NEWS & UPDATES

The January 2005 Update

Mail shot will soon be posted to all family members, ie one per address. We have tried to update our address database. If any member does not get the mailshot, please inform our Secretary, or myself and we will endeavour to correct the database.

The package will include a letter, invitation to the Gathering, 200 Club application form, and Gift Aid application form. The invitation form contains boxes to be ticked re the questions in the letter. Please send the reply back to Elizabeth, our Treasurer, as soon as possible.

Burns Supper. A successful tribute to the Bard was held on Saturday 22nd January 2005, in the St Vincent Bowling Club. The Haggis was brought to the top table and ably dealt with by Gordon Caskie, Carried by Steve Rice, and piped by Pipe Major Andrew McCowan.

An excellent bill o’fare was provided by Val Thomson and her assistants. After an interval the speeches began.

The Immortal Memory was proposed by Helen Morrison. She depicted Burns as a man, who was born poor, and died poor. She described the harsh conditions that existed in his lifetime yet he wrote of the beauty that he saw. Her speech was well backed up by many quotes from his works. He would have been a celebrity had he lived today.

Janet Campbell delighted us with her selection of songs. Holy Willie’s Prayer, was recited by a suitably attired Cathy Ward.

The Toast to the Lassies was wittingly given by Angus Ferguson, including the tale of the demise of, the Islay Gaelic speaking parrot.
Angus and Helen Morrison are taking part in a Burns supper on Friday 28th January 2005 in St Petersburg, Russia. A letter of greetings was given to Helen to deliver to their hosts.
Among those watching are, Gordon Caskie and Norma

The reply to the Toast to the Lassies, was given by Holy Willie, alias Cathy Ward. She responded to the points raised by Angus, and put in a few digs of her own. I judged the contest to have been a good draw.
Helen Morrison and Roy Cameron listened attentively.

The raffle was drawn, Gordon Gillies gave the vote of thanks, then the company participated in some community singing of the songs of Burns.

The evening closed with a few remarks, then the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Alasdair.