MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 18 th MAY, 2017,
AT 7.30pm, IN THE GLOBE INN.

SEDERUNT
W. A. Johnston, President, D. R. Miller, I. McIntyre, K. Crookshanks, W. Ogilvie, J. Clark,
W. Graham, G. Bedford, D. Paterson, D. Cook, D. R. Urquhart, W. Welsh, J. Lauder,
T. Johnstone, J. McCambley, E. D. Watt, E, Barbour, R. B. Wilson, J. Roddick, R. O. Hastings,
J. Scott, G. Templeton, R. Kennedy, P. Hutchison, R. Williamson, R. Walker, C. Watson,
C. Gibson and D. Smith, Hon. Secretary.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
D. Moffat, J. Moir Nelson, J. Young, B. Jackson, S. Gaw, G. Johnston, D. Mackie, N. Johnston
J. Glover, K. Martin, W. Little, J. M. Caskie, J. Haining, C.M. Lyon, M. G. Laing, S. Tweedie,
K. McKinnon, B. D. Baird P. D. Kormylo.

WELCOME
The President accorded a welcome to members present and expressed pleasure at the high
turnout. He stated that the Globe Inn was presently up for lease but Mr. McKerrow had given an
assurance that the club’s access to the clubroom and previously arranged function dates would be
respected while he was the owner of the Globe Inn.
The President welcomed Honorary Members, Maureen McKerrow and Jane Brown and thanked
them and the Globe Inn staff for their support, help and cooperation during the year and presented
both with tokens of appreciation. Mrs. McKerrow thanked the president saying it was a pleasure to
be associated with the club and in turn, presented her own token of thanks. Mrs. Brown expressed
her own thanks and congratulated the President of a superb year. She would be retiring at some
stage in the coming year but hoped to continue assisting at club functions.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous General Meeting held on 19 th May 2016, were read by D. Miller and
adopted as a true and correct record of the business, on the motion of D. Watt, seconded by R.
Hastings.

SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT
Presenting his 45 th Annual Report, the Honorary Secretary reviewed a most enjoyable and
successful season and paid tribute to the retiring President whom he said had achieved a
memorable year with numerous highlights. The Globe Inn functions had been particularly
outstanding with excellent speakers and first class entertainment. The 128 th Anniversary Dinner on
25 th January 2017, will long stay in the mind when the speaker due to propose the “Immortal
Memory” had to call off on health grounds but was ably replaced by David Scott of Duns with a
passionate toast, who had been slotted in for 2018. Mr. Landles will attend next year with his
original toast. The secretary thanked the office bearers for their support and assistance during a
very active year. Notwithstanding the current uncertainty re the Globe Inn, he expressed
confidence that the future was secure and club would prosper. The Secretary’s Report was
approved on the motion of I. McIntyre, seconded by J. Clark.

TREASURER’S REPORT
The Honorary Treasurer spoke to the Balance Sheet which had been previously circulated. The
accounts showed a surplus of £400.00 indicating that the function ticket prices and membership
subscriptions were at the correct level. The Balance Sheet had been inspected by Kirsty
Johnstone, an independent and qualified examiner, and certified correct based on the information
supplied. The Treasurer invited questions and D. Urquhart queried the stockholding in the
Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust. This was explained as 1,305 ordinary shares of 5p each and
the income of £153.74 earmarked for the maintenance of the commemorative plaques in St.
Michaels Kirk yard. The Treasurer reviewed the club asset list and the confirmed that the Virgin
Money account showed a balance of £10,000. The Treasurer was thanked by the President for his
efforts and his report including his proposal to hold the subscription at the current level, was
adopted on the motion of D. Miller, and seconded by W. Graham.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT
W. Graham delivered the report in the absence of the Librarian, G. Johnston. He described a very
busy year with a number of enjoyable Library Nights when various Burns poems were discussed.
Some surplus material, mostly duplicate copies of the Burns Chronicle had been cleared from the
loft, together with old correspondence files and attempts are underway to relocate these. The
Chronicles will be offered to members free of charge but a small donation would be accepted.
Work is continuing on rearranging the library contents and an updated catalogue would be issued.
Thanks are due to those members, especially Kenny McKinnon, who have donated material to the
library during the year. The Millennium Fiddle was handed to the club by Ian Kirkpatrick and is in
secure storage to prevent deterioration. It is hoped that the instrument might be played in future by
schools competition winners. The Librarian thanked members generally for their support and his
report was adopted on the motion of C. Gibson, seconded by J. Lauder.

WEBMASTER’S REPORT
In the absence of the Webmaster, his report was submitted by J. McCambley. In the last year, the
Website has served over ¼ million pages with a high percentage of visitors looking at more than
one page. The main Website page’s access is consistent with visitors enquiring about the club’s
history and activities. Google still remains the top search engine with much of the traffic from the
USA but Russia, China and Germany are all high on the list. The Facebook social media pages
are much more popular than the traditional website with articles posted attracting 100’s or even
1000’s of views but the Website has its place and should be maintained even if it’s content is
much more static. The Webmaster’s Report was approved on the motion of W. Graham,
seconded by R. Walker.

“200+ CLUB”
D. Miller as promoter reported that the numbers were down over the previous year to 153
shareholders but a profit of £636.00 had been realised. The membership included some who were
not club members and family pets and those were regular prize winners. He would continue as
promoter for the time being in the hope that the uptake of shares would increase in future. He was
thanked by the President and his report was adopted on the motion of C. Watson, seconded by G.
Bedford.

RETIRING PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Before demitting office, the President thanked his office bearers and members generally for their
support during his term in the Chair. He had many happy memories to take away from what was a
very busy year. His particular highlights included the outing to Dumfries House and the
Anniversary Dinner and he apologised to Mr. Gibson for purloining his speaker. The musicians,
especially Roddy Matthews, James Coutts and Ken Hilsley and Doug Carroll were superb and he
thanked club members who had contributed to the entertainment programmes. It had been a great
honour and privilege to follow his father and brother as President in what was one of the most
prestigious clubs in the world. He wished to present the club with a ceremonial sword for use by
the president when addressing the Haggis at the Anniversary Dinners but cautioned that care
should be taken to reduce the risk of injury to top table personnel. He declared all offices vacant
and had pleasure in proposing the senior vice president, Colin Gibson, as President for 2017 –
2018. This was seconded by W. Graham and as there were no other nominations, he announced
that Mr. Gibson was duly elected and invested Mr. Gibson with the Presidential Regalia. In
assuming the Chair, Mr. Gibson thanked members for giving him the opportunity to serve as
president, an experience of which he felt immensely proud and humbling. He paid tribute to
William Johnston for his stewardship of the club in the past year and who would be a hard act to
follow. He presented Mr. Johnston with his past president’s badge and in addition, the new
immediate past president’s medallion, presented to the club by past president Callum Watson. The
President proposed W. Graham for the office of Senior Vice President. This was seconded by W.
Johnston and as there were no other nominations, Mr. Graham was declared elected and he
expressed thanks to members. The President proceeded to fill the other offices as required by the
Constitution. Junior Vice President, Robert Walker as a recommendation by the retiring
committee, proposed by W. Welsh, seconded by D. Watt. As there were no other nominations, Mr.
Walker received his badge of office and expressed thanks to members for the honour bestowed
on him and he looked forward to serving the club in that role.
Honorary Secretary, the President proposed D. Smith. This was carried by acclamation, there
being no other nominations. Honorary Treasurer, The President expressed thanks to Callum
Watson for his efforts last year carried out under difficult circumstances. C. Watson proposed W.
Johnston and was seconded by I. McIntyre. As there were no other nominations, surprisingly, W.
Johnston agreed to serve as treasurer and was thanked by the President. Honorary Librarian,
Gordon Johnston, proposed by D. Smith, seconded by G. Bedford and carried unanimously, there
being no other nominations.

Executive Committee of twelve members. The President stated that in order to encourage more
members to stand for the committee, past president W. Johnston had issued a letter of invitation
which had borne some results. Twelve members having been proposed and seconded, the
committee was announced as follows. Peter Hutchison, Bobby Kennedy, David Miller, Neil
Johnston, Keith Martin, William Welsh, Kenny Crookshanks, John Clark, Jim McCambley, George
Templeton, Graham Trickey and Kenny McKinnon.
Delegates to the annual conference of the RBWF to be held at Peebles from 8 th to 10 th September.
Agreed to remit to the first committee meeting. Appointment of three delegates to the SSCBA. The
President proposed to re appoint W. Welsh, I. McIntyre and C. Gibson, seconded by the secretary
and unanimously agreed there being no other nominations and the incumbents agreeing to serve.

SYLLABUS DATES, 2017 – 2018
The secretary announced the syllabus dates as follows.
13 TH Jean Armour Dinner, Monday July 3 rd . Toast to “Jean Armour” by Emma Harper MSP AND
“The Other Women...” by Dr. Ruth Thomson.
Hallowe’en Supper, Tuesday 31 st October, speaker, Jim Brown, New Cumnock
St. Andrew’s Night Dinner, Thursday 30 th November, Toast to “Auld Scotia”, Ian McIntyre who
would possibly be President of the RBWF.
129 TH Anniversary Dinner, Thursday 25 th January 2018. “Immortal Memory” by Ian Landles,
Hawick. Toast to “The Lasses, O”, Bill Nolan, Irvine.
Annual General Meeting, Thursday 31 st May 2018. It was stated that the date was later than
normal in order to accommodate the incoming president.

DIARY DATES, 2017 – 2018
The President announced the dates of forthcoming events as follows.
Coldstream Bridge, Sunday 7 th May. The club was represented by C. Gibson, W. Graham, R.
Walker and D.Smith
Club Bowling Night, Tuesday 23 rd May. 7.00pm at Newall Terrace, when the coveted “Draffan Cup”
would be competed for. The President hoped for a good turnout.
Wauchope Cairn, Sunday 9 th July.
Brow Well, Wednesday 19 th July at 7.30m followed by a social gathering at the Cairndale Hotel.
Annual Outing, Edinburgh, Sunday 13 th August. Cameron Goodall would act as guide to the Burns’
sites in the Old Town and opportunity would be accorded to visit the pubs in the Grassmarket
before a meal at Biggar on the return journey. 9 members expressed interest.
Annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club. Sunday 17 th September (provisional). The club
would be the host this year at Newall Terrace by courtesy of Dumfries Bowling Club.

OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
The President reported no items had been advised prior to the start of the meeting.

CONCLUSION
There being no further business, the President thanked members for their attendance and again
expressed thanks for the honour of serving in the Chair. His slogan for the year would be either
“Put the Howff Club First” or “Strong and Stable Leadership” or possibly not.
He announced that the first meeting of the new Executive Committee would be Monday 5 th June
when as is customary, a group photograph would be taken and members should appear at
7.00pm, properly attired. The supper would consist of pies and mushy peas followed by the soiree.

VOTE OF THANKS
On the call of Past President Callum Watson, a vote of thanks to William Johnston and Colin
Gibson for their conduct in the Chair terminated the proceedings.



BURNS HOWFF CLUB

Honorary Secretary’s Annual Report for 2016 - 2017

18 th May 2017

Gentlemen, may I start by paying tribute to our retiring president, William Johnston, who has upheld his
family’s tradition of providing club presidents of distinction. He had a light touch and conducted meetings
of the committee with authority and diplomacy and presided over one of the most successful and
enjoyable programme of functions in the Globe Inn in recent years. The president was an outstanding
ambassador of the club at numerous external events during the year.
The club was well represented at the customary commemorative events which included Coldstream Bridge
on 8 th May 2016 when the president place the floral tribute on the hook fixed to the bridge with great
aplomb and later at the Wauchope Cairn, Hawick, on 10 th July. Both gatherings were followed by the usual
generous hospitality from the respective Burns Clubs. The Brow Well Service on 20 th July was well attended
and included an impressive oration from Dr. Peter Hughes, president of the RBWF. The social at the
Cairndale Hotel had a slight change in format but was enjoyable with good turns.
The club Bowling Night on 24 th May at Newall Terrace was well attended and saw some spectacular
bowling skill displayed. Members were marshalled into pairs by Bob Wilson and the coveted “Draffan Cup”
was won with ease by Ken Crookshanks and George Templeton. Thanks are again due to Ken Crookshanks
for liaising with Dumfries Bowling Club, and to Kerr Little and Jane Brown for supplying the pies and mushy
peas consumed later at the Globe.
The annual outing on 7 th August saw 25 members, spouses and friends travel to Dumfries House, Cumnock,
and welcomed by Mr. Roger Reid, Principal Guide, who after a video presentation by HRH the Prince of
Wales, conducted members on a fascinating tour of the public rooms filled with priceless treasures of
every kind. Lunch was served in the Library before members were able to explore the extensive grounds
which included ancient trees, manicured lawns, tree lined avenues, a Chinese Bridge and several follies.
The recent addition of a maze was a highlight. An excellent High Tea was taken at the Lochside View Hotel
and Spa at New Cumnock on the return journey. Thanks are due to David Miller for arranging the visit.
The club continues to support the SSCBA Annual Schools Competition with prizes for section winners. This
year, it was decided to award Burns books as prizes with a certificate signed by the president. These were
well received but it will be necessary to reprint the book plates on heavier paper stock for next year. A
boxed double set of Burns Works was presented to the winner of Burns Verse speaking in the primary 6/7
category at “Perform in Dumfries” on 4 th March. The SSCBA is in good hands of Secretary John Caskie and
new clubs have been added in the last year. Quarterly meetings are moveable and the September 2016
meeting was held at Stranraer. Arrangements for the January Commemorative Service at St. Michaels
Church and the annual Brow Well Service are examples of efficiency and organisation. It gave members
much pleasure when Mr Caskie was awarded the DG Life Magazine “Community Champion of the Year”
title last year having been nominated by the club.
The statue of Robert Burns at Portpatrick, restored by the club after a storm in 1984, was refurbished by
Stranraer Burns Club and tastefully repainted by Georgina Wilson, a local artist. A party of members made
the journey to Portpatrick on 25 th September and were welcomed by officials of Stranraer Burns Club and
Portpatrick Bowling Club for the “unveiling ceremony” followed by luncheon at the Waterfront Hotel.
Dumbarton was the venue for the inter club bowling match on 4 th September. On arrival, it was found that
the club team outnumbered the hosts which led to some realignment of members who had dual membership. At the conclusion, it was decided that both teams were the winners and trophies exchanged.
An excellent pie supper was provided before departure. The link with Dumbarton Burns Club continues to
strengthen. Delegates attend each other’s St. Andrew’s Night and Anniversary Dinners and exchange
fraternal greetings.
A curious event took place in the Globe Inn Close on 7 th September, entitled “Luminous Birds”. The club
was represented by Callum Watson who was disappointed that the birds were not what he expected or
hoped for. After a welcome at The Stove, the official party proceeded to the close where the birds, on an
overhead string, were activated and lit up in sequence and were heard to chirp. Wine and nibbles were
served thereafter.
The Winter Club Night programme this season was reasonably well attended and covered a wide variety of
topics. Speakers included David Miller and Donald Urquhart and in March, a visit was made to the Theatre
Royal to view the refurbishments. The final night on 27 th April was a most enjoyable visit by minibus to
Ruthwell to the Kirk, Savings Bank Museum and supper at Cumlongon Castle.
The annual conference of the RBWF was again held at Peebles Hydro Hotel on 9 th to 11 th September.
Members saw Bobby Kane elected president and club Past President Ian McIntyre raised to Senior Vice
President with Bill Nolan of Irvine elected as junior vice president. The conference was well organised and
enjoyable. A “Grand Raffle” was launched and in the ensuing months, the writer and others were to be
found flogging tickets at events all over the region with varying degrees of success.
A memorial bench in memory of the late Frank Manson was inaugurated at Loch Arthur and the ceremony
was attended by Mrs June Manson. The site outside the Coffee Shop overlooks the Duck Pond adjacent to
a water feature. Mrs Manson unveiled the bench and expressed thanks to the club before a staff member
sang “A Mans a Man” to his own guitar accompaniment. The bench is regularly inspected by members to
ensure it is kept in good condition.
We welcomed several visiting parties throughout the year. Largs Cronies, Prestwick Burns Club and
Gourock Jolly Beggars and in addition, groups from Hungary and Russia, who were given the customary
“Ten Cent Tour”. The party from Russia were particularly knowledgeable on Robert Burns.
A delegation attended the annual St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on 4 th
December, along with the great and the good from throughout the country, as part of the RBWF
contingent, and joined the Knights of the Thistle and Senators of the College of Justice in the Signet Library
and later at the colourful service in the High Kirk of Edinburgh. On this occasion, luncheon was booked at
the Roslin Glen Hotel and enjoyed.
A previously stated, the club social functions were outstanding with a galaxy of superb speakers at the Jean
Armour Dinner, Hallowee’n and St. Andrew’s Night but some anxiety was caused before Christmas when
Ian Landles of Hawick, due to propose the “Immortal Memory” at the 128 th Anniversary Dinner in January,
called off due to ill health. By good fortune, the speaker for 2018, Dave Scott, was available and agreed to
fill the gap. This led to one of the most memorable Anniversary Dinners on 25 th January 2017 with a
powerful and passionate toast from Mr Scott and a superb “Lasses, O” from Brian Taylor, supported by an
eclectic entertainment programme from talented members and guests including Roddy Matthews and our
own new member James Coutts. Bobby Jess recited a stirring version of “The Holy Fair” to great acclaim. As
an experiment, the proceedings were recorded on video for the club archive collection but it is not
intended to repeat this. At this time, the club was asked by a “Doonhamer”, Gerry McLellan resident in
Japan to advise on a “Burns Night he was organising. This included a request for a video clip of greetings
from the club and I would like to record my admiration for the prowess shown by the president in
memorising and delivering some words in Japanese for the occasion. Gerry later said he was delighted.
The customary Christmas Dinner for committee and past presidents was held in the clubroom on 19 th
December and thanks are due to “Secret Santa” for her bounty and also to the catering staff of the Globe.
The Burns Suppers organised by Gordon Johnston at Friars Carse and the Five Arches were again most
successful and bring in useful revenue for the club and thanks are due to those members who contribute.
Five members attended the Tarbolton Bachelors Club Burns Supper on 24 th March and reported another
excellent event. It must have been very convivial as no one can remember who proposed the toast to the
“Immortal Memory”. Our Burns Lunch for the residents of Charnwood Lodge was held on Sunday 22 nd
January and was much enjoyed by all. Pungent toasts were delivered by the President and Senior Vice and
supported by the talents of Bill Welsh, Les Byers, Callum Watson, Gordon Johnston, Lee McQueen and
John Clark. Another “Fish Supper Night” was held 17 th November and attracted a full house with excellent
fish, chips and other dishes supplied by Peter’s Fish & Chippy at the Midsteeple. Entertainment was
memorable and the sum of £390.00 was raised in aid of the St. Petersburg Forum.
A pleasant ceremony was held in the clubroom on 5 th December when Honorary Member Ian Kirkpatrick
presented the President with the handmade Millennium Fiddle, made by Ian for the club to mark the
Millennium in 2000. Mr. Kirkpatrick has now retired as a musician and the fiddle needed a home. It is
hoped that it will be played in future by schools competition winners. For safekeeping and to ensure it is
stored at room temperature to avoid deterioration, it is in the hands of the Hon. Librarian. A bow and case
has been acquired.
The “Burns Unit”, the club team which competes in the annual charity pub quiz arranged by Dumfries
Rotary Club recorded a respectable score this year finishing 4 th overall from 15 teams but more can be
achieved and it is hoped that some intelligent members can be found for 2018.
A tribute concert to the late Honorary Member David Shankland was held in St. George’s Church in
October to a packed audience and was well attended by members. Hon. Member John Glover was MC and
the programme included a strong Burns element. A commemorative DVD was subsequently produced.
Thanks are again due to Andy MacKay for producing the biennial “Howff Club News”, to a high professional
standard and to Jim McCambley for maintaining the first class Facebook page on the club Website also to
Neil Johnston for his work on the Website and to producing function tickets and souvenir programmes.

OBITUARY
Four honorary members passed away since the last AGM. Former Chief Constable Alex Campbell OBE,
QPM (1977), Sheriff Irvine Smith (1987), Tom Sutherland (2000) and Ronnie Crichton (1991) and in January
past, Albert Dykes of Dunscore, a member of long standing.

STATISTICS
The membership consists of 89 of which 57 are full members and 32 retirement pensioners. Additionally
38 honorary members are listed but not all are active. A few members resigned during the year generally
on health grounds and a decision was taken to admit 6 applicants from the Waiting List. The attendances at
functions this year, other than the Hallowe’en Supper, have held up well but the committee is conscious of
the need to limit numbers in the lounge to a maximum of 80. The Waiting list numbers 9, the earliest from
February 2015. The Executive Committee met on ten occasions this season and the Library and Website
Sub Committee met as required. The attendance register is on display in the anteroom. Past presidents
enjoy the right to attend meetings of the committee as observers but their comments are always valued.
Attempts to encourage new members to stand for the committee are continuing. All members whether
committee or not or past presidents are invited to contribute to the range of club activities, such as helping
with the annual clean up of the plaques in St. Michaels Kirkyard, visitations or assisting at functions. If you
would like to help, please let any committee member know.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to repeat my usual but nonetheless sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the
year’s events. To the office bearers, especially Gordon Johnston and David Miller for sharing the burden of
administration and Hon. Treasurer Callum Watson for a sterling job. Thanks also to our speakers, both at
club functions and at the Winter Club Nights, our special guest artistes and those gifted members who give
of their talents at the drop of a hat. The club is indeed fortunate in this respect. Thanks are due to Mrs.
Brown and the staff of the Globe Inn for catering to all our needs. Probably the last time I will say this as
Jane is due to retire shortly and her shoes will take some filling. My personal thanks to David Miller who, in
spite of the best efforts of the secretary, managed to compile exemplary seating plans for the Globe Inn
functions.

CONCLUSION
We can look back on a remarkable year for the club with much satisfaction and many happy memories. It
has been a privilege to serve as secretary during William Johnston’s year in the Chair. His term of office was
notable for many things, not least the atmosphere of good fellowship and humour which attended each
event, function and meeting. He listened to the secretary and on occasion, took his advice. He is going on
to another role but I trust he will be an active past president for many years to come.
Looking ahead, the club is in good hands and our incoming president, Colin Gibson, who can see through
most people, will take us to greater heights. Although there is currently some uncertainty regarding the
future status of the Globe Inn, I have not the slightest doubt that the club will survive and prosper.
Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in submitting my 45 th Annual Report for your consideration and I
commend it to the meeting.

David C. Smith
Honorary Secretary
18 th May 2017