 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 7th MAY, 2015 AT 7.30pm, IN THE GLOBE INN
 |
J. Clark, President; F. N. Manson, D. R. Miller, G. Bedford, K. McKinnon, C. J. Watson, W. A. Johnston, W. Graham, J. Melrose, D. Paterson, C. Gibson, R. Walker, E. D. Watt, T. Johnstone, C. Ferguson, J. Lauder, D. Cook, J. Scott, J. McIntyre, R. B. Wilson, K. Crookshanks, R. Hastings, J. Adams, J. McCambley, D. Baird, P. D. Kormylo, L. Byers, D. R. Urquhart, W. Little, R. Williamson, G. Trickey and D. C. Smith, Hon. Secretary.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
J. Glover, A. Wood, W. Welsh, J. Caskie, J. McAlister, D. Johnston, D. Moffat, M. Morrison, W. M. Farrell, B. Jackson, K. Martin, G. Johnston, N. Johnston, D. Mackie, J. Roddick, P. Hutchison (Southerness), A. Johnstone, W. S. Tweedie, M. G. Laing, E. Barbour.
WELCOME
The president accorded a welcome to members present and expressed pleasure at the attendance notwithstanding the date coinciding with the Parliamentary General Election at which some members were engaged as Polling Station officials.
PRESENTATION
The president welcomed Mrs. M. McKerrow and offered thanks for her support during his term of office. He presented her with a token of thanks on behalf of the club. Mrs. McKerrow thanked the president and members and said she had much pleasure in working with the office be
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS GENERAL MEETING
The minutes of the annual general meeting held on 8th May 2014 were read by D. R. Miller as assistant to the secretary. As there were no matters arising there from, the minutes were adopted as a true and correct record of the business, on the motion of D. Baird, seconded by W. Johnston.
HONORARY SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT
Presenting his 43rd Annual Report, the secretary reviewed the season’s activities, events and functions, all of which were memorable and he congratulated the president on his year in the chair. The previous problem of early leavers at functions seems to have been resolved and the attendances at Winter Club Nights had improved. For the second year in succession, Marchmount Bowling Club had reneged on the agreed date for the Games Night and it was suggested that another venue be found if the event was to continue in future. A blended malt whisky to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the club had been produced and miniature bottles were given to all who attended the Anniversary Dinner. The social functions in the Globe Inn were particularly enjoyable with outstanding speakers and entertainers and the 126th Anniversary Dinner included a powerful toast to the “Immortal Memory” from Fraser Sanderson. The “Burns Unit” again took part in the Rotary Club Charity Quiz and finished in fourth position thanks to intelligent members. Sadly, two honorary members had died during the year, Harry Hutchison and Alex Pool. Both were remarkable characters and will be much missed. The secretary thanked office bearers and committee for their help and support and also expressed thanks to the anonymous members responsible to the award by HM The Queen of the BEM in the 2014 New Years Honours List, for “Services to the Heritage of Robert Burns”. The secretary’s report was adopted on the motion of R. Wilson, seconded by J. Scott.
HONORARY TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT
The Hon. Treasurer reported that the club accounts had been independently inspected as of 31st March and certified correct. The Balance Sheet had been circulated. He reported a successful financial year and commented on some entries stating that the surplus for the year was £1514.85 and investment income had increased to £803.06. Donations received were £508.00 largely due to the Burns Suppers arranged by G. Johnston at various hotels. All functions other than the Jean Armour Dinner had shown a surplus. He proposed an increase of £1.00 in the annual subscription, pro rata to allow for increasing catering costs expected. The treasurer invited questions and D. Urquhart queried whether the library valuation should be included in the club assets or should be shown separately at an insurance valuation. The treasurer stated that the library stock had been independently valued by Mr. W. Robson, a book expert and the value was properly shown. J. Scott proposed a donation to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal but it was agreed this was a matter for individual members rather than from club funds. D. Baird queried the wisdom of a £1.00 increase in the subscription but the treasurer stated that it was better to have a gradual modest increase rather than a steep increase after a gap. The president congratulated the treasurer and thanked him for his efforts. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on the motion of D. Miller, seconded by I. McIntyre.
LIBARIAN’S REPORT
The librarian’s report was submitted in his absence by I. McIntyre. Acquisitions during the year included a copy of “The Diggers Doctor” the memoirs of WW2 by honorary member Dr. Donald Beard from Australia and a book on the Russian poet, Alekandre Puskin, presented to him during a recent trip to St. Petersburg. Renovations to the Burns Bust from the Theatre Royal were now complete and it was in storage until the Theatre Royal reopened. The McKerrow collection had now been reinstated in its original cabinet. Library Nights had been held but had failed to attract much notice but a visit had been made by Colin Hunter McQueen who delivered a talk and displayed some material from his extensive collection of manuscripts. W. Welsh was continuing to transfer cassette recordings from Anniversary Dinner to CD’s and deserved thanks. He appealed for members to make more use of the library and thanked members for their help. The president expressed thanks to the librarian and his report was adopted on the motion of W. Graham, seconded by C. Gibson.
WEBMASTER’S REPORT
The Webmaster’s report was delivered in his absence by W. Johnston. He stated that the website was a popular resource servicing an estimated 1/3rd of a million pages to site visitors a large number of whom spend time browsing or reading the content. Google is the highest referral search engine and China now seems to be on the increase with the USA taking top spot. The webmaster thanked members of the Website subcommittee and stated that thanks to Lee McQueen and J. McCambley, work on setting up a Facebook page was continuing. He also offered thanks to Tom Johnstone who was scanning and converting some archive material, mainly “Immortal Memories” which it is intended to upload to the website. He stated that the website offers excellent value for money and provides a wealth of information about Burns, the club and Dumfries. The webmaster’s report was accompanied by statistical information. The report was approved on the motion of J. Lauder, seconded by D. Watt.
“200+ CLUB REPORT
Organisor D. Miller reported a modest increase in the uptake of shares to 170 resulting in a profit of £836.00. This was still a useful contribution to club funds and he asked all members to help in encouraging more to subscribe. Mr. Miller was thanked by the president and his report was adopted on the motion of D. Baird, seconded by K. Crookshanks.
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE, 2015 – 2016
Before demitting office, the president expressed thanks to all members for their support. It had been a busy year but he was both privileged and honored to have had the opportunity to serve as president and the memories will last a lifetime. He thanked especially his office bearers, particularly the secretary for keeping him on the right lines. To commemorate his year, he had pleasure in presenting the club with two inscribed volumes for the library, “Sang o the Nith” and “Experience of Drowning”, both having family connections and asked the secretary to receive these pending the return of the librarian. He declared all offices vacant and proposed the senior vice president, Callum Watson, as president for 2015- 2016. This was seconded by F. Manson and as there were no other nominations, C. Watson was declared elected and assumed the Chair. He commenced by expressing thanks for the great honour bestowed on him and promised to do his utmost to uphold the traditions of the club. He paid tribute to John Clark for an outstanding year and for his ambassadorial role in promoting Burns, the club and Dumfries. He presented Mr. Clark with his past president’s badge and hoped he would contribute as an active member for many years. The president proceeded to fill the other offices as required by the Constitution.
Senior Vice President, William Johnston, proposed by D. Miller seconded by D. Smith. There were no other nominations and W. Johnston was declared elected and offered thanks to members.
Junior Vice President, The president stated that the retiring committee wished to recommend Colin Gibson for the post. This was formally moved by D. Smith, seconded by F. Manson and unanimously agreed as there were no other nominations. C. Gibson expressed thanks at the honour and stated that as a token of his interest in the club, he had made the journey from the Orkney Isles to attend the meeting leaving the current Mrs. Gibson to fend for herself. The president presented W. Johnston and C. Gibson with their medallions of office.
Honorary Secretary, D. Smith, proposed by D. Miller, seconded by F. Manson and carried by acclamation there being no other nominations. The secretary expressed thanks.
Honorary Treasurer, Frank Manson, proposed by D. Smith, seconded by J. Scott and as there were no other nominations was carried by unanimous consent. The treasurer expressed thanks.
Honorary Librarian, the president stated that Gordon Johnston had offered himself for re election in his absence. This was proposed by R. Hastings and seconded by D. Miller and carried unanimously there being no other nominations.
Executive Committee of twelve elected members.
The secretary stated that in order to save time, twelve members had been proposed and seconded and asked if this would be acceptable. There being no objection, the secretary reported that the committee would consist of D. Miller, I. McIntyre, W. Welsh, J. Adams, D. Johnston, W. Graham, K. McKinnon, K. Crookshanks, R. Williamson, R. Walker, N. Johnston and G. Bedford.
Delegates to the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association
The secretary proposed the re election of the existing delegates, W. Welsh, I. McIntyre and C. Gibson. This was seconded by D. Miller and unanimously agreed.
Delegates to the RBWF Annual Conference
The president stated that there was some doubt as to who was proposing to attend the conference at Peebles in September and proposed the question of official delegates be remitted to the Executive Committee.
Proposal to limit numbers at Club Functions
The president reported that the Globe Inn was expected to impose a maximum of 80 at functions in the lounge in order to comply with health and safety requirements. This would be addressed by the Executive Committee but he would welcome some comment from the floor. Some discussion ensued and a number of opinions were expressed. D. Miller stated that when compiling recent seating plans, it was noted that numbers seldom exceeded 80. It may be necessary to reduce the number of complimentary tickets and perhaps operate on a first come first served basis or give preference to those members who support all the functions. J. McCambley cautioned against making hard and fast rules and it should be left to the committee to “play it by ear”. G. Bedford stated that members were entitled to be advised of any numbers limit in advance. On the proposal of D. Miller, it was agreed to arrange further discussions with Mrs. Brown and ascertain what the Globe Inn policy would be. Members were thanked by the president for their contributions which would be borne in mind by the committee when the matter came up for discussion.
Syllabus Dates, 2015 – 2016
The president announced the following dates for the ensuing year.
Jean Armour Dinner, Monday 6th July 2015. Toast to Jean Armour, Andrea Thompson, DG Life, “Other Women..”, Alison Tait, CEO RBWF.
Hallowe’en Supper, Monday 2nd November 2015, Speaker, John Elliot, Coldstream
St. Andrew’s Night Dinner, Monday 30th November 22015, Toast to “Auld Scotia”, Dr. John Rankin, Bridge of Allan.
127TH Anniversary Dinner, Monday 25th January, 2016, “Immortal Memory”, Les Byers
“ Lasses, O”, Willie Young, Langholm
Leap Year Dinner, Monday 29th February 2016, toast to “The Club”, Robert Ryan, Dumbarton.
Annual General Meeting, Thursday 5th May, 2016
Diary Dates, 2015 – 2016
The president announced the dates of forthcoming events.
Coldstream Bridge, Sunday 10th May.
Club Bowling Night, Tuesday 26th May at Newall Terrace. (16 members expressed interest)
Wauchope Cairn, Hawick, Sunday 12th July
Brow Well Service, Wednesday 22nd July
Annual Outing, Sunday 2nd August, to Irvine
Dumbarton Bowling Match, Sunday 20th September at Dumfries BC, Newall Terrace
Club Treasure Hunt, Thursday 9th July. This date was provisional but the president appealed for a good turnout of members and friends.
OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
Burns Mausoleum Ceremony
The secretary reported receipt of an invitation from Dumfries Burns Club for members to join them at a commemorative service to mark the 200th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Burns Mausoleum on June 7th 2015. The service would take place at St. Michael’s Church at 11.00am followed by a rededication of the foundation stone by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumfriesshire after which the
re would be an opportunity to lay floral tributes. Following the service, there will be a short parade, led by Dumfries Pipe Band, past Burns House and along the High Street dispersing at Burns Statue. Participants are invited to luncheon at St. George’s Church Hall at 1.30pm. The invitation was accompanied by a request for the club to provide six members to act as stewards. W. Graham, K. Crookshanks, D. Miller, J. McCambley agreed to volunteer as stewards and an approach would be made to G. Johnston on his return. Official club delegates would be appointed at the first committee meeting. The president expressed thanks to D. Baird, Dumfries Burns Club for the invitation.
CONCLUSION
The president noted the presence of past president Peter Kormylo and offered congratulations on his recent elevation to the presidency of Dumfries Burns Club. He again thanked members for according him the privilege of serving as president and looked forward to an interesting year in the promotion of Robert Burns and the club. He announced that the first committee meeting would be held on Monday 25th May at 7.30pm followed by the customary buffet supper and soiree.
VOTE OF THANKS
Members accorded a hearty vote of thanks to J. Clark and C. Watson for their conduct in the Chair on the call of past president G. Bedford.
Chairman
Secretaries Report
BURNS HOWFF CLUB
Honorary Secretary’s Annual Report
7th May 2015
Gentlemen, I would like to start by paying tribute to our retiring president John Clark. As you know, John is a very talented artist and versifier and his gifts were put to good use in both respects during his year in office. John conducted himself with great dignity whether chairing club functions, committee meetings or while representing the club at visits or external events. He had an outstanding year in office with numerous highlights and memorable gatherings at the traditional club functions in the Globe Inn. His sense of humor was a distinct asset.
The club was represented at several commemorative events including Coldstream on 11th May, where the president placed the floral tribute on the bridge with aplomb and at Wauchope Cairn, Hawick on 13th July. Both gatherings were followed by the customary generous hospitality from the respective Burns Clubs. The Brow Well Service was well attended with an impressive oration from Jane Brown as president of the RBWF. The social gathering at the Cairndale was not without its faults.
Our annual Bowling Night was moved from the customary date to August due to pressure of fixtures at Dumfries Bowling Club but a good number attended on 19th August and were marshalled into pairs by Bob Wilson. The highly coveted Draffan Cup was won with ease by Gordon McKerrow and Gavin Findlay from Dumbarton who was in the region on holiday. Thanks are due to Ken Crookshanks for providing bar services and to Kerr Little and Jane Brown for the pies and mushy peas consumed later at the Globe.
The Treasure Hunt on 3rd July was poorly attended but three teams accompanied by an “adviser” trudged round the town centre pubs in search on the non cryptic clues and managed to avoid intoxication. Congratulations are due to the winning team from the Globe Inn, whose sobriquet was “Inglorious Bastards” and thanks again to Kerr and Jane for the comestibles and to David Miller for compiling the clue lists.
A unique event was the installation of a commemorative bench seat, in memory of our late member Ted Murray. In response to a request for assistance from Ted’s sister in London regarding the procedure, the Council agreed and arrangements were made for a bench to be placed at Jean Armour statue with an appropriate plaque. I was pleased that the club donated £100.00 to the cost but Dumfries Burns Club of which Mr. Murray was a past president did not find it possible to subscribe.
Illness prevented the president from chairing the 10th Jean Armour Dinner on 30th June 2014 but SVP Watson rose to the occasion with panache and an excellent evening was had with a superb toast to “Jean” from Joan McAlpine MSP and a memorable toast to “The other women….” from Dr. Maureen Milton. Entertainment was first class. Librarian Gordon Johnston delivered a stirring oration at the statue earlier.
Visitations from six Burns Clubs took place during the year, New Cumnock BC, Helensburgh BC, Largs Cronies, Poosie Nancies, Mauchline and Skelmorlie BC. All the visits were enjoyable and the services of members for the Ten Cent Tours were certainly appreciated. Additional ad hoc visitors were well catered for by G. Johnston and Bill Welsh and others.
The annual outing was a day to remember. A small number travelled to Glasgow on 16th August where the first stop was the Riverside Museum for a guided tour then on to the Kelvingrove Gallery for a further tour. Both venues were magnificent with some fabulous exhibits in both attractions and the enthusiasm of the guides added greatly to the interest and enjoyment. Fish and Chips were consumed al fresco at Moffat on the return journey although one distinguished past president attempted to avoid payment and was pursued by an irate proprietor.
The annual conference of the RBWF was held at Irvine in September. The venue was the Menzies Hotel which was adequate if not luxurious and members witnessed Jane Brown demitting office as president in an emotional speech during the Saturday night dinner when she was reluctant to part with the Chain. At the AGM, it was announced that the financial deficit was £30.000 and steps to address this were promised. The social functions were enjoyable and well organized with much input from Irvine Burns Club and Irvine Lasses Burns Club also with generous hospitality from North Ayrshire Council. Sunday Divine Service was colorful and coincided with the local civic festival including the lovely Marymass Queens in costume. Club delegates were well behaved.
After a gap of a year, the annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club took place at Dumbarton on 21st September. Bowling was carried out in glorious weather with frequent trips to the bar for team talks. Bowling skill was indifferent and a draw was declared with trophies exchanged before a steak pie supper. President John presented Dumbarton Burns Club with a bottle of the club’s 125th Anniversary whisky. An excellent day in the company of friends.
A Fish Supper night was held in 25th November when 64 members and friends sat down to succulent fish suppers delivered in polystyrene boxes from the outlet at the Midsteeple. An excellent “Address to the Fish Supper” was delivered by Bobby Jess with contributions from members. £500.00 was raised from the raffle and auction for the St. Petersburg Forum.
The programme of social functions in the Globe Inn was outstanding this year. Willie Dick from New Cumnock made a hilarious speaker at Hallowe’en and Dave Scott of Duns delivered a powerful toast to “Auld Scotia” at the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner, both events benefited from first class entertainment from members and guests.
The 126th Anniversary Dinner on 26th January 2015 was one of the best of its kind with a superb “Memory” from Fraser Sanderson and a hilarious “Lasses O” from Niven Rennie, supported by top class entertainment again from members and guests including James Coutts and Ian Kirkpatrick. An excellent evening unfortunately marred by interference with the seating plan by individuals and disrespect shown to the musicians during the musical interludes. Hopefully in future, members of committee will take action to ensure order is maintained at all times. The function ended ahead of schedule due to the meal being served and cleared quickly and the company largely remained until “Auld Lang Syne”.
A blended malt whisky was commissioned from T. B. Watson to mark the 125th Anniversary of the club. The label was designed by the president to feature the Globe Inn close and a Burns’ quotation. Bottles were presented to guests during the year and miniatures given to all who attended the Anniversary Dinner. A number of bottles were purchased by members.
The club was represented at the St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles, Edinburgh, on 30th November 2014 when delegates assembled and robed in the Signet Library and processed to the cathedral in company with the great and the good. The service was impressive as ever and the choir was superb. An excellent luncheon was had at the Roslin Glen Hotel afterwards.
The Club Games Night was cancelled for the second year running due to Marchmount Bowling Club not honoring the agreed date. I would propose we seek another venue if the incoming committee wishes to hold such an event. Ken Crookshanks has indicated that Dumfries Bowling Club may be a possible venue.
The annual Burns event at Charnwood Lodge has been a major success in the revised lunch format. This year on 25th January, a record number of residents attended and enjoyed a splendid hour with toasts to the “Memory” and “Lasses O’” delivered by the president and SVP respectively, supported by Lee McQueen, Gordon Johnston and Bill Welsh. The meal was excellent. Judging by the thanks expressed by the management, the event was highly appreciated by both residents and staff.
The Winter Club Night programme had an eclectic range of interesting speakers on a variety of topics from “Shipping in the Solway” from David Collin to the much anticipated “Burns’ Border Tour Part 2” from Ian Landles. Most sessions were well attended. The last in the series was an evening trip to the “Devil’s Porridge” at the new premises at Eastriggs followed by a fish & chip supper at the Café Royal, Annan on 30th April.
Cerebral members formed the “Burns Unit” again for the Rotary Club Charity Quiz, this year at the Cairndale which as a venue was not ideal. Over three successive Friday nights in February, a rota of intelligent members pulled off an impressive score and at the final were placed fourth overall. It was a relief that the runners-up trophy went elsewhere. Thanks are due to Ian McIntyre for compiling the rota. This year, the beneficiary was the Dumfries & Galloway Befriending Project.
David Miller was elected president of the SSCBA and Gordon Johnston elected Junior Vice President of the SSCBA at their AGM in May 2014. Gordon was replaced as a club delegate by Colin Gibson to accompany Bill Welsh and Ian McIntyre which makes a heavyweight team representing the club. With John Caskie as SSCBA secretary, the club is well placed to help their efforts in the promotion of Robert Burns. D. Miller, I. McIntyre and the writer also serve on the Executive Committee of the RBWF, specifically on the Heritage Committee and make valuable contributions to the work of the organization.
Repairs to the Theatre Royal Burns bust have been completed by Colin Hunter McQueen and it is currently in storage until refurbishments to the theatre are complete, hopefully this year. It was possible to reorganize the library cabinets as a result.
Many thanks are due to Andy McKay as editor of “Howff News” the biannual hard copy newsletter and also to Neil Johnston for the electronic “E-Mail Express” which now has a reach of over three quarters of our membership. Thanks are also due to Neil for the production of function tickets and souvenir programmes.
Recently, Solway Firth Partnership announced a major project to renovate and landscape the policies at Brow Well, with flood prevention and drainage and information panels and seating. The budget was fixed at £40K and local clubs via the SSCBA were approached to assist with fund raising. It was a matter of great pride that the club agreed to donate the sum of £500.00 to this very worthwhile project and it will be interesting to see the response from other clubs.
Marshall Laing, our senior member by age if not by past presidency, was awarded an honorary life membership by the president at the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner last year. Marshall has acted as a trustee and legal advisor for many years. The honour was well deserved and brought much satisfaction to members present.
The club’s “Millennium Fiddle”, crafted and played with great talent by Ian Kirkpatrick at functions since the year 2000 has been retired and a space will be found for it somewhere in the anteroom display cabinets. The fiddle was the inspiration of Ian and Ian Whitehead and Jim McCambley and has a unique tone.
Members continue to be in great demand at the Burns Supper season for a variety of tasks and I believe the time has come to put this on a commercial basis. Useful income is achieved from the Burns Suppers organized by Gordon Johnston at various local hotels for their guests and thanks are due to the talented members who contribute.
The club continues to provide book tokens as prizes for the annual SSCBA Schools Competition and this has been augmented by a book prize at “Perform in Dumfries” for the Primary 6-7 boys verse speaking competition. Additionally, the club sponsors the RBWF subscription for School No. 56 in Kiev, Ukraine. This is vitally important work in bringing the works of Robert Burns to young people.
OBITUARY
The club lost two honorary members during the year. Harry Hutchison, the Doonhamer “Rover from Dover” who proposed a distinguished “Immortal Memory” in 2009, and who served on the Executive Committee in 1959 before he left the district. Last month, Alex Pool from Langholm, passed away after a long illness. Alex, the award winning reciter of “Tam O’ Shanter”, was the last of the Langholm Trio who entertained us so well in the 1960’s and since. Also Walter McArthur and George Crosbie, both long serving and enthusiastic members of the club. All will be sadly missed.
STATISTICS
The membership consists of 108 of which 57 are full members and 51 retirement pensioners. Additionally 37 honorary members are listed but not all are active. Five new members were admitted last year as a result of non renewals and death. The Waiting List numbers 15 applicants, the earliest dated April 2010.
The Executive Committee met ten times during the season and the Library and Website sub committees met as required. At the risk of repetition, I would again ask that members who agree to serve on committee should at least show some interest in club activities other than the social functions in the Globe Inn. There is a pressing need for some fresh blood on committee. Past presidents, of course, enjoy the right to attend committee meetings as observers and their comments are always valued. The committee attendance register for last season is on display. I would like to invite all club members, not just committee or past presidents, to contribute to the range of club activities, such as helping with visitations, assisting at functions and the annual clean up of the commemorative plaques in St. Michael’s Kirkyard, amongst other things. If any member would like to help, let any committee member know.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would 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, David Miller and Frank Manson for sharing the burden of administration. To our speakers, both at club functions and at the Winter Club Nights, our 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 also are due to Mrs. Brown and the staff of the Globe Inn, especially on the catering side. Also to the club piper Callum Watson who will be seeking leave of absence for a while from his pipes. Special thanks should be made to David Miller who, in spite of the efforts of the secretary, managed to compile exemplary seating plans for the Globe Inn functions but as a result of interference, was obliged on one occasion to give up his seat for a position next to the toilet.
CONCLUSION
Gentlemen, we can look back on a remarkable year with much satisfaction and many happy memories. It has been a privilege to serve as secretary during John Clark’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. The president was also a very good blogger and his regular deposits on the President’s Blog were a source of endless amusement and fascination. 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, Callum Watson has peculiar talents amongst other things, including working with offenders which will stand him in good stead chairing the committee. He will no doubt carry us to pastures new.
If I may end for once on a personal note, I must record my sincere thanks to the anonymous members who were responsible for the award by Her Majesty the Queen of the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) in the New Years Honours List, for “services to the heritage of Robert Burns”. This was a considerable shock which took some coming to terms with as I was hoping for a Knighthood. However, I consider the award reflects the work done by the club as a whole rather than me personally. The medal was presented by HM Lord Lieutenant at a ceremony in the Municipal Chambers on 17th April and I was privileged to invite Dan and Mary Cook as my guests. Due to council cutbacks, the reception thereafter consisted of a cup of tea and a piece of shortbread.
Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in submitting my 43rd Annual Report for your consideration and I commend it to the meeting.
David C. Smith
Honorary Secretary
7th May 2015