Burns Supper 2013

This ever popular annual Burns Supper was once again a resounding success when a large company of congregation and friends celebrated the 254^th anniversary of the birth of our National Bard in the Glebe Street Hall on Saturday 19 January.

From the piping in of the haggis by Alistair Robertson, right through to the conclusion of the evening by the company joining in Auld Lang Syne, everyone enjoyed a most sociable evening of traditional fare, Scottish songs, recitations, witty toasts and humorous stories.

The occasion was in the capable hands of chairman Ronnie Niven, who in addition to delivering a superb Address to the Haggis, linked the evening together nicely with his amusing introductions of the different speakers. The Selkirk Grace was given by Alice Beaton, while the evening’s musical entertainment came from wonderful renditions of Burns songs by Elspeth Shearer, Christine Tweedie, and Colin and Richard Thomas. Once again a light-hearted contribution from Roger Lewis with his quirky rhymes and pawky stories proved very popular. Catering was provided as usual by McCallum’s who excelled in the preparation and service of the customary Burns Supper meal.

The principal toast, the Immortal Memory, was given by the evening’s guest speaker, Ian H Miller, a retired minister and good friend of our own minister. This toast skilfully combined a deep appreciation of Burns’ life, songs and poetry with a great selection of most amusing reflections and anecdotes from the speakers own ministry and experiences with people. 

The toast to The Lassies and the Reply came from the husband and wife team of Tom Moan and Anne Paton. This proved to be extremely entertaining with Tom describing men’s bafflement at many of women’s sayings and expressions while Anne took the opportunity to reflect on some of men’s curious responses to domestic responsibilities. Both used Burns’ quotations and light-hearted examples in support of their position all of which provided great amusement to the company.       

This first-class celebration of the life of Robert Burns was brought to its conclusion with a comprehensive vote of thanks from the indomitable Angus McConnell.

Many thanks are also due to the members of the Kirk Life team for all their hard work in organising this most successful event.