Burns Supper 2005
The Club's Annual Festival (Burns Supper)
took place on
Saturday 22 January 2005 in the Masonic Temple, Alexandria.
A full house of 160 members and guests enjoyed the nights on goings which commenced in traditional manner with the haggis being piped in by Malcolm Gilmour and borne by our caterer Robert Mills. The beastie was addressed for the first time at the supper by Lennie Moore.
After our President Ian Collins said the Selkirk Grace the assembled company enjoyed a superb meal of traditional fayre provided by Venue Caterers of Alexandria.
After the meal the President introduced his top table guests.
The principal toast, the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, was given by the immediate Past President of Dumbarton Burns Club George Munro. George delivered a thoughtful memory on the bard which was well received by the company.
The night's on goings continued with songs from Robert Harvey accompanied by Andrew Lockhart with the current President and Vice President of Dumbarton Burns Club Ian McLean and John Young singing a selection of the Bards songs culminating in leading the company in the Star of Rabbie Burns.
The readers for the evening were Tom Barlow and Eddie Gaughan, the highlight being their joint rendering of Death and Dr Hornbrook.
The readers demonstrated their wide knowledge of the bards works showing that it is not always necessary to include Tam O'Shanter or Holy Willie's Prayer in the programme.
The Club were delighted to welcome back Lennie Moore to their company after his illness last year. Lennie performed Sangs and Clatter in his unique style.
The other toasts on the evening are to John Barleycorn and the Lassies.
John Barleycorn was humourously proposed by a Past President of Dumbarton Burns Club, Mike Taylor and the Lasses were done proud by David Fulton, a Past President of Greenock Burns Club.
The evening was brought to it's conclusion at the witching hour with the toast to the Artistes performed in rhyme by Willie Murray.
Ian Collins chaired the supper in his own inimitable fashion and after the singing of Auld Lang Syne the company took off their several ways resolved to meet on the 28 January 2006 to celebrate our National Bard Robert Burns.
The Club acknowledges the support of the Master and members of Lodge 321 for the use of the Masonic Temple to host the Burns Supper and Charlie Wilson for ensuring the glasses of the top table were never empty.
Once again taxis for the Burns Supper Artistes were sponsored by Leven Radio Taxis of Alexandria, (01389 757595).
