A wonderful of evening of Burns, beer, haggis, music, poems and pudding! I’m always astounded by the depth of talents that our members have, and last night was a fine showcase of their gifts. From music to cooking, through drinking and eating, it seems we have quite a skilled membership!
Some introductory music from Richard and Margaret kicked-off the night, and then our Master Of Ceremonies, Gordon, led us through the rest of the evening. Matt Jones piped-in the haggis for the address. I’ve always felt that the haggis has been sold-short with just one address, but thankfully Jane Robertson added a west-coast address, and then Willie followed with the classic address. Cat pitched-in with the Selkirk Grace and then we got stuck into the food! Haggis (meat and veggy) was in abundance, we had enough haggis, neeps and tatties for second helpings. Kindly pudding makers made the dessert, and what a selection we had!
Shane started the speeches with an excellent Immortal Memory, featuring a pop quiz at the end. Matt Davis toasted the lassies, with a theme likening Rabbie Burns to AC/DC, specifically where their interests cross – women! Lisa Gamble then replied to the toast, with a list of all the qualities shown by Carnethy men (the list wasn’t as damning as I initially thought, she’s obviously a new member).
Music followed, with Nigel Rose, Bill Gauld and Paul Ritchie. Graham Nash delivered a Burns poem, with actions, light kissing, moderate touching and…em…props! Andy Barnes was forced to follow, being told he had to deliver a poem for asking to come along to the supper 25mins before the start. Back to the music, an up and coming band called The New Sneakers (Bob and Fiona Mc). Jane and Mike played guitar and mandolin. Then the headline band, Fleetfoot Mac, sang us out with a couple of home-brewed, sing-along songs. Unfortunately, the band have split due to artistic differences, so look out for solo albums from Mary, Nick, Cat, Jane, Mike, and….cough…the rogue mandolin mime, Jim.
Many thanks to Nigel and Rachel for hosting! Thanks to everyone that came along and made it such a great night!
Jim