The Burns Howff Club’s annual Jean Armour Dinner in the Globe Inn is always a joyous occasion but the gathering on Monday 2nd July will remain in the memory forever.
Club members and guests assembled at the statue to “Bonny Jean” and were welcomed by President Bill Graham who placed the club’s floral bouquet at the statue before the company, led by piper Callum Watson, made its way back to the Globe Inn, pausing at the door of Burns House for an appreciation of the history of Robert Burns and Jean Armour by past president Colin Gibson.
Back at the Globe, Grace before dinner was intoned in the vernacular by Rev. Graham Finch and afterwards, the company enjoyed a splendid evening of entertainment featuring songs from the very talented Holly Little, Music on the club’s “Millennium Fiddle” by the Globe Inn’s own Kirsty Hunter, recitations from Avril Kerr in her own unique style with accompaniment and selections from Wullie McRobert.
The toast to “Jean Armour” was delivered with great style by Fiona Evans from Annan and the second toast “To the Other Women in Burns’ Life”, was proposed with equal panache and much wit by Moira McIntyre from Kirkcudbright, but no stranger to the Burns Howff Club. Both speakers sat down to thunderous applause.
One of the highlights of the night was the president’s presentation of a certificate of Honorary Membership to club stalwart John Caskie MBE for his many years of service to the club and for his work in promoting the National Bard nationwide. In reply, Mr. Caskie spoke of his recent visit to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE from Prince Charles but he placed his honorary membership above that recognition.
Club past president and currently president of the Robert Burns World Federation, Ian McIntyre brought greetings from kindred clubs and thanked the Burns Howff Club for all it did in promoting good fellowship both far and wide.
A vote of thanks from junior vice president Bob Kennedy brought a night to remember to an end.
