown and Treasurer. A wreath on behalf of the SSCBA was placed at the statue and a brief social hour followed.
Brow Well Service
Members attended the annual service at the Brow Well on 23rd July. This was Mr. Baird’s first outing as president of the SSCBA and was please to report that on this occasion, the weather was favourable. The company included several office bearers from the Burns Federation and delegates from numerous Burns Clubs. The Rev. Ella Pennington called the assembly to prayer and read from Ecclesiastes Ch. 3. Federation president John Haining delivered the oration and piper Calum Watson played a lament. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Jane Brown.
Club Treasure Hunt
A good night had been enjoyed an exellent evening, it was a tight contest and only half a point separated the winning team from the runners up. Most members managed to return to the Globe Inn for 9.30pm for customary pies & mushy peas.
2007/2008 season past
Date: Event:
06 May 2007 Coldstream Bridge
18 May 2007 SSCBA Ann. Dinner
24 May 2007 Bowling Night, Dock Park
26 May 2007 Mauchline Holy Fair
08 July 2007 Wauchope Cairn
25 July 2007 Club Treasure Hunt
09 July 2007 Jean Armour Dinner
18 July 2007 Brow Well Service
18 Aug 2007 Edinburgh Tattoo
16 Sept 2007 Dumbarton Bowling Match
31 Oct 2007 Hallowe’en Supper
29 Nov 2007 St. Andrew’s Night Dinner
25 Jan 2008 119th Anniversary Dinner
"Spring Fling", Crichton
04 April 2008 Games Night
24 April 2008 Annual General Meeting
Winter Lecture Programme
2007 / 2008
October 25th 2007 Mr. George Taylor "Sailors Three"
November 22nd 2007 Mr. Frank Ryan "Journalism"
February 28th 2008 Mr. John Picken "The Romans in Galloway"
March 27th 2008 Mr. George Thomson "Col. De Peyster"
April 17th 2008 Whisky Tasting in the clubroom
All talks take place in the clubroom at 7.30pm. Friends of members are welcome.
Anniversary Dinner
25th January 2008 - Immortal Memory by Alex Fergusson MSP
There is possibly no venue in the world that could replicate the charged atmosphere as president Alistair Johnstone of Dumfries Burns Howff Club welcomed more than 90 members to the 119th anniversary dinner held on Friday evening at the Globe Inn. The president was delighted to welcome Alex Fergusson and Donald McCuaig to the club as its principal speakers and to the entertainers who would provide an extensive programme of songs and recitations.
Following these early formalities, in this most special of taverns where Burns was an occasional customer, Howfers were quickly aroused into song when Frank Curran led them with a spirited delivery of "There was a Lad".
Elevated emotions continued when Calum Watson piped in the haggis and the president made a memorable address, displaying a fine articulation of the Scots language. After an excellent traditional meal the club secretary, David Smith indicated that 130 greetings had been received from kindred clubs around the world and these included good wishes from North America, Australia and Hungary as well as from many clubs in the British Isles.
This showed the status the club enjoys on the world stage and its prominence was endorsed by the attendance of the Consul General of Ukraine, Bohdan Yaremenko. In a short address to the company he said that Robert Burns and Scotland were very famous in Ukraine and that they were important to Ukrainians. Indeed, Ukraine’s national poet Taras Shevchenko had used Burns as his inspiration. He added that in he past 14 years Burns Suppers had taken place in Kiev and this year’s event would be on February 23. It was for him an honour and a privilege to be at the Howff club and he wished that members might in the future attend Burns Suppers in Odessa or Kiev.
Alex Fergusson, MSP for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale was introduced by the club president and invited to propose the Immortal Memory. He started his toast by saying that he was no great expert on Robert Burns and that he had no great insight into his persona, psyche or thought process but that he did have one thing in common with the bard, which was that they both started their lives as farmers in south-west Scotland.
Fergusson believed that Burns did not enjoy farming but he found great ability as a poet while at the plough. This job allowed him to let his mind and imagination wander beyond the misery of his immediate task. An example of this was how he empathised with the mouse in his famous poem, his genius was in comparing his own lot with that of a meagre fieldmouse.
However, the main thrust of Fergusson’s Immortal Memory was how Burns was able to paint pictures with words, the only tools at his fingertips. Having been a farmer, he was genuinely moved by the verses Burns had written in the poem Old Maillie, which was about his favourite ewe. But perhaps the strongest images came through his descriptive words in the Cotter’s Saturday Night and this like all great pictures contains clearly defined contrasts.
He wondered what Burns would have made of Holyrood as it is today and how he wrote on his first visit to the capital that "here sat legislation’s sovereign powers" what he was referring to in the past is now there again, a seat of legislative power.
However, he was sure that Burns would have been proud at the opening of Holyrood in 1999 when Sheila Wellington sang his wonderful anthem "A man’s a man for a’ that".
Fergusson embraced the company by asking them to consider the words in Auld Lang Syne. By holding hands together, even for the briefest of moments, was the very essence that inspired Burns to write "that man to man the world o’er shall brothers be for a’ that".
President Alistair Johnstone presented honorary membership to Alex Fergusson, a long-time tradition at the Howff club that is conferred upon those who propose the toast to the Immortal Memory.
The evening followed with Frank Curran leading Howfers in various medleys and folk trio Scocha performing several stirring songs. This was punctuated by recitations from Stewart Park who delivered a flawless performance packed with panache and flamboyance of Tam o’ Shanter and with some style and dignity "The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie".
The Lasses, O’ were toasted by Donald McCuaig and he presented an exceptionally funny address, recounting many of his experiences during his time as a schoolteacher.
Past-president David Baird gave a cleverly crafted and witty address to the Howff’s Drouthie Cronies. It was in verse and many people in the company were clearly identified, however, of its verity there was no doubt. "Yer thrapple oiled with whisky neat from Jane Broon’s gantry", or "Wi’ Alistair his gavel bangs, he keeps together cleeks and gangs".
As the evening drew to a close there was some community singing led by Scocha and a solo from immediate past-president Bill Welsh who sang Mary Morrison. Junior vice-president John Caskie thanked the artistes and committee members of the Howff for their involvement in making the evening such a great success and the staff of the Globe for ensuring the company was well served.
As the Howfers stood for Auld Lang Syne and they linked hands the words of Alex Fergusson’s Immortal Memory were still quite clear "that man to man the world o’er shall brothers be for a’ that".
Winter Program
March 27th 2008 Mr. George Thomson "Col. De Peyster"
A good attendance of members and friends gathered in the clubrooms to hear a talk from George Thompson on “Colonel Arent de Peyster”, a friend of the poet and the commander of the Dumfries Volunteers in 1795 when Robert Burns was a member.
Mr Thomson’s talk was illustrated with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation featuring images of the Col.’s travels in North America before the Revolutionary War. Col. Arent Schuyler De Peyster was born in New York of Dutch Huguenot Stock and brought up in Holland and England. He joined the army and spent 47 years in the King’s Liverpool Regiment. On the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, as a young officer, he was posted to the Canadian - American border and tasked to persuade the native tribes to take up arms for the Crown. He was successful in this and was promoted several times. His last posting was garrison commander of a fort near the modern city of Detroit. After the campaign he returned to Britian until he retired in 1794. He settled in Dumfries where his wife had been been born and they lived in Irish street until they purchased Mavis Grove. Robert Burns was a regular visitor to the house and described the Col. in this epistle “My honor’d, much respected friend” . The Col. Commanded the Dumfries Volunteers of which the poet was a member and led the squad at Burns’ funeral in 1796.
Following a lively question and answer session, Mr Thomson was thanked by the president Alistair Johnstone and the company enjoyed coffee and biscuits.
February 28th 2008 Mr. John Picken "The Romans in Galloway"
The third winter lecture of the current season was a real highlight in the calendar when Mr John Picken of the Dumfries and Galloway Museum Service, based in Stranraer, enthralled an appreciative group of Howff members and friends on the evidence for the presence of the Romans throughout Galloway.
The presentation, beautifully illustrated with accompanying images including aerial views of well-known local landscapes were interpreted by Mr Picken to reveal the outline of marching camps and forts right across the region as far as Stranraer. Further details in illustrations of archaeological finds throughout the region were shown proving the existence of trading links across the Solway Firth in Roman times.
A very lively discussion followed the presentation with the customary tea, coffee and high quality biscuits.
22nd November 2007 Mr. Frank Ryan "Journalism"
The historic clubroom of the Dumfries Burns Howff Club within the equally historic Globe Inn saw President Alistair Johnstone welcome well-known local journalist Frank Ryan who proceeded to enthral the attendees to the third winter lecture of the present season with stories from his experiences in journalism. Frank painted a vivid picture of his life within the press drawing from his vast experience of wide and varied topics, a life that had touched on tragic stories such as the Lockerbie Disaster but also had a great deal of humour attached to it. As always the evening closed with a lively discussion accompanied by tea, coffee and on this occasion high quality shortbread.
October 25th 2007 Mr. George Taylor "Sailors Three"
The Globe Inn was the venue, as always, for the second winter lecture of the current season when an engaging presentation on three local sailors was presented my Mr George Taylor - Patrick Miller, James Anderson and John Campbell.
Although Patrick Miller is well known to the Howff Club as Robert Burns’ Landlord, the other two were perhaps known to some present but I would suggest not to the majority. George delivered a fascinating insight into these three giants of the world of invention navigation and achievement.
John Campbell from Kirkbean who in 1740 sailed around the world on the Centurian and is also remembered for his work in the development of the sextant and who was later Governor of Newfoundland.
Patrick Miller’s work on steam powered ships well known to us all but also a great innovator in the world of agriculture.
James Anderson’s involvement as Captain of the Great Eastern in the laying of the first Atlantic Telegraph Cables and indeed the retrieval of a lost cable, a momentous feat. George managed to bring the three sailors to life with a lively and informative talk and the evening ended with further discussion and debate.
September 27th 2007 Mr. James Haining "An African Journey"
New season's programme of talks in the Globe Inn opened on 27th September when past president Jim Haining gave an illustrated narrative on his recent working holiday in South Africa. Jim's lively description of the striking contrasts between the "haves and have nots" in African society was complimented by superp photographs of people, places and wildlife overlaid with a droll commentary that veered between wit and pathos. Jim was thanked by senior vice president David Miller.
Next lecture is on Thursday 25th October at 7.30pm,when George Taylor will talk on "Sailors Three".
AGM Meeting in the Howff
The club AGM took place in the Howff club rooms on the 26th April 2007 when Alistair Johnstone was installed as President for the coming year, David Miller elected Senior vice president and John Caskie was elected as Junior vice president.
for Full Report click here
Less Recent Events
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29/11/07 - St. Andrew’s Night Dinner
St. Andrew’s Day was celebrated by the Burns Howff Club with a dinner in the Globe Inn on 29th November.
The large gathering of members was welcomed by president Alistair Johnstone who introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Bill Dawson from Alloa, currently senior vice president of the Robert Burns World Federation.
After dinner, Mr. Dawson proposed the toast to 'Auld Scotia' and took the company on a rich tour of Scotland’s history and traditions from the trauma of Culloden in 1746 to the revival of the Scottish identity led by Sir Walter Scott in the early 19th century with the visit of George IV and the appearance of Highland Dress which was largely invented for the occasion.
The speaker said the Scots had an intense pride in nationhood and Scots culture highlighting the international appeal of Sir Harry Lauder in the 1920’s and the resurgence of literary genius by Hugh McDiarmid and others in the 1950’s. The film 'Braveheart' in 1996, although historically dubious, awakened the conscience of many Scots and led to a vast increase of visitors. This country with a population of 5million can boast 20million worldwide that claim a Scots connection and Scotland is now an international brand.
Mr. Dawson declared that it is not anti English to be a patriotic Scot and paid tribute to our neighbours to the south although his theme was spoiled somewhat with his reference to a medieval law which held that it was legal to murder a Scotsman in the centre of York, if he was carrying a bow and arrow.
Contributing to a superb entertainment programme were Frank Curran, Les Byers and Bill Welsh, with songs old and new. Gordon Johnston and David Baird performed the duo, 'Winter, a Dirge', to great acclaim and Honorary Member Peter Kormylo gave an introduction to Burns’ 'Scots, Wha Hae', the story of the Battle of Bannockburn, followed by a stirring recitation of the poem. Honorary Member Max Houliston accompanied the singers, and again demonstrated his prowess as the best accordion player in the south of Scotland. Special guest artist, Lionel McLelland delighted the company with musical selections on the guitar and tin whistle and later, a hilarious version of Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', in which the original four hours was reduced to three minutes and sang in broad Glaswegian to the tune 'The Mason’s Apron'.
A raucous period of community singing concluded a memorable evening before a comprehensive Vote of Thanks from junior vice president John Caskie.
31/10/07 - Hallowe’en Supper
Members and friends of the Burns Howff Club gathered in the Globe Inn on 31st October to celebrate Hallowe’en in traditional manner.
The company was welcomed by president Alistair Johnstone who introduced guest speaker, Michael Duguid from Tywnholm and president of Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club.
After dinner, Mr. Duguid who was recently elected junior vice president of the Robert Burns World Federation at the annual conference held in Canada, gave a light hearted talk on the old customs of a Scottish Hallowe’en as described in Burns’ famous poem of the same name. The speaker was thanked by the president and accepted a set of Burns etchings as a memento.
Spectacular entertainment was supplied by members and guest artistes, including Bobby Jess who recited a vigorous version of 'Tam o’ Shanter' to great acclaim. Honorary member John Glover delighted the company with his talent for comic monologues including a hilarious take-off on Max Boyce’s Welsh Rugby supporter.
Songs were provided by Frank Curran, Les Byers and Honorary Member Alex Pool from Langholm who also recited the stirring Borders poem, 'The Raiders'.
Junior vice president John Caskie proposed a comprehensive vote of thanks at the conclusion of a night to remember. The accompanist was Lee McQueen.
09/07/07 - Jean Armour Dinner
The club attended the annual ceremony to lay a wreath in honour of Jean Armour and the woman Burns life.
President Alistair Johnstone gave a speech to the assemble crowd from fellow Burns clubs and societies followed by a meal and excellent entertainment in the Howff, The Globe Inn.
06/05/07 - Coldstrean Ceromony
A delegation from the club attended the annual ceremony at Coldstream Bridge on 6th May, to commemorate Burns’ visit in 1787 when he crossed the bridge over the River Tweed and stood on English soil for the first time.
Senior Vice David Miller, Hon. Treasurer David Baird, Hon. Librarian Gordon Johnston, Hon. Secretary David Smith and hon. member Jane Brown represented the Howff club. The company continued to the bridge where Coldstream Burns Club president Robert Smith gave an address and placed a wreath at the commemorative plaque. Deputising for president Alistair Johnstone, senior vice president David Miller placed a wreath on behalf of the club. Following the ceremony, the party was piped to the Craw Green on the north bank of the river where the formalities continued with an appreciation of Burns’ visit, by Coldstream secretary John Elliot. At the conclusion of the proceedings, the company returned to the British Legion Club for a buffet and refreshments. During the social hour, which followed, Gordon Johnston contributed to the entertainment and Jane Brown proposed a toast to Coldstream Burns Club.
19/04/07 - Peter Kormylo - - Tam 'o' Shanter to interactive DVD
The season’s Winter Lecture Programme ended on a high note when honorary member Peter Kormylo entertained a good turn out of members and friends with an interactive DVD on Burns’ "Tam O’ Shanter". The DVD was originally produced for use in schools but is an excellent tool for anyone wishing to learn the story and background to the poem. Peter tested the knowledge of members with a quiz on "Tam" and was thanked by senior vice president Alistair Johnstone, standing in for president Bill Welsh.
06/04/07 - Club Games Nights in association with Marchmount Bowling Club
Dispite the Easter holiday some club members entered into competition against members of the bowling club with carpet and table bowls, domino and snooker, billiards all being competed for in a night of fun together with some serious competition, followed by the usual scotch pie & peas.
29/03/07 - Tom Johnstone - - Close to Dumfries Midsteeple
Tom Johnstone told the packed out room about the history of the Midsteeple, through its construction to its current downfall, and finished with some quotes from reports written in the 18th & 19th century detailing the squallor in which the inhabitants of the closes of Dumfries town centre lived. As usual Tea and coffee was served with biscuits but extra cups had to be requested.
22/02/07 - Andy MacKay - - Read all about it
Andy entertained a full house with tales of the world of journalism from local news to national press.
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25/01/07 - Anniversary Dinner
One of the most powerful and passionate toasts to the 'Immortal Memory' of Robert Burns was heard by members of the Burns Howff Club at their 118th Anniversary Dinner in the Globe Inn, on 25th January. The principal guest, Mr. Harry Hutchison, a native 'Doonhamer' who was a club member in the 1950’s, left Dumfries in 1960 to live in Dover, enthralled his listeners with a vivid picture of 18th century Dumfries at the time of Burns’ death in 1796, a critical time in the history of Scotland, and declared that the poet would still feel at home in the Globe Inn of today. Quoting extensively from Burns’ works, the speaker described the scenes from 'A Cottar’s Saturday Night' as a wonderful tribute to the rural life of simple lowland Scots. Robert Burns had a strong religious belief and was an active member of the Kirk up to his death, a tradition inherited from his father whom he revered. The nation owes Robert Burns a tremendous debt for preserving the Scottish tongue and leaving the best collection of love songs in the world. Mr. Hutchison stated that men are judged by their heart and men like Burns are needed today, as never before, quoting from 'A Man’s a Man, for aw’ that' and declared that Robert Burns is still a living force in the Nation.
The speaker received a standing ovation and was admitted an honorary member of the club.
The toast to 'The Lasses, O’', was proposed by Mr. David Adam FRICS, of Dundee, who captivated the company with his rich store of anecdotes and stories, managed to chastise and praise the ladies at the same time. Past president Jim McAlister toasted the 'Drouthie Cronies' and summoned up some of the colourful characters in the club from years gone by, great Burnsians such as George McKerrow, 'Cutty' Black, David Campbell, Willie Fergusson and David Miller, all of whom enlivened club gatherings in the Globe Inn for many years.
Contributing to an outstanding entertainment programme were guests from Dumbarton Burns Club, president Bill Kean who played fiddle selections and past president Ian McLean who sang from Burns’ 'Merry Muses' collection. Special guests included Phil Winning who demonstrated his skill with his award winning recitation of 'Tam O’ Shanter' and Donald Shamash who brought a new dimension to 'Holy Willie’s Prayer'.
Members were delighted when president Bill Welsh presented past president Frank Curran with a certificate of honorary life membership, in recognition of his many years service to the club, principally as Musical Director.
Two delegates from Dumfries Burns Club made a fleeting visit and were welcomed by the president. Ted Murray and Donnie McCuaig brought fraternal greetings from their own celebration in the Cairndale. Burns Howff Club members, past president David Baird and senior vice president Alistair Johnstone were charged by the president to visit the Cairndale and return the compliment.
Earlier, the president referred to the 2009 anniversary year of the birth of Robert Burns and stated that a programme of commemorative events was in place to mark this milestone, which had been designated by the Scottish Executive as the 'Year of the Homecoming'. Fundraising was underway and included a 'Spring Fling' at the Easterbrook Hall on 23rd March, featuring the ceilidh band 'Two Left Feet'.
Concluding a night to remember, the 'Artistes' were toasted by junior vice president David Miller who with the finesse for which he is noted, contrived to include the croupiers, catering and bar staff and the 'Chairman' was proposed by past president David Baird.
The accompanist was Ernie Currie and club piper was Calum Watson.
30/11/06 - St. Andrew's Night Dinner
Members of the Burns Howff Club gathered in the Globe Inn, Dumfries to celebrate St. Andrew’s Night.
After dinner, the toast to 'Auld Scotia' was proposed by the principal guest, Commodore Eric Thompson MBE, RN(Rtd) from Helensburgh. In a lively and witty address, the speaker catalogued the inventiveness of Scots and the Scottish Nation and quoted widely from his own verse. Commodore Thompson illustrated his toast with musical interludes on what he referred to in naval parlance as an 'Organ, Mouth, Small' and occasionally burst into song to emphasise a point. The speaker quoted from Kipling’s view of the Scots and poked some fun at our southern neighbours by stating that St. Andrew was a historical person and a known Apostle but St. George was not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. Commodore Thompson praised some great Scotsmen of the past, citing such geniuses as James Clerk Maxwell, Alexander Fleming and countless others in the field of engineering, arts and medicine. Robert Burns himself had redefined and exported the ethos of the Scottish Nation in words, which still resounded through the centuries. The speaker received a standing ovation and was presented with a commemorative tankard by president Bill Welsh.
A superb entertainment programme was sustained entirely by club members including songs from Frank Curran, John Caskie Jim McAlister and Donnie McCuaig. Past president Donald Urquhart recited to great effect from W. D. Cocker’s 'The Deluge' and 'The Broken Bowl'. Honorary members Max Houliston and Ian Kirkpatrick delighted the company with their musical elections on the accordion and fiddle. Delegates from Dumfries Burns Club were welcomed; their secretary Dennis McMorrin and Dr. Archie Downey who brought fraternal greetings from their members.
With his customary finesse, junior vice president David Miller proposed a vote of thanks and a night to remember concluded with the traditional 'Auld Lang Syne'.
The accompanists were Max Houliston and Ian Kirkpatrick.
23/11/06 - Ronnie Crichton - - Burns and other Poets, The Influences
Report to Follow
04/11/06 - Robert Burns in Illustration & Song
Our Honorary member, Professor David Purdie presented an illustrated talk on the life and times of Robert Burns at the Theatre Royal Dumfries on November the 4th. The Theatre Royal was opened in 1792 and is the oldest working theatre in Scotland. Robert Burns was associated with the theatre at this location until his death in 1796.
Special reference will be made to his years at Ellisland Farm and in Dumfries.
This talk received a five-star accolade at the Edinburgh Festival During August 2006 and the Scotsman Newspaper said "if you are interested in the life and works of Burns this is as good as it gets".
The presentation features images released from the Scottish national archives showing Burns, his friends and collaborators in Ayrshire, Edinburgh, and dumfriesshire and the scenes which inspired his greatest poems and songs.
The talk was interspersed with songs of Burns from Sheena Wellington, one of Scotlands greatest living performers of Burns words and music - and whose rendition of "a Man's a Man for a' That" at the inauguration of the Scottish Parliament will never be forgotten by anyone who heard it.
This was a very interesting and enjoyable evening presented to a almost capacity audience.
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26/09/06 - Ted Murray - - An Englishman living in Scotland
Club Member Ted Murray delivered his views and experiences of his time based in Scotland. He delivered this in a light hearted and yet very informative manner. Mr Murray managed to demonstrated to the company the origin of many of the local dialects and words.
28/09/06 - Angus Middleton - - Burn's Galloway Tour
"The clubs Winter Lecture Programme for the current season opened on 28th
September when president Bill Welsh welcomed Angus Middleton, newly elected
president of the Burns Federation, spoke on Burns' Galloway Tour in July
1793 with his friend John Syme. Illustrated by folk music, Mr. Middleton
told of their visits to the home of Viscount Kenmure and the Herons of
Kirroughtree and recounted the tale of Burns ruining a pair of new boots
when he was obliged to wade into Loch Ken when their boat ran aground. Angus
was thanked by secretary Dave Smith and accepted a club tie as a token of
appreciation
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17/09/06 - Club and committee members travelled to meet Dumbarton Burns Club for the annual Bowling challenged match lead by Alistair Johnstone (Vice President) shown reluctantly passing the quaich to the winning host team after an exciting and very closely competed match. Our thank go to Dumbarton for a great day and friendly welcome.
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28/08/06 - A delegation of members visit Edinburgh Fringe events related to Robert Burns
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