Toast to the Bard
Kilbryde club’s annual celebration
Members and friends of Kilbryde Burns Club joined forces to celebrate the works of Scotland’s national Bard at the organisation’s 21st annual Burns Supper.
President John Mitchell hosted the event and was joined at the top table by an array of Burnsians ‘fae a’ the airts’.
Mr Mitchell welcomed everyone and also intimated the fraternal greetings received from fellow cronies all over the world who unite at this time in celebrating the birth of Robert Burns.
Following the Selkirk Grace from Jennifer Brown, the haggis was delivered to the table by Allan Nicol, accompanied by regular piper Archie MacLachlan.
May Lobban addressed the haggis in her inimitable style before inviting everyone to toast ‘the chieftain o’ the puddin’ race.’
After a superb meal, guests settled back to enjoy the night’s entertainment.
The Toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns was proposed by David Pirrett, a retired lawyer, who delivered a very interesting, informative and wellresearched talk on the Bard, which he interspersed with humorous stories.
Following David’s toast, vice-president John Haining proposed the Toast to the Orator, which was both funny and complimentary in equal measure.
The Toast to the Lasses was proposed by Jim Carruthers, whose speech was amusing but generous in its praise of the ‘lasses’.
Kathleen MacPherson, a daughter of the manse, responded to the Toast to the Lasses with great gusto. She ably championed the reputation of women in a forthright and funny way.
Andy Quinn entertained the company with his dramatic and powerful rendition of ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ and a more subdued ‘Holy Willie’s Prayer’.
The musical entertainment comprised the usual company songs and contributions from long-time friend of the club John Hutcheson.
He performed The Braes of Killiecrankie, Now Westlin’ Winds and Ae Fond Kiss.
Ian Ross, Kilbryde committee member, proposed the vote of thanks to the special guests who had participated in this year’s event and was sure everyone would remember a wonderful night of friendship and fellowship that acknowledged the great contribution Robert Burns had made to the world.
The evening ended with the company joining to sing the Star of Rabbie Burns and Auld Lang Syne.
The club’s next meeting will be on Monday, March 5 at the East Kilbride Bowling Club pavilion in the Village where the speaker will be Ian Reid.
Visitors are welcome. Anyone wishing further information about the club should contact secretary Patricia Leslie on (01355) 235189.