BURNS HOWFF CLUB AGM The Howff Club AGM will be held on the Thursday 8th May 2014 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 2013  - Previous Years  Annual General Meeting Members of the Burns Howff Club packed the clubroom in the Globe Inn for their annual general meeting and heard of a year of achievement in 2012- 2013.  Outgoing president Ian McIntyre reported on a memorable season, notable for the quality of the functions in the Globe Inn and the range of other events and activities. The year saw the successful conclusion of the clubroom and library renovations and the restoration of the club’s historic Centenary Banner, made in 1896 and depicts the Globe Inn close on one side and Burns Mausoleum on the obverse. It was carried by members in the Burns Centenary Parade in Dumfries that year.  The toast to “Auld Scotia” was delivered with style at the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner by BBC Scotland’s Political Editor Brian Taylor and the 124th Anniversary Dinner in January 2013 will be remembered as one of the most enjoyable in recent years. The toast to “The Immortal Memory” was proposed with great passion by Jimmie Macgregor with “The Lasses, O” toast in sparkling rhyme by Alasdair Hutton, supported by superb guest artistes and club members. The president thanked Mrs. Maureen McKerrow and Mrs. Jane Brown, of the Globe Inn, both honorary members, for their cooperation during the year and paid tribute to the office bearers for their support. To mark his term of office, Mr. McIntyre presented the club with a handsome calf bound volume of Burns’ complete works. Presenting his 41st Annual Report, honorary secretary David Smith reviewed the season’s events and stated that club membership was at the approved limit with a waiting list of some five years. Following approval of the financial reports delivered by treasurer Neil Johnston and the report from the club librarian Gordon Johnston,  Godfrey Bedford, a retired consultant ophthalmic surgeon, was elected president for 2013- 2014. He congratulated past President Ian McIntyre on a remarkable year and thanked Neil Johnston for his sterling work as treasurer as he was standing down.  John Clark was elected senior vice president and Callum Watson elected junior vice president. David Smith was re elected honorary secretary and Frank Manson as honorary treasurer. Gordon Johnston was re elected librarian and an Executive Committee elected consisting of Colin Gibson, Kenny Crookshanks, William Johnston, David Mackie, David Miller, Neil Johnston, Lee McQueen, Alastair Johnstone, Douglas Watt, Bill Welsh, Robert Walker and Kenny McKinnon, together with immediate past president Ian McIntyre. The president reported that Sir George Reid, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, would propose the toast to “The Immortal Memory” at the 125th Anniversary Dinner on 27th January 2014 and a vote of thanks to Mr. McIntyre and Dr. Bedford brought the proceedings to a conclusion.   HONORARY SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEASON 2012 – 2013 Gentlemen, in my 40 odd years as secretary of this club, I have had the privilege of working with many distinguished presidents but the year now ended is one which I will remember for many reasons for many years. The season was notable for the range and breadth of events, functions and activities.  Our president is a man of stature and rose to every challenge with aplomb being an excellent chairman of committee meetings and a genial Master of Ceremonies at functions. His well-honed diplomatic skills were an asset to the club and his incisive grasp of esoteric concepts extricated the club from some sticky situations. Due to the unintended consequences of the change to the Constitution, the season’s opening events of the trip to Coldstream and the club bowling night were held in the reign of PP Frank Manson. The latter, at Dumfries Bowling Club on 3rd May, by courtesy of Mr. Crookshanks, saw the coveted “Draffan Cup” won with consummate skill by Messrs W. Johnston and Crookshanks. Thanks are due to Mr. Wilson for team marshalling. The club was represented at the commemorative events at Covington Mains, Symington, 1st July, Wauchope Cairn on 8th July and Brow Well on 18th July. The ceremonies were followed by enjoyable social gatherings. The club Treasure Hunt on 19th July saw four teams, accompanied by an “advisor” shuffle round the town centre pubs to decipher the cryptic clues but no cheating was observed although there were elements of intoxication.  The winning team was J. Clark, S. Austin and W. Graham. Thanks due to Mr. Little for donating succulent haggis pies and to Mrs. Brown for donating mushy peas. The former royal yacht “Britannia” was the destination for the annual outing on 11th August when members and friends travelled to Leith by minibus. Following a tour of the vessel using electronic handsets for the commentary, the party proceeded to the city centre for luncheon at Rose Street. Fish & Chips at Biggar was a highlight on the return journey. Two of the most satisfying events this year were the successful conclusion of the clubroom and library renovation programme and congratulations are due to the project manager, David Miller and his subcommittee. Also, the decision for renovate the club’s historic centenary banner and the makeover to the bust of past president Baillie James Scott. Thanks are due to Joe Scherrer and Colin Hunter McQueen respectively. On 10th December, a reception was held in the clubroom to offer thanks to the contractors and others who had contributed to the programme. Unfortunately, one contractor and club member mistook the date and the representative from the Community Payback Team failed to appear, however, a certificate of appreciation was presented to officials of the Community Payback Unit by the president on 3rd May 2013, which appeared to be appreciated.  The Winter Club Nights were particularly enjoyable and well supported apart from one. The speakers were authorities on their subjects and conveyed their enthusiasm to an appreciative audience.  The last in the programme was an evening outing to Sulwath Brewery at Castle Douglas which proved popular. The annual conference of the Robert Burns World Federation in September was held at Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when the club was well represented. The business meeting was unimpressive and the Caird Hotel, interesting but the weekend was enjoyable socially. Hon. Member Jane Brown was elevated to Senior Vice President. The Saturday Night Dinner featured a demonstration by North Yorkshire Fire Brigade. I am pleased to report that members were well behaved on the whole.  Earlier this year, the club responded to an appeal by the RBWF for donations to meet their cash shortfall and donated the sum of £250.00. It is to be hoped that the Federation will get its finances sorted out. Dumbarton was the venue for the annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club on 9th September when members were warmly welcomed and accorded generous hospitality. The weather was clement and although the match was a walk over, the club came in a close second and the president accepted the runners up trophy. A most enjoyable day was spent amongst friends. The club plays a leading role in the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association and past president John Caskie has brought a new dynamism to the organisation as secretary.  The schools competitions are one of the SSCBA’s most important activities and I can confirm that the club’s contribution of prizes and manpower are very much appreciated. A particularly enjoyable event was a soiree at Ellisland on 22nd September when following an excellent supper and during a night of harmony, your reporter was shaken rigid by the surprise presentation to mark his 40 years as honorary secretary and thanks are recorded to all involved and to Les and May Byers for their hospitality. Only one visitation from a Burns Club took place this year when a party from Greenock Burns Club arrived on 9th June and were accorded the ten cent tour. Possibly a bad summer and adverse economic conditions were a factor in reducing the number. The core programme of functions in the Globe Inn last year was outstanding for the excellence of guest speakers and superb guest artistes, supported by talented club members. The Jean Armour Dinner on 2nd July featured addresses from Peter Kormylo and Wilson Ogilvie with an inspiring oration at the statue from Mr. Miller. Guests included Holly Little and Willie McRobert.  The excellence of the cheese board provoked special mention. Hallowe’en and St. Andrew’s Night were both nights to remember and the 124th Anniversary Dinner on Thursday 24th January will go down in the club annals as one of the best gatherings in the Globe Inn in recent years but I have to record my personal dismay at the number in the company who saw fit to leave before the end of the programme. This drew adverse comment from the guest speaker and will do the reputation of the club no good. I hope the incoming committee will address this problem.  For the first time in some years, the club was not represented at the Dumbarton Burns Club’s St. Andrew’s Night as the date coincided with ours and on 25th January last, severe weather conditions in the area prevented the club delegation travelling to their Burns Supper but we were delighted to welcome  Colin Laurie, their president to our celebration on 24th January.  Although the Globe Inn had agreed some time ago to the 124th Anniversary Dinner being held on Friday 25th January 2013, the advent of the Dumfries Big Burns Supper saw us pushed out of the Globe on that date to make way. Fortunately, all our speakers and guest artistes were able to accommodate the change of date. The DBBS was conceived to attract visitors to Dumfries with a “Burns Programme” to stimulate the economy but doubts have been expressed as to whether January is the ideal time of year for tourists. Their programme was seen as “inclusive” with an appeal to all ages and included pop concerts but I suspect it has little to say to serious Burnsians. The summer pageant, “Love, Life and Liberty” promoted by the Arts Festival Association and scripted by thespian John Cairney was first class outdoor theatre with  the audience following the actors round the places in the town with Burns’ interest. The closing scene at Burns House was genuinely poignant featuring professional actors and talented locals. Hopefully this will be repeated in 2014.  The SSCBA’s Annual Commemorative Service at St. Michaels Kirk on the afternoon of 25th January was well attended and the club’s floral tribute was laid with panache by the president at the Mausoleum although in a blizzard The St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, was attended by the president, secretary, librarian and spouse and witnessed the annual pageantry and colour in historic surroundings. Luncheon thereafter was taken at the Roslin Glen Hotel, Roslin, with a visit to the iconic Rosslyn Chapel. A small delegation attended Glasgow University’s annual Burns Seminar on 12th January and spent an interesting day listening to a variety of speakers. These included Hon. Member Chris Rollie on recently discovered Burns’ manuscripts. One of the most enjoyable events in the club calendar is the Burns Supper provided for the residents of Charnwood Lodge. This year it was a Burns Lunch on Sunday 27th January and proved most successful in that format. Inspiring toasts were delivered by the president and senior vice president supported by club members with songs and recitations. A full house attended the Christmas Dinner in the clubroom on 17th December and sat down to a superb festive meal and harmony.  Santa appeared and was gracious. Thanks are due to the Globe Inn for catering. Disappointingly, the Dumfries Round Table became defunct last year and with it, the disappearance of the annual charity pub quiz so there was no revival this year of the “Burns Unit”. We still have in our possession, the runners up trophy from 2012 and I would be grateful for any suggestions as to its disposal. There was no Games Night this year as Marchmount Bowling Club who had agreed to Friday 29th March suddenly advised that they were holding a function on the following day and required to set up the room that night. They offered as an alternative, 22nd March but insufficient members were available and sadly a decision was made to cancel the event but it is hoped it will be reinstated next year. A success story was the introduction of the club umbrella.  The order of 35 well designed gamps are now sold out, including the demonstrator, resulting in a handsome profit and thanks are due to PP John Caskie for his entrepreneurial skills. Income from other sources due to the indefatigability of PP Gordon Johnston were gained with the Burns Suppers provided at the Five Arches and Friars Carse.  Both events featuring club members were hugely successful and plans for 2014 are in the pipeline. Andy Mackay produced two first class issues of the Howff News during the season and the club is indebted to Andy for his professionalism.  An edition of the E-MAIL EXPRESS was issued in February and sincere thanks are due to Neil Johnston for his technical help.  As club Webmaster, Neil has given a makeover to the Website and you will hear from him later. Thanks are also due to Neil for his time and effort spent on this vital tool which has global reach. Hopefully the “President’s Blog” can be revived next year. It is understood that Dumfries Burns Club with a declining membership are having difficulty in finding delegates to attend our St. Andrew’s Night and Anniversary Dinner and discussions are underway to replace invitations to those events with that to the Jean Armour Dinner to which ladies would be welcome. John Clark’s verse of greeting to the Dumfries Burns Club at the Anniversary Dinner was well crafted and could be understood. Alan Marshall converted an ancient tape recording of the 1966 St. Andrew’s Night Dinner to CD which enabled members to revisit the past. This was a fascinating glimpse of yesteryear when the speeches were long but the entertainment was memorable and the background noise OBITUARY In December 2012, the death was announced of long standing member and committee member Ted Murray, following a long illness. Ted was also a past president of Dumfries Burns Club and the SSCBAA and will be sadly missed. In April 2013, Tom Bartlett and Jimmy (Purley) McWhirter, also members of long standing, died after long illnesses and their names are recorded here with respect. STATISTICS Currently the membership consists of 69 Ordinary, and 49  Retirement Pensioners. Honorary Members number  42. Total 160. During the year, Jimmie Macgregor and Bert Hastings were admitted to Honorary Membership. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The committee met on 11 occasions during the season with subcommittees meeting as required. The Attendance Register is displayed in the anteroom. I have said in the past and repeat again that the club is entitled to expect that members who agree to serve on committee should show some interest and commitment to supporting club activities other than just the social events 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 with countless highlights and thanks are due to all our speakers, guest artistes, Winter Club Night speakers and to all those members who gave so unstintingly of their talents to entertain, especially songsters, Frank Curran, Bill Welsh and John Caskie. We are fortunate to have so many members who can perform at the drop of a hat and to the club piper, Callum Watson, without doubt, one of the best in Scotland.  Thanks also to the winning team who discreetly but robustly vend raffle tickets at the functions. Special thanks to Jane Brown and Maureen McKerrow and the staff of the Globe Inn for their cooperation during the year and to David Miller and Gordon Johnston for their help with the administration which was of great assistance and much appreciated. Thanks also to John Caskie for the efficiency of the function seating plans and to Neil Johnston for producing function tickets and programmes. CONCLUSION Gentlemen, we can look back on a memorable year with much enjoyment. It has been a sincere privilege to serve as secretary during Ian McIntyre’s year in the Chair.  His term of office was notable for many things but chiefly the atmosphere of good fellowship and humour which attended every function, meeting and event. Like his predecessor, he listened to the secretary and on occasion, took his advice. I hope that he will be an active past president for many years to come. Looking to the future, the club is in good hands and the continuation of the Waiting List for membership tells its own story. Godfrey Bedford will be a horse of a different colour and I have no doubt he will lead us to greater heights. Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in submitting my 41st Annual Report for your consideration.   David C. Smith Honorary Secretary 9th May 2012