I'd like to thank everyone for their concern and good wishes sent to my wife during her recent illness. As many of you may know, Irene fell ill soon after the Burns Supper and was diagnosed with a serious case of pneumonia. She was in hospital for two weeks, the first of which was spent in the ICU on a tube/ventilator. Thankfully I can now report that Irene is back at home and is beginning the recovery process. Again, sincere thanks to all.
This year's Burns Supper presented particular difficulties for Jim Monteith and his committee. There were contractual issues with the hotel and because of the economy ticket sales were a problem. Jim's team rose to the challenge and the event was voted one of the best ever. About 450 attended and had a great time. Thanks to Jim Monteith for his efforts and to all who helped. Thanks also to our performers Charles McKay, Charles Wharton and of course RSCDS, Houston Highlanders, St. Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band and dancers and Hugh Morrison and friends. We are already working on next year.
Burns Statuette Presented to the Society at the Burns Supper
We had a most pleasant surprise at this year's Supper when Lance Davis, an Australian residing in Scotland, presented the Society with a beautiful statuette of Robert Burns in the size and style of an Oscar. After some digging around, we have established that Lance and his friend Dave Stuebener with their wives and guests have been attending our event for the last ten years or so. Andrew Drysdale, a friend of Lance's runs a foundry in Scotland, one of the last, and found a pattern for the statuette dating back to the 1840s, and when he heard of the 250th Anniversary event he cast the piece and gifted it to Lance for us. We have decided that it will be given at each year's Supper to the organizing Chairperson, and Jim Monteith is the well-deserving first recipient. Thanks so much to those who were responsible for this handsome gift.
Modesty forbids me to claim that the Burns Club show at last month's meeting was of a high standard, but we certainly had fun doing it, and judging by the reaction of the audience of over 40 members and guests present they enjoyed it too. There were particular compliments about the acting this year - lots of action! Thanks to Jack Hume and the group for their efforts putting this on once again.
At the next meeting Jack Hume will give his personal remembrance of the Heather and Thistle Society which he joined in 1955, and this will be followed by members' tales of what the Society has meant to them. Please do come along prepared, and bringing along memorabilia is encouraged.
We are delighted to honor Drysdales Foundry for its generosity in presenting us with the Burns Oscar. Drysdale is a sept of clan Douglas.
Please send ideas to our Program Chair Dr. Gordon Macleod at gordymacus@yahoo.com.
Robert Boyd
Chieftain