Club enjoys a talk on Robert Burns
President Maureen Cunningham was grateful to welcome Martin Cassidy to the Kilbryde Burns Club’s meeting on Monday, March 7.
Martin is a long-time crony of Kilbryde and has appeared there on numerous occasions. He is a stalwart of the Burns’movement and will shortly assume the presidency of the Glasgow Haggis Club and the Ayrshire Association of Burns’Clubs.
His presentation was much anticipated following the cancellation of the January meeting (members’participation night) and the February meeting (the annual Burns supper) due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.
His presentation was entitled ‘Robert Burns and Freemasonry’.
Martin, who has businesses in medical training, recounted his introduction and life as a Freemason, highlighting the figures that have been important to him in his journey through Freemasonry. He will become the Grand Master of Lodge Craigend later this year.
He followed this with a detailed and comprehensive history of Burns’life as a Freemason, again highlighting the personalities, events, and lodges that shaped Burns as a Freemason.
It was a very interesting presentation, particularly for anyone who was not familiar with Burns’connection to Freemasonry.
Following the conclusion of the presentation by Martin, fellow Mason and club member, Michael Dailly, proposed a sincere vote of thanks on behalf of the audience and, following a break for tea and coffee, the rest of the evening was turned over to club members to provide the entertainment.
Martin kicked of the proceedings with an impeccable recitation of Burns’“Epistle to a Young Friend”. Recitations, songs, music and anecdotes were then provided by club members Allan Nicol, John Mitchell, Denys Docherty, May Lobban, Andy
Montgomery, Ian Ross and Michael Dailly.
President Maureen ensured the smooth running of the night in her usual inimitable style. Denys Docherty led the company in singing Auld Lang Syne to bring an enjoyable and informative evening to an end.
The next meeting of the club will be the AGM and it will take place on Monday, April 4, at 7.30pm in the Village Bowling Club, 10 Maxwell Drive.
All interested in coming along to any of the meetings and learning more about our National Bard’s life and times should contact the club secretary, Patricia Leslie, on 01355 235189.