Old Parish Church congregation pull together to toast oor Rabbie in style

NICOLA FINDLAY

Members of East Kilbride Old Parish Church toasted the Bard with a fantastic Burns’ Supper which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The annual event is always sold out well in advance and this year was no different.

A full house enjoyed a great evening when singers and speakers from the church combined with guests to entertain at its homage to Rabbie.

The Toast to the Lassies was ably recited by Ken Lawton while David McMorris did the Immortal Memory, while the ‘Thanks’ was given by Angus McConnell.

While Elspeth Shearer sang ‘The Carls of Dysart’ and ‘Bonnie Wee Thing’, Elspeth and Christine Tweedie sang ‘The Tartan’ and ‘The Gallant Weaver’.

And soloist Richard Thomas was in fine voice when he sang ‘Sleepst Thou or Wak’st Thou’ and ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose.’

Alistair Walker, publications convenor at the Old Parish Church, said: “We even had a wonderful surprise as the indefatigable Muriel Glover took to the microphone to recite the story of the wee church mouse.

“The final flourish of the evening was yet another surprise as the blonde bombshell herself, our very own Helen, was brought forward to receive a presentation marking her retiral as Kirk Life convenor.

“A fitting end to a superb evening.

“It is probably best described as ‘Weel, who’d a thocht it, we’ve jist gang an’ din it agin!

“Anither smashin’ Burns Supper wi sangs, rhymes, japes an’ blether.”’

And a Burn’s Supper wouldn’t be complete without the traditional fayre which was provided by McCallum’s of Cambuslang with the haggis piped in by Barrie Herbert.