Galashiels Burns ClubThe official website of the Galashiels Burns ClubFounded: 1908Federation No: 187
O Tam! had'st thou but been sae wise,
As taen thy ain wife Kate's advice!
She tauld thee weel thou was a skellum,
A blethering, blustering, drunken blellum;
Tam O'Shanter
As taen thy ain wife Kate's advice!
She tauld thee weel thou was a skellum,
A blethering, blustering, drunken blellum;
Tam O'Shanter
THE 2024 GALASHIELS BURNS SUPPER
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THERE may have been a change of scenery but it was business as usual for Galashiels Burns Club with another successful annual supper on Friday evening.
With the Volunteer Hall closed for repairs, almost 100 club members headed down to Netherdale at Gala Rugby Club to pay homage to Scotland's national bard.
The venue proved popular with the gathering and with three renowned speakers on the bill and a talented cast of singers and recital artists, an entertaining night was always on the cards and so it proved.
After a delicious four course meal served up by Issy Sanderson and her team, president Bruce Robertson addressed the audience starting on a sad note commenting
on the passing of life member Jimmy Walker and also treasurer and past president Douglas Watt.
Brian Goldie from Falkirk - a past president of the Robert Burns World Federation - delivered "The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns" with a
fascinating insight into the life of the Ploughman poet, his songs and rhymes.
Kelso's Ronnie Fleming injected humour to the evening with a hilarious Toast to the Lasses.
And the Rev.Graeme Glover of the Galashiels Church of Scotland spoke warmly about the effect Burns had on the rest of the world with a reflective "Caledonia - Land of Cakes" address which was also well received by members.
The leading singers Alastair Waddell and Grant Lees were in fine voice deliverings songs such as "The Star o Rabbie Burns", "A Man's a Man, "Ye Banks and Braes" "Rantin Rovin Robin", "Duncan Gray", "Braw Braw Lads" and of course to wrap up proceedings "Auld Lang Syne."
John Nisbet from Lauder delighted the audience with his recitals of "Tam O Shanter"and "Holy Willie's Prayer" with club life member David Sanderson providing some alternative offerings to the traditional offering by performing the death and dying words of "Poor Mailie" and "Willie Brewed a Peck o Malt" in his own inimitable style.
Piper Alex Lindsay had got the proceedings off to the start by piping in the haggis carried in by club vice-president John Purves with Grant Lees performing the Address to the Haggis.
And pianist Chris Achenbach also added to the musical entertainment enjoyed by everyone.
The supper also marked the end of Bruce Robertson's presidency and he will step down at the club's annual general meeting in April.
The normal two-year appointment was extended to four years due to Covid and the cancellation of the suppers in 2021 and 2022.
Commenting afterwards he said:"I thought the supper was a very successful evening, with some great speakers and entertainment.
"It was such a relief that the club had been able to host the supper after the short notice of having to change the venue , and we want to thank the Rugby Club for allowing us to use their faculties at short notice.
"Obviously I want to thank everyone that helped organise the Supper and who attended on the evening.
"It has been an honour and pleasure to have been the president of Gala Burns Club."
*Committee members of Galashiels Burns Club gathered at the statue of Robert Burns in Lawyer's Brae on Friday afternoon to lay a wreath in his memory.
Piper David Samderson played "A Man's a Man" and "Scots Whae Hae" after the town clock chimed for 2p.m. The club are grateful to Scottish Borders Council for organising the chime of Braw Braw Lads following the 2p.m. bells.
The President with Guests and Artistes.
Grant Lees addressing the Haggis
The Chairman announced the following Fraternal Greetings received from Burns Societies far and wide:
Aberdeen Burns Club / Coldstream Burns Club / Cupar Burns Club / Dumfries Ladies Burns Club /
Greenock Burns Club / Hawick Burns Club
Fraternal Greetings by email were received from:
The howff club Dumfries / The Jolly Beggars Club /
The Caledonian Club London / The Caledonian Society of Sheffield / Robert Burns World Federation.