September opened with the RBWF conference in Glasgow, well covered in Ian McIntyre\u2019s contribution to the blog but delighted to witness the installation of honorary member Jane Brown as president for the ensuing year and hope she has a much fun and enjoyment as I had during my time in that office.
\nShocking news on return that Sir George Reid had to cancel his visit in January to propose the \u201cImmortal Memory\u201d due to serious health problems but Brian Taylor brought his visit forward from 2015 to oblige. Sent a \u201cget well\u201d card to Sir George on behalf of the club. We were fortunate in attracting Fraser Sanderson to fill the gap in 2015. The SSCBA Quarterly Meeting on 14th September was taken up with reports from the conference and they agreed to a donation from funds to the RBWF President\u2019s Appeal. Sunday 15th September was supposed to have been the annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club, this year at Newall Terrace but they called off due to members being on holiday or sick. It was our turn to win this time but there\u2019s always next year. Our librarian Gordon J. obtained a rare copy of Burns\u2019 \u201cLondon Edition\u201d of 1787 in good condition and valued by our consultant William Robson at about \u00a3750.00. This was displayed at a meeting of the Library Sub Committee on 16th September where members were obliged to use rubber gloves. The Club Night programme opened on 26th September with an evening visit to the police museum at the Loreburn Street Station. 20 members shuffled up from the Globe and were met by the curator Joe Craig who conducted the party round a fascinating display of photos and artefacts of policing in Dumfries & Galloway from the 18th century to the present. A visit was made to the Custody Suite and the CCTV Monitor Room before Ian McIntyre proposed a vote of thanks to Joe and presented a copy of his mother\u2019s Constable\u2019s Handbook from 1932. Sunday 29th September, a superb concert in the Globe by a foursome from St. Petersburg, Russia, who delighted the packed house with their knowledge of Scotland and their songs and readings in immaculate \u201cScots\/ English\u201d. Andy MacKay\u2019s first class autumn edition of the \u201cHowff News\u201d ready for posting. Wednesday 2nd October, met with President Godfrey to construct the programme for the Hallowe\u2019en Supper which looks good on paper and hope that most of the company will wait to the end. Excom meeting on 7th October for provisional issue of Hallowe\u2019en tickets but the meeting was overshadowed by news of a threat from the Council to close Burns House and other Burns\u2019 visitor attractions due to \u201cbudget cuts\u201d. Personally, I didn\u2019t take this seriously as I suspect that the Council were creating a smokescreen to achieve other targets by stealth while attention was taken up by the Burns\u2019 issues. A meeting was scheduled at Gracefield on 14th October with \u201cstakeholders\u201d but the club would send a letter of objection as would individual members. Committee agreed to confer honorary membership on Peter Westwood for presentation at Hallowe\u2019en . Don\u2019t know why this was not done years ago. Sunday 13th October, a visitation from a party of 17 from Coldstream Burns Club and assisted with the reception and the \u201cten cent tour\u201d. It was a pleasure to meet genuine Burns enthusiasts and they were appreciative of the turnout from the club. Thanks to Dan Cook, John Lauder, Ian McIntyre, Gordon Johnston, Tom Johnstone and Godfrey Bedford. Meantime, news of a Council revolt and a change of administration followed by the withdrawal of the proposals for the closure of the Burns sites. Who do they think they were fooling!!! Tuesday 15th October, out to Carlisle with Treasurer Frank Manson and honorary president Dan Cook to the nearest branch of \u201cVirgin Money\u201d to open an account which should attract a better interest rate than local banks. Met by the delightful \u201cKimberley\u201d, a doonhamer who was gracious. This was followed by a delicious treacle scone and coffee at a quaint olde worlde cafe before the return journey in Frank\u2019s Porche. Excom meeting on 21st October for confirmation and payment of Hallowe\u2019en tickets. The number was closed at 76 which should be comfortable. David Miller tried out his ticket and seating form and it will be interesting to see if it works. The October Club Night on 24th was first class with an illustrated talk by Ian McIntyre on \u201cSir James Crichton Brown\u201d a Victorian character and pioneer of modern psychiatry who had many Dumfries connections. Ian\u2019s knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject was communicated to his audience supplemented by Neil Johnston\u2019s skill in operating the Magic Lantern. Had the pleasure in moving the Vote of Thanks in place of President Godfrey who was unable to attend. Superb shortbread followed.
\nFriday 25th, with David and Norma Miller, attended a concert in Maxwelltown West Church by the Male Voice Choir in aid of the church Organ Fund. The guest soloist was Christian Taylor, a baritone\/tenor. The choir was in good voice and the programme was light and hugely enjoyable. Spotted several members in the choir and audience.
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September opened with the RBWF conference in Glasgow, well covered in Ian McIntyre\u2019s contribution to the blog but delighted to witness the installation of honorary member Jane Brown as president for the ensuing year and hope she has a much … Continue reading