Robert Burns World Federation President's Blog

Aberdeen Conference

2010-10-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

10 September 2010

Following dinner at the Thistle Hotel at Altens, Aberdeen, attendees at the Federation Conference were treated to a marvellous evening’s entertainment. With John Caskie acting as MC the evening sprang into life with the Garioch Fiddlers playing an eclectic mix of jigs, reels and marches including several Burns’ songs which had the audience tapping and clapping.

During the Fiddlers’ well-earned break the audience was treated to beautifully balanced vocals, a stunning array of instrumental music and comic poetry in Doric from an astounding array of young talent who had formed a band following their participation in the Federation Schools competition. Although they had not known each other before the competition they so enjoyed each other’s fondness for Scottish music they decided to get together. This is a great tribute to the worth of the Federation’s Schools Competition and also to the Helena Anderson-Wright for promoting the youngsters of the Grampian region so avidly.

Following a lively AGM and three excellent presentations during the afternoon seminar, the highlight of Saturday's programme was the President's Inaugural Dinner at which David Baird assumed the role of President, always an emotional event for both outgoing and incoming Presidents. Senior Vice President Jim Shields and newly-elected Junior Vice President Bob Stewart applaud as David relishes the honour of donning the magnificent chain of office.

As a consolation I have the pleasure of receiving my Past-President's medal from David.

Library Presentation

2010-10-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

3 September 2010

On behalf of the Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club I presented a copy of the Federation’s Homecoming Chronicle to the Gatehouse of Fleet Library. Receiving the copy is Librarian Joan Frame with Area Librarian Lynn Nield showing her support for this local initiative by travelling from Stranraer for the presentation.

Earlier in the day I also presented a copy of the Homecoming Chronicle from the Club to the Gatehouse of Fleet Primary School.

Civic Reception Dumfries

2010-10-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

2 September 2010

The Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association (SSCBA) had very kindly arranged a civic reception in the Council Chambers in Dumfries to mark my year as President of the Federation.

Convenor of the Council, Patsy Gilroy, welcomed guests and delivered a very eloquent speech to convey the honour felt by the Council in having ‘one of theirs’ fulfil such a high profile appointment to promote the life and works of a former Dumfries resident, our National Bard, Robert Burns. President of the SSCBA, David Baird also spoke warmly of the pride which Association members felt in having one of their fellow members being the Federation President.

Bridgeton Burns Club Memorial Unveiling

2010-08-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

23 August 2010

Bridgeton Burns Club has taken a prominent part in the regeneration of the Bridgeton ‘Umbrella’ and surrounding area as part of a Clyde Gateway initiative.

As their contribution to the project they commissioned a memorial to Burns, designed and build by student Alec Keeper from the Glasgow Metropolitan College, and I had the pleasure of joining members of the Bridgeton Burns club and Lord Provost Bob Winter at a ceremony to mark the unveiling of the striking sandstone and granite memorial with the very apposite word 'luve' carved vertically in relief. The photograph shows me with Jack Steele standing in as President of the Bridgeton Burns Club.

One-line extracts from songs and poems of Burns also feature on the paving as do the names of three Bridgeton men, John Simpson Knox, James Cleland Richardson and Henry May, who were awarded the Victoria Cross. The occasion was enlivened by the singing from local schoolchildren with renditions of My Luve is Like a Red Red Rose and Coming Thro’ the Rye. Following the ceremony we were whisked away in a 1957 Corporation Bus, provided courtesy of the local transport heritage group, to the Glasgow City Chambers for a civic reception where again the entertainment was provided by local primary school pupils.

I am very grateful to the Bridgeton Burns Club for their hospitality and delighted to see at first hand the work they are doing with local schools in promoting the life and works of Burns.

National Archives of Scotland Reception

2010-08-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

19 August 2010

I was delighted to attend a reception at the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) to mark the unveiling of a previously unknown letter relating to the last period of the Poet’s life. The letter was written by Burns' superior officer John Mitchell, to the Commissioner of Excise, Robert Graham of Fintry, and details a journey by Robert Burns to the Dumfries Excise office to collect his salary on July 14, 1796. Mitchell described Burns as "reduced & shattered … in the extreme," but noted that his "wit and humour remained."

The Excise Salary Book, already kept in the NAS, bears a highly poignant signature, dated July 14, 1796, which shows clear evidence of his failing physical condition. It is shaky and marred by ink blots. The letter reveals for the first time that Burns did actually make the journey to Dumfries, despite being urged not to do so. Wracked by pain, but desperate to make proper provision for his wife and children, Burns must have ignored Mitchell’s advice not to travel and made his way to collect his salary; he died one week later on July 21, 1796.

In his speech, George Mackenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, expressed his delight at the response generated by the find from around the world .

In my response I thanked the NAS for helping the Federation maintain interest in Burns and in recognition of the importance of the find I presented Federation Homecoming Medals to Tristram Clarke and David Brown (above) who were responsible for finding the letter and pursuing its significance. Also in the photograph above, in the stripped dress, is Janet Elsie-May Coom, the great, great, great granddaughter of Burns through Anna Park. She expressed her delight at seeing the letter with its moving description of his condition during the final stages of his life.

Photograph shows, from right, Tristram Carke, David Brown and George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland. All were now better informed about the role of the RBWF in keeping alive the memory of the life and works of Burns and hopefully this will lead to further collaboration in the future. For example, we promoted the idea of having the letter on display, probably on a temporary basis because of the need to preserve its condition, at the new Birthplace Museum in Alloway as a way of generating further interest in the role of the NAS.

Edinburgh - Burns Anniversary Celebrations

2010-08-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

24 July 2010

One of the great pleasures of my Presidential duties is to have the opportunity to recognise the efforts of groups and individuals dedicated to furthering the aims of the Federation. Having become all but dormant in recent years, the Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs Association (EDBCA) has really blossomed and further evidence of this resurgence was on show during an all-day series of events to commemorate Burns’ death in July 1796.

The event started with a commemoration at the Burns Monument on the Carlton Hill at which Federation JVP Jim Shields (seen here introducing the guests) had organised a mixture of poetry recitations, songs and speeches relating to Burns. I was particularly delighted to be involved in this because I had commented during my speech at the rededication of the monument in October 2009 that the Monument must be seen as a living space and not just as a cold, stone, artefact. This lively event was exactly the sort of thing I had in mind and gave real meaning to the memory of the poet’s time in Edinburgh.

Following the ceremony at the Monument, the party proceeded by coach to the City Chambers for a reception at which Lord Provost, the Rt Hon George Grubb, gave a most eloquent address referring to Burns’ time in the capital and to his writings. In turn I thanked the Lord Provost for the Council’s support in furthering the aims of the Federation through the work of the EDBCA and had great pleasure in presenting him with a copy of the Homecoming Chronicle.

For the final part of the day we repaired to the Lodge Liberton’s Hall for a fine afternoon and evening of entertainment. Firstly, representatives from Burns’ Associations competed for the inaugural Tom McIlwraith Trophy for poetry recitation in memory of Tom, an eminent Past President of the Robert Burns World Federation and stalwart of the EDBCA.

Judged by an eminent panel consisting of Professor David Purdie, EDBCA’s very own Margaret Anderson and Federation Past President Murdo Morrison (seated left to right on the front row with JVP Jim Shields far left), the competition produced a clear winner in Ian Buick with his outstanding rendition of To Mrs Scott, the Guid Wife of Wauchop House.

I was delighted to present Ian with the inaugural Tom McIlwraith trophy; he graciously recognised that the other competitors had also performed their chosen poems magnificently well. In summing up, the Chairman of the judging panel, Professor Purdie, highlighted the brilliance of Burns as a wordsmith and it was the expressive use of his language which the panel held as their main yardstick in judging.

A wholesome serving of haggis, neeps and tatties saw us through to a soiree where the assembled company took turns to perform their party pieces. Songs, poems and anecdotal stories of the highest calibre provided a most enjoyable and fitting finale to the day. Chief organiser Jim Shields and EDBCA President, Ian Chisholm, and his committee deserve immense praise for all their hard work in laying on such a wonderful event which hopefully will be repeated annually.

Brow Well Service

2010-08-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

21 July 2010

It was very fitting that my first official duty after my cycle accident was the annual Brow Well Service organised by the Scottish Southern Counties Burns Association to commemorate the death of our National Bard. Whereas I was able to benefit from the best of medical treatment at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, poor Burns was given the worst possible advice on how to treat his chronic heart condition - rheumatic endocarditis. During a two-week period, faithfully following the instructions of his doctor and friend Dr Maxwell, he submerged himself up to his oxters daily in the rising tide of the Solway Firth. Perhaps not surprisingly, he died shortly thereafter on 21 July 1796. I was privileged to be invited to propose a commemoration to Burns at this prestigious service.

The photograph shows some of the dignitaries from clubs and associations standing in front of the chalybeate spring well from which Burns would have drunk, from a ladle, the saline water with its supposed restorative qualities.

Bicycle Crash

2010-05-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

26 April 2010

My Presidential duties came to an abrupt halt following my confrontation with a cattle truck as I cycled on a lovely sunny afternoon along a country road in Dumfries and Galloway. I succeeded in puncturing both lungs and suffered multiple broken ribs, shoulder, collar bone and several vertebrae which will necessitate six weeks in a neck-support collar. The A&E staff and those in the Intensive Care Unit at Dumfries Royal Infirmary did a marvellous job in patching me up and nursing me through those critical early days. The photograph shows me a week after the crash still hooked up to drains and drips to stabilise my bashed body.

I have been overwhelmed by the number of get-well and good-wishes cards I have received from all over the world, including a very thoughtful one from Joanna Lumley. These and awareness of prayers being offered on my behalf have been most uplifting and have greatly aided my recovery which is progressing well, albeit very slowly. I am sincerely grateful to all those involved. I send my apologies to those who had invited me to functions I could not attend but am indebted to Senior Vice President David Baird for stepping in as a substitute whenever possible. I am now at home and Pat has been a fantastic nurse helping me to recuperate. Hopefully I will be able to resume my Presidential duties before too long and have the chance to pass on my appreciation in person.

Russian Students Dinner and Ceilidh

2010-05-24T03:24:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Around twenty exchange students from St Petersburg spent a couple of weeks studying at Reid Kerr College, Paisley and as a finale to the visit a dinner was held to mark the occasion. I was delighted to be invited as a guest of honour and enjoyed a magical evening as these students performed a multi-cultural ceilidh of Russian and Scottish music, poetry and dance.

The highlight was a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne led by ten of the students who knew all the verses off by heart. Yet again I saw at first hand the love of Burns' poetry and song which seems to be so inherent in Russian youngsters. All the exchange students had thoroughly enjoyed their time in Scotland and returned home with certificates and other mementoes of a highy successful cultural and educational visit.

Fortunately, my next function was to be the Secondary School's Festival at Coatbridge High School where I could witness the incredible talent of our own pupils who are proudly carrying on the tradition of their forebears with such distinction. The photograph shows the overall winner, and Young Burnsian of the Year, piper Callum Moffat from Lockerbie Academy with his haul of trophies. Alongside Callum is Mr David Scott, Group Director of Gladedale group of companies which very generously sponsors the school's competitions, including the choral competition. Others in the photograph from the left are; Jim Shields JVP, Isa Hanley School's Convenor, Sam Judge RBWF Chief Executive and David Baird, SVP.

Visit To Wanlockhead Lead Mines

2010-04-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

18 April 2010

Burns visit to the lead mines at Wanlockhead with Maria Riddell in early 1792 has been the subject of much discussion on the Federation’s website Forum recently. In a letter to her mother, Maria provides a very detailed account of the conditions in the mine which lends authenticity to her statement that she did indeed visit the mine. However, local historian and Secretary of the Thornhill and District Burns Club, Ian Millar, has a strong suspicion that Burns did not accompany her and would have been on excise duty in Dumfries on that day and not ‘gallivanting’ round Upper Nithsdale with Walter Riddell and his wife young wife Maria. As yet, he does not have sufficient written evidence to prove his claim but is building up a body of circumstantial evidence which he hopes will tilt the balance in favour of his claim.

In order to further my knowledge about the subject I joined Ian and a few other Burns enthusiasts to visit the mines and discuss further the basis of his claim.

Following a most informative underground tour of Lochnell Mine with our guide Robert, we visited one of the most fascinating aspects of Hidden Treasures Museum of Leadmining, the Wanlockhead Miner’s Library.
The library houses a collection of books which have been recognised to have "Great National Importance" and can be seen as a symbol of the lead miners' culture and education. It is the second oldest subscription library in Scotland, and indeed Europe, and was established on the 1st November 1756. The library was funded by subscriptions from the miners, but a contribution was also made by mining companies in order to encourage 'self-improvement' in the miners. According to our informative guide, David Duncan (below), there was a hidden agenda, as the mining companies believed that the library would help to cut down on the unruly behaviour which existed at the time! In the middle are mannequins representing the librarian (left) and William Gass who, as the excellent audio presentation tells us, is trying to join the library by transferring his late father William Meikle’s membership certificate to his name. The library was considered very progressive in that it allowed women to subscribe.

Although we have no record of Burns having visited the library, he would almost certainly have known about it and went on to help establish and run one himself along roughly similar lines in the form of the Monklands Friendly Society at Dunscore Parish in 1789.

Clootie Dumpling Lecture

2010-04-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Kay Park Burns Monument Centre was the setting for the annual ‘Clootie Dumpling’ Lecture organised by the Howff Burns Club, Kilmarnock. [Photograph courtesy of Ewan McDougal Photography]

The lecture, with the intriguing title of ‘In and Out of Tam O’Shanter,’ was delivered by Jim Thomson, President of the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs.

With the clootie dumpling centre stage and in front of an expectant full house in the delightful circular auditorium, Jim wove a fascinating series of strands into a comprehensive, informative and thought-provoking study of Burns’ great narrative tale. Basing his research on anecdotal evidence, previously published works and years of observing performances of the poem, Jim has amassed sufficient material for a book which he intends publishing in the very near future. Based on what I heard at the lecture, this promises to be a volume worthy of a place on the bookshelves of all serious Burnsians who want to learn more about Burns' masterpiece. Dozing off during the lecture wasn’t an option as Jim fired questions at the audience to test their knowledge of some of the less-understood words in the poem. Following my vote of thanks, Howff Club President, Lorrie Headley, invited the audience to sample the tempting array of clootie dumplings prepared by members of the club.

Anniversary Dinners

2010-03-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

6 March 2010

Cambusnethal Miners Welfare Club was the venue for me to speak at a most enjoyable Anniversary Dinner of the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs (LABC).

The top table guests from left to right: Councillor Pam Clearie (Wife of the Provost) Provost South Lanarkshire Russell Clearie, Cathie Cowie, Archie Cowie (Pres. LABC), me, Helen Waddell Hon President of Allanton Jolly Begars Burns Club, Eric Budgell (V.Pres LABC) and Lily Budgell (Mins Sec LABC)

As I had pointed out in my speech that one of the most commendable aspects of the LABC was its unflagging support for the Schools competitions it was a particular delight to see two stalwarts rewarded for their efforts over many years. Bob Dalziel and Liz Totten (below with President Archie Cowie) were each presented with an engraved glass memento which acknowledged their inspirational contribution to the Schools competitions.

I also commented on the fine work done by the LABC in maintaining the cairn at Covington Mains and arranging the annual celebration of the visit made by Burns when he stayed there with farmer Archibald Prentice, en route for his triumphant first stay in Edinburgh in November 1786. Burns said of Prentice, “sound sense and plain warm hospitality are truly his.” I can only comment that I found the same good sense and warm hospitality still well to the fore within the membership of LABC.

12 March 2010

I was lucky enough to be asked to speak at a very special anniversary dinner as Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No1 celebrated its 80th birthday in the Cairndale Hotel Dumfries.

Seated in front of the illustrious gathering of past and current Presidents are Mrs Mary Schlag (right), the longest-serving member and Mrs Jenny Burns (left) the oldest member who both took part in cutting the beautiful cake later in the evening.

I tried to do justice to the club in recognising its generous contributions to charity, its participation in all aspects of the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association, its support for the Federation’s Schools’ Competition and its hosting of the annual Tam O’Shanter recitation competition. Along with Mary Schlag, some have been members for over fifty years, some for over forty years and at least 13 have over thirty years service which is a great testament to the loyalty and longevity of the club. Keep up the good work and roll on your century!

Emily Smith Concert

2010-02-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

Friday 19 February 2010

What a thrill to be in Dunedin the very same night on which Scottish Singer of the Year Emily Smith and her Husband Jamie were performing their concert in the Otago Settlers Museum in the heart of the city. A packed-house audience were captivated by the range and quality of the musicianship of this incredibly talented duo. Emily sang many of her own delightful compositions and Jamie played exerpts from his new album and demonstarted vituoso skill on the fiddle which had the feet tapping and hands clapping.

They also sang several Burns' songs from their Year of Homecoming show 'Adown Winding Nith' and showed Burns' song-making capabilities off to great effect. All-in-all a delightful evening which is part of an exhausting trip for Emily and Jamie as they tour Australia and New Zealand.

Dunedin Burns Club

2010-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday 20 February 2010

As my last commitment of my trip I visited Dunedin which surpassed even my highest expectations as the Scots Capital of New Zealand. My visit coincided with a festival of pipe bands which paraded through the city and right past the Burns Statue in the 'Octagon' in the centre of

the city. This fine statue (just visible above the mace) sits prominently in front of the Anglican Church (below). Close by is the very striking Presbyterain first Church with its close connexion to the Robert Burns story in that his nephew Thomas Burns (son of Burns' brother Gilbert) was the founder minister of the church and played a fundamental role in setting up the city of Dunedin. He was also a member of the founding committee of the internationally-renowned Otago University. During a visit to the present-day University I had the pleasure of meeting with Professor Liam McIlvanney, author of the splendid book 'Burns the Radical,' who currently occupies the Stuart Chair in Scottish Studies. As well as researching the influence of the Scottish Diaspora and other groups of emigrants, he is making a particular study of the contraversial New Zealand poet James Keir Baxter who was one of those selected for the Burns Writing Fellowship - a highly prized residential writer's position at the University.

Pat and I enjoyed a very pleasant lunch with the committee members of the Dunedin Burns Club at Umbrello's Restaurant close to the University. After going through a difficult period recently the Club has re-grouped under the leadership of President Sue Cantwell and has a refreshingly young and ebullient Secretary in Emma Burns.

Photograph shows at front President Sue and past president Stan Kirkpatrick and from left to right Club stalwart Margaret Campbell, Pat, me, Secretary Emma and committee member Bruce Spittle. Bruce and his wife Marjorie hosted us most hopitably during the visit and gave us a delightful sightseeing tour of the city and surrounding district. It was also a real pleasure to meet with Stan Kirkpatrick, a member for over fifty years ans someone with an outstanding war record as a member of the Merchant Navy during both the Atlantic and Russian convoys. Together with other Club members he was instrumental in introducing special 'haggis' ceremonies for the benefit of visitors to Dunedin to emphasise the city's Scottish heritage. Another member for over fifty years, Stan Forbes, was not well enough to attend the lunch but I managed to visit him and his wife Roberta in hospital. A Dundonian by birth he is the Patron of the Burns Club and has done outstanding work over the years to keep the Burns Club at the forefront of cultural activity in Dunedin.

Family Reunion

2010-02-13T23:49:00.000-08:00

13 February 2010

The personal highlight of my tour down under was meeting up for the very first time with an uncle and cousins whom I only discovered I had after family research in Scotland just before I left for the trip. A grandfather (my father's father) whom I had never met, named Charles Anderson, had left Tarland in Aberdeenshire in 1913 and emigrated to New Zealand. Following the outbreak of WWI he returned with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, a formed unit, and fought in France being wounded twice. On return to New Zealand in 1919 he eventually took up the offer being given to returning servicemen of setting up a farm in Almadale near Feilding. He had six more children in New Zealand and died in 1987. It was a real thrill to meet up with my half-uncle Gordon Anderson (below) and his wife Sheila and three of their daughters. It was also particularly poignant for me to be wearing the Anderson tartan in recognition of my 'Kiwi' grandfather Charles Anderson. Before catching the ferry for South Island we stayed overnight with my 'new' cousin Yvonne (below) and her husband Peter who gave us a wonderful tour of Wellington - a great end to the North Island part of our trip. Photo shows the ferry route through the Cook Straits.

Wanganui Burns Club

2010-02-12T02:06:00.000-08:00

12 February 2010

It was a particular pleasure to visit one of the newest Clubs to join the Federation; the Wanganui Burns Club which was affiliated as Federation number 2377 in 2001. I am pictured below with Club President John Hanna with the Federation Membership Certificate proudly on view on the

table.

A very special part of the evening was being given a formal Maori welcome from Paddy 'Cameron' Haira who is the 'Kaumatua' or Cultural Spokesperson for the Wanganui Burns Club. I had to respond to the welcome in bringing greetings from Scotland and the Federation and also had to lead in a song in response to their welcome song.

Following this very special introduction Pat and I were treated to a lovely meal of haggis pastries and silverside beef followed by fruit and ice cream. I had to speak for my supper and enjoyed another very lively question and answer session. I was delighted when the audience said they now better appreciated the role and work of the Federation in promoting the life and works of Robert Burns. Yet again we were hosted magnificently during our visit by Neil Boyd (front right in blue shirt) and his wife Christine (far left in blue dress) who is a direct descendent of Billy Marshall the famous Galloway tinkler gypsie featured in the Stewartry Museum. They run a shop in Wanganui specialising in Scottish collectibles and Neil has accumulated an amazing collection of Burnsiana and has been the driving force behind the formation of the Burns Club and its membership of the Federation.

Pat and I were gift with a beautiful wooden tray and spoons as a memento of our visit made by Ian Henderson a teacher of woodcraft at a College in Wanganui.

Trip Down Under - New Zealand

2010-02-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

9 February 2010

Auckland was my first port of call on the New Zealand part of my trip and I spent a most enjoyable extended lunch addressing the Auckland Burns Club. A most knowledgeable audience responded exceptionally well during a Q&A session and we had songs and recitations of the highest calibre including a magnificent rendition of ‘Scots Wha Hae’ by Doug Robertson (bottom right)to close proceedings. President Tom Shiels (middle) presided over proceedings and Pat and I were presented with beautifully carved wooden pens as a memento of our visit. These had been carved by our host, and Club Secretary, David Small, ( second from right) and pictured below with his wife Beth and ‘Lass’ their cairn terrier.They could not have been kinder hosts and gave us a memorable start in our exploration of New Zealand's North Island. I was also given a bound copy of a poem entitled ‘An Epitaph and Eulogy for Robert Burns” written by Charles Colquhoun Rowan, a member of the Club. Later in the day I paid a visit to the very fine 1921 Burns Statue in the Auckland Domain Gardens.

Trip Down Under - Australia

2010-02-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

In 1997 the Federation’s Annual Conference was due to be held in Melbourne but for a variety of reasons it had to be cancelled. The conference would have provided a wonderful opportunity for the Federation to extend fraternal greetings to the far side of the world and provide direct support to the many keen Burnsians who had emigrated to Australia and New Zealand. These emigrants had taken with them a keen interest in Burns and his poetry and songs but as they grow older there is every likelihood that many aspects of Scottish culture will disappear with them unless the next generation can be motivated to pick up the baton. As President I felt it my duty to visit Australia and New Zealand and try to meet with as many federated clubs as I could to thank them for their continued interest but also to encourage them in their endeavours in promoting the life and works of Robert Burns and other aspects of Scottish culture.

5 February 2010

My first speaking engagement was to the Bendigo and District Caledonian Society and Burns Club in the conference room in the Performing Arts Centre, known as ‘The Capital’ previously the Masonic Temple, built in 1873. After my talk on the work of the Federation and a brief outline of some of my Presidential activities to date, I enjoyed and lively question and answer session with an enthusiastic audience. Pat and I were hosted magnificently by President Jim Millar and his wife Jeanette (pictured below) who made us most welcome in their beautiful city (pictured above) located a couple of hours drive north of Melbourne.

6 February 2010

The following day I proposed the Immortal Memory to Robert Burns at the Melbourne Burns Club Annual Burns Supper at the Karralyka Theatre in the Ringwood district of the city. President Christine Galloway (below) gave a very emotive introduction remembering the people who had died in last year's devastating bush fires.

This was an evening full of variety with a highland dancing demonstration and opportunity to partake in country dancing interspersed between the dinner courses. It also included the most impressive and dramatic haggis ceremony with sword-wielding escorts guarding the ‘beastie’ before the puir wee thing was ceremoniously despatched in grand style before being piped back to the kitchen. I was particularly pleased to see Ron Johnston and his wife Joan (below) who had hosted me on my two previous visits to Melbourne when he was the Hon Secretary of the Burns Club. On this trip we were looked after with most thoughtful hospitality by Bill and Ina Graham, a couple who came originally from Ayrshire and work incredibly hard on behalf of all the Scottish societies in and around Melbourne.

7 February 2010

My last engagement in the Australian part of my trip was to perform two readings at the Annual Foundation Day service in the beautiful Scots' Church in Melbourne followed by a 3-course spit-roast lunch complete with a haggis starter. The minister Rev Douglas Robertson, a proud Glaswegian although born in Dumfries, opened the service with a minute’s silence in memory of the 173 people who had lost their lives in bush fires on ‘Black Saturday’ exactly a year ago.

Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Supper

2010-02-01T05:23:00.000-08:00

30 January 2010

As President of the Gatehouse of Fleet I had the great pleasure of chairing my own Club’s 57th Annual Burns Supper in the Murray Arms Hotel, a hostelry with a direct link to the Poet through his stay there in July 1793. And what a delightful surprise I had when past-President Bobby Carson presented me with one of his beautiful rams-head lamps on behalf of the Club in recognition of my being the first Club member to become the President of the Robert Burns World Federation.

The award-winning Scots poet Rab Wilson proposed a particularly fine Immortal Memory focussing on the influences which Robert Burns would have gained from other literary sources but also highlighting the impact of political, religious and social turmoil which feature in his poems and songs. His wife Margaret (pictured) delighted the company with beautiful unaccompanied singing of Burns' songs.

One particularly enjoyable parts of the evening is the tradition of having the children from the Gatehouse of Fleet Primary School recite their winning entries in their competition.

Another tradition is to have an International Toast and this year we were delighted to welcome Simon Faed, a descendent of James Faed, one of the famous family of artists from Gatehouse of Fleet.

Alloway Primary Schools Burns Supper

2010-02-01T05:19:00.000-08:00

28 January 2010

The splendid setting of the Brig O’Doon Hotel, Alloway, was the venue for Annual Alloway Primary Schools’ Burns Supper organised by Margaret Morrall. All the speeches, including an excellent Immortal Memory, were performed by the children. They also piped in the haggis, addressed it and gave an enthralled audience some wonderful recitations and songs. At every level this was a truly inspiring evening and one which bodes well for the future of the Burns movement. Margaret is to be congratulated for encouraging so many youngsters to get involved and the fact that this was the eleventh such supper provides a fitting testimony to its popularity. It was a pleasure for me and Federation Chief Executive, Sam Judge, to convey kindred greetings to the company from the Federation.

Kirkcudbright Wednesday Club

2010-02-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

27 January 2010

I was delighted to be able to show off the ‘chain’ to the Wednesday Club, a pensioners group in Kirkcudbright with whom I have been associated for several years. Along with singer and musician, John Duncan, also from Twynholm, I gave the audience a wide-ranging talk on different aspects of Burns’ life and works.

In particular, I stressed his life as a ploughman especially for the benefit of two widows in the group. Willie Fairley, a ploughman from Twynholm, had died recently and at his wife Joan’s request I had recited Burns’ famous poem To a Mouse at his funeral. For Barbara McCaig I recalled how I had interviewed her husband Jack as part of my degree studies at Glasgow University in 2002, shortly before he died. Another ploughman, he was deeply knowledgeable about Burns and was an accomplished bothy ballad singer. Burns meant a great deal to both men.

The Bard's Birthday

2010-01-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

25 January 2010

I was delighted to be able to fulfil a regular commitment which I have undertaken for the past few years in ‘Addressing the Haggis’ at the Fleet Valley Nursing Home in Gatehouse of Fleet at lunchtime on the Poet’s birthday. The residents and the staff always look forward to their special celebratory lunch.

It was then a quick dash to Dumfries to attend the commemoration service in St Michael’s Church at which Burns had been a regular attendee in the last few years of his life before his untimely death at the age of just 37 years. The service was conducted by the Rev Maurice Bond and readings were delivered by Federation Senior-Vice President David Baird and Jane Brown on behalf of the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association. The Rev Ella Pennington addressed the local school children and had them (and the adults) guessing answers to her questions relating to the use of a red flag in early days of motoring. Songs and recitations completed a most fitting service of celebration of the Bard’s life.

After the service, I laid a wreath on behalf of the Federation at the Mausoleum along with representatives from several other clubs and organisations, the whole event being co-ordinated by the Dumfries Burns Club.

In the evening I had the honour of proposing the Immortal Memory at the Kirkcudbright Burns Club's Annual Burns Supper in the Royal Hotel Kirkcudbright. Despite Kirkcudbright's being only three miles from my home in Twynholm, this was the first time I had attended the Club's Burns Supper. The town has a direct connexion with the Bard because he stayed there overnight in 1793 during his tour of Galloway with his friend John Syme. He spent a pleasant evening in the Earl of Selkirk's House on St Mary's Isle regaining his good humour after being in a 'foul' temper the day before when his new 'Jimmie' boots were ruined during a storm. As Syme writes in his letter journal of the tour, "Mercy on me how he did fume and rage, nothing would reinstate him in temper." However, en-route to Kirkcudbright from Gatehouse of Fleet where they had stayed overnight in the Murray Arms Hotel, Syme showed him the Earl of Galloway's house. According to Syme, "Burns expectorated his spleen against the aristocratic elf, and regained a most agreeable temper." Syme thought the tongue-lashing of the Earl undeserved but was pleased it had restored his friend's good humour. The photograph shows President David Austin to my left and Adam Gray, Honorary Life President on my right together with the other speakers and artistes.

Wreath Laying in George Square Glasgow

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23 January 2010

Following my attendance at the St Mungo’s Day Liturgy in Glasgow Cathedral earlier in the month it was a pleasure to return to the ‘Dear Green Place’ at the invitation of the Glasgow and District Association of Burns Clubs to lay a wreath at the Burns Statue in George Square on behalf of the Federation. We met in the City Chambers and after an introduction by President of the Association, Jane Jack, and a welcome from Deputy Lord Provost, Baillie Allan Stewart, we were led across the Square by piper Dougie Melvin.

I had the honour of saying a few words before the laying of the wreaths and chose as my theme words from Burns’ song The Sodger’s Return.

For gold the merchant ploughs the main,
The farmer ploughs the manor;
Bur glory is the sodger’s prize,
The sodger’s wealth is honor!
The brave poor sodger ne’er despise,
Nor count him as a stranger,
Remember, he’s his country’s stay,
In day and hour of danger.

After the ceremony we were treated to a cuppa and sandwiches in the Parish Church Hall and royally entertained by the winners of the Glasgow Association’s children’s competitions. Masterful recitations from Fraser Kent and Leona Logan were complemented by lovely singing from the Wellshot Choir (who also sang at the monument as pictured), and the afternoon rounded off appropriately with a spirited rendition of Auld Lang Syne by the hale company.

A Night With the Ladies

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22 January 2010

The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries was the venue for the Burns Supper of one of the most active clubs in South West Scotland, The Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No 1. Organised on the night by Betty Haining with her usual efficient good humour and clear ‘instructions’ and chaired sympathetically by President Shona Shaw (pictured), the evening provided me with a most enjoyable opportunity to propose an Immortal Memory to the National Bard.

It was particularly fitting for me to acknowledge a group of ladies who do such a power of work on behalf of the Federation in so many different guises. The long list of Fraternal Greetings from Kindred Clubs, read out during the evening, provided testimony for the esteem in which this Club is held. A lovely night with lots of recitations and singing as well as the usual speeches.

Burns at Broughton house

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Thursday 21 January 2010

With the help of James Cameron Ewing, Editor of the Burns Chronicle and also Head of Special Collections at the Mitchell Library in the 1930s, the Kirkcudbright artist Edward Atkinson Hornel built up one of the finest collections in the world of printed works by, or about, Robert Burns. As part of a drive to increase awareness of Hornel’s magnificent Burns Collection in Broughton House, a National Trust for Scotland property in Kirkcudbright, I have organised an annual ‘Evening with Burns’ for the last three years.

At this year's event well-known Burnsian Chris Rollie linked the history of Mary Queens of Scots to her brief time in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright and gave a wonderful recitation of Burns’ poem Lament of Mary Queen of Scots. He also gave an ebullient rendition of The Holy Fair following a fascinating short talk about his recently published book entitled Burns in England. As Professor David Purdie says in the forward to the book, “Chris Rollie has added a further and much needed chapter which broadens and deepens our understanding of Burns…”

Through the wonderful singing by John Caskie and Holly Little, winner of the National Schools Singing Competition in 2008 (pictured above), I was able to highlight the famous James Johnson and George Thomson song collections which are in the Library, one with a note in Burns' own hand, inscribed to lovely Polly Stewart.

Creative Burns at The Midsteeple

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Wednesday 20 January 2010

I had the privilege of opening another event which was a legacy from the Year of Homecoming. As part of a commission from East Ayrshire Council, Scots poet Rab Wilson from New Cumnock had written twelve poems each based on a line from a Burns work. Examples included ‘I Saw Thy Pulse’s, Maddening Play,’ and 'Love Blinks, Wit Slaps, an’ Social Mirth' but the piece-de-resistance is his no-holds-barred tirade against the irresponsible bankers who brought Scotland’s reputation as a thrifty nation crashing to the ground. None is spared as Rab trains his linguistic sights on the main culprits in a poem entitled Wae Worth Thy Power, Thou Cursed Leaf! based on lines from Burns’ 1786 poem Lines Written on a Banknote. The exhibition is on at the Midsteeple in Dumfries and runs until 13 February and I can’t recommend it highly enough. As Writer in Residence at the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association (DGAA) Rab is passionate about the Scots language and Scots poetry and he demonstrates in this exhibition the full richness of the language as a vehicle for evocative poetry. He was particularly pleased to support the recent work of the Dumfries Burns Howff Club in producing a highly successful book, A Wee Kist o’ Verse which contains 100 of the best poems in Scots from the 600 entries they received from local Primary and Secondary Schools as part of their Homecoming Competition. The photograph shows Rab and me with Susan Garnsworthy, the Director of DGAA.

O! What a Glorious Sicht!

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Tuesday 19th January 2010

As a welcome break from the round of Immortal Memories I had the pleasure of stabbing the ‘wee beastie’ at the Kirkcudbright Rotary Club’s Burns Supper in the award-winning Selkirk Arms Hotel. Club members provided all the main speeches, the highlight being Anne Chaudry spirited plug for the lassies despite being vastly outnumbered by male Rotarians.

She wasn’t even cowed by the threat of the whistling blade that could ‘sned heids like taps o’ thristle.’ Having only started as a feature last year in recognition of the Year of Homecoming, the Burns Supper is sure to remain a regular fixture in the Club’s programme. Hopefully that is also the experience of other groups and organisations which started some Burns-related activities only last year but intend to run them again in the future.

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Sunday 10th January 2010

I had the great pleasure of attending the St Mungo’s Day Liturgy service in Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday 10th January 2010 as a guest of the Glasgow and District Association of Burns Clubs. Organised by Glasgow Churches Together (GCT) and hosted by the Cathedral parish community, the service was conducted by the minister Dr. Whitley.

As well as church and civic representatives (including the Rev. Jayne Scott, Minister of Culross and Torryburn which have historic links to St. Mungo), there was musical support from the Rutherglen Salvation Army Band, Carissa Bovill on clarsach, the St. Mungo Singers and the newly formed Russkaya Cappella, and dance from the Visual Statement Dance Company.

There was one very special part of the service when President, Mrs. Jane Jack, handed over a display case to house the copy of the Vita Kentigerni (the Life of Kentigern), on behalf of the Glasgow and District Association of Burns Clubs, as a thank you for the Homecoming Service which had been held in the Cathedral on 25th January 2009. This handsome gift to the Cathedral was dedicated by the Moderator of the Glasgow Presbytery, the Rev. Bill Ferguson. The congregation were then led by the St. Mungo Singers in a very stirring rendition of the Glasgow anthem “Let Glasgow Flourish”.

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Mabel Irving’s Funeral 4th December 2009

Although touched with sadness, the funeral of Mabel Irving was an uplifting occasion and I was honoured to represent the Federation. A variety of speakers recalled with fondness the different aspects of Mabel’s colourful life as a poet, thespian, teacher and lady of strong Christian faith.

As a good friend of Mabel, Chronicle Editor, Peter Westwood gave a humorous and very thoughtful eulogy on ‘Mabel the Burnsian’ and highlighted her major achievement of being the first female President of Greenock Burns Club, the Mother Club.
One of her own poems was read out at the service and seemed so apt for the occasion and perfectly reflected the dignity of one of the Federation’s most distinguished Burnsians.

There is a time, 'the good Lord said
'To laugh, and, yes to cry,

To bear and to be born,' said He

In My Good Time - to die!

Scottish Southern Counties Burns Association (SSCBA) 5th December 2009

The SSCBA held their usual well-attended and lively meeting in the Globe Inn at which they reflected on the wonderful Homecoming Concert, organised by the Howff Burns Club, and held in the Dumfries DG One Auditorium a couple of weeks earlier.

Also notable was the highly successful book entitled, A Wee Kist o’ Verse produced by the Howff Burns Club which features 100 of the 600 poems in the Scots language submitted by primary schools right across Dumfries and Galloway. As Howff Burns Club President John Caskie says in the forward, “there is no better way to keep alive the rich legacy of the old Scots’ tongue than to encourage youngsters to read and study the works of the National Bard.” Having a scan through my copy I can only echo John’s sentiments and congratulate all the children who took part with such obvious enthusiasm and poetic skill and thank all their teachers for encouraging them.

The Festival of St Andrew Service in St Giles Cathedral 6th December 2009

I had the pleasure and honour of leading the Federation delegation at the annual Festival of St Andrew Service at St Giles Cathedral on Edinburgh'sRoyal Mile.

We met up in the very grand Signet Library which was turned into a gigantic dressing room as robes, hats, gowns and chains of office were donned ready for the procession to the Cathedral.

Looking down on us all from the fine dome ceiling in the library was the Bard himself (left side with blue sleeve), sitting beside William Shakespeare, and, hopefully, giving an approving wink at the assembled Burnsians keeping his memory alive. As the honourable members of the Order of the Thistle proceeded through the Cathedral I couldn’t help noting that three of them, Lord Steel of Aikwood, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen and Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden appear in Andy Hall’s book Touched by Burns which I had been reading over breakfast that very morning. In it they all extol the philosophies of the Poet and declare themselves as strong devotees of his works so I felt all the more proud to represent the Federation at such an auspicious occasion.

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Executive Meeting 21 November 2009

Despite the appalling weather there was a healthy turn out for the Federation’s Executive Meeting at the new Kay Park Museum in Kilmarnock. Built round the Burns Statue in the remains of original museum, which was destroyed by fire in 2004, the new museum area proved to be an excellent venue, with scope to be even better when additional rooms become available.

The committees’ reports showed the Federation in good heart and still striving hard to maintain the momentum generated by the Year of Homecoming. A robust discussion centred around the question of getting more young people involved in the Federation’s work, which is central to the future development of the organisation.

During the meeting it was a great pleasure for me to meet with Janet Elsie-May Coom, the great, great, great granddaughter of the poet through Anna Park, barmaid at the Globe Inn, Dumfries. Irvine Burns Club Homecoming Exhibition 26th November 2009

By one of those great co-incidences, my next appointment was to attend the opening of a splendid exhibition entitled Dear Mr Burns at Irvine Burns Club. Among the exhibits was a letter from the same Janet Elsie-May Coom, dated January 09, accepting honorary membership of the Club. This was one of the 35 letters on display from the collection of almost 300 letters from famous personalities around the world who have accepted an invitation to become honorary members of one of the great Burns Clubs, formed in 1826, and the longest continuously operating club in the world. The exhibition was organised and promoted by Bill Nolan and Ian Dickson who had clearly put a huge amount of effort into this grand finale for the Year of Homecoming, as had President Billy Dickson (pictured below) who opened the event.

Much more information on the letter collection can be found on the website at: www.irvineayrshire.org/burns/honorary.htm Dinner was provided courtesy of Irvine Burns Club member Iain Murray, who gave Pat and me a conducted tour of his premises, the famous Ship Inn on the harbour side in Irvine. Pictured left are Iain and I with a copy of a painting of Burns by local artist Graham McKean. Known locally as 'the village,’ Irvine has a strong connexion to the story of Burns because it was here that Captain Richard Brown encouraged Burns to put his verses in print. As Burns himself says, “you wondered I could resist the temptation of sending verses of such merit to a magazine: ‘twas actually this that gave me an idea of my own pieces which encouraged me to endeavour at the character of a Poet.”

The story of Burns’ time in Irvine is depicted in an excellent audio-visual presentation focussing on the beautiful mural painted by Ted and Elizabeth Odling. If you get the chance do go and visit the Irvine Burns Club; it is well worth a look.

Irvine Lasses Burns Club Concert Evening - 26th November 2009

As part of the same St Andrews celebrations at Irvine Burns Club, Pat and I enjoyed a very pleasant evening with the Irvine Lasses Burns Club at their concert featuring the Dreghorn Choir who entertained us with a delightful musical tour of Scotland. In a very generous gesture, the President of the Irvine Lasses, Anne Kennedy, presented the Federation with a cheque for £100 towards the ‘Big Issue’ Chronicle.

Ayrshire Cancer Support Dinner – 27th November 2009

As a special charity fundraiser in the Year of Homecoming, Ayrshire Cancer Support had organised “A Night with the Ayrshire Ploughman” at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock. I was privileged to be invited along as a guest to attend what turned out to be a most memorable evening starring narrator, raconteur and singer Hugh McNellie, multi-instrumentalist Ian Muir, singer Sally Hastings and an introductory, slightly tongue-in-cheek, ‘talk’ on St Andrew by Prestwick Burns Club stalwart Tam Taylor.

This inaugural event for the charity had been organised by Margaret Anne Aitchinson (above right), Burns Night Committee Chair with help from fundraisers Kath Paton (above left) and Fraser Craig and raised the magnificent total of £1200. I also had the privilege of being ‘caricatured’ by internationally-renowned artist Malky McCormick who raised a substantial part of the proceeds through his comic, artful, drawings.

Re-opening of Burns’ Cottage – 29th November 2009

At the invitation of the National Trust for Scotland I attended the re-opening of Burns’ Cottage in Alloway along with Chief Executive Sam Judge and Chronicle Editor Peter Westwood.

The Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, unveiled the plaque to commemorate the re-opening of the cottage and announced £2.1 million of additional support for the project. Sheena Wellington (see photo in red) led a spirited rendition of Rantin' rovin' Robin.

The cottage is a key part of the National Trust for Scotland's £21 million Robert burns Birthpalce Museum Project, which is due for completion next year. the building adjacent to the cottage now featuers a new Education Pavilion where people, and especially children, can learn more about the Poet.

The Saltire Society Homecoming Literary Awards Presentation Ceremony 30th November 2009

What a thrill to be at the National Library of Scotland to witness Robert Crawford receive the award for ‘Book of the Year’ at the Saltire Society Homecoming Literary Awards Presentation for his biography of Robert Burns. The judges praised the depth of research and readability of The Bard which showed Burns not only as a tradition bearer but also a challenger and refresher of tradition. The author reiterated his thanks to the Federation through me for its help in bringing the book to fruition. In the ‘Acknowledgement’ in the book he writes: “I owe a great debt to the Burns Federation (now the Robert Burns World Federation Ltd) for making available through their Burns Chronicle and in other ways information about Burns and his circle, and for providing a worldwide physical and virtual forum for Burns enthusiasts.”

Chief Executive Sam and I therefore felt fully justified in being photographed with the author immediately after his award, which he had received earlier from Mike Russell MSP (front centre), a great supporter of the Federation, pictured below with all the winners.

Auld Lang Syne - World Record Attempt 30th November 2009

As a finale to the Year of Homecoming what better event to stage than a rumbustious rendition of Auld Lang Syne in 41 different languages? That is just what Glasgow University did in Bute Hall on a very special St Andrew’s Night when over 200 staff and students sang their hearts out in that most famous of Burns’ songs, hopefully setting a new world record in the process. I joined another seven members of the Federation who had been invited to act as independent adjudicators.

This turned out to be a memorable occasion with a real buzz as different nationalities rubbed shoulders and shared in the joy of singing Burns’ world anthem. Kirsten McKue, a lecturer in the Robert Burns Centre at the University, led the singing and after a few practices the company’s voices blended beautifully, despite the wide variety of lyrics. Perhaps not surprisingly, photographs of the chain were much in demand! Below are me with Dr Gerard Carruthers Director of the Robert Burns Centre at Glasgow University, a Gaelic student and a Czech student who had a most delightful voice.

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First Minister Meets Burns Essay Competition Winner

On Thursday 5th November I had the pleasure of meeting the winner of the Robert Burns Essay Competition Russia 2009 during her visit to the Scottish Parliament. Organised by the St Petersburg Forum, in conjunction with the Federation's Schools' Committee, the competition took as its theme Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot.

Freda, me, Seraphima and First Minister

Following a comprehensive tour of the Paliament building, fourteen year-old Seraphima Nechaeva met the First Minister, Alec Salmond, and delivered an abridged version of her essay in perfect English, and occasional Scots, and demonstrated powerfully why she had been chosen as the winner. Without a note in sight, she spoke with a passion and an understanding of the poetry of Burns way beyond her years and had the audience spellbound by her use of language. Her essay was printed in the Spring Chronicle and is well worth a close read. If anyone has doubts about the impact Burns’ poetry and songs can have on people from outside Scotland this essay must surely dispel them.

As a token of his appreciation the First Minister presented Seraphima with a signed copy of a book on Burns and she in return presented him with an illustrated copy of her essay.

During their conversation it emerged

that her favourite Burns poem was John Barleycorn, which she knew off by heart, as she did several of his other poems and songs.

Seraphima was accompanied by her teacher Freda Zeitseva who had one of those ‘I can’t believe it’ moments during her visit to Ellisland Farm. One of the exhibits on display was a letter bearing the 1956 Russian ‘Burns’ stamps and the address on the letter was none other than that of Freda’s closest friend in St Petersburg. The phrase 'small world' springs to mind.

Meeting with Solway Offset Printers

On 10th November I joined Federation Chief Executive, Sam Judge, in meeting Mac Creedon and his staff at Solway Offset, the printers who produce the Chronicle and other Burns’ publications including the forthcoming ‘Big Issue’ which will chronicle all the Homecoming events. Following an enjoyable lunch in the Globe Inn, Peter Westwood and I gave Sam a conducted tour of Burns’ sites in Dumfries including Burns House and the Mausoleum.

Father of the Bard Project

On 13th November I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the launch of the second ‘Father of the Bard’ DVD in Mackie Academy, Stonehaven. The aim of the project is to promote a greater understanding of the life of the poet’s father, William Burnes, and also the poet’s links with Kincardineshire.
The project had a dynamic leader in Dave Ramsay (see photo above) and he achieved wonders in getting actors with severe mental and physical disabilities to play the leading roles in the DVDs. Local primary school children also took part as extras and they were thrilled to be driven to the event in stretched limos in true Hollywood style. During the morning Dave and I addressed the senior pupils at the Academy and hosted a most enjoyable question and answer session on the life and works of Burns.

Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs Meeting

On 14th November I attended a meeting of the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs in Fir Park Social Club. Chaired by President Archie Cowie, the meeting highlighted the busy programme of events being undertaken by the Association and they are to be commended for their inter-club visitation programme with provides an opportunity for fellow Burnsians to mix at a social level. On display at the meeting was the glass trophy awarded by Super County in recognition of the work done by the Association in promoting Burns through the schools’ competition. The meeting highlighted to me yet again the importance of the work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to put the aims of the Federation into practice at grass roots level.

I was delighted to be presented with a paper-weight, specially commissioned for the Year of Homecoming, as a reminder of my visit.

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Representing the Federation at Rotary Conference

Rotary District 1020 is one of three Rotary districts in Scotland and covers 64 clubs in and around Edinburgh, the Borders and the South West. As their contribution to the Year of Homecoming District 1020 helped sponsor the Federation’s Burns Summer School and Conference in Dumfries during the summer. It was therefore very gratifying for me to link up with these fellow Rotarians at the District Conference in York over the weekend of 23-25th October and, in particular, to relay a message of goodwill from the Federation to the President of Rotary International, John Kenny, the first Scotsman ever to hold that prestigious appointment.

I conveyed our good wishes firstly through, Colin Mailer (see right), the President of John Kenny’s home Rotary Club of Grangemouth and secondly through Virginian, Eric Adamson (see left), the RI President’s representative at the Conference. During his address to the conference Eric highlighted the strong influence of Robert Burns on the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris and, in particular his ideas of our common humanity which resonated with the ideals of the Rotary movement.

The conference also provided an opportunity for me to do a bit of international promotion of Burns through the Group Study Exchange (GSE) and the Ambassadorial Scholar programmes. The photograph above shows me with the GSE team from South Africa which the Rotary Club of Kirkcudbright hosted for a few days. Earlier in the week the team had enjoyed a comprehensive tour of Dumfries conducted by Federation Past President, Wilson Ogilvie.

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Shirley’s Farewell Concert

In her usual selfless fashion the Federation Chief Executive, Shirley Bell, insisted that there should be no great fuss made of her impending retirement during the Edinburgh Conference because it would detract from the main focus of the event, the inauguration of the new President. However, the Board decided it couldn’t possibly just let her sneak off without some tangible recognition of the tremendous amount of work she had done for the Federation over the past twelve years. The result was a wonderful dinner concert on 9th October in Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, ably organised by Past President John Haining. Shirley, husband Jack, daughter Alison and daughter Lesley with grandson Hunter, were piped in to a standing ovation from 96 of Shirley’s friends who had travelled from far and wide to join in the celebrations.

Shirley was particularly pleased to see eleven Past Presidents who had attended to pay their respects in person. I was reminded quite pointedly that I shouldn't be in the
photograph because I wasn't a Past President!

Her good friend Peter Westwood (right) had produced a beautiful programme, produced gratis by Mac Creedon of Solway Offset Printers, outlining the format of the evening.

I had the unenviable task of making a speech which would do justice to Shirley’s immense achievements as the Chief Executive over those twelve years, often in the face of hostile opposition. However, after it, I had the pleasure of handing over a farewell gift on behalf of the Federation. Senior Vice President David Baird presented her with a painting from the Federation and Jim Shields presented her with a bouquet of flowers, also from the Federation. Jim Robertson conveyed the good wishes of the Robert Burns Association North America (RBANA) and presented a gift from them.

After dinner, John Caskie acted as Master of Ceremonies for a most enjoyable evening of entertainment from singer and raconteur William Williamson, young Burnsian Holly Little, JVP Jim Shields, fiddler Ian Kirkpatrick, accordionist John Douglas and even John himself. In her gracious farewell speech Shirley thanked everyone who had supported her over the years and wished her successor Sam Judge every success as he takes the Federation forward.

‘The Whistle’ Recitation Competition

Most Burnsians will be familiar with the poem The Whistle written by Burns to record a drinking contest held on Friday 16 October 1789 at Friars’ Carse, the home of one of the three participants, Capt Robert Riddell. The winner of the contest was Alexander Fergusson of Craigdarroch. What a joy it was for me to attend the first-ever recitation competition featuring the poem, held exactly 220 years, to the day, since the original contest.

The Whistle William, Willie, and Andrew

The event was made all the more special because descendants of Alexander Fergusson, Andrew and William Fergusson-Cuninghame were present and had very kindly brought along “the little ebony whistle,” as Burns describes it, the trophy won by their doughty ancestor at the original contest.

The whistle had been brought to Scotland by a “matchless champion Bacchus” who accompanied Anne, James XI’s Danish queen in the sixteenth century. However, the Danish champ hadn’t reckoned on the drinking prowess of Sir Robert Lawrie of Maxwelton who duly won it off him before he in turn lost it to a member of the Riddell family.

There were four competitors (see left) and the worthy winner of the recitation competition was Willie Horne (see right), past winner of both the Tam O’Shanter and John Lapraik recitation competitions.

The inspiration behind the competition was Ian Millar from the Thornhill Burns Club and he and his club colleagues are to be congratulated on organising a splendid evening compeered, in his usual good humoured and enthusiastic way, by Ronnie Cairns.

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International Connexions with Russia and Japan

One of the most satisfying links enjoyed by the Robert Burns World Federation is with the charity, The St Petersburg Forum, which has its roots in an association forged between Scotland and Russia during the 900-day siege of Leningrad in WWII. As a token of solidarity during the siege, the women of Airdrie and Coatbridge sent an Album of Friendship to the women of Leningrad (now known as St Petersburg) which had a huge impact on morale and so began the link with Scotland. In the mid-nineties the St Petersburg Forum charity was set up and one of its major initiatives is to organise schools competitions with a Scottish theme. The winners of the ‘Knowledge of Scotland’ competition are rewarded with a two-week tour of Scotland and I had the pleasure of meeting this year’s winners on two occasions. The first was in the Globe Inn, Dumfries, on Sunday 27th September, where the Russian students were joined by local Scottish youngsters for an evening concert organised by Jane Brown, the manager of the Globe Inn and an ardent supporter of the St Petersburg Forum. On the Russian side, Liza Kozunova and Veronica Shcheveleva gave their humorous take on the tradition of Hogmanay and Victor Zheltyannikakov enlightened us on the history of the Stone of Destiny, all of them displaying an impressive mastery of the English language. Corin Halliday led off the Scottish side with his stirring bagpiping followed by recitations and songs from Megan Mulgrew, Heather McCafferty and Sean McKenzie with Bethany Hanley chipping in with her spirited bagpiping. A most enjoyable evening.

Russian students with Young Burnsians and piper

The second occasion was two days later in the Eastwood Theatre, Giffnock, where the Russian students were joined by clarsach players Clara Wheeler and Cheryl Turner from St Ninians High School, both members of the East Renfrewshire Symphony Orchestra which will be touring St Petersburg next June. On this occasion Veronica gave a very moving address on the Holocaust Memorial Garden in Pushkin, Victor displayed his virtuosity on the classical guitar and Liza performed a brilliant gypsy dance which had the audience clapping enthusiastically. The photograph shows the three St Petersburg students, me, and Councillor Alan Lafferty the Education Convenor for East Renfrewshire Council. On the wall behind are some of the paintings from the Forum’s art competition organised by May McMaster. Also taking part were Helen Morrison, Anne Fawbert, and Tom and Elizabeth Clark, all doing splendid work with the Forum.

Keeping up the international theme, I spent a very enjoyable day, on Wednesday 30 September, with a Japanese journalist, Yoichi Haruyama, a staff writer on the Saturday edition of Japan’s largest selling newspaper The Asahi Shimbun which has an 8 million daily circulation. He is researching the origin of Auld Lang Syne so Burns Chronicle Editor, Peter Westwood, and I took him, and his very accomplished translator Yuko Satoh to Ellisland Farm to show him the very room in which Burns wrote his great anthem which is so popular in Japan that many people there believe it is a Japanese song! The article is due out by the end of the year and we have been promised an advance copy. We also showed them the Globe Inn, where they enjoyed the superb Cullen Skink soup, and Jane Brown kindly gave them a conducted tour of Burns’ favourite howff before we rounded of the tour with a visit to Burns House and the Mausoleum at St Michael’s Church. The photograph shows from left to right: Yoichi Katuyama, me, Yuko Satoh, Les Byers Curator at Ellisland Farm, Peter Westwood and Ronnie Cairns, Chairman of The Friends of Ellisland

Continuing the Japanese theme, my wife Pat and I were invited to a private viewing of Japanese Art and Crafts in the Dovecot Studio, Edinburgh, organised by Kozo Yoshino on behalf of the Victor Murphy Memorial Trust and opened by the Consul General of Japan, Mr Masataka Tarahara. The invitation stemmed from a guided tour I had given Kozo, and some visiting guests, of Broughton House, the National Trust of Scotland property in Kirkcudbright, with its wonderful Burns Collection and Japanese paintings by Edward Atkinson Hornel. Mixing with other guests I became even more aware of the popularity of Burns in Japan, especially his songs, yet again reinforcing the impact of Burns’ international appeal.

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Tam O'Shanter Competition and Ellisland Ploughing Competition

One of the highlights of the President’s year is the Tam O’Shanter Competition, held in the Globe Inn (see right), the poet’s favourite Howff, and organised by the Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No1.

This year’s competition was no exception and I had the honour and pleasure of being one of the judges alongside Willie Horne, last year’s worthy winner, and Isa Hanley, the Federation’s Schools Convenor. We had six excellent and very different recitations which made judging a real challenge. However, Margaret Cook, from Irvine Lassies Burns Club, was chosen as the worthy winner. She is seen below, proudly clutching her trophy, alongside the other competitors, judges, and President of Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No1 Shona Shaw.

How appropriate that my next event following the Tam O’Shanter competition should be held at Ellisland Farm where Burns had written his masterpiece. And what an event it turned out to be! Much to the envy of all my male colleagues I was privileged to spend a whole day as escort to Joanna Lumley at the Homecoming Ploughing Match organised by the Friends of Ellisland Farm.

She was an absolute joy and threw herself wholeheartedly into the event, ploughing with tractors and with horses, signing autographs, posing for photographs, conversing with the competitors and public with her easy charm and showing a genuine interest in all that was going on. Her husband, internationally renowned composer and classical musician, Stephen Barlow, also played a full part chatting freely to everyone he met.

Before opening the event she received a surprise visit from a Nepalise family from Moffat who wanted to show their appreciation of her campaign to support the Ghurkas by presenting her with a bouquet of flowers. Most interestingly, the father, Dawa Sherpa, is the gardener at Craigieburn House, an area closely associated with the lovely Burns’ song Craigieburnwood written for Jean Lorimer.

Joanna opens the Homecoming Ploughing Match Surprise visit by Dawa Sherpa and his family

A full programme of entertainment was skilfully compeered by Robert Burns himself (AKA William Williamson) and included a supremely talented group of young Burnsians from Sanquhar who performed a selection of poems and songs from Burns and other poets. Joanna was particularly taken with Heather McCafferty’s expert rendition of ‘The Rights of Women’ and was pleasantly surprised to learn of Burns’ radical thinking on the issue.

'Robert Burns' explains the workings of Ellisland Farm

We both had the chance to plough a furrow with a pair of horses, the first time for us both, and quite a challenge, especially with the swing plough, but very fulfilling. As the owner of a shire horse herself, Joanna took a deep interest in the Clydesdales and the ploughing equipment. She clearly understood the enormous influence on his poems and songs which the unmediated closeness with the earth afforded Burns during his ploughing. I certainly began to appreciate how Burns might have developed a slight stoop.

During the day I had the pleasure of announcing the opening the new ‘Jean Armour’ path. Generously funded by the Glasgow Masonic Burns Club and the Rotary Club of Dumfries, the path was laid by the Friends of Ellisland and offers a new route from the farm down to the banks of the River Nith. All in all this was a fantastic day, blessed with good weather but I am only too aware it could only come about by the sheer hard work of lots of dedicated volunteers. My thanks go to Ronnie Cairns as chairman of the Friends of Ellisland and especially by Tom Johnstone who mastermined the event and ran it with calm determination and good humour.

2009-09-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Friday, 18 September 2009
Federation 'Homecoming' Conference Edinburgh

What a dream start to my year as President with a most memorable Annual Conference in the capital city. Now, almost two weeks after the event, I am only just surfacing from that dream. The weekend started in the sumptious surroundings of the National Gallery with a reception generously provided by the Scottish Government. My last duty as Senior Vice President was to propose a vote of thanks and I had the opportunity of meeting the First Minister Alex Salmond who had earlier given a rousing speech, rightly highlighting the outstanding success of the Homecoming initiative, with its special focus on the 250th birthday of our National Poet, extolling the virtues of the Robert Burns World Federation and challenging us to redouble our efforts to promote a greater understanding of the Bard's life and works. Master of ceremonies, Hardeep Singh Kohli, kept the evening's entertainment at high tempo and we were treated to acts of the highest calibre from singer Charlotte McKechnie, poet Rab Wilson, musical group Sgiobalta and the three wonderful Scottish tenors, Caledon.

Following the Annual General Meeting, at which Jim Shields was elected as the Junior Vice President, the delegates were treated to four outstanding lectures from Professor Ian Campbell, Dr Kirsteen McCue, Dr Gerry Carruthers and Professor David Purdie, each addressing an interesting aspect of the life and works of the poet. Clearly the highlight for me was the investiture dinner in the 'Thistle Suite' at Murrayfield Stadium. As I have already said in my first blog, it was a huge honour to assume the office of President of the Robert Burns World Federation. It was also a great honour to have as our guest speaker Mike Russell, MSP, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, who gave an inspiring speech which demonstrated both his deep knowledge of, and admiration for, Robert Burns. As someone who had benefitted from studying for an honours degree in Scottish Studies at the Glasgow University Crichton Campus in Dumfries, I was delighted to be able to offer my personal thanks to him for his tireless efforts in helping to establish the campus in the first place but also for supporting the decision to save the campus from threatened closure in 2007.

I am particularly pleased to have such fine deputies in David Baird and Jim Shields. See the trio above, having clearly enjoyed our wine with dinner or maybe it was the effects of superb drinks reception hosted by official sponsors of the Federation, Isle of Arran Distillers, earlier in the evening.

Sunday's Morning Service was held at Canongate Kirk, The Kirk of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle and will long be remembered by those attending. Superbly conducted by the Reverend Neil Gardner MA, BD and with a suffusion of Burns music, including a beautiful solo of Ca the Yowes by Nicola Wood, the service was hugely uplifting. Dr Donald Smith, Director of the Scottsh Storytelling Centre, delivered an inspiring address in which he masterfully dispelled many of the myths surrounding Burns' religious beliefs. Burns again took centre stage when Mike Russell, MSP, unveiled a bust of the poet (see above), created specifically to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns by international sculptor David Cornell and generously donated to the Federation. Also on display was the 'Tam O'Shanter' chair, acquired by George IV in 1822 during his visit to Scotland, and sent to Holyroodhouse by Edward VII in 1901. It came to Canongate Kirk specially for the Federation Service by gracious permission of HM The Queen.

As a most fitting finale to the weekend a large group gathered on the Carlton Hill to witness the re-dedication of the Robert Burns Monument. Following a long campaign, led initially by Tom McIlwraith and continued with unwavering dedication by Ralph Balfour after Tom's death, the monument has been beautifully restored in a collaborative project between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage. The re-dedication ceremony was ably led by Jim Shields in his capacity as President of the Edinburgh and District Association of Burns Clubs and will be forever treasured for the 'roof raising' rendition of A Man's a Man for A' That. Luckily, a reporter from BBC Radio Four, there to record an interview with me as part of a series looking back at the 'Year of Homecoming,' arrived in time to record the singing, so hopefully it will feature when the programme goes out in late November around the St Andrews Night period.

Overall this was a memorable Federation Conference, a fitting tribute to the late Harry McGuffog who, as conference committee chairman, had set up the overall plans for the weekend. My sincere thanks go to his widow May who, along with other members of the conference committee, ensured all the arrangements worked seamlessly. This was especially true of the slick operation involved in getting all the delegates bussed to and from the venues, done with humour and efficiency by John Caskie and his team of 'bus stewards'. I also want to recognise the generous contribution made towards the cost of transport by Floridian, Frank Campbell, currently President of the Robert Burns Association North America (RBANA). Finally, I am indebted to Chief Executive Shirley Bell and Office Administrator Margaret Craig who spend weeks before the conference working hard to ensure the important business and social aspects are properly addressed.

President's First Blog

2009-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

The first sentence in James MacKay’s book The Burns Federation 1885 to 1985 reads: “a chance remark in a London park a hundred years ago led to the formation of a body which today ranks as the oldest national literary association in Scotland.” Little did I think when I regularly took my lunch in that same park near Embankment Station in the early nineties that I would become the President of that association, now known as the Robert Burns World Federation. However, last weekend during a marvellous annual conference in Edinburgh to mark the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth, I had the honour of doing just that. And what a singular honour it was to don the chain of office bearing the names of so many distinguished predecessors who have kept alive and promoted the spirit of Burns which clubs and individuals, throughout the world, hold so dear.
I am delighted to be taking over at such an exciting period in the Federation’s history. There has been a huge stimulation of interest in the life and works of Burns generated by the Scottish Government’s Year of Homecoming, to which my immediate predecessor, Bill Dawson, has given his full and enthusiastic commitment. We must capitalise on the platform which the Homecoming has given us and use it as a springboard to launch new initiatives and also to build on events which have already proved successful. In particular, we need to find new ways of communicating with a younger audience so that they become enthused about Robert Burns beyond their initial contact through the Schools Competition. I have been delighted to note the drive towards closer ties between academics and what I would call ‘ordinary Burnsians’ for want of a better description. Each can aid the other in the study of the Burns story and so enrich our understanding of the multi-facetted poet who continues to fascinate us all. Finally, we need to work hard to remain relevant as a ‘worldwide’ Federation by strengthening our existing overseas links and forging new partnerships to broaden our appeal.
Thanks largely to the outstanding work done by the Chief Executive, Shirley Bell, over the last twelve years, the Federation is now on a sound financial footing and is recognised as the pre-eminent focal point of contact for all matters relating to the life and works of our national Bard. As she leaves on well-deserved retirement I look forward immensely to working with her replacement, Sam Judge, as he continues to build on that legacy. I am blessed with a very committed and capable board of directors, ably supported by Margaret Craig, now entering her twenty first year of administration work for the Federation. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of members and offer a sincere thank you for all the messages of good wishes and congratulations. I will do all in my power to promote the works of the Federation and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during the year. If I can help you in any way in my capacity as President please let me know. I wish you all the very best in your endeavors in celebrating and promoting the life and works of Robert Burns.