{"id":543,"date":"2020-09-22T09:02:45","date_gmt":"2020-09-22T08:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/?page_id=543"},"modified":"2020-09-22T09:02:45","modified_gmt":"2020-09-22T08:02:45","slug":"2010-11-reports-neil-johnston-president","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/?page_id=543","title":{"rendered":"2010-11 Reports – Neil Johnston President"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
<\/td>\n\n

Events<\/h3>\n

Seasons Events<\/p>\n

AGM Meeting in the Howff<\/p>\n

The club AGM took place in the Howff club rooms on the 29th April 2010 when Neil Johnston was installed as President for the coming year, Frank Manson elected Senior vice president and Ian McIntrye was elected as Junior vice president.
\nfor Full Report click here<\/p>\n

2010\/2011\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Previous Years<\/b>
\n09\/05\/2010\u00a0Sunday\u00a0Coldstream Bridge
\n15\/05\/2010\u00a0Saturday\u00a0SSCBA\u00a0AGM\u00a0 Globe Inn
\n20\/05\/2010\u00a0Thursday\u00a0Bowling Night\u00a0\u00a0 Dock Park
\n05\/06\/2010\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0John Lapraik Comp. Muirkirk
\n26\/06\/2010\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0SSCBA\u00a0Globe Inn
\n29\/05\/2010\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0Mauchline Holy Fair
\n03\/07\/2010\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0SSCBA\u00a0Globe Inn
\n05\/07\/2010\u00a0 Monday\u00a0Jean Armour Dinner\u00a0 Globe Inn
\n11\/07\/2010\u00a0 Sunday\u00a0Wauchope Cairn, Hawick
\n14\/07\/2010\u00a0 Wednesday Club Treasure Hunt
\n18\/07\/2010\u00a0 Sunday\u00a0Leglen Wood, Ayr
\n21\/07\/2010\u00a0 Wednesday\u00a0Brow Well
\n24\/07\/2010\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0Edinburgh Commemorative event
\n25\/07\/2010\u00a0 Sunday\u00a0Kilmarnock Cross
\n19\/08\/2010\u00a0 Thursday \u201cFish & Chip\u201d Supper
\n10-12\/09\/2010\u00a0 WRBF Conference Aberdeen
\n18\/09\/2010\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0SSCBA\u00a0 Globe Inn
\n19\/09\/2010\u00a0 Sunday\u00a0Dumbarton Bowling Match,Dumbarton
\n01\/11\/2010\u00a0 Monday\u00a0Hallowe\u2019en Supper\u00a0Moreig Hotel
\n26\/11\/2010\u00a0 Friday\u00a0Dumbarton BC St. Andrew\u2019s Dinner
\n30\/11\/2010\u00a0 Tuesday\u00a0St. Andrew\u2019s Night Dinner Globe Inn
\n05\/12\/2010\u00a0 Sunday\u00a0St. Andrew\u2019s Service, St. Giles, Edinburgh
\n20\/12\/2010\u00a0 Monday\u00a0Christmas Dinner Globe Inn
\n21\/01\/2011\u00a0 Friday\u00a0Dumbarton BC Burns Supper
\n25\/01\/2011\u00a0 Tuesday\u00a0122nd<\/sup> Anniversary Dinner\u00a0Globe Inn
\n30\/01\/2011\u00a0 Sunday\u00a0 Charnwood Lodge Burns Supper (Postponed until 13\/02\/2011)
\n05\/02\/2011\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0SSCBA Schools Comp.\u00a0Academy
\n26\/03\/2011\u00a0 Saturday\u00a0SSCBA\u00a0 Gatehouse
\n25\/03\/2011\u00a0 Friday\u00a0\u00a0Games Night\u00a0Marchmount BC
\n28\/04\/2011\u00a0 Thursday\u00a0 Annual General Meeting\u00a0Globe Inn<\/p>\n

Projected Excom Dates<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

10\/05\/2010 Monday\u00a0Inaugural meeting & soiree
\n07\/06\/2010 Monday\u00a0General
\n28\/06\/2010 Monday\u00a0Jean Armour tickets and arrangements
\n30\/08\/2010 Monday\u00a0Season\u2019s programme
\n04\/10\/2010 Monday\u00a0Hallowe\u2019en Supper tickets
\n25\/10\/2010 Monday\u00a0Confirmation & payment, plus St. Andrew\u2019s Dinner tickets
\n15\/11\/2010 Monday\u00a0Confirmation & payment
\n06\/12\/2010 Monday\u00a0Anniversary Dinner tickets
\n10\/01\/2011 Monday\u00a0Confirmation & payment
\n07\/02\/2011 Monday\u00a0General
\n07\/03\/2011 Monday\u00a0General
\n04\/04\/2011 Monday\u00a0Pre AGM
\nWinter Talks & discussion Programme 2010\/2011
\nThese night are open to anyone who is interested and are usually quite informal <\/u><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Thursday\u00a030th<\/sup> September 2010<\/td>\nMac Creedon<\/td>\n\u201cHistory of Printing\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thursday 28th<\/sup> October 2010<\/td>\nMarion Aitken<\/td>\n\u201cRobert Burns & Annie Laurie at Friars Carse\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thursday 25th<\/sup> November 2010<\/td>\nJohn Clark<\/td>\n\u201cPhotos from OZ & some Poems\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thursday 24th<\/sup> February 2011<\/td>\nSimon Thorp<\/td>\n\u201cThe Heather Trust\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thursday 31st<\/sup> March 2011<\/td>\nDenis Chanarin<\/td>\n\u201cThe Loch Arthur Community\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thursday 21st<\/sup> April 2011<\/td>\n <\/td>\nEvening visit to Sulwath Brewery, Castle Douglas.
\n(Bookable in advance)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All talks take place in the clubroom at 7.30pm. Friends of members are welcome.<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2010\/2011 Activities<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

21\/03\/2011 – Sulwarth Brewery (Castle Douglas)<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"cn0411\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

14 members travelled by coach to the micro brewers at Sulwarth Brewery in Castle Douglas on a lovely spring evening and enjoyed a lights supper in the beer garden before the explanation and description of the brewing process and how the brewery was established13\/03\/2011 – The Heather Trust –\u00a0Denis Chanarin<\/b><\/p>\n

Senior vice president Frank Manson welcomed Denis Chanarin as guest at the March Club Night in the Globe Inn.\"march2011\"
\nMr. Chanarin, manager of the Loch Arthur Community at Beeswing, gave an illustrated talk on the work of the community which supports people with learning and physical disabilities.\u00a0Loch Arthur is part of the Camphill Village Trust, a national not-for-profit organisation which caters for adults with special needs.
\nThe community at Loch Arthur was founded in 1984 and now consists of nine houses in which over 70 people live, including 28 in supported tenancies. It includes a farm, a large garden, a creamery, a bakery, a wood and weaving workshops and a thriving farm shop.
\nAs a result of a recent funding grant, plans are afoot to build a larger shop nearer the entrance to the site, to cope with the demand for their home grown produce including the famous Loch Arthur Cheeses.
\nDenis stated that Loch Arthur is a shared way of life in a modern rural community, offering security, together with challenges. It is committed to the fulfilment of the individual through a diversity of relationships and activities which create authentic social integration.<\/p>\n

The speaker dealt with a number of questions before being thanked by President Neil Johnston.
\n<\/a>10\/03\/2011 – The Wounded Hare at Ellisland Letter – Professor David Purdie
\n<\/b>
\nHonorary member Professor David Purdie again selected the club for the first airing of his presentation of Burns\u2019 \u201cOn Seeing a Wounded Hare\u201d and recently discovered unpublished letter.\"woundedhare\"
\n20 members assembled in the clubroom on 10th March to hear David describe the finding of a letter written by the poet from Ellisland on 21st April, 1789, in the Archive Collection at Floors Castle, the seat of the Duke of Roxburgh.
\nThe Duke\u2019s archivist found the letter in an old volume of manuscripts stored in the basement which included letters from Sir Walter Scott, along with a draft of the famous poem. The material apparently had been undisturbed for over 150 years.
\nAlong with a colleague from the University of Edinburgh\u2019s History Department, Professor Purdie\u00a0lost no time in travelling to the castle to check out the find and a copy was sent to Dr. Gerry Carruthers of Glasgow University\u2019s Centre for Robert Burns Studies who confirmed the documents to be genuine and previously unknown. This amazing find is the first original handwritten letter and poem discovered in a century.
\nThe letter was addressed to Professor Jas. Gregory of Edinburgh University together with an early version of the poem. The author was incensed by the son of a neighbouring farmer who took a shot at a passing hare badly injuring it. The crime was made worse by the fact that it happened on the Sabbath, 19th April 1789.
\nProfessor Purdie\u2019 illustrated talk aroused much excitement and a lively discussion followed. The speaker who is currently engaged in a long awaited update of the \u201cBurns Encyclopaedia, was thanked by President Neil Johnston.<\/p>\n

13\/03\/2011 – Trip out to Alloway<\/b><\/p>\n

\"keystone\"Led by President Neil Johnston, sixteen members and spouses and two members of Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No. 1 travelled in luxury mini-bus to Alloway, fired up to view the new Burns Birthplace Museum, recently opened by First Minister and honorary Howff Club member Alex Salmond MSP, at a cost believed to be \u00a321 million.
\nThe coach stopped on the way at New Cumnock to view the impressive new statue of the poet, unveiled on 5th <\/sup>March by Robert Burn World Federation President and club member David Baird.\u00a0The party arrived on schedule and made a bee-line for the coffee shop for refreshments before a conducted tour of the museum, built to replace the former \u201cTam O\u2019 Shanter Experience\u201d. The facility is well laid out has lots of hi-tech terminals for educational purposes and some marvellous exhibits including original manuscripts and memorabilia, as well as sound recordings of songs and poems.
\nIt was noted that Burns\u2019 original writing desk from his house in Dumfries was on display and librarian Gordon Johnston was tasked to mount a recovery operation project. To the surprise of some, only exit from the Museum was through the Gift Shop.
\n\"weesleekit\"
\nPosing for photographs on the \u201cAuld Brig O\u2019 Doon\u201d then a meander around the Monument and the Auld Kirk.\u00a0A pleasant lunch was taken at the Brig O\u2019 Doon Hotel before venturing in the rain to the Cottage admiring the giant moose, known locally as \u201cMetal Mickey\u201d, in passing.\u00a0Club members and guests was disappointed at the changes made to the cottage which now has sound effects and verses scratched on the walls which detract from the original charm of the \u201cAuld Clay Biggin\u201d.\u00a0But we have to move with the times.\u00a0The group arrived home on time, tired but happy.
\nThanks are due to Mrs. Jane Brown for providing entertainment en route and for her attempts at mental stimulation. Thanks also to Mrs. Baird for chocolate eggs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

10\/03\/2011 – Wounded Hare Letter – Prof. David Purdie<\/p>\n

In an addition to the clubs published program of events <\/b>honorary member Professor David Purdie again selected the club for the first airing of his presentation of Burns\u2019 \u201cOn Seeing a Wounded Hare\u201d and recently discovered unpublished letter.\"woundhare\"
\n20 members assembled in the clubroom on 10th<\/sup> March to hear David describe the finding of a letter written by the poet from Ellisland on 21st<\/sup> April, 1789, in the Archive Collection at Floors Castle, the seat of the Duke of Roxburgh.
\nThe Duke\u2019s archivist found the letter in an old volume of manuscripts stored in the basement which included letters from Sir Walter Scott, along with a draft of the famous poem. The material apparently had been undisturbed for over 150 years.
\nAlong with a colleague from the University of Edinburgh\u2019s History Department, Professor Purdie\u00a0lost no time in travelling to the castle to check out the find and a copy was sent to Dr. Gerry Carruthers of Glasgow University\u2019s Centre for Robert Burns Studies who confirmed the documents to be genuine and previously unknown. This amazing find is the first original handwritten letter and poem discovered in a century.
\nThe letter was addressed to Professor Jas. Gregory of Edinburgh University together with an early version of the poem. The author was incensed by the son of a neighbouring farmer who took a shot at a passing hare badly injuring it. The crime was made worse by the fact that it happened on the Sabbath, 19th<\/sup> April 1789.
\nProfessor Purdie\u2019 illustrated talk aroused much excitement and a lively discussion followed. The speaker who is currently engaged in a long awaited update of the \u201cBurns Encyclopaedia, was thanked by President Neil Johnston.<\/p>\n

24\/02\/2011 – Winter Club Night – Simon Thorp -The Heather Trust<\/b><\/p>\n

Simon Thorp of the Heather Trust was speaker at the Burns Howff Club\u2019s February Club Night in the Globe Inn.
\n\"cnfeb11\"Mr. Thorp, a chartered surveyor and former naval officer, captivated members with a talk on the current state of heather moorlands in Scotland, now under a variety of threats especially the Heather beetle. The speaker stated that heather which is an iconic species and one of Scotland\u2019s national assets is not just for the game birds, but for all species which live in the moorlands.\u00a0Since the 1940\u2019s, over 25% of the UK\u2019s heather cover has been lost and continues to decrease at about 0.5% per year. The Trust is taking steps to reverse the decline and to improve the condition of the heather for grazing and shooting purposes. Sheep have been re-introduced and by using traditional shepherding techniques and sheep tick control, the condition of the heather has been restored, tick numbers are declining and the numbers of grouse and other moorland birds are increasing. Management of all our heather moors is vital for the well being of the countryside and the trust seeks to promote an improved understanding of moorland and its eco-systems, particularly carbon retention and balance based on experience and scientific research.
\nFollowing a lively question and answer session, Mr. Thorp was thanked by President Neil Johnston.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

13\/02\/2011 – Charnwood Lodge Burns Supper<\/b><\/p>\n

The President, Neil Johnston, was joined by fellow club members Ian McIntyre (JVP), Frank Curran, Callum Watson, William Welsh, Gordon Johnston, and Robert Burns World Federation Ltd President David Baird.
\nDavid Baird addressed the haggis which was piped in by Callum, Gordon Johnston recited a couple of poems, Neil Johnston delivered an abridged Immortal Memory, Ian McIntyre toasted the lassies and gave the audience a couple of songs. Willian and Frank also sang a couple of songs each accompanied by George McKinnel.\u00a0The guest then joined hands with the residents in Auld Lang Syne.<\/p>\n

<\/a>25\/01\/2011 – Anniversary Dinner<\/b><\/p>\n

A full complement of members and guests assembled in the Globe Inn on 25thJanuary for the club\u2019s 122nd<\/sup> Anniversary Dinner.
\n\"annidin2011\"
\nFollowing a minutes silence in memory of the club\u2019s honorary president, Dr. George Stirling who had\u00a0died on 18th January, President Neil Johnston welcomed the company and introduced principal speaker, Peter Kormylo, himself an honorary member of the club. In his toast to the \u201cImmortal Memory of Robert Burns\u201d, Mr. Kormylo spoke of the Globe Inn as the epicentre of the Burns world which had a very special place in his heart. The speaker painted a detailed, knowledgeable and fascinating picture in the minds of his listeners of Dumfries and the Globe in the closing years of the 18th<\/sup> century when the burgh was a garrison town which brought with it, a glittering social life. However, the times also had deep social injustices when those in power operated the 11th commandment-\u201cThou shall not be found out\u201d.\u00a0Peter invited the company to envisage the old snug bar of the Globe with the poet seated in his favourite chair, holding court to an eclectic mix of friends and well served by the Hyslop\u2019s, the hosts of the time.\u00a0As a busy coaching inn, travellers would bring news from further afield and the poet, by turns whimsical and philosophical, would lay aside cares to discuss the news.\u00a0He had a passion for political comment and the times were awash with ripples of revolution. The French nobility were going to the guillotine and within the British Isles, the opposing views of Whigs and Tories and the fear of revolution here mean there was often little middle ground in Dumfries as elsewhere. Raucous organised crowds would celebrate through the town in the name of the King making their views clear. Burns at the time was notorious for having etched on a window in the Globe the verse, \u201cIn politics if thou would\u2019st mix, And mean the fortunes be: Bear this in mind \u2013 be deaf and blind, Let great folk hear and see\u201d.
\n<\/sup>Mr. Kormylo reminded that the Dumfries years was a time when Burns sharpened his political comments and he spoke of the Globe as the bard\u2019s parliament where he encouraged his friends to talk of church and state sharing concepts that were radical and democratic. He also reminded the company that the poet\u2019s friends, although from all walks of life, were no fools and were men of vision. One of these, Dr. William Maxwell, a Jesuit and son of a notable Jacobite had, whilst working in France, witnessed the execution of the French King and Queen and was a man for whom Burns had very high regard.\u00a0Peter observed that the pen is often mightier than the sword and that, in the hands of Burns, a pen was a very powerful weapon indeed. This was the man who could compose a battle cry as effective as \u201cSots Wha Hae\u201d- so powerful that it was not published until after his death.
\nA lament of the pipes was played by club piper Callum Watson
\nThe president thanked the speaker for his inspiring and passionate toast and presented his with a certificate of appreciation and print of the Globe Inn Close.
\n\"haggis2011\"Past president Donald Urquhart replied to the toast to the Burns Federation proposed by the president and thanked the club for its support for the Federation over many years.
\nSecretary David Smith conveyed over 120 greetings from Kindred Club\u2019s by post and e-mail and Dr. Patrick Trust, president of Dumbarton Burns Club brought fraternal greetings from his members and spoke of the close link between the two clubs.
\nHonorary member Harry Hutchison proposed a succulent toast to \u201cThe Lasses, o\u201d and the \u201cDrouthie Cronies\u201d was proposed by James Haining.
\nContributing to a superb entertainment programme were Bill Welsh, Frank Curran, John Caskie, Gordon Johnston, Les Byers with special guest artistes James Coutts, Ian Kirkpatrick and Alex Pool who delighted members with a vivid recitation of \u201cTam O\u2019 Shanter\u201d.
\nJunior vice president Ian McIntyre moved a vote of thanks to the \u201cArtistes\u201d and the Chairman was thanked by past president John Caskie.
\nA rousing chorus of \u201cAuld Lang Syne\u201d way past the witching hour, brought an end to a night to remember<\/p>\n

<\/a>20\/12\/10 – Christmas Dinner<\/b><\/p>\n

Superb Company excellent food and drink topped of with a visit from Santa (Jane) Brown….<\/p>\n

<\/a>30\/11\/10 – St Andrews Night Dinner<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"stand4\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

President Neil Johnston welcomed members and friends of the Burns Howff Club to their St. Andrew\u2019s Night Dinner in the Globe Inn on 30th November and said how glad they were to be back home in the Globe Inn after Burns\u2019 famous \u201cHowff\u201d was temporarily closed for major repairs.\u00a0Honorary member and past president Peter Kormylo expressed thanks to the club for supporting his recent compilation of selected Burns\u2019 verses translated into Ukrainian. This was a worldwide first and he reported that the book would be launched nationally in Edinburgh on 24th January 2011.
\n\"stand1\"After dinner, the president introduced guest speaker, Sir Neil McIntosh CBE, who was well known to members as Sir Neil was previously Chief Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Regional Council until 1991 when he went to head up Strathclyde Regional Council.
\nIn a philosophic and thought provoking toast to \u201cAuld Scotia\u201d, the speaker reflected on the changes taking place in Scotland in the time of Burns and the major influence of his contemporaries as giants of the Scottish Enlightenment in the crucible in which Scotland was fired.\u00a0His place could be judged by his image depicted on the cupola of the Signet Library in Parliament Hall in Edinburgh, along with John Napier, David Hume and Adam Smith.\u00a0Sir Neil\u2019s toast was enthusiastically received by the company and he accepted an inscribed tankard from the president.
\nThe club\u2019s honorary treasurer, David Baird, who had recently been elected president of the Robert Burns World Federation, was presented by the president with a framed photograph showing him with the prestigious Chain of Office and Mr. Baird expressed his thanks to the club.\"stand2\"
\n\"stand3\"The president also presented Mrs Maureen McKerrow with a crystal figure in the shape of a map of Scotland to mark the 400th anniversary of the Globe Inn. This had been created by Mr. Matt Sempie, an antique glazier from Hurry Bros. of Glasgow who had also made facsimiles of the three window panes, inscribed by Burns and removed from the Globe Inn in 1834 and now at the Burns Birthplace Museum at Alloway. It was hoped to display the facsimiles in the Globe later this year.\u00a0Mr. Sempie, who was present, was thanked by the president and presented with a framed print of the Globe Inn close.<\/p>\n

After dinner entertainment was enlivened by award winning Burns reciter Willie Horne from Cockenzie who brought the house down with a droll rendition of Hugh Watters\u2019 \u201cWull the Waster\u201d in which he pointed an admonitory finger at several in the company.\u00a0Honorary member and author, Chris Rollie, brought 18th century Mauchline alive with a superb recitation of Burns\u2019 \u201cHoly Fair\u201d.\u00a0Honorary member Max Houliston provided sparkling musical selections and accompanied the singers. The guest artistes were well supported by club members including Frank Curran, John Caskie and Les Byers.
\nPresident Johnston introduced delegations from Dumfries and Dumbarton Burns Clubs, Vice President Gavin Findlay from Dumbarton spoke of the long and friendly relationship between the clubs and Vice President Miller Caldwell from Dumfries Burns Club conveyed fraternal greetings from his president and members.
\nFollowing a lively spell of community singing, Junior Vice President Ian McIntyre moved a comprehensive Vote of Thanks and one of the most enjoyable gatherings in recent years ended at midnight.<\/p>\n

<\/a>25\/11\/10\u201cPhotos from OZ & some Poems\u201d\"wl1110\"<\/b><\/p>\n

Club member, Local Landscape Artist and Poet – John Clark selected around 150 photographs of his antipodean adventures.\u00a0John had managed to capture some stunning scenery, views, indigenous culture and works of modern art on his box brownie, ( well actually one of these digital \u2018thing a mi bobs\u2019 )\u00a0and put together an audio visual presentation interspersed with topical and humorous poems from his publish book of verse.\u00a0This was a super, light hearted, and enjoyable talk and I think that John should seek commission from the Australian Tourist Board……\u00a0The was some photographs of Crocodiles e never mentioned the creapie crawlies
\n<\/a>14\/11\/10 The Jolly Beggers Cantata<\/b><\/p>\n

\"cantata\"The Theatre Royal,\u00a0Dumfries was the venue for a performance of the Jolly Beggers Cantata the difference was that the performers were not performing in their native language.\u00a0The performance was delivered by the group of Russian school pupils, all under 16, from school 61 in St Petersburg.\u00a0A superb and lively performance with accurate recitations and interpretation of Robert Burns work depicting\u00a0an evening in Poosie Nancys.<\/p>\n

Howff Club Honorary member Peter Kormylo presented one of the poems from his recently publish Burns in Ukrainian, in Ukrainian which he hoped the visitors would understand as the languages are similar<\/p>\n

The Visitors were supported by local talented youths including Young burnsian of the year – piper Calum Brown, Scottish Country Dancer, an 11 year old champion fiddle in the making from Lanarkshire young Lee McQueen played the accordion and a previous winner of the St. Petersburg form competition who has recently accepted and is training at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
\nA superb afternoons entertainment but unfortunately most of the audience had travelled from around Scotland, Ayrshire, Fife, Lanarkshire, Lothian, Renfrewshire, to name a few but only a hand full of Doonhamers<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>01\/11\/2010 Hallowe\u2019en Supper<\/b><\/p>\n

For only the second time in the 121 year history of Dumfries Burns Howff Club, members were decanted from \"halloween2\"their home at the Globe Inn on 1st <\/sup>November while the 400 hundred year old building was closed for repairs.
\nThe club celebrated Hallowe\u2019en with a supper held in the Moreig Hotel when the company was welcomed by President Neil Johnston who introduced guest speaker, Iain Scott, well known as lead singer of the famous Hawick based boy-band \u201cScocha\u201d and special guest artistes, Andy Kain and world accordion champion, Liam Stewart. He congratulated club Honorary Treasurer David Baird, on his recent election as president of the Robert Burns World Federation and forecast that a very busy year with world travel lay in store.
\nAfter dinner, Mr. Scott gave a sparkling and humorous address on the traditions of Hallowe\u2019en laced with jokes and stories from his native Hawick and the Border country.\u00a0The speaker was thanked by the president and accepted an inscribed tankard and club tie.
\nContributing to a stellar entertainment programme were Frank Curran, Les Byers and John Caskie. New member Bobby Jess gave a bravura recitation of Burns\u2019 \u201cTam O\u2019 Shanter\u201d and John Clark delighted the company with one of his own compositions, \u201cDavid the Magpie\u201d.\u00a0David Pool from Langholm, following in his famous father\u2019s footsteps, proved his worth as a tenor with a rendition of \u201cHame o\u2019 Mine\u201d to great acclaim.\"halloween1\"
\nThe musical duo, Andy Kain on the fiddle and Liam Stewart on the accordion, had the company shouting for more with their superb medleys of traditional and contemporary music throughout the evening.
\nThe president announced that past president Peter Kormylo had produced a translation of Burns works in Ukrainian. This was a worldwide first and the book with superb illustrations by local artist and club member, John Clark, would be launched in Dumfries on 15th November.
\n<\/sup>Junior vice president Ian McIntyre moved a comprehensive Vote of Thanks and a remarkable night to remember was brought to an end with a lusty singing of \u201cAuld Lang Syne\u201d.
\nThe accompanist was Liam Stewart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>28\/10\/10 Winter Talk by Marion Aitken<\/b><\/p>\n

Mrs Marion Aitken, retired teacher and local historian was guest speaker at the Club Night held at the Moreig \"wl1010\"Hotel on 28th<\/sup> October.
\nMrs. Aitken gave an illustrated talk on the history of Friars Carse and the connection with Robert Burns and the Riddell family, his neighbours whilst farming at Ellisland. Mrs. Aitken described the relationship by marriage between the Laurie\u2019s of Maxwellton House (home of \u201cAnnie Laurie\u201d) and Robert and Maria Riddell. The site of the present day Friars Carse Hotel, partly owned by the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance since 1936, has a fascinating history from its time as a religious community in the Middle Ages to several rebuilds and the country home of the Riddells and latterly the Crichton family who founded the Crichton Royal 1n 1839.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

30\/09\/10 Winter Talk by Mac Creedon\"wl0910\"<\/b><\/p>\n

Mr. Mac Creedon, Director of Solway Offset Services was guest speaker at the opening meeting\u00a0in the Burns Howff Club\u2019s Winter Talks Programme in the Globe Inn.
\nMr. Creedon, who started his career in the printing industry as an apprentice compositor with Robert Dinwiddie and Co. in 1954, fascinated his audience with tales from the days of hot slugs and metal typesetting and said that he was probably the last printer in the region who can go back to that era. In 1959, there were about 250 people employed in the printing trade in Dumfries, all within one hundred yards of the Midsteeple, between Dinwiddies, Grieves and the Standard Office.\u00a0In those days, compositing was done by hand and was a skilled craft with experts page setting at incredible speeds.\u00a0A far cry from modern direct input from journalists by computer where every stage in the printing process is digitised. The old crafts died out long ago due to technology although this was resisted initially by the powerful printing trade unions.
\nThe Dinwiddies Building at the Midsteeple was a rabbit warren of passages and cubby holes and a yellow line on the floor guided visitors to the various departments.\u00a0The owner, the late Noel Dinwiddie, was a larger than life character who also specialised in antiquarian books and customers looking for rare volumes turned up at the shop from all over. He had a department solely dedicated to Robert Burns and supplied napkins and menu cards to Burns Clubs worldwide.
\nFollowing a lively question and answer session, Mr. Creedon was thanked by President Neil Johnston who said that the next talk in the programme would be held on Thursday 28th<\/sup> October in the Globe Inn at 7.30pm, when Marion Aitken would talk on \u201cRobert Burns and Annie Laurie at Friars Carse\u201d. A warm welcome would be accorded to all.<\/p>\n

Visit to The Mitchell Library<\/b><\/p>\n

\"mitchell1a\"
\nThe photgraph shows the Howff Club visits the Mitchell
\nwith Les Byres, curator at Ellisland Farm, reciting our host, Christine Henderson\u2019 favourite epistle.<\/p>\n

A party of 11 members were delighted to be able to visit the famous Mitchell Library in Glasgow and were privileged to be allowed into the Burns Room. Welcomed by curator, Christine Henderson, members were introduced to Europes largest library and explained the history of the Burns room and showed us some of the books and artefacts in the world famous Burns Collection which numbers over 4500 items and includes 2 Kilmarnock editions, one of which has been annotated by a friend and neighbour of the poet and indicated the people to whom different verses depicted.\u00a0We were then\u00a0allowed to browse the collection.<\/p>\n

\"mitchell2\"Christine accepted a copy of Peter Kormylo\u2019s book of Burns\u2019 translations in Ukrainian –\u00a0The Mitchell Library has a collection of book of the works of Robert Burns translated into other languages including Gaelic, French, German, Russian and now Ukrainian.\u00a0Christine and Howff Club members were treated to a recitation by Peter of \u201cTae a Moose\u201d in Ukrainian.<\/p>\n

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\nLibrarian Gordon Johnston presenting a copy of Peters book<\/b><\/p>\n

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19\/09\/2010 Dumbarton Bowling Match<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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12 members travelled to Dumbarton and braved the seasonal rain for an excellent day bowling with some great friends, pictured here with Presidents Patrick and Neil with the winners and runners up trophies accompanied by the world federation president and fellow Dumbarton and Howff club members.\u00a0We would liketo thank our hosts for their hospitality and guidance with the bowling.<\/p>\n

19\/08\/2010 Fish Supper Night<\/p>\n

<\/b>This was a light hearted alternative to the traditional Burns Supper held to support\u00a0\u201cThe Globe Inns\u201d 400th anniversary celebrations and our special thank to Maureen and Gordon McKerrow for the support and donations on what was superb night.\u00a0James Coutts had agreed to come to The Globe and play the accordian, on several of his sets he accompanied John Caskie who was as usual in fantastic voice and our thanks to James and John for the cultural input on the evenings entertainment.\u00a0We were all please to hear Bert Hasting with the Candle, John Lauder and The Mealie Puddin, Les Byres with The Rumour, Jane Brown gave us Admiral Nelson,\u00a0Carlo Rinaldi recited \u201cLa Patata\u201d, David Baird, David Millar & Gordon Johnston delivered Hugh Waters \u201cThe Twa Dugs\u201d, and John Clark addressed \u201cTo The Fish Supper\u201d a poem again By Hugh Water.<\/p>\n

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14\/08\/2010 Club Outing – West Cumbria<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Member and friends travelled by coach to Jenning Brothers Brewery at Castle Brewery in Cockermouth where we we given a tour of the brewery, seeing both the modern high tech brewing process side by side with the old traditional methods and equipment which has been left in place and is now worked around but is an interesting part of the tour.\u00a0We were the able to enjoy a light lunch and comment on the brewers art and skills. before we departed to Whithaven and the Beacon Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Having had some time to wonder around the museum and arts centre we had a short but very interesting and informative walking tour of the harbour and old mining area of the town and learned that Whitehaven had once been the third busiest port in the UK.\u00a0The Gentleman to the far right in the picture above was thought to have come from the Luxury apartment cruise liner\u00a0\u201cThe World\u201d which was at anchor just outside Whitehaven for the weekend
\nThe fine weather helped to make the outing a very enjoyable visit to a part of the country not normally associated with tourism, the beacon centre and its walking tour is highly recommended as it brings the history of the town to life. <\/p>\n

11\/07\/2010\u00a0 Wauchope Cairn, Hawick<\/b><\/p>\n

\"wauchope2010\"The Burns Howff Club was once again delighted to be invited to attend the Wauchope Cairn ceremony held by the Hawick Burns Club to mark the correspondence between Mrs Scott, \u201cGuid wife of Wauchope\u201d and Robert Burns and also his visit. The house has now gone however the memorial shown behind the President of the Hawick Burns Club (2nd from the right) and Jane Brown (on the left hand side) if believed to have been built from stone reclaimed from the doorway of the house.<\/p>\n

As always the Howff club members were made extremely welcome and enjoyed the afternoons hospitality and entertainment.<\/p>\n

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05\/07\/2010\u00a0 Jean Armour Dinner <\/b><\/p>\n

Members of the Burns Howff Club, kindred clubs and friends gathered at the Globe Inn and were piped by Pipe Major CalumWatson to the JeanArmour statue where they were welcomed by President Neil Johnston to the 6th commemoration of the life and dedication of Jean Armour to Robert Burns our national bard.\u00a0Past President John Caskie delivered a superb and heart felt oration to Bonnie Jean.<\/p>\n

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Returning to the Globe Inn for the Jean Armour Dinner the assembled group enjoyed their meal after the Rev Ella Pennington delivered the grace in her unique style.\u00a0\"JAD2010D\"
\nThe entertainment started with a song from Bill Welsh accompanied by Willie McRoberts on the accordion, Kirsty Solley played the fiddle and later sang to the audience, and Avril Kerr recited.\u00a0Guest speaker John Young President of Helensbourgh Burns Club gave a passionate toast to Jean Armour and Sophia Harkness past President of Thornhill Burns club an educated and well researched toast to \u2018the other women in Burns life\u2019 which includes some humorous interpretations from her time as a primary school teacher.
\nJohn Young accompanied his wife Lesley, who was a professional singer, with his acoustic guitar.
\nWillie McRobert had the audiences feet tapping and John Caskie brought proceedings to a close when he had everyone singing.\u00a0Ian McIntyre gave the vote of thanks to all present for an excellent evening .<\/p>\n

29\/05\/2010 Mauchline Holy Fair
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\nThe President, Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian took the opportunity to visit the annual Mauchline Holy Fair and enjoyed an excellent day where a variety of acts appeared on the main stage including a steel band from south Cumbria and Michelle McMannus, however members of the Howff Club choose to attend performances in the church which featured Willie Stewart singing songs and ballads form the works of Robert Burns, Shelly Clark playing the Clasac and singing, and a specially written sketch featuring the people of Mauchine when Robert Burns lived and worked in the area.\u00a0 The fire and brimstone period preachers were always present to lecture the gathered audience about their sins and retribution.\u00a0With may other people walking around the streets in period costume this was an unusual and enjoyable day out and one which I am sure that Howff Club members will attend again.<\/b><\/p>\n


\n20\/05\/2010\u00a0Thursday\u00a0Bowling Night\u00a0\u00a0 Dock Park
\n<\/b>Twenty four members, three spouses and two guests assembled at Dock Park for the club\u2019s annual bowling night on 20th<\/sup> May when the weather, although overcast was dry and the midges, mercifully sparse.
\nBowls Marshall Bob Wilson conjured up ten teams of two and bowling commenced with a will although the state of the green left a lot to be desired with a surface layer of fertiliser which contaminated the bools and caused some skin irritation. Belated apologies to anyone with latent dermatitis.<\/p>\n

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Bob\u2019s skill at matching players with booling expertise ensured that the less able were quickly knocked out and after three ends, booling was declared concluded at 8.45pm and the calculation of the winners commenced. The company proceeded with some haste to the Globe Inn for the customary sannys and prize giving. After some hesitation, Bob passed the figures to President Neil Johnston who announced that the coveted \u201cDraffan Cup\u201d had been won again by John Caskie and his partner, Elaine Whitehead and the runners up, Kenneth MacKinnon and Ian Meechan.
\nJohn\u2019s efforts to decline accepting the Cup were overruled and he was advised that if he won again, the \u201cDraffan Cup\u201d would be his to keep.\u00a0Ian Whitehead was heard to say that Mr. Caskie turned up at his door with the cup in six months; he would not be let in.
\nAn excellent night with fun and mixed bowling skill was enjoyed and at the Globe, the president thanked Bob Wilson and all who contributed to the success of the event.<\/p>\n

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09\/05\/2010\u00a0Sunday\u00a0Coldstream Bridge
\nThe President, Hon. Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian were once again honoured to be invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the Howff Club at the centre of the Coldstream bridge over the Tweed which is the point where in 1787 Robert Burns first crossed into England<\/p>\n

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Events Seasons Events AGM Meeting in the Howff The club AGM took place in the Howff club rooms on the 29th April 2010 when Neil Johnston was installed as President for the coming year, Frank Manson elected Senior vice president … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/543"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=543"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":544,"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/543\/revisions\/544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}