MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 19th MAY 2016,
AT 7.30pm, IN THE GLOBE INN, DUMFRIES.


SEDERUNT
C. J. Watson, President; J. Clark, D. R. Miller, W. Graham,  I. McIntyre,  G. Bedford,  G. Johnston,  D. Paterson,  N. Johnston,  R. Walker,  C. Gibson,  C. M. Lyon,  J. Roddick,  L. Byers,  W. Welsh,  E. D. Watt,  K. McKinnon,  R. B. Wilson,  M. G. Laing,  R. O. Hastings,  T. Johnstone,  E. Barbour,  J. M. Caskie,  D. Cook,  W. A. Johnston,  K. Martin,  D. Baird,  K. Crookshanks,  G. Templeton,  J. Lauder,  J. McCambley, D. R. Urquhart, and D. Smith, Hon. Secretary.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
D. Mackie,  M. Nelson, B. Jackson,  M. Morrison,  D. Moffat,  N. Brown,  J. Scott,  A. Caskie,  A. Wood,  D. Johnston, L. McQueen,  J. Adams,  R. Kennedy,  J. Haining,  J. Johnstone, G. McKerrow, A. Johnstone.
 
WELCOME
The president accorded a welcome to members present and introduced Mrs. M. McKerrow, proprietrix of the Globe Inn. He expressed thanks for her support of the club during the previous year and presented Mrs. McKerrow with a token of thanks. Mrs McKerrow thanked the president and stated that it was always a pleasure to work with members. She congratulated the president on his year in office and looked forward to another successful year with the incoming team. Kisses were exchanged and Mrs McKerrow withdrew.  Mrs Jane Brown, manager of the Globe Inn expressed similar sentiments and was presented with a token of thanks by the president before withdrawing.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the General Meeting held on 7th May 2015, were read by D. Miller and adopted as a true and correct of the business, on the motion of W. Graham, seconded by D. Watt. 

SECRETARY’S REPORT
In presenting his 44th Annual Report, the secretary reviewed a memorable year with an outstanding programme of traditional functions in the Globe Inn including a superb Anniversary Dinner on 25th January 2016 when the toast to “The Immortal Memory” was proposed with passion by past president Les Byers, supported by an eclectic entertainment programme from members and guest artistes. The Leap Year Dinner on 29th February 2015 was highly enjoyable with a witty toast to the club from Robert Ryan, president of Dumbarton Burns Club. Another highlight was the annual outing, last year, to Irvine Burns Club. The club suffered a grievous loss by the death in October 2015 of past president and Honorary Treasurer Frank Manson and a memorial bench was placed in his memory at Loch Arthur Community at Beeswing. The secretary expressed thanks to the office bearers especially the outgoing past president Callum Watson, and members generally for their support during the year. There were no questions and the Secretary’s Report was approved on the motion of G. Johnston, seconded by K. Martin.

TREASURER’S REPORT
The president stated that Mr. William Johnston had agreed to act as Interim Treasurer following the death of Mr Manson and he was due thanks for filling the breach.  The Interim Treasurer reported that the Balance Sheet had been prepared by Craig Kerr from Mr. Manson’s office and he was most grateful for his help. He commented on the circulated Balance Sheet and Abstract of Accounts and stated that the surplus on the year was £259.99, slightly less than the previous year. Donations were up largely due to the Burns Suppers organised by G. Johnston, It was found possible to support good causes during the year, not exclusively associated with Burns. The Interim treasurer stated that as he had taken over late in the year, he had donated a portion of his honorarium to the Burns Monument Restoration Fund at Alloway, in memory of Mr. Manson and his name would a appear on a commemorative plaque on the monument in due course. There were no questions. The Interim Treasurer was thanked by the president and his report was adopted on the motion of G. Bedford, seconded by R. Hastings.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT
The librarian reported a very successful series of Library Nights when members were invited to discuss the works of the Bard. To date, “Holy Willie’s Prayer”, The Twa Dugs” and “Death and Dr. Hornbook” were covered and he proposed to increase the programme in the coming year. An acquisition was made of a number of framed prints of Bryden’s etchings on a Burns theme in return for a charitable donation of £100.00. The librarian appealed for volunteers to assist with the annual clean up of the commemorative plaques in St. Michaels Kirkyard and for talented members to help with the Burns Suppers at Friars Carse and the Five Arches. He hoped to reinstate the Treasurer Hunt later in the year.  The librarian was thanked for his efforts by the president and his report was approved on the motion of K. McKinnon, seconded by J. Clark.

WEBMASTER’S REPORT
The webmaster reported that the club website had 646598 “hits” or visits in the last twelve months. The Face Book page set up by past president J. McCambley was very successful and had become a major asset to the site. The cost from the site host, Fastwebs, would increase by 5% to £110.00 in the coming year. He expressed thanks to T. Johnstone for his continuing work in scanning archival material for upload to the website. The webmaster was thanked by the president and his report was adopted on the motion of W. Graham, seconded by K. McKinnon.

200+ CLUB REPORT
D. Miller, “200+ Club” promoter reported that the uptake of shares was down in the last year, only 163 as compared with 170 in 2015 but the profit was £756.00 which still made it a worthwhile exercise. He hoped for a better result in 2017 and asked members to encourage others to subscribe.  Mr. Miller was thanked by the president for his work and the report was approved by G. Bedford, seconded by K. Martin.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE,   2016 – 2017
Before demitting office, the president expressed thanks to all members for their support during his term of office. He had a busy but rewarding year which incredibly quickly and was both privileged and honoured to have served as president and the memories will endure. He thanked especially his office bearers, particularly the secretary for keeping him on the right lines. He proposed to present the club with a medallion for use by the immediate past president but would delay this until next year. He declared all offices vacant and proposed the senior vice president, William A. Johnston, as president for 2016 – 2017. This was seconded by G. Bedford and as there were no other nominations, W. Johnston 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 and standards of the club. He paid tribute to Callum Watson for an outstanding year and for his ambassadorial role in promoting Burns, the club and Dumfries. He presented Mr. Watson with his past president’s badge and hoped he would contribute to the club as an active member for many years.  The president proceeded to fill the other offices as required by the Constitution.
Senior Vice President.  Colin Gibson, proposed by I. McIntyre, seconded by G. Bedford. There were no other nominations and C. Gibson was declared elected. He offered his thanks to members.
Junior Vice President. The president stated that the retiring committee wished to nominate Bill Graham for this post. This was formally moved by I. McIntyre, seconded by G. Bedford and unanimously agreed as there were no other nominations. W. Graham expressed thanks at the honour and looked forward to serving the club as junior vice president.  The president presented C. Gibson and W. Graham with their medallions of office.
Honorary Secretary.  W. Welsh proposed D. Smith. This was seconded by I. McIntyre and carried by acclamation, there being no other nominations. D. Smith expressed thanks but cautioned that his time was coming to an end.
Honorary Treasurer.  C. Watson agreed to serve in that post and was proposed by W. Welsh, seconded by I. McIntyre. There were no other nominations.  C. Watson was declared elected and expressed thanks.
Honorary Librarian.  C. Gibson proposed G. Johnston be re elected. This was seconded by I. McIntyre and carried unanimously as there were no other nominations.
Executive Committee of twelve elected members.
The secretary stated that twelve members had been proposed and seconded and had agreed to serve. He read the members’ names and it was agreed that they had been duly elected as follows. D. R. Miller, I. McIntyre, W. Welsh, J. Adams, J. McCambley, J. Clark, K. McKinnon, K. Crookshanks, N. Johnston, G. Bedford, R. Walker and A. Caskie. The president stated that he would look forward to working with the new committee.

Delegates to the Annual Conference of the RBWF
On the suggestion of the secretary, it was agreed to defer appointments to the first committee meeting in order to confirm which members would be attending.

Delegates to the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association
The secretary proposed the re election of the existing delegates, W. Welsh, C. Gibson and I. McIntyre. This was seconded by D. Miller and unanimously agreed. 

SYLLABUS DATES, 2016 – 2017
The president announced the following dates for the coming year.
Jean Armour Dinner, Monday 4th July 2016  Toast to “Jean Armour” Moira McIntyre, other Women in Burns’ Life”, Mary Stewart.
Hallowe’en Supper, Monday 31st October 2016. Speaker, Professor David Purdie, Edinburgh
St. Andrew’s Night Dinner, Wednesday 30th November 2016, Toast to “Auld Scotia”, Len Murray, Glasgow
128th Anniversary Dinner, Wednesday 25th January 2017, “Immortal Memory”, Ian Landles, Hawick.
          “The Lasses, O”,  Brian Taylor, Glasgow
Annual General Meeting, Thursday 18th May, 2017

DIARY DATES, 2016 – 2017
The president announced the dates of forthcoming events.
Coldstream Bridge, Sunday 8th May 2016
Club Bowling Night, Tuesday 24th May 2016, Newall Terrace.
Wauchope Cairn, Sunday 10th July 2016.
Brow Well Service, Wednesday 20th July 2016
Annual Outing, Sunday 7th August, 2016, to Dumfries House, Cumnock.
Dumbarton Bowling Match, Sunday 18th September 2016 (provisional)

OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

Club Bowling Night
The secretary asked for numbers for the event at Dumfries Bowling Club on 24th May. This would be followed by pies and peas at the Globe Inn and the presentation of the Draffan Cup.  15 members expressed interest

Wauchope Cairn
7 members expressed for the annual commemorative event at Hawick on 10th July.  It was agreed that an attempt would be made to increase support before deciding on the hire of a mini bus.

Saleable items
The secretary stated that there were still a number of engraved ball pens and battery operated torches available for sale to members.   A few Anniversary Dinner CD’s were also available.

CONCLUSION
The president thanked members for their attendance at a constructive and harmonious meeting and repeated his thanks on his election as president. He looked forward to an interesting year in the Chair. He announced that the inaugural committee meeting would be held on Monday 6th June 2016 at 7.30pm in the Globe Inn and would be followed by a buffet supper and soiree in the clubroom. The committee group photograph would be taken in advance and members should appear appropriately dressed.

VOTE OF THANKS
On the call of past president John Clark, members accorded a hearty vote of thanks to C. Watson and W. Johnston for their conduct in the Chair.


Chairman
 

Secretarty Reoprt

BURNS HOWFF CLUB

Honorary Secretary’s Annual Report for 2015 – 2016
19th May 2016


Gentlemen, I have had the privilege of working with numerous distinguished presidents over the years but I take my hat off to the retiring incumbent, for his panache, diplomacy and joie de vive. Callum conducted himself with great dignity whether chairing club functions, meetings of committee or representing the club at external events. He had an arresting presence with an outstanding year in office featuring numerous highlights and one of the most memorable programme of functions in the Globe I can remember. He was an OK piper as well.

The club was well represented at the customary commemorative events which included Coldstream Bridge on 10th May 2015 when the president placed the floral tribute on the hook fixed on the bridge with aplomb and later at Wauchope Cairn, Hawick on 12th July. Both gatherings were followed by the usual generous hospitality from the respective Burns Clubs. The Brow Well Service on 22nd July was well attended with an impressive oration from Jim Thomson, president of the RBWF.

The club Bowling Night returned to the traditional date this year and a good turnout gathered at Newall Terrace on 26th May. Members were marshalled into pairs by Bob Wilson and the coveted “Draffan Cup” was won with ease by John Clark and a guest, Ronnie McDowall. 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 later consumed at the Globe.

A curious ceremony was organised by Dumfries Burns Club on Sunday 7th June to commemorate the bi centenary of the placing of the foundation stone at Burns Mausoleum. The ceremony was conducted with great dignity by officials of the Provincial Grand Lodge replicating the original gathering in 1815. The club was asked to provide stewards for the procession to Burns Statue following the ceremony and in so doing, considerably outnumbered the turnout from Dumfries Burns Club.

Promotional items were introduced during the year consisting of ball pens and battery torches, engraved with the club name. These were intended for use as gifts to visitors and guests and have proved popular. They are also available for sale to members.

It was decided to drop the Treasure Hunt last year due to recent declining popularity but it is hoped to revive this in future perhaps in a different format.  A most successful Fish Supper Night was held on 22nd October as a fund raiser in aid of the St. Petersburg Forum when 60 members and guests sat down to succulent fish suppers followed by eclectic entertainment featuring guest artists and club members. £600.00 was raised for the cause.

The annual outing on 2nd August was memorable when members and spouses travelled by luxury minibus to Irvine and were met by officials of Irvine Burns Club at their impressive premises in Eglington Street. Members were treated to the audio visual display of Burns and Irvine before viewing the fantastic display of manuscripts, rare books and holograph letters from celebrities accepting honorary membership. Afterwards, members were taken to the Mother Lodge Kilwinning where arrangements were made for a visit to the lodge museum and tour from the RWMaster and his office bearers. Later, agile members ascended to the top of the tower of Killwinning Abbey for the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside before high tea at the Ship Inn. Thanks are due to Bill Nolan, secretary of Irvine Burns Club and his fellow members.

The club continues to support the SSCBA Annual Schools Competition by donating book tokens as prizes for the section winners but in future, it is proposed to replace the tokens with Burns books which may be more prized and these would feature a book plate signed by the president and have the benefit of costing less.  A book prize is also donated to the Dumfriesshire Music Festival, now known as “Perform in Dumfries” for the winner of Burns Verse Speaking in the Primary 6/7 category and was handed over with style by the president on 5th March this year.

The statue of Robert Burns situated at the bowling green at Portpatrick and destroyed in the great storm of 1983 which was rebuilt by members in the following year, is again showing signs of deterioration and an approach has been made to the Community Payback Team at Stranraer to take renovations on as a project. Further developments are awaited at this time.

Dumfries was the venue for last year’s bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club and we are again grateful to Dumfries Bowling Club for the courtesy of their greens. Sundry members assembled on Sunday 2oth September to welcome the Dumbarton squad and great booling skill was displayed by both clubs but the winners proved to be Dumbarton as it was their turn to win.  An excellent supper was had at the Globe when the trophies were exchanged. The link with Dumbarton Burns Club continues to strengthen and delegates from each club attend the respective St. Andrew’s Night and Anniversary Dinners. Our president presented Dumbarton with the gift of a gavel, featuring the carved mouse and a block at their Burns Supper on 23rd January past.

The bust of Burns from the Theatre Royal which was restored by Colin Hunter McQueen, was returned to the Theatre on 28th November on completion of the renovations but with scant ceremony due to inclement weather but members making up the escort party had a tour of the building and improvements.

The Winter Club Night programme this season attracted excellent attendances and heard a wide range of speakers on a variety of topics. The final gathering was an enjoyable evening visit to Dumfries Museum followed by supper at Edenbank Hotel.

Next month sees the end of David Miller’s remarkable term as president of the SSCBA. He, together with John Caskie as secretary have galvanised the Association beyond recognition and enhanced both the Brow Well and St. Michaels Commemorative events, both of which were well supported this year by members.
The quarterly meetings are well conducted and attended by clubs from throughout the region. Our permanent delegates report regularly on club activities.

The annual conference of the RBWF was held at Peebles Hydro in September and delegates were delighted at the election of past president Ian McIntyre as junior vice president after ballot but this in spite of an  attempt by another past president of this club to undermine Mr. McIntyre’s election chances and who went to some pains to ensure that the other Dumfries clubs followed suit. The conference was well organised and the social events enjoyable but a “Grand Raffle” was launched with a luxury motor car as star prize with tickets at £5.00. The RBWF are digitising back numbers of the Burns Chronicle and inviting clubs and individuals to sponsor a volume. A decision was taken to sponsor two editions.

A delegation attended the annual St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on 6th 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. A disappointment was the failure to obtain lunch at the Roslin Glen Hotel thereafter due to failure to book.

The year, of course was completely overshadowed by the tragic death and untimely of Frank Manson and in order to mark his service to the club as past president and honorary treasurer, it was agreed to place a memorial bench together with a suitable plaque at Loch Arthur Community, an organisation with which he was also associated. The bench has been delivered and the cost was met from the Past Presidents Fund. Mrs. Manson has agreed to inaugurate the bench at a later date at a site overlooking the duck pond.

As mentioned previously, the club social functions in the Globe Inn last year were outstanding with excellent speakers at the Jean Armour Dinner, Hallowe’en and St. Andrew’s Night but the 127th Anniversary Dinner on 25th January 2016 will long be remembered for the brilliant toast to “The Immortal Memory” from our own Les Byers without a note and a superb “Lasses, O” from Billy Young of Langholm. The musicians, James Coutts and Roddy Matthews were fantastic as were the songs and recitations from members including a droll “Holy Willie” from David Miller. The piper at the Anniversary Dinner was the president’s elder sibling and a piper of rare talent, compared to his brother.  The customary Christmas Dinner for committee and past presidents in the Globe continues to grow in popularity and conviviality and “Secret Santa” deserves thanks as do the catering staff. The Leap Year Dinner on 29th February was without doubt the most enjoyable and successful of its kind with an excellent toast to “The Club” from Robert Ryan, president of Dumbarton Burns Club and a brilliantly wicked reply from past president Peter Kormylo. The superb table layout and ambience of the Globe made for a truly memorable night conducted with flair by the president. Talented members are in as much demand as ever to propose toasts and perform at Burns Suppers far and wide during the Burns season and the suppers at Friars Carse and the Five Arches organised by Gordon Johnston bring in useful revenue to the club with thanks due to those members who contribute. The function in March at the Bachelors Club at Tarbolton attended by the president and other members was memorable for the toasts and entertainment but especially for the aftermath.

Our Burns Luncheon for the residents of Charnwood Lodge was held on 24th January and was another success although with fewer residents that usual but their enthusiasm and enjoyment was genuine judging by the thanks received.

I regret to report that the “Burns Unit” this year made an ignominious exit from the Rotary Club Charity Pub Quiz and failed to make the Leader Board. The team next year will be selected for their intelligence. The chosen charity this year was the project to place defibrillators at points in the town centre and may be off some use to members in future.

Only one visitation from a Burns Club took place this season. That from Coldstream Burns Club in March 2016 but the weather was lovely and the visitors were accorded the customary ten cent tour although the Burns House was still on winter opening hours and closed on a Sunday. A soiree was held in the clubroom and much enjoyed by all.

Thanks are again due to Andy MacKay for producing the biannial “Howff Club News” to a high professional standard and to Jim McCambley for creating the first class Facebook page on the club Website and to Neil Johnston for the function tickets and souvenir programmes.

OBITUARY
In addition to Frank Manson previously mentioned, the club lost Duncan Baird, a member and son of past president David Baird in February 2016, at the tragically early age of 39. Both are sadly missed.

STATISTICS
The membership consists of 98 of which 57 are full members and 41 retirement pensioners. Additionally 41 honorary members are listed but not all are active. Ten members resigned during the year as a result of advancing years and ill health and a decision was taken to admit only five applicants from the Waiting List in order to control numbers attending Globe Inn functions due to the limit of 80 in the lounge. Of the new members admitted, two are from Dumbarton. The Waiting List numbers 12 applicants, the earliest dated April 2012.  The Executive Committee met on ten occasions during the season and the Library and Website sub committees met as required. The Attendance Register is on display in the anteroom. Past presidents enjoy the right to attend committee meetings as observers and their comments are always valued. All members whether committee or past presidents are invited to contribute to the range of 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. Special thanks to our senior vice president, William Johnston for standing in as interim treasurer following the death of Mr. Manson and especially to members of Mr. Manson’s staff for their assistance.  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 and my personal thanks to David Miller who, in spite of the 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 Callum Watson’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. I trust he will be an active past president for many years to come and hopefully will resume his role as club piper.

Looking ahead, the club is in good hands and our incoming president, William Johnston, comes from a  line of distinguished presidents. His professional background in supporting people with learning difficulties will stand him in good stead in chairing committee meetings.

Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in submitting my 44th Annual Report for your consideration.

David C. Smith
Honorary Secretary
19th May 2016