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Burns Howff Club
2011 Annual General Meeting
Well known local sportsman and accountant, Mr. Frank Manson, was elected president for 2011 – 2012, at the annual general meeting in the Globe Inn on 28th April.
Mr. Manson was invested with the presidential Chain of Office by outgoing president Neil Johnston at a packed gathering in the clubroom.
In his retiring address, Mr. Johnston spoke of a remarkable year in office in which he had represented the club at functions and events from Coldstream to Aberdeen and from Edinburgh to Dumbarton. He thanked members for affording him the honour of serving as president of one of the most famous Burns Clubs in the world and for their support during his year.
Mr. Manson paid tribute to Mr. Johnston and congratulated him on a most successful and enjoyable presidency.
Honorary members Maureen McKerrow and Jane Brown form the Globe Inn were welcomed and thanked for their cooperation with the club, together with their staff, during the year.
Presenting his annual report, honorary secretary David Smith reviewed a busy season of cultural, sporting and social events. The club had been decanted from the Globe in October 2010 for the Hallowe’en Supper but were back home for St. Andrew’s Night in November. The year had been outstanding for the first class speakers and artistes and at the 122nd Anniversary Dinner on 25th January 2011, one of the most powerful and passionate toasts to the “Immortal Memory” of Robert Burns was proposed by club honorary member Peter Kormylo. Members were delighted at the election of honorary treasurer David Baird as president of the Robert Burns World Federation at the annual conference in September 2010 at Aberdeen.
 Mr. Baird will serve for a year and follows a long line of club members who have held this prestigious office.
The programme of Winter Literary Club Nights was especially enjoyable with a range of first class speakers on a wide variety of subjects. Outings included a visit to Cockermouth and Whitehaven and a special trip to the Burns Collection at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. Visits to Dumfries from other clubs had increased and members have welcomed parties from all over throughout the year
A unique event was the publication of a collection of selected Burns’ works translated into Ukrainian by Peter Kormylo in collaboration with a Ukrainian academic, Ms. Hanna Dyka. The book which featured illustrations by club member John Clark, was sponsored by the club and launched at the Ukrainian Consulate General in Edinburgh in January 2011 and has been highly acclaimed.
In recognition of the 400th anniversary of the Globe Inn, facsimiles have been made of the three window panes with verses inscribed by Burns which were removed from the Globe in 1830. It is intended that these will be on display later in the year.
Club membership is currently at the authorised strength and the Waiting List is some six years. During the year, the club lost three Honorary members including the Honorary President and senior past president, Dr. George Stirling, one of the most colourful characters for over 50 years.
Honorary treasurer David Baird submitted the Abstract of Accounts for 2010 – 2011 and proposed an increase in members’ subscription, necessary to meet an increase in postage and other costs. After discussion the treasurer’s report and recommendation was approved. Auditor John Lauder reported that the season’s accounts had been inspected and certified correct. He congratulated the treasurer on his efforts.
Honorary librarian Gordon Johnston reported that all the volumes in the club library, pre 1940, had been catalogued for valuation and an antiquarian bookseller would report in due course. The library contained many unique books and was a valuable research tool. He urged members to make more use of the facility.
Club Webmaster stated that the Website had 1.3 million “hits” of which a large number had originated from Russia. Mr. Kormylo agreed to prepare a page in Russian for posting on the site.
David Miller reported on the work of the Renovations Committee set up to refurbish the clubroom in conjunction with the repairs to the Globe Inn. As organiser of the “200+ Club”, he reported a profitable year with a wide spread of winners and thanked members for their support.
Past president Dan Cook was unanimously elected honorary president in succession to the late Dr. George Stirling and was presented with his Medallion of Office. Ian McIntyre was elected senior vice president and Dr. Godfrey Bedford was elected junior vice president.
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Other appointments were Secretary David Smith, Treasurer David Baird, librarian Gordon Johnston, auditors John Lauder and Robert Hastings. An Executive Committee was elected consisting of John Caskie, John Clark, Kenneth Crookshanks, Robert Hastings, William Johnston, Peter Kormylo, David Miller, Edward Murray, Kenneth McKinnon, Jim Nicolson, George Templeton, Rab Walker, together with past president Neil Johnston. Les Byers was elected a trustee.
The president announced that the 123rd Anniversary Dinner would be held on 25th January 2012 in the Globe Inn when the toast to the “Immortal Memory” would be submitted by Mr. Len Murray.
A vote of thanks to Mr. Johnston and Mr. Manson for their Chairmanship was moved by past president John Caskie.
HONORARY SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT
FOR SEASON 2010 - 2011
Gentlemen, as I said this time last year, John Caskie would be a hard act to follow but President Neil Johnston met and exceeded our expectations and maintained the club’s high profile both locally and nationally as one of the most prestigious Burns Clubs in the world. Neil was an excellent ambassador for the club at a record number of events from Coldstream to Aberdeen and an effective and skilful chairman at functions and committee meetings where his mordant wit and unflappable demeanour defused the occasional conflict. He was well supported by his office bearers and Executive Committee.
May 2010 was a busy month which included the ceremony at Coldstream Bridge where the club’s floral tribute was placed by the president on the bridge over the Tweed with great dignity and later, the club Bowling Night at Dock Park which attracted a good turnout although the greens were affected by fertiliser which made the bowls lose viscosity (slippy) but the highly coveted “Draffan Cup” was won against stiff opposition by John Caskie and Mrs. E. Whitehead. Another win for Mr. Caskie will result in his keeping the cup for good.
Mauchline Holy Fair on 29th May was notable for the carnival atmosphere and the splendid, if slightly risqué performance in the Kirk by Mauchline Burns Club. Wauchope Cairn ceremony at Hawick on 11th July was another excellent day out with an enjoyable social hour afterwards at which our librarian contributed to the entertainment. The luxury minibus reached Hawick in one piece. The club was represented for the first time at Covington Mains near Lanark where a wreath was laid at the spot where Burns stayed overnight on his journey to Edinburgh and also at the commemorative events arranged by Edinburgh and District Burns Association on 24th July which included a gathering at the Monument on Calton Hill, a reception in the City Chambers and a competition in the Masonic Lodge at Liberton.
The annual Treasure Hunt was held on 14th July but the number was poor although two teams were formed and contrived to decipher the cryptic clues in the regrettable absence of Mr. Miller. The late return of the teams meant the pies were well fired but the mushy peas were satisfactory. The identity of the winning team is not recorded. Members arrived back at the Globe in various stages of intoxication.
Our Jean Armour Dinner on 5th July was one of the most enjoyable of its kind. Earlier, John Caskie delivered a passionate tribute to Jean at the wreath laying ceremony at the statue and during the dinner, John Young from Dumbarton spoke with feeling in his toast to Jean Armour and was followed by Sophia Harkness who covered the other women in Burns’ life with some wit. An excellent meal and superb artistes made for a memorable night.
The club programme had some add-ons during the year. These included a Fish Supper Supper on 18th August when 60 members and friends sat down to fish & chips followed by entertainment of a kind rarely heard in the Globe Inn. A night notable for its informality. Later in the year, two fast car loads left for Glasgow on 8th November to visit Burns Room in the Mitchell Library and spent an hour or two browsing through the unique collection of books, artefacts and memorabilia. Mr. Kormylo recited “Scots Wha Hae” in Ukrainian to the bemusement of the Curator. Other extras was an outing to the new Birthplace Museum at Alloway on 13th March 2011 and a presentation by Professor David Purdie on the recently discovered letter and early draft of the poem on the “Wounded Hare”. David had again chosen the club to try out his talks before going public. A highly enjoyable soiree was held at Ellisland on 20th November 2010 when unaccustomed members tried their hand at entertainment and thanks are due to Les and May Byers for their hospitality.
The destination for the annual outing was Cockermouth and Whitehaven over the Border in Cumbria when an enjoyable visit was made to Jennings Brewery followed by the Beacon Centre and Whitehaven’s historic harbour all in clement weather. A highlight was the pause for fish & chips near Carlisle on the return journey.
Further structural repairs to the Globe Inn in October 2010 led to the relocation of the Hallowe’en Supper to the Moreig Hotel which apart from some minor problems was good but not the Globe however we were pleased to welcome back Andy Kain and Liam Chalmers to the programme. The St. Andrew’s Night back home was excellent with a superb speaker and outstanding entertainment. The 122nd Anniversary Dinner on 25th January 2011 will long be remembered for the passionate “Immortal Memory” from Peter Kormylo, an inspired toast to the “Lassies, O” from Harry Hutchison and a droll “Drouthie Cronies” from James Haining with sparkling entertainment all from club members apart for the accompanist. One of the best Dinners the writer can remember and thanks are due to Harry and Donald Urquhart for standing in at short notice due to call-offs. The seating plan drawn up by John Caskie worked and as the expected time of finishing had been announced at the start, fewer of the company left before the end. Dumfries Burns Club was unable to find two delegates to visit but doggerel verses were exchanged. It is now thought that the long tradition of reciprocal visits at the respective dinners has now ended but Dumbarton Burns Club sent their president and secretary whom both enjoyed themselves. Earlier, at the chaotic ceremony at Burns Mausoleum, President Neil laid the club’s tribute with aplomb.
The Burns Supper for the residents at Charnwood Lodge on 13th February 2011 was another success story but opinion now favours shorter toasts and more sons and music. Mention should be made of the president’s “Immortal Memory” and Ian McIntyre’s subtle “Lasses, O’” and the members who entertained. Friars Carse Hotel asked the club to organise a Burns Supper on 22nd January for their guests and Gordon Johnston arranged an enjoyable, if somewhat convivial gathering which led to a welcome donation to club funds.
The Globe Inn 400th Quadringenary (400th) Celebrations continued with a number of highly enjoyable gatherings which the club was pleased to support. These included an “Alternative Burns Supper” on 27th February at which a trio of past presidents performed “Willie Brew’d” to great effect.
The annual conference of the Robert Burns World Federation was held at Aberdeen in September 2010 and the club was represented by 11 delegates and spouses. Members were delighted to witness the installation as president of our treasurer David Baird who can look forward to a memorable year. The business meeting was uninspiring and poorly conducted but social events were well organised and delegates on the whole, were well behaved. The buses for the church service on Sunday morning failed to materialise.
Dumbarton was the venue for the interclub bowling match on 19th September. The usual warm welcome was accorded and teams of four were marshalled and bowling commenced in slightly damp conditions. Both teams won and an excellent supper was had before the return journey. Delegates had the pleasure of attending Dumbarton Burns Club’s St. Andrew’s Night Dinner in November and their Burns Supper, held this year in a Masonic Temple in Alexandria as the usual hotel was closed. Both excellent nights with generous hospitality.
The Winter Lecture Programme now known as Club Nights was outstanding for the range of speakers this year and for the interesting subjects. Again, they were poorly attended even by committee members and I would suggest that if attendances do not increase in the coming year, consideration should be given to abandoning the programme. The final gathering was an outing to Sulwath Brewery at Castle Douglas on 21st April but even that only attracted 13 and not all club members.
Due to the driving skills of the president in adverse weather, three members attended the annual St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral on 5th December and joined the colourful procession from the Signet Library to the High Kirk of Edinburgh. The service was impressive with sublime singing from the choir and an uplifting sermon from the Minister, Rev. Guilliesburg MacMillan. Afterwards, lunch was taken at a hotel in Roslin when two of the party were disappointed when the advertised “Ostrich Pie” was off.
The “Burns Unit” reformed in February for the annual Round Table Charity Pub Quiz and sundry intelligent members attempted to raise the bar with their cumulative wisdom. This proved unsuccessful but four enjoyable nights were had and £1000 was raised for Alzheimer’s Scotland which may be a comfort to some. Godfrey Bedford’s absence this year was regrettable.
Our annual Games Night at Marchmount Bowling Club was much enjoyed when a good turnout of members disported themselves in a variety of pursuits where the element of chance, exceeded the element of skill. The welcome and supper was much appreciated although it was noted that one member turned out for the opposition.
Four members attended Glasgow University’s Robert Burns Seminar on 15th January and heard a variety of papers on aspects of Burns. These included a talk from a Russian lady who spoke on the difficulty faced by Samuel Marshak when translating Burns into Russian and was compelled to omit all references to God or the Devil, both of course had been abolished by the Soviets in the 1930’s. Professor Kenneth Calman spoke on Burns and Medicine and our own David Purdie spoke on the Wounded Hare letter. A most interesting and stimulating afternoon.
There were a record number of visitations this year. 10 parties turned up at the Globe and were given the ten cent tour. These ranged from Old Cumnock Church Group to Mauchline Masonic Burns Club and thanks are due to the knowledgeable team who welcome the visitors. Thanks also to Mr. Scott for his tour refresher course.
Peter Kormylo’s compilation of Burns’ works in Ukrainian was launched at the Ukrainian Consulate General in Edinburgh on 29th November and attended by representatives of academia and the Scottish Government as well as the club. Peter’s collaborator, Hanna Dyka was present and later that week, was taken on a tour of the Burns sites by Gordon Johnston. A social gathering in her honour was held in the Globe on 3rd December.
The long standing project to produce facsimiles of the three window panes inscribed by Burns and removed from the Globe in 1830 is now nearing completion. The panes were made by a specialist glazier, Mr. Matt Sempie, and collected from his workshop on 8th November. Work is still in progress on where they will be displayed in the Globe but it is expected that this will be completed in line with the clubroom renovations this year.
Other events during the season included a trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe where members met up with Ronnie Crichton and enjoyed four excellent Fringe Shows, a select number had the privilege of attending a Burns Supper in the iconic Bachelors Club in Tarbolton on 25th March 2011, and a charity whisky tasting at the Cairndale on 1st April, when president Neil won the first prize in the raffle of a 32 litre cask of malt whisky, duty paid. His father was delighted.
Another success story this year was the introduction of our electronic newsletter, The Howff Club E-Mail Express”with a circulation of over 100. This has been well received and is a good means of spreading news and forthcoming events quickly. Thanks are due to John Caskie for his encouragement and Neil Johnston for his technical expertise.
Our Christmas Dinner in the Globe on 20th December attracted 18 members who had a great festive meal and a visit from Santa who produced some surprises on a relaxing and enjoyable night with first class entertainment.
Thy club continues to play a leading role in the SSCBA and delegates attend quarterly meetings. This year sees the demise of David Baird as president and David Miller is expected to progress to senior vice president. Honorary Member Mrs. Jane Brown will ascend to the Chair as president at the AGM in May. The club is also represented on the Executive Committee of the WRBF and librarian Gordon Johnston now serves on the Marketing Committee and has promised a shake up.
The club Website has had some enhancements during the year and thanks are due to our Webmaster for his efforts. Reports and pictures of events are now accessible from the Home Page and an appeal has been launched for old photos for the Archive section. Any material loaned will be returned after scanning. The Webmaster, who is a pungent blogger, would welcome any suggestions and contributions.
OBITUARY
During the year, three honorary members including our honorary president and senior past president, Dr. George Stirling who passed away after a short illness and was interred at Troqueer Cemetery on 25th January 2011. George was one of the characters of the club and the last link with the 1959 Bi Centenary Committee. He will be sadly missed. Also Jimmy Reid who proposed the “Immortal Memory” in 1980, and Mr. Enoch Currie, from Annbank, the guest speaker in 2003 Long standing member and some time committee member, Mr. Willie Mitchell died in November 2010.
STATISTICS
Currently the membership is 80 Ordinary and 38 Retirement Pensioners. Honorary members number 41. Total 159. The Waiting List contains 31 applicants for membership, the earliest dated November 2005. 7 new members were admitted from the Waiting List this year as a result of non-renewal of subscriptions.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The committee met on 12 occasions during the season and sub committees met as required. The attendance record is displayed in the anteroom. Unfortunately, apathy is still perceived among members despite efforts to encourage more to take part in activities. I repeat that the club is entitled to expect that members who agree to serve on committee should display some interest and commitment to supporting club activities other than only attend the core functions in the Globe Inn.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My customary but no less sincere thanks are offered to all, in whatever capacity, contributed to the success of the season’s activities. This has been a superb year and thanks are due to our speakers, guest artistes, Winter Lecturers, and all those who gave so unstintingly of their talents to entertain, especially songsters John Caskie, Frank Curran and Bill Welsh. We are fortunate to have so many members who can perform at the drop of a hat. Thanks also to Andy MacKay for producing a first class and professional newsletter and to the winning team who robustly but discreetly vend raffle tickets at the functions. Special thanks to Mrs. McKerrow and Mrs Brown and her staff at the Globe Inn. May I add my personal thanks to the president, office bearers and committee for their support during a remarkably busy and challenging but rewarding year. Special thanks again to Gordon Johnston for his energy, enthusiasm and practical help which was of great assistance and much appreciated.
We can look back on a fun packed year with countless highlights and much enjoyment. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as secretary during Neil Johnston’s term of office. His year was notable for the atmosphere of good fellowship which permeated every function and activity. Like his predecessor, he listened to the secretary and on occasions, took his advice. I hope he will be an active past president for many years to come.
I will long remember 2010 – 2011 for a number of reasons but we have a strong presidential team and with Frank Manson’s peculiar talents, we will go forward to greater things.
Mr. President, I have much pleasure in submitting my 39th Annual Report for your consideration.
David C. Smith
Honorary Secretary
28th April 2011
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