BURNS HOWFF CLUB AGM

The Howff Club AGM will be held on the Thursday 9th May 2013 any wishing to be proposed as a club official or wanting to propose and alteration to the constitution should ensure that they submit any requests in a timely manner, in accordance with the constitution, to the secretary.

Report on Annual General Meeting 2012  - Previous Years

Ian McIntyre was elected president of the Burns Howff Club at the annual general meeting on 10th May.
A packed clubroom in the Globe Inn saw Mr. McIntyre, a senior manager in the Mental Health group with Dumfries & Galloway Health Trust; receive the Chain of Office from retiring president Frank Manson.
Mr. McIntyre paid tribute to Mr. Manson’s term of office describing his year as one of the most successful and enjoyable on record with a wide range of cultural, social and sporting events. Mr. Manson had been a great ambassador for the club and had attended numerous Burns’ commemorative gatherings all over the country. His season had been notable for the excellence of guest speakers and artistes and the club functions in the Globe Inn.
Following approval of reports from the secretary and treasurer, club librarian Gordon Johnston reported that the recent valuation of the library contents by an expert bibliophile exceeded all expectations. The library held many works on Burns and Scotland and deserved to be more widely used.
David Miller reported that the programme of renovations to the clubroom and anteroom would soon get underway and thanked the Cornets Club and others for sponsoring some improvements.
In his retiring address, Frank Manson thanked members for their support during a busy year, especially the office bearers for their guidance. He had thoroughly enjoyed his term with many highlights and happy memories. He expressed confidence that the club would go from strength to strength.

Dr. Godfrey Bedford was elected senior vice president and John Clark, junior vice president. The president stated that honorary treasurer David Baird was standing down after ten years in office and thanked him for his sterling service to the club. Other office bearers elected were David Smith, honorary secretary, Neil Johnston, honorary treasurer and Gordon Johnston, honorary librarian. An Executive Committee of twelve was elected, John Caskie, Ken Crookshanks, Colin Gibson, William Johnston, Kenny McKinnon, David Mackie, Lee McQueen, David Miller, Ted Murray, George Templeton, Rab Walker and Russell Williamson.
Past president Marshall Laing was presented with a personalised bottle of “Howff” whisky to mark his 40th anniversary as president in 1972 and honorary secretary David Smith received a framed sketch and verse composed by John Clark to commemorate his 40th year as club secretary. Both expressed thanks.
The president announced that Jimmie McGregor of the BBC’s “Tonight” programme fame, would propose the toast to the “Immortal Memory” at the 124th Anniversary Dinner in the Globe Inn on 24th January 2013.

A vote of thanks to Frank Manson and Ian McIntyre for their conduct in the Chair ended the meeting.

HONORARY SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT

FOR SEASON 2011 – 2012

Gentlemen, the season just ended was challenging in some respects but also most rewarding for the breadth of functions, events and activities. Our president rose to the occasion as we would expect and met every requirement with great dignity and aplomb. Frank was an excellent ambassador for the club and proved to be a genial chairman at club functions and committee meetings where his diplomatic skills came in handy. He was well supported by his office bearers and Executive Committee.

Due to the adoption of a revised Constitution in October 2011, the season was lengthened by a fortnight resulting in two trips to Coldstream Bridge and two club bowling nights during President Manson’s term of office.

The club was represented at Coldstream in 2011 when SVP Ian McIntyre placed the wreath on the bridge and in 2012; the President laid the floral tribute. The ceremonies were followed by the usual highly enjoyable social events at the British Legion. Other commemorative events were Covington Mains on 3rd July, Wauchope, on 10th July and Brow Well on 20th July. A party visited Mauchline Holy Fair on 28th May seeking spiritual uplift.

The first and hopefully the last bowling night at Dock Park was held on 19th May 2011 when 24 members and friends wrestled for the Draffan Cup which was won with ease by Mr. McIntyre and Mr. Smith. The second on 3rd May 2012, was held at Dumfries Bowling Club which made no difference to the standard of play. The coveted Draffan Cup was won with consummate ease by Kenny Crookshanks and William Johnston with plucky Kenny McKinnon and John Clark as runners up. Thanks are due to Mr. Wilson for marshalling the teams.

The annual club Treasure Hunt was held on 14th July when 20 members and friends, supported by 4 advisors shuffled round the town centre pubs. The clues were not cryptic and it was pleasing to note that drunkenness was avoided. It was thought that the president’s team were winners.

The annual outing on 30th July was a cruise “doon the watter” on the PS Waverley. This was a super day in glorious weather when 21 members, spouses and friends left from Pacific Quay and journeyed to Tighnabruich for an hour ashore. The Waverley was a tad overcrowded and the bar facilities were well patronised. The police met the vessel on return but not for club members.

Our core activities, the social functions at the Globe Inn, were exceptionally enjoyable this year with first class speakers and superb guest artistes, supported by an expanding corps of talented members. The Jean Armour Dinner on 4th July was truly memorable with an inspiring address by David Baird at the statue and excellent toasts during the dinner from Kevin Thomson and Josie Neil. I would mention also the memorable toast to “Auld Scotia” from George Reid at the St. Andrew’s Night Diner and the brilliant “Immortal Memory” from Len Murray at the 123rd Anniversary Dinner, both featuring splendid entertainment from guest artistes and members. The annual Burns Supper for the residents of Charnwood is one of the most enjoyable events in the club calendar. This year was no exception with well crafted toasts and turns form members. It has been suggested than in future, the event should be held in the afternoon. The Leap Year Dinner on 29th February 2012 was another success story with an interesting toast to the club from Gavin Findlay from Dumbarton and an excellent meal. Thanks are due to Jim Scott as organiser. Thanks also to John Caskie for arranging the function seating plans with skill and efficiency. The provision of cheese at the functions continues to exercise members and hopefully this can be resolved next season. A highlight of the year is the annual Christmas Dinner held in the clubroom. 19 members sat down to a superb festive spread on 19th^{h December and were visited later by Santa who proved to be generous.}

A high powered delegation attended the St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, on 4th December 2011 when the Presidential Porsche conveyed members to the colourful ceremony to mix with the great and the good in the Signet Library. Luncheon was taken thereafter at the Roslin Glen Hotel, Roslin.

Dumfries was the venue for the annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club. Dumfries Bowling Club accorded us the courtesy of their greens and facilities on 18th September. The weather proved to be clement and great bowling skill was displayed until after 15 ends, both teams were declared the winners and members repaired to the Globe for supper. Thanks are due to Mr. Crookshanks for his assistance and to the Bowling Club for their facilities.

Another Fish Supper Night, by special demand, was held on 20th March 2012 and attracted a good attendance of members and friends. The fish suppers were succulent and delivered with dispatch and much enjoyed. The entertainment which followed was mixed. 

Last season’s Winter Club Night programme was one of the best on record. A panel discussion on a vague Burns’ theme featured on 24th November 2011 and was well refereed by Peter Kormylo. Thanks are due to the guest panellists and members for their input. The talks in the clubroom were all first class and attendances held up. The last in the programme was an evening visit to the Devil’s Porridge exhibition at Eastriggs which was most enjoyable, followed by an excellent supper at the Lucky Date Oriental Restaurant, Annan.

The Robert Burns World Federation annual conference in September 2011 was held at Peebles Hydro, well remembered by several members. Although the business meeting was turgid, the social events were enjoyable. The conference saw David Baird demit office as President of the WRBF and the election of honorary member Jane Brown as junior vice president. The club delegation was well behaved.

A pleasant ceremony took place on 19th October when the three facsimile window panes, inscribed by Burns, were presented to the Globe Inn and placed on display in Burns Bedroom. Guests included Matt Sempie who created the facsimiles and Peter Westwood who had provided copies of the correspondence which followed the panes around. A buffet and social evening followed. Past President Neil Johnston also presented the club with a framed set of the panes which it is intended to display in the clubroom or anteroom following the renovations.

A small but brilliant subcommittee convened by the president, was formed to revise the club Constitution and met over the summer. After much debate, a proposed new constitution was submitted to an Extraordinary General Meeting in October 2011 and adopted in short order. It remains to be seen if the new requirements and procedures will be an improvement. At the same time, a subcommittee attempted to revise the membership application form in order to remove some anomalies and place responsibility on to proposers and seconders. What was thought to be a straightforward business proved to be controversial and the first draft was rejected before agreement was reached.

The club continues to play a leading role in the SSCBA. Past President John Caskie was elected secretary in succession to the late Rose Edgar in 2011 and has brought a breath of fresh air to the organisation. The club supports the annual schools competitions both with prizes for section winners and with manpower. It is known that this is much appreciated. President Manson, PP Bill Welsh and I had the pleasure of judging the Burns competition at Loreburn School on 31st January. The high standard of recitals never fails to impress and it was an enjoyable and rewarding afternoon.

Visitations from other clubs were down slightly last year. These included Newton Burns Club, Ayr, on 12th June 2011, Irvine Lassies on 28th June 2011 and Aberdeen Burns Club on 24th September 2011. The latter consisted of 42, mostly of mature years and some in the party prolonged their stay in the Hole I’Wa’. There is no doubt that visiting clubs greatly appreciate members turning out for the ten cent tour.

The Burns Unit were successful in this year’s charity pub quiz arranged by the Round Table. The club’s reputation for excellence showed through over the sessions in February at the Edenbank and culminated in the award of the runners up trophy which is believed to be held by Mr. McIntyre who expects to receive the winners’ prize next year.

Our electronic newsletter, the Howff Club E-Mail Express, reaches over 100 members and has proved is use in the fast circulation of news and information. Complaints are still being heard that some members are unaware of forthcoming club events and it has been suggested that nest year, members of committee could adopt a number of rank and file members and keep them informed. Thanks are due to Neil Johnston for his technical expertise and thanks also to Andy MacKay for producing the first class and professional hard copy Howff News which reaches every member. The club Website is well managed by Neil Johnston and is updated on a regular basis. The Website is a vital tool both for the promotion of Burns, the club and Dumfries and a source of information and knowledge. The Webmaster would welcome contributions and suggestions.

OBITUARY

The club lost three honorary members during the year. David Shankland MBE, in January 2012 and Andrew Charters of Ayr and Jimmy Hempstead of Dumbarton, former secretary of Dumbarton Burns Club. All were great Burnsians and great friends of the club. Through the good offices of John Clark, the club recently. presented a picture of David Shankland to Lochmaben Hospital where a ward is dedicated in his honour.

STATISTICS

Currently the membership is 65 Ordinary and 50 Retirement Pensioners. Honorary members number 40. Total including honorary members 155. During the year, Len Muray and Matt Sempie were admitted as honorary members. 7 new members were admitted to fill vacancies due to non renewal of subscriptions. The Waiting List consists of 23 applicants, the earliest dated October 2007.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The committee met on 12 occasions during the season with subcommittees meeting as required. The attendance record is displayed in the anteroom. As I said last year and repeat now, 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 the social events in the Globe Inn. It may be that perhaps the programme has too much and possibly this can be looked at next year.

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 with numerous highlights and thanks are due to our speakers, guest artistes, Winter Club Night speakers 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 the winning team who discreetly but robustly sell raffle tickets at the functions. Special thanks to Mrs. Jane Brown and Mrs. McKerrow and the staff of the Globe Inn for their cooperation during the year and to Gordon Johnston for his energy, enthusiasm and practical help which was of great assistance and much appreciated.

Gentlemen, we can look back on a memorable year with many highlights and much enjoyment. It has been a privilege to serve as secretary during Frank Manson’s year in the Chair. His term of office was notable for the atmosphere of good fellowship which permeated every function and event. Like his predecessor, he listened to the secretary and on occasion, took his advice. I hope he will be an active past president for many years to come.

I will long remember 2011 – 2012 for a number of reasons but we have a strong presidential team and with Ian McIntyre’s peculiar talents, we will go on the greater things.

Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in submitting my 40th Annual Report for your consideration.

David C. Smith

Honorary Secretary

10th May 2012