Inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of members of Dumfries Burns Howff Club when they gathered for their annual ceremony to honour the memory of Jean Armour Burns at the statue to the wife of the National Bard, erected by the club in 2004.

A good turnout of members and friends was welcomed by President Ian McIntyre who placed a floral tribute on the plinth and invited Past President David Miller to deliver a brief appreciation of the poet’s widow and of her

Later, a celebration dinner was held in the Globe Inn followed by a toast to “Jean Armour” eloquently proposed by honorary member and past president Peter Kormylo who spoke of Mrs Burns’ life and times in Dumfries after the death of her husband in 1796 and who outlived him by 37 years in the red sandstone house in what is now Burns Street.

A toast to “The Other Women in Burns’ Life” was submitted by another honorary member of the club, Wilson Ogilvie, who touched on the numerous female admirers of the poet from the taverns of Mauchline to the Drawing Rooms of Edinburgh’s New Town. Robert, Mrs Burns had said, should have had two wives.

Contributing to a stellar entertainment programme was special guest artiste, Holly Little, winner of the local SSCBA Schools Competition whose lovely voice brought to life favourites “By yon Castle Wa’” and “The gowden locks of Anna” to great acclaim.  Avril Kerr’s recitations were delivered with passion and club members John Caskie, Les Byers and Bill Welsh were in top form with songs old and new.

Delegates from Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No. 1 and Annan Ladies Burns Club were welcomed by the president and brought fraternal greetings from their respective clubs.

Following a lively spell of community singing, junior vice president John Clark moved a comprehensive Vote of Thanks before voices were raised in “Auld Lang Syne” at the conclusion of one of the most enjoyable gatherings in recent years.

The accompanist was Willie McRobert.