What a wonderful night we enjoyed together on January 28th! I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this a very special evening. The planning committee spent a year working on every detail for the pleasure of our members and guests. Becci Himes deserves a round of applause for a job well done. We thank Jack Hume for gifting us with The Immortal Memory. Now Past Chieftain Aaron Buchanan will take over the reigns as we start the process for 2007. We had a sold out event, and I sincerely hope we will always have a full house. Never miss an opportunity to tell people about our Burns Supper. I know there are Houstonians who have never attended and would enjoy this evening with us. I will always have very special memories of The 2006 Robert Burns Supper and Red, Red Rose Ball. It was my honor to serve as your Chieftain throughout the evening. My feet were so delighted when I finally took off those fancy, high heels!
Programs:
January Program. The Burns Club entertained us January 23rd with The Travels of Robert Burns. All of us received a detailed map of the various locations in Scotland that Robert Burns visited, and we were able to follow along on his journey with associated poems recited by members of The Burns Club. The meeting was well attended and enjoyed by all.
February Program. Plans are set for Jim and Margaret Fox to entertain us on February 27th with the “History of Texas Music (Steppin’ Back in Time) 1821-1865. The Foxes will be traveling from San Antonio to visit with us. Please come and enjoy this special musical presentation courtesy of Mark Monroe.
Future Programs. In March, our newly elected officers will be installed. This is usually followed by a celebration gathering at one of our local taverns. In April, a good friend of mine, Scott Bumgardner, will present a program on Cowboy Poetry. Scott is well known in the Houston area for his Cowboy Poetry. In Louisiana, he just won the state’s Liar’s Award for some of his tall tales. We are used to poetry with a Scottish accent. His poetry will have a country drawl! I am also working on a program regarding Religion and the Reformation Movement in Scotland. The invitation to speak has been made, and I am awaiting confirmation on this program. We have an offer to do a program and demonstration on tartan weaving which will truly be unique. I will be adding this to the line up. Jim Monteith has asked me to continue as program chair, and I welcome any suggestions or ideas.
2006 Scottish Festival Spectacular. Mark your calendar for Friday night, March 17, 2006 at 8 p.m. The St. Thomas Pipers, Drummers and Dancers will hold their annual performance at the Toyota Center. If you have never attended this fabulous event, you have missed one great evening. Tickets can be purchased from St. Thomas or through Ticket Master. For updates and more details go to www.scottishfestival.net. Reserved seats are $25.00 and General Admission is $15.00.
On behalf of The Heather & Thistle Society, I would like to extend my condolences to Past Chieftain Wayne Barton on the loss of his father on February 8th. A memorial service was held in Kerrville, and a graveside service was held in Houston on Monday, February 13th at the San Jacinto Memorial Cemetery. Our prayers are with Wayne, Brenda and their family.
Yours aye,
Cheryl Duthie May
Chieftain