ALEXANDRIA BURNS CLUB
St Andrews Night Celebration 24th November 2023
Our 2023 St Andrew's night celebration was held in the Vale of Leven Bowling Club Function Hall on Friday 24th November.
Officials and Artistes from Left to Right
Tom Brown (secretary), Bryan Weir (Committee), Graeme Gass, Jim O'Hare
Robert Ryan, Ian Retson, George McCaughey (President)
(Click image for larger version)
Despite having put the pandemic behind us guest numbers remained low, which was a little disappointing. However, those who could not attend missed a great night. Our speakers and performers on the evening were all excelllent and feed back from those who did attend has all been very good.
It's worth mentioning that our St Andrew's nights are always enjoyed by the attendees. Those who don't attend are missing out on some great evenings of entertainment and good company. We hope to see more members and guests next year. Here are some more pictures of the evening.
Chairman for the Evening - President George McCaughey
Toast to Scotland - Robert Ryan
Due to a last minute call off we were left looking for someone to deliver the main St Andrew's night toast. Club member, the ever reliable Robert Ryan stood in at the last minute. Robert entertained us wth an excellent, humourous Toast to Scotland.
Toast to Oor Toon - Ian Retson
Ian Retson is a Valeman who spent many years abroad. Now back living in the Vale he is an active member of a local group called The Bank Street Martyrs. Ian likes to write poetry about the Vale and he also writes lyrics for the Martyrs own compositions. He delivered a poetic, entertaining and knowledgeable toast to Oor Toon, which was very much enjoyed by the audience. We look forward to seeing more of Ian in future.
Graeme Gass - Sangs and Clatter
Graeme Gass now lives in East Dunbartonshire but he was born and raised in the Vale. Graeme is a very talented singer and multi-instrumentalist musician. On this occasion he stuck to his guitar and entertained us with a great selection of Scottish songs both serious and humourous. We hope to see Graeme back at some point in the future.
Jim O'Hare - Harmonica
St Andrew's night ever present and evergreen Jim O'Hare was once again in great form delivering his selection of Scottish tunes on his harmonica.
Fergus McLellan - Reading
Committee member Fergus McLellan deliverd a couple of readings, once again demonstrating his knowledge of Scotland and the bard.
Pictures by Bryan Weir
