The Chieftain's LetterDr Robert Boyd

October 2009

This is a critical time for our Society. Membership dues are well down compared with previous years because of the graying of our members as well as the current economic situation. Our paid-up membership of about 130 is only half of what it was just a few years ago. For this reason we need all the support we can muster to sustain the Society, and in particular I would urge everyone to purchase tickets as soon as possible for our 2010 Robert Burns Supper & Ball on January 23rd. Tickets are on sale to members only until the end of October. I would also hope for a large attendance at the two functions we have coming up in November, details of which are given below.

September Meeting at the Bull & Bear very well attended

Delighted to report that the first of our new-style social meetings was extremely successful. The Executive Committee met on September 28 for a business meeting and program discussion at the Bull and Bear Tavern & Eatery. The meeting was open to all members and twenty attended, plus special guest "Flat Stanley" courtesy of Past Chieftain Cheryl May's granddaughter. Stanley honored us by wearing the kilt, and several members did the same to do a bit of advertising - good job! Treasurer Walter May provided a review of membership revenue which as noted above did not make for very good reading. On a more positive note Past Chieftain Ted Hirtz and his wife Susan reported on their recent trip to Scotland for the World Burns Federation Conference. We all had a great time and enjoyed reasonably-priced pub food and drinks following the business meeting. Thanks to the Bull & Bear staff for their exemplary service. This was an extremely good start to our new program year.

Ed Miller Next Meeting:
Thursday November 5 at 7:30PM
at McGonigel's Mucky Duck

H&T members are invited to attend as a group an Ed Miller concert scheduled for McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk, Houston 77098, phone 713-528-5299. Tickets price $15 by mail or in person, cash or check only. Members should purchase tickets directly, but mention the Heather & Thistle group so we will all be seated together. This will be a purely social event and I encourage everyone to support Ed Miller by attending.

Change of Date:
Annual Party now to be held Monday November 30 at 7:30PM

Our annual Party and gift exchange will now be held on Saint Andrew's Night (previously set for December 14). Same format as in previous years, venue also as in previous years in the Ingram Room at St. Thomas Episcopal School. A short business meeting will be held.

January 5 or 12 - H&T to be guests at RSCDS for practice session

RSCDS has invited us to attend one of their early January sessions to brush up our ceilidh dancing in time for the Burns Supper. More details later.

Sunshine Items

Past Chieftain Arthur Down continues to make good progress following surgery. Sergeant-at-Arms Mark A. Monroe was forced to miss our September meeting because of a family bereavement, and Past Chieftain Lyman Matheson and his wife Phyllis also missed the meeting. We wish them all the best.

Robert Burns Burns Supper January 23, 2010 - Members' Tickets on Sale October 1

The Society's 57th Annual Robert Burns Supper & Ball will be held in the Marriott Westchase on January 23, 2010. Members can buy tickets beginning October 1; Sales will be opened to non-members beginning November 1.

Robert Burns Sunday January 24 at 3:00 PM: Robert Burns Bust in Hermann Park

A short ceremony will be followed by a social meeting at a local pub or restaurant at which the H&T Burns Club will be invited to give its annual performance.

Tartan of the Month - Monteith

In memory of Jim Monteith's mother.

Robert Boyd
Chieftain

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