Galashiels Burns ClubThe official website of the Galashiels Burns ClubFounded: 1908Federation No: 187
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
And I will love thee still, my dear
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare-thee-weel, my only Love!
And fare-thee-weel a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Tho' t'were ten thousand mile!
My Love is like a Red, Red Rose
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
And I will love thee still, my dear
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare-thee-weel, my only Love!
And fare-thee-weel a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Tho' t'were ten thousand mile!
My Love is like a Red, Red Rose
THE 2017 GALASHIELS BURNS SUPPER
(All Pictures: Alwyn Johnston)
By David Knox – and published in the Border Telegraph, Wednesday, February 1st, 2017
IN these rapidly changing times of troubles, divisions and uncertainty, the words of Rabbie Burns have never felt so relevant.
And beacons of hope could be seen over the weekend at gatherings up and down the country as groups honoured a champion of love and compassion.
On Friday evening, as has been the case for the past 109 years, Galashiels Burns Club celebrated the life and works of Scotland’s greatest songwriter and poet with authority, humour and distinction. President Robert Fairburn assembled a fine cast at his top table for an evening of tradition, reflection and hilarity. And he even managed to squeeze in his own ‘Ode to Hibernian winning the Scottish Cup’ during his brief opening remarks.
Former president Grant Lees, as has become customary, addressed the haggis with skill and flare, following the procession of Bearer Tom Cass and Piper Billy Easson. But the conversation during a fine supper often returned to Washington, Westminster and Holyrood.
And when introducing his Selkirk Grace the Rev Duncan McCosh was quick to remind the gathering of the message which lies behind the lines as he emphasised his work with local foodbanks during these times of social uncertainty.
On Friday evening, as has been the case for the past 109 years, Galashiels Burns Club celebrated the life and works of Scotland’s greatest songwriter and poet with authority, humour and distinction. President Robert Fairburn assembled a fine cast at his top table for an evening of tradition, reflection and hilarity. And he even managed to squeeze in his own ‘Ode to Hibernian winning the Scottish Cup’ during his brief opening remarks.
Former president Grant Lees, as has become customary, addressed the haggis with skill and flare, following the procession of Bearer Tom Cass and Piper Billy Easson. But the conversation during a fine supper often returned to Washington, Westminster and Holyrood.
And when introducing his Selkirk Grace the Rev Duncan McCosh was quick to remind the gathering of the message which lies behind the lines as he emphasised his work with local foodbanks during these times of social uncertainty.
The President with Guests and Artistes.
But where there’s music there is merriment.
Dr Paul Syme, making his debut at the Galashiels Burns Club Supper, provided a terrific rendition of The Star of Rabbie Burns. The ever-popular Malcom McEwen was also on song as he began his repertoire with Westlin’ Winds. Later in the evening David Sanderson enthralled with his comical rendition of Willie Wastle’s Wife, Chris Achenbach was in form on the piano and David Darling had the toes tapping with a compilation on the fiddle.
At Galashiels Burns Club Supper the high standard of entertainment is a constant.
What is rather less predictable is what the array of speakers will produce. An actor, a mechanic and an anti-sectarian campaigner were given the task of providing the insights, opinions and laughs.
While Burns clubs the world over have spent the past week or so honouring, reciting and theorizing the ploughman from Ayrshire, the top table in the Volunteer Hall steered away from the dry furrow of academic analysis. Instead, Messrs Nichol, Millar and Scott served up an unforgettable evening of wit, wisdom and welcome distractions from the world outside.
Dr Paul Syme, making his debut at the Galashiels Burns Club Supper, provided a terrific rendition of The Star of Rabbie Burns. The ever-popular Malcom McEwen was also on song as he began his repertoire with Westlin’ Winds. Later in the evening David Sanderson enthralled with his comical rendition of Willie Wastle’s Wife, Chris Achenbach was in form on the piano and David Darling had the toes tapping with a compilation on the fiddle.
At Galashiels Burns Club Supper the high standard of entertainment is a constant.
What is rather less predictable is what the array of speakers will produce. An actor, a mechanic and an anti-sectarian campaigner were given the task of providing the insights, opinions and laughs.
While Burns clubs the world over have spent the past week or so honouring, reciting and theorizing the ploughman from Ayrshire, the top table in the Volunteer Hall steered away from the dry furrow of academic analysis. Instead, Messrs Nichol, Millar and Scott served up an unforgettable evening of wit, wisdom and welcome distractions from the world outside.
(left) Tom Cass bearing the haggis and (right) Grant Lees addressing the haggis
During his Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, Selkirk actor and musician John Nichol summed up a lasting legacy of sincerity and appreciation that all Scots should be proud of.
John told the gathering: “He’s far bigger than politics. “Few countries are ignorant of his importance – he is the figurehead of Scotland’s values.” The Immortal Memory was at times thought-provoking and relevant throughout – and it wasn’t without its jokes. Mr Nichol concluded: “As my mother always said ‘never quote your parents’.”
The dramatist, who runs the IDEOMS Theatre Company, took to the floor a little later for a rip-roaring rendition of Tam o’ Shanter. This theatrical romp through the sozzled, supernatural stanzas of the Bard, with a prop or two thrown in for good measure, was truly mesmerising.
As was the deadpan delivery of former Selkirk Provost Les Millar with his Toast to the Lassies. The motor mechanic was sharp with his put-downs and came armed with a bottle full of innuendo as he recalled chasing the Galashiels lassies of the early 1980s in the Snakepit and Digby’s. He whipped up inter-town rivalries, fired off a few mother-in-law jokes and even attempted his own outrageous poetry… much to the delight of a laughter-filled hall. Les added: “What I have learned about Burns is that he would have loved a night like this. “He missed nothing and wrote about everything if the lassies were concerned.”
John told the gathering: “He’s far bigger than politics. “Few countries are ignorant of his importance – he is the figurehead of Scotland’s values.” The Immortal Memory was at times thought-provoking and relevant throughout – and it wasn’t without its jokes. Mr Nichol concluded: “As my mother always said ‘never quote your parents’.”
The dramatist, who runs the IDEOMS Theatre Company, took to the floor a little later for a rip-roaring rendition of Tam o’ Shanter. This theatrical romp through the sozzled, supernatural stanzas of the Bard, with a prop or two thrown in for good measure, was truly mesmerising.
As was the deadpan delivery of former Selkirk Provost Les Millar with his Toast to the Lassies. The motor mechanic was sharp with his put-downs and came armed with a bottle full of innuendo as he recalled chasing the Galashiels lassies of the early 1980s in the Snakepit and Digby’s. He whipped up inter-town rivalries, fired off a few mother-in-law jokes and even attempted his own outrageous poetry… much to the delight of a laughter-filled hall. Les added: “What I have learned about Burns is that he would have loved a night like this. “He missed nothing and wrote about everything if the lassies were concerned.”
Selkirk actor and musician, John Nichol, delivering the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns
As campaign director with anti-sectarian charity Nill By Mouth, Dave Scott has toured the length and breadth of the country since arriving from his native Northern Ireland as he attempts to help bridge the divides with education programmes.
And he was able to draw on his travels and adventures to schools and colleges in his humorous, yet deeply honest, Toast to Land o’ Cakes, Caledonia.
Adorned in the colours of his new favourite team, Gala Fairydean Rovers, the Lisburn native described his growing fondness for his adopted Borderland home. He said: “This is the only part of the country that takes flags as seriously as we do in Belfast.”
The jokes were good, the stories better, but it was the Stirling University graduate’s honesty which resonated the most. He spoke fondly of a country and a national poet full of contradictions. And he lamented the land that he has grown to love. Mr Scott added: “Scotland for me is many things… asking a girl to marry you in Melrose Abbey and her saying yes.”
Adorned in the colours of his new favourite team, Gala Fairydean Rovers, the Lisburn native described his growing fondness for his adopted Borderland home. He said: “This is the only part of the country that takes flags as seriously as we do in Belfast.”
The jokes were good, the stories better, but it was the Stirling University graduate’s honesty which resonated the most. He spoke fondly of a country and a national poet full of contradictions. And he lamented the land that he has grown to love. Mr Scott added: “Scotland for me is many things… asking a girl to marry you in Melrose Abbey and her saying yes.”
(left) Piper - Billy Easson and (right) Malcolm McEwan's fine rendering of Westlin' Winds'
This was an evening of collective celebration, masterly pulled together by President Fairburn.
But there was time to single out one stalwart of the Galashiels Burns Club for more than 40 years of support.
Alastair Russell, who was president in 1999 and 2000, attended his first supper at the Maxwell Hotel in 1974.
Mr Russell was presented with a life membership.
Les Millar delivering his hilarious Toast to the Lassies
Dave Scott delivering his fine Toast to the Land O' Cakes, Caledonia
(left) John Nichol entertaining with his version of Tam o' Shanter
and (right) David Sanderson reciting - 'Sic a Wife as Willie had'
Alastair Russell receiving his well-deserved Life Membership Award from the Club President, Robert Fairburn.
Galashiels Burns Club officially recognised the long service and outstanding commitment of one of its members
at the 2017 Annual Burns Supper. Alastair Russell attended his first Burns Supper with Dave Wilkinson in the
Maxwell Hotel in 1974 when Willie Cowan, the current Secretary's father, was the President. Alastair was Vice-
President in 1997 and 1998 before landing the top job in 1999 and the Millennium. He was a Committee Member
from 1989 to 2015. Club President, Robert Fairburn said, "It was the unanimous view of the Committee that
Alastair should be appointed a Life Member of the Galashiels Burns Club."
He was presented with his award and received a standing ovation from the 170 members gathered in the hall.
He was presented with his award and received a standing ovation from the 170 members gathered in the hall.
(left) Dave Darling playing toe-tapping Bard tunes
and (right) Raymond Hume delivering a fine Vote of Thanks.
It was left to local school caretaker and football referee, Raymond Hume, to blow the final whistle on yet another glorious evening of Galashiels remembering Robert Burns.
David Knox 07794034152
David Knox 07794034152
Grant Lees and Dr. Paul Syme leading the singing of Auld Lang Syne
The Chairman announced the following Fraternal Greetings received from Burns Societies far and wide:
The World Federation of Burns Clubs / Aberdeen Burns Club / Burns Howff at The Globe Burns Club /
Hawick Burns Club / Coldstream Burns Club / Hole in the Wall (Dumfries) Burns Club.
Thirty-Five Fraternal Greetings by email were received including:
Galgary Burns Club / The Burns Club of London / The Caledonian Club of London / Dumfries Burns Club /
Larkhall Burns Club / The Burns Howff - Dumfries