Robert Burns World Federation Limited

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The digital conversion of this Burns Chronicle was sponsored by The Researching the Life & Times of Robert Burns Club

World Federation Spring 2013

The digital conversion was provided by Solway Offset Services Ltd by permission of the Robert Burns World Federation Limited to whom all Copyright title belongs.

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Homecoming Souvenir THE DELTIOLOGY OF ROBERT BURNS Badge showing Federation Logo and Anniversary Dates. The story of the Life and Works of Robert Burns illustrated with over 420 different postcards £4.00 plus P&P from the collection of Peter J Westwood, amassed over more than 10 years, arranged by topic and style.

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Available from Federation Headquarters. Available from Federation Headquarters. Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 SPRING 2013 Contents Thanks from the President, Robert Stewart...... 2 G Ross Roy...... 4 New Federation Newsletter ...... 6 Editorial...... 7 Scotland’s DNA ...... 8 Burns Letter Discovered...... 10 2013 Celebrations...... 13 Burns in the Media...... 29 Glasgow Conference...... 31 A Corner of Scotland in Ukraine...... 32 Children’s Competitions...... 33 Around the Burns Scene, snippets of news from Clubs...... 36 Kinross Jolly Beggars, a Club Profile...... 38 Review, Robert Burns Night app...... 41 RICS Membership for Burns...... 42 Thornhill Roy Medal Winner...... 43 RBHA 2013...... 44 Obituaries...... 46

Contributions of articles and reports of special events for the Annual Chronicle should be emailed to [email protected] Deadline for the annual is September 30th 2013. Reports of Club news & regular events for the bi-monthly Newsletter should be sent to [email protected] The Robert Burns World Federation Ltd does not accept any responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed in the Burns Chronicle, contributors are responsible for articles signed by them; the Editor is responsible for articles initialled or signed by him and for those unsigned. All communications should be addressed to the Federation office, The Dower House, Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB. Copyright rests with The Robert Burns World Federation Ltd unless otherwise stated.

1 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Grateful Thanks From The President Of The Robert Burns World Federation To All Clubs, Members And Associations.

Dear Secretary/Member, You will no doubt recall that an appeal letter for donations to reduce the financial deficit of the R.B.W.F.Ltd. was included with the last issue of the Burns Chronicle. I am pleased to report that, due to your very generous support, the Federation has to date received donations amounting to a total of £7653.00 On behalf of the Directors and C.E.O., I would like to thank all the Clubs, Members and District Associations who have responded so generously to our appeal. Believe me when I say that your timely and generous assistance is very much appreciated and will enable us to continue the work and endeavours of your Burns Federation. We are not “out of the woods” just yet but with your donations and on- going applications for potential funding from other sources, we hope to be able to return the R.B.W.F. to a more stable future.

Yours faithfully and in friendship, Robert Stewart. President.

The following Clubs, groups and individuals have responded to date with donations: Club Donations Alexandria Burns Club Dumfries Ladies Burns Club Allanton Jolly Beggars Edinburgh District Burns Club Assoc Ayrshire Assoc of Burns Clubs Eyemouth Masonic Lodge Balmullo Burns Club Galashiels Burns Club Bendigo & Dist Caledonian Soc Inc Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club Burns Howff Club - Dumfries Greenock Burns Club Coldstream Burns Club Irvine Lasses Burns Club Coltness Mem. Church Mens Club Larkhall Burns Club Cupar Burns Club Montrose Burns Club

2 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 New Cumnock Burns Club Sanquar Black Joan Burns Club Peebles Burns Club The Howff Burns Club Peterhead Burns Club Wilson Ironworks St John Lodge Poosie Nancies BC

Family and Individual Donations Jean Allan Wilfred Lakie Margaret Anderson Robert Lawson Mary Andrews George & Mary Letham Eric Achibald Harvey Littlejohn David Baird Alex MacKenzie Ralph Balfour Joseph Main Shirley Bell Harry & Jane McGilp Ian Blair Dr J Walter Eileen Bremner Ian McIntyre Jane Brown Ian McMillan Eric Budgell David Miller Marion Conaghan Alex Miller Elma Connor James Minns May & Alex Crawley Helen Morrison Robert Dinwiddie Marie Murray Mike Duguid Martin Murray John Elliot James Robertson Robert Farmer Thomas Routledge Anne Fawbert Henry Seabourne Anne Gaw James Shields Willie Gibson James Smith Alistair Gowans David Smith John & Ruth Haining Robert Stewart Jim Henderson Margaret Stokes Margaret Hopkin Stewart & Irene Storie Alexander & Ellen Hunter Les Strachan Jack Jackson Mrs & Mrs Harry Summers Brian Jackson Alison & Norman Tait Gordon Jamieson James Thomson Brian Keenan Helen Waddell Joe Kennedy Maureen Watt John Kidd

3 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 G. Ross Roy G. Ross Roy, Honorary President of The Robert Burns World Federation, noted Scottish literature & Robert Burns scholar and collector, and Distinguished Professor of English & Comparative Literature Emeritus, at the University of South Carolina, died on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, aged 88, peacefully at home. George Ross Roy was born August 24, 1924 in Montreal. His education was interrupted by World War II, when he was commissioned as a navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving with the RAF from bases in Britain, Africa, and India. He earned his BA from Sir George Williams University, his maitrise from the University of Strasbourg, an MA and PhD from the University of Montreal, and a doctorate from the Sorbonne. Following his marriage to Lucie in 1954, he taught at the Royal Military College of Canada, the University of Alabama, the University of Montreal, and Texas Tech University, before moving to The University of South Carolina in 1965 as Professor of English and comparative literature. He was visiting professor at the University of Metz, and honorary professor of Scottish literature at the University of Glasgow. Of Scottish descent on both sides of his family, he was introduced to the poetry of Robert Burns as a boy by his grandfather, W. Ormiston Roy, a noted collector. After earlier scholarship on Canadian poetry, Whitman, and comparative literature, he concentrated on Scottish literature, especially Burns. As well as writing hundreds of articles and reviews, he edited Burns’s Letters in two volumes (Oxford University Press, 1985) and Burns’s Merry Muses (USC Press, 1999). In 1963, he founded the first refereed scholarly journal in the field, Studies in Scottish Literature, which he had edited with his wife’s help for almost 50 years. In 2012, he donated copyright in the journal to USC Libraries, ensuring its continuance. In 1988, he transferred his Robert Burns and other Scottish collections to the University of South Carolina, serving as honorary curator, donating additional materials each year since the original gift (including in 2008 a notable collection of Burns manuscripts), directing or codirecting a series of international Scottish conferences at USC, and establishing with his wife the W. Ormiston Roy Memorial Fellowship to promote the collection’s use. In 2010, friends named a room in Hollings Library in his honour, featuring items from the collection. Ross Roy’s own achievements and his role in establishing Scottish

4 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 literature as an academic field were recognised by honorary doctorates from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow; Honorary Presidency of the Robert Burns World Federation in 1986; life membership in two noted Burns clubs, in Greenock and Atlanta; lifetime achievement awards from the Eighteenth-Century Scottish Studies Society, the Scottish Heritage Symposium (St. Andrew’s College), and the Saltire Society; establishment in Scotland of an annual G. Ross Roy Medal for Scottish Literature; publication of a festschrift in his honour, Robert Burns & Friends (2012); the USC Education Foundation research award; and the Order of the Palmetto.

Ross in Greenock during his last trip to Scotland in 2012 with Club President Margaret Dickson.

Most of all Ross will be remembered as a true friend. He mentored several generations of Scottish literature scholars, and he shared his knowledge equally with non-academic Burnsians. He and Lucie welcomed countless visitors to Columbia and to their home. He travelled frequently to Scotland and Europe to research, lecture, and hunt out rare books, most recently in April and May 2012. Memorial donations may be made to the G. Ross Roy & Lucie C. Roy Scottish Literature Endowment, USC Educational Foundation, 1600 Hampton St., Columbia SC 29208.

5 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Federation Launches Exciting New e-newsletter. Responding to the world of instant information and the growing desire among our Members to “know what is going on” at any time in the worldwide celebration of our Bard, the Federation has gone digital and will now transmit a bi-monthly newsletter by email to all our Members. Rather than having a restricted few pages three times a year, news will be sent out six times (at least) and in a format that can be widely distributed among fellow enthusiasts. The sharp modern presentation of the newsletter will carry snappy contributed reports, pictures and brief articles on all manner of Burns related items from around the globe reflecting the full spectrum of activities in our Membership. Secretaries of Burns clubs and other organizations within the Federation are strongly encouraged to forward the newsletters on to club members. Individual members should also feel free to forward the newsletter to friends and family. This will allow more direct communication to Members and ensure the widest possible distribution of news about the work of the Federation. The first edition sent out in January has been very well received and further distributed. A hard copy will be mailed from the office members to those members who currently do not have access to email but as one of the objectives is to reduce postage costs members are strongly encouraged to provide an email address. Taking further advantage of this shift in medium, a decision was also reached to return the Chronicle to a single annual publication with its traditional focus. Chronicles produced in the original annual format are held in great esteem by Burns scholars not only because of their scope for weightier academic articles, but also because they provide a more complete historical record of the Federation. This Spring Chronicle will be the last edition in the current style with the revived annual Chronicle appearing in November. The bi-monthly newsletters will more than make up for the dropping of the three small Chronicles and act as a useful supplement to the larger annual Chronicle. Your comments on this change will be welcome – Mike Duguid Director of Literature [email protected] If we don’t already have it, register your email address for this newsletter [email protected]

6 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Editorial The front cover dedicates this issue to the memory of Professor G Ross Roy who passed away last month. In our last conversation we discussed the Chronicle and what he might have to offer for forthcoming editions. He had just acquired a mss of The Poet’s Welcome to His Bastart Wean and was about to journey to Scotland again in pursuit of further treasures and he talked with enthusiasm of collecting and study of Burns and I am sure informative articles were in his mind. We spoke of the series of smaller Chronicles of recent years and I think he would have approved of the decision to return to the annual affording scope for longer articles on current Burns research and discussion. I have been long enough in this organisation to remember almost thirty years ago when the Burnsian was introduced as a vehicle for Club news to supplement the Annual Chronicle, and then the many discussions when printing costs had escalated beyond what could be borne, leading to the shift in style and format in an attempt to satisfy all needs. Technology moves on and we now embrace the triple advantages of a website that can be constantly updated, ability to produce and distribute our newsletter even more frequently at reduced cost by email and modern printing technology opening the way for an economic return to a main annual publication with studious articles and a record of how our Federation fares year by year. I am privileged to be Editor at this time and hope I can rise to the challenge and the exacting standards set by the previous Editors of the annual Burns Chronicle, Duncan McNaught, J. C. Ewing, John McVie and deliver a suitable volume that will be welcomed by the present Membership and archived for future generations. Bill Dawson, Editor. Corrigenda In the previous Chronicle there were a number of errors, I apologise to the readers for all these. Some were due to technology matters, others down to lack of proper proofing. Two contributors write corrections to their articles; The article on Burns’s ‘Patriarch letter’ hastily interpreted Frances Dunlop as telling Burns about the birth of an “only child,” rather than a “single grandchild. In the report on the Conference, the suggested artist of the portrait of Burns alluded to by Prof. Purdie, should have been James Nasmyth, not Mary Nasmyth as given.

7 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013

Inside all of us, in our DNA, lie the lineaments of a new narrative of our nation, a tale that would have stirred our greatest poet. From a simple saliva sample, our scientists can discover where your ancient ancestors originated and the path they took to reach Scotland. By having their DNA tested, thousands of Scots, native and exile, have become part of the great sweep of our shared history as we compile a people's history of Scotland. Why not join them and discover a deep past you cannot otherwise know.

Members of the Robert Burns World Federation can purchase a DNA ancestry test at the discounted rate of £153 for women (for whom we can trace the maternal line) and £180 for men (tracing both the maternal and paternal line).

To order, call our 24 hour answer service on 0845 241 4578 quoting Burns Chronicle offer www.scotlandsdna.com

This discount is not available online, please telephone and leave your name and number and a member of Customer Support will return your call to arrange delivery and payment. Payment will be taken over the phone by credit or debit card. Offer expires: 30 April 2013.

The Scotland’s DNA project seeks to track the DNA of individuals to find common markers that trace the origins of our ancestry right back to our roots, from wherever they may have sprung, not just back a few centuries but before documented records ever commenced, before names or clan systems or family ties suggest a background, DNA examination reveals traces of markers that align us to the very earliest of our “family” Deoxyribonucleic Acid is the biochemical molecule at the heart of all life and examination of the patterns of structure will open the entire narrative of how mankind spread to populate the earth. Those taking part in Scotland’s DNA find their origins and ancestry in the darkest reaches of past history. A simple test reveals early ancestry over many thousands of years and can help answer a fundamental question – where do we come from? It may come as a surprise to us Scots but Africa is the answer. A super-colossal volcanic eruption around 70,000BC almost ended all life on Earth but in Eastern Africa a remnant of perhaps only 5,000 human beings survived; all of us are their descendants. Over time a few of these

8 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 survivors left the region and then some moved on from there, and so on and eventually their descendants populated the whole of the rest of the world. Over time tiny errors occurred in the copying of the DNA strain and these, called markers, are known to originate in particular parts of the world and thanks to advances in the science can be dated. Tests are carried out on a sample of saliva given by the subject. There are two types of useful DNA, fathers pass on Y chromosome DNA to their sons, mothers pass mitochondrial DNA to their sons and daughters but the mtDNA dies with the son. These are the most informative means we have for learning about our lineages. Not only ancient parentage but physical traits such as eye and hair colour are also defined by our DNA and although we ourselves may not have the characteristic, we may carry the gene for future generations to exhibit. Scotland is a very redheaded nation, around 13% have red hair, that is 650,000 people, but at least 30% are unknowing carriers – and this percentage may be much higher. Scotland’s DNA project may establish exactly how many of our people carry the variants, and perhaps discover new and more numerous red-head variants. We can all then celebrate Scotland as the world’s Red-Headed Nation. Since it started in 2011 Scotland’s DNA has examined around 5500 specimens from people who want to assist in the building of a database understanding of where the Scots nation rises from and with a desire to examine their roots and origins. Clients are split around 50-50 male and female, and most have been astounded and delighted by the detail of the results. These give such a wealth of personal history to way back before the time of any derived academic or historical evidence. Before the commencement of the project it could reasonably have been speculated that the people of Scotland had arisen from a small number of readily identified root sources, Celts, Norse, northern European, maybe with a bit of French or Roman background etc. but the project has highlighted from the samples already examined that Scotland is one of the most diversified nations on the globe with well over 100 different original sources repeatedly appearing in the traces of the examined. This is a huge discovery and way beyond expectations and a definitive examination of these results may give us cause to reconsider who we, the Scots, are by origin, and if there is a simple understanding of our origins. Thus Scotland’s DNA project certainly gives absolute credence to the maxim that “A man’s a man the world o’er”. BD

9 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 A Secret of no importance ?

It is quite remarkable that over 200 years after Burns’ death an unpublished letter of the Poet has been discovered and authenticated. The discovery was an outcome of our Enlightened Burns Heritage Lottery Fund project, and was unearthed by project historian, Irene Furneaux, who has transcribed the letter from the original MSL.

Page 1. Dr Madam, I am extremely mortified that I have not a copy of my Poems by me as you have honored me so much as to request a reading of them. – I send you a new Publication in the Scotch Song way, which I dare say you have not seen; & as being in the secret is an enviable business even where the Secret is of no importance, I venture to send you a Manuscript of mine which has very little other value than its being a private thing. – ‘Tis a Collection of some of your humble servant and devout Admirer’s Letters, which he began Collecting, for as a boon of Friendship to a much valued Character

Page 2. Character who is, Alas! now no more. – One, or two of the Epistles may amuse you, as giving a faithful picture of the Author whose Work you wished to peruse. All I have to ask of you is, lay the book under lock & key, when you go out, as you will easily believe that I do not wish to

10 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 expose such a thing to the random perusal of Chance. With every warm wish for your Welfare (and Alas, I can do no more than breathe that sincere wish)

I am, D.r Madam, Your very humble serv.t Tuesday morn:} Rob.t Burns

The recipient was the highly accomplished actress, Elizabeth Kemble (née Satchell), wife of Stephen Kemble. They belonged to the greatest theatrical family of the 18th century. On 21st October 1794, at The Globe Theatre in Dumfries, following her iconic portrayal of Yarico in “Inkle and Yarico”, an anti-slavery play popular with radicals at the time, the Bard presented her with an epigram:-

Kemble, thou cur’st my unbelief For Moses and his rod: At Yarico’s sweet notes of grief The rock with tears had flow’d.

This had been the only recorded connection of Elizabeth Kemble to Burns uncovered to date. The discovery of the letter reveals a friendship and it was probably written before the date of the play. The discovery of this letter was made while we were researching Burns’ links with Freemasonry, the Industrial Revolution, the abolition of slavery and the Enlightenment. The Manuscript is in the Arkwright Collection of the Derbyshire Archives. Richard Arkwright was a pivotal figure of the Industrial Revolution who married Francis, the daughter of Elizabeth Kemble. As this convincingly established the provenance, we further had the letter examined by world renowned paper expert, Peter Bower. His report detailed that the paper was made by John Larkin of Upper Malling in Kent around 1794. Crucially, it matched the paper of several other Burns manuscripts dated between 1793 and 1795. The letter opened up further mystery, as it made reference to other documents and a ‘secret’.

11 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Along with the letter, Burns enclosed a ‘New Publication in the Scotch Song Way”; possibly this was George Thomson’s Select Scottish Airs or a copy of James Johnston’s Musical Museum, Volume Four. Intriguingly, the poet refers to Elizabeth as ‘being in the secret’ and encloses a manuscript collection of private letters for a ‘much-valued character who is, Alas! now no more’ and he asks her to lock the book away when she goes out as he does not wish ‘to expose such a thing to the random perusal of Chance’. The much-valued character referred to is Robert Riddell of Glenriddell, a fellow radical who would have shared the Kemble’s sympathies. By the intimacy of the letter we can assume that the poet held Elizabeth in high esteem. On 25th January 2013 popular media interest surrounding this chance discovery opened up speculation of yet another romantic tryst involving the Bard. At least new links with Enlightenment figures have been unearthed and there remains some mystery surrounding the contents of the letter. We would like to extend our gratitude to the owners of this letter for their kind permission to publish the facsimile and transcript which will be in a major article in the forthcoming annual edition of “The Burns Chronicle”. I would like to gratefully acknowledge the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the advice and knowledge provided by Ken Simpson, Chris Rollie, Cammy Goodall, Lien Giles, Peter Bower and Sarah Chubb and our gratitude to The Derbyshire Archives, Durham University Archives, The Mitchell Library Glasgow and The National Library of Scotland. Helena Anderson – Wright

University Honour President of Dublin Burns Club At a Senate Dinner on Thursday 14th March, Clark McGinn was made a Fellow of the University of Glasgow. Clark is widely known in the Burns world for his writing on several specialised studies of the Bard, his recent book “The Ultimate Burns Supper Book” and for his numerous and memorable speaking engagements at Burns Suppers literally the warld o’er in years past. He is a past President of the Burns Club of London and is currently President of the reformed Dublin Burns Club. He was made a Fellow of the University in recognition of his many services to his alma mater and his readiness and outstanding abilities to represent the University at alumni and other meetings, not least at Burns Suppers, around the world.

12 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Worldwide Celebrations in January

Fraternal greetings between Clubs around the world have long been a feature of annual Burns Celebrations, here a selection of cards is displayed among the Club’s Memorabilia.

Sandyford Burns Club The 120th Annual Dinner of the Sandyford Burns Club was held on Saturday 2nd February in the Merchants House Glasgow. Those attending included The RT. Hon., The Lord Provost of Glasgow, CLR. Sadie Docherty, and the Deacon Convenor of the Trades House of Glasgow, John Kelly. The chair for the evening was occupied by George Anderson, President of the Club. Grace was offered by Enez Anderson, the haggis was piped in by Douglas Melvin and addressed by Iain Callender. Prior to the speeches the President presented the John Carmichael trophy to this year’s winner Klaudia Korzeniewska. The Immortal Memory was proposed by Tom Myles, Rod McCowan proposed the toast to the Lasses and a spirited reply was given by Sian Warren. The toast to Glasgow was proposed by the President and the Lord Provost replied. The President presented the Lord Provost with a cheque for £200 for the Lord Provost’s fund for vulnerable people in the city. Entertainment was provided by Kerry Burley and Hugh O’Rourke. The evening ended with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne

13 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Auckland Saturday the 19th January saw the Auckland Robert Burns Association Inc organise and run its fifth “Scottish Cultural Festival”, bringing all the Scottish Societies together to advertise and promote themselves and to induce interest from younger people. The day was all about celebrating our Cultural Heritage and its diversity including piping, fiddling and dancing, and in celebrating the music and verse of Robert Burns. Also to highlight the substantial contribution that Scots have made to the development of New Zealand generally and Auckland City in particular, demonstrating that Auckland is a ‘happening’ place and providing a great day out for everyone. A day of free family oriented entertainment was provided for all New Zealanders regardless of their ethnicity and the organisers try to entice younger people to get involved.

The day started out warm and sunny, with the first item on the program being massed pipe bands marching into the central arena area with their

14 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 kilts swinging, this was followed by the welcome in Gaelic by Mrs Cathie Macleod of the local Gaelic society. We then had Scottish / Burns songs sung by Mrs Dianne Turley and this was quickly followed by some young highland dancers. By this time the day was warming up to be a lovely hot summers day with a very full program ahead of us with individual items from the various pipe bands, Scottish country dancers, ceilidh dancing, a haggis ceremony presented by our President Mr Tom Shiels, reciting of Burns’ poem Tae a Mouse and the Mouses Reply by our secretary Mr Dave Small, later we had the playing of the small pipes, the Scottish Clarsach and the day finished off with a piping finale and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. It was a great day out where there was something for everyone and was enjoyed by all. Dave Small Perth Burns Club The Annual Dinner of the Perth Burns Club, was held in the Salutation Hotel, Perth on Saturday, January 26 under the chairmanship of President Ian Bett. The principal speaker was John Swinney MSP, who gave an inspired Immortal Memory which dwelt on how the legacy of Robert Burns is still relevant in the Scotland of today. A light-hearted toast to The Lasses was proposed by Harry McGrath from Edinburgh with a very witty and fiesty reply given in rhyme by the well-known Scottish actress Amanda Beveridge. The entertainment was of the accustomed John Swinney MSP high standard. Renowned fiddler Patsy engrosses all at Perth. Reid enthralled the gathering with her delightful playing, a mix of familiar and some less familiar Burns songs were beautifully sung by Kenneth Maciver [baritone], Wilma Paton [soprano] and Paul Vaughan [tenor] accompanied by Andrew Forbes. Olivia Donnet, winner of the President’s Salver at Perth Burns Club’s schools festival recited “Last May A Braw Wooer”. The tale of “Tam o’ Shanter” was performed in candlelight by Donald Paton. A fine evening in Perth’s best traditions.

15 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Irvine Lasses.

President Joanne Wilson and her top table guests

On Saturday 2nd February 2013, Irvine Lasses Burns Club celebrated their Burns Supper at the Menzies Hotel in Irvine. President Joanne Wilson welcomed Past President of Irvine Burns Club Michael Diamond who proposed the Immortal Memory. The lasses enjoyed a very good evening.

Cupar

World President Bob Stewart in the chair at his home Club

16 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Maastricht

During the evening a new portrait of the most loved Bard of Scotland, especially painted for the Robert Burns Society Maastricht, by Jan Nelissen, a famous Dutch modern painter and artist, was unveiled. Jan Nelissen painted his portrait of Robert Burns, using several known images, blending them with his own emotions stirred by the work of the poet, surrounding him with the Scottish blue and words taken from several poems. The paint itself was mixed with some structure giving the picture even a more genuine radiation. The portrait was received with great pleasure and admiration by all present and will be cherished by our Society. Marcel Herpers

17 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Alloway

Principals at Alloway Burns Club Dinner, from L to R, Jan Duncan, AlisonCraig (Reply to the The Lasses), Rev. David Watson (Toast to The Lasses), President & Chairman Bill Duncan, Gordon Middleton (Immortal Memory), Stuart McKinlay (Recitations) and Club Secretary Jean Kerr

Nottingham Despite the snow, slush and miserable conditions some ninety members and friends braved the weather and gathered on January 26th for the Nottingham Scottish Association annual Burns Night celebration. After dinner starting with the haggis neeps and tatties and ending with a delicious chocolate and orange parfait it was time for the entertainment in the form of the Toasts A first this year with a “lassie” Mrs. Bernice Young proposing The Immortal Memory in a very entertaining and different approach with Bernice giving us a taste of Burns’s life through his many love songs and poetry and a reference to his many “wives” and children. Don Pringle gave a very admirable Toast to the Lassies with his sister-in-law Leslie giving a suitable tongue in cheek point-by-point reply. Tables cleared, time then for the dancing to begin. Bill Dall had led us very smoothly through the proceedings thus far but Bernice took to the stage once again, this time as caller for the reels, jigs and circle dances. We didn’t realise how hot things had become until the fire bell rang out just as the last dance was starting, it was a false alarm and we were soon back inside gathering for Auld Lang Syne. Sylvia Hale

18 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Halton Peel January 25, saw our members brave the freezing cold and snow to find their way to the Oakville home of Alan and Susan McKenzie, for our Burns Supper. we were piped by Bob Ritchie to the dining room for our dinner and celebrations, President Alan McKenzie performed the Address to the Haggis with comedy and panache followed by dinner of steak pie, haggis, tatties and neeps, with desserts of trifle and shortbread (everything homemade by members).

The Haggis and Ronnie O’Byrne Jim Cunningham Pierre Arnold Alan McKenzie After dinner we were regaled with great toasts: Ronnie O’Byrne presented a rousing and hilarious Toast to Our Lands; Roy and Isabel Cummings gave the toast and response to The Lassies and Jim Cunningham delivered a moving Immortal Memory, with fiddle music by Pierre Arnold, songs, poetry, & readings presented by our members, to round out a wonderful evening. Everyone then had to brave the cold & snow for the drive home, a bit full but with warm feelings of great friendships. Tranent 25 Burns Club On the 25th January James Bruce commenced the evening by welcoming guests and members to the 117th Robert Burns gathering. The Haggis was piped in and superbly addressed by Angus Hare, John Sharp then delivered the Selkirk Grace and the Company the traditional fare. Bert Cunningham then led the company in singing There Was a Lad. The main speaker of the evening was Stephen Millar, a well known a Burns Enthusiast, who gave an informative Immortal Memory. Music and song were provided by James Jeffrey, Malcolm Henderson, Ross Hamilton, Jim Dodds, Robert Hooker and Robert Anderson. Poems were recited by Gordon Jamieson and Loren Hofstetler. Jim Jamieson proposed the toast to our Guests, Artistes and the Chairman.

19 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Bowhill People’s Burns Club Bowhill People’s Burns Club held their 73rd Annual Burns Supper on Saturday 26th January in Dundonald Institute when around 100 members and guests joined President David MacDonald in celebration of the works of Robert Burns.Bill Adie commenced the entertainment with “There was a lad was born in Kyle”. The club members between them performed over 40 items, new members Joshu Gregory, Robert Wallace, Jason Watson and John Berry giving their maiden performances to a very appreciative audience. Past President Kevin Thompson proposed “The Immortal Memory”, Albert Ritchie raised a glass to “The Lasses” and Professor Bill McIntosh delivered the toast “Peace and the People” which is specific to Bowhill People’s Burns Club. Honorary Member Michael Philip accompanied the singers . The Supper ended at midnight with the entire company giving a rousing “Auld Lang Syne”.

Let it Blaw, Balerno The Toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns was proposed by Past President, Alex Hood who gave an insight into the manner in which Burns was influenced and inspired by fellow poet Robert Fergusson. Jimmy Johnstone MBE, another Past President, proposed the Toast to the Lasses with John Dibben replying. The Toast to Our Club was proposed by Charlie Husband OBE who referred to the Club’s lengthy 130 year history. Other Toasts were proposed by Ian Fraser, Lionel Sparrow and Jimmie Dunbar with a harmony and replies coming from Ken McDonald, Jim Weatherston, Jimmy Goodbrand, Bill Stark, Alan Prior, Max Downie, Jim West, Charlie Milne, Iain McSporran, Greg McCarra, Ivor Santer, Ian Duncan and Jack McCaig Alex Hood.

20 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Milwaukee The Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee held its Burns Supper as usual on the weekend nearest Valentine’s Day (since Robert Burns is the Poet Laureate of Love) February 17, 2013, in the scenic Klemmer’s Williamsburg Inn and featured the traditional agenda, Scottish Country Dancers, and a raffle. President Priscilla Kucik gave the Immortal Memory, Vice President Ian Day addressed the Haggis, Andy Uhl gave the Toast to the Lassies and Wendy Wilson Uhl replied. Club members and dinner patrons contributed to the “sangs and clatter” of the evening. Milwaukee is especially proud of the continuing enhancement of the area around the statue of Robert Burns at the corner of Knapp and Prospect. The park’s name has been changed to Burns Commons, an apron of personalized bricks (which can still be purchased) surround the base, and most recently three benches with quotes from Robert Burns were added by the St. Andrew’s Society of Milwaukee with the cooperation of the our Club. Priscilla Kucik Kinross. Kinross Jolly Beggars were called to gather by Chieftain David Sands in the Windlestrae Hotel on 25th January. Despite the very difficult travelling conditions there were few empty places and 150 Beggars enjoyed a commemoration equal to any. The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns was proposed by Mr David Christie a renowned musician from Dollar who embellished his toast with a little fiddle music.

All other toasts and entertainment were provided by talented Beggars contributing to a fine evening.

21 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Calgary When I landed at Calgary I was met by Jim Hope-Ross, a former President of the Burns Club. The following evening I met other members of the Club and their wives over a buffet meal and it was a great opportunity for me to renew some of the many friendships I had made on my last visit to Calgary. I have had the great honour and privilege of speaking at Burns Suppers right across the globe and the most remarkable and the most memorable thing about every visit to Scottish ex-pats is the warmth of the reception they give. Calgary is no different. Here I was, only 24 hours in their midst and I felt that I had known them for years. The big night in Calgary is something else. This year it fell, appropriately enough, on 25 January. The evening opened with our being piped in by two members of the Calgary Police Service Pipe Band and the entire company, some 800 strong, joined in singing O Canada, the Canadian National Anthem, followed by a lusty rendition of Scots Wha Hae. Their Burns Supper is different from anything I have experienced in any other part of the world. They have what they call “Removes”. Each course of the Supper is preceded by a different speaker introducing each course. In that introduction they tell the audience something about what they about to eat laced liberally with their sense of humour. The second half of the programme continued with music and entertainment and the Immortal Memory comes virtually at the end of the evening. Logically, that may be the correct place, it being, as it were, the top of the bill. On the other hand for the person proposing it, it is a long wait! Throughout the evening we were regally entertained by the Burns Club Choir, Calgary Police Service Pipe Band, their group of lovely young Scottish dancers and by the Calgary Fiddlers who showed a dexterity on the fiddle which was admirable. The mix of humour, singing, dancing and fellowship produced an evening that our Robert would have thoroughly enjoyed and of which Calgary Burns Club should be very proud. The remainder of my week in Calgary proved to be just as enjoyable as the first couple of days. I enjoyed unbounded hospitality from the members of Calgary Burns Club and I shall always be grateful to them for making me feel one of them, one of their extended family and for giving me not just many happy memories but altogether an unforgettably enjoyable experience. Len Murray

22 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Melbourne

While home Scots enjoyed cold and snow on January 25th, Melbourne had to endure a cool 25oC

The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne held a birthday celebration and picnic at the Burns Statue in Treasury Gardens on Sunday 20th January. The afternoon was a pleasant 25 degrees, although it was a little on the cool side under the trees. We were entertained by Highland Dancers, Piper Bruce Hocking and a number of readings of Burns poems including a couple of poems from a husband and wife who were passing by. Our Burns Supper followed on Saturday 2nd February under our President Mrs Jane Macleod. The Immortal Memory was delivered by Mr. George McNaughton, The Toast to the Lassies by Mr Bill Schrank with the reply from his wife Lorraine. Michael Lynch

The National Library of Scotland has recently acquired a collection of 26 issues of The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, each containing poems and songs by Robert Burns. The issues date from between July 1787 and November 1788 and are the earliest appearances of Burns in print in the USA.

23 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013

World Federation Senior Vice-President Jane Brown in her everyday role as Landlady of The Globe Inn, Dumfries expertly informs visitors on the many associations with Robert Burns

Sauchie Members and guests enjoyed a fine dinner and great entertainment in Schawpark Golf Club. “The Immortal Memory” was proposed in polished manner by John Gilfillan of Cardenden and David Tait of Dollar proposed “The Lasses” around a thread of apt Burns quotations and John Gilfillan references. David Tait

24 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Howff 124th Anniversary Dinner was held in the hallowed atmosphere of Burns’s favourite howff, the Globe Inn, on Thursday, January 24. Chairman President Ian McIntyre introduced a variety of songs, recitations and toasts performed with style and flair by leading enthusiasts of Burns. The chairman introduced well known folk singer and radio personality Jimmie MacGregor to give the toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns. He recalled how in his earlier days Burns vast repertoire had not really been fully appreciated and his works were in the domain of tenors and sopranos but today all folk groups have a few Burns songs in their performance. During the programme, Bert Hastings, a Howffer for 25 years and President in 1994, was presented with Honorary Membership. Proceedings resumed with songs from well-known Scottish folk music artist Ian Bruce and a dramatic telling of Tam o’ Shanter by Donald Shamash. Alasdair Hutton gave a witty toast to the Lassies O’ in rhyme, which was followed by Gordon Johnston’s swaggering recitation of The Inventory. Before Auld Lang Syne, Junior Vice-president, John Clark gave a fitting appreciation of the singers and musicians. David Smith.

That Man to Man the warld o’er, Shall brothers be for a’ that.

25 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association, Commemorative Service Burns enthusiasts from Dumfries and district gathered in St. Michael’s Church, Dumfries, for the SSCBA’s annual Robert Burns Commemorative Service on the afternoon of Friday 25th January and were welcomed by President Jane Brown and the Minister of St. Michaels, Rev. Dr. Maurice Bond. During the service, readings were given by the Head Boy and Head Girl of St. Josephs’ College, Dumfries, hymns were set to Burns’ tunes and a Children’s Address was delivered by Wilson Ogilvie, President of Dumfries Burns Club. A large turnout of pupils from local schools attended and the congregation included civic dignitaries and HM Lord Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire, Mrs. Jean Tulloch.

Dignitaries braved the elements at the Mausoleum while Wilson Ogilvie give his address.

After the service, Mr. Ogilvie presided over the wreath laying ceremony at Burns Mausoleum in St. Michael’s in blizzard conditions when floral tributes were placed on the poets’ tomb by representatives of Burns Clubs and other officials. Edinburgh & District Burns Club’s Association Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs Association held their Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony on the 27th of January 2013 at the Flaxman Statue of Robert Burns within the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The proceedings started with Cammy Goodall and Jim Weatherston singing followed by Gordon Jamieson welcoming all guests and friends. President of EDBCA Ian Chisholm spoke on the History of the Ceremony then various officials laid wreaths

26 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 These included The Lord Provost of Edinburgh Donald Wilson, Zoja B. Bazarnic for the American Consulate in Edinburgh, RBWF President Robert Stewart, The Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, the Depute Provost of East Lothian, the Provost of Mid Lothian and Imogen Gibbon of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Proceeding concluded with the party singing “For a’ that an’ a’ that” and adjourned for tea and coffee. Gordon M. Jamieson

Irvine Moor This annual service is organised by Irvine Burns Club who invite other Burns Clubs and dignitaries including the Provost of North Ayrshire Council, representatives of civic organisations and schools to commemorate the Bard at a wreath laying service at the Robert Burns statue on Irvine Moor, thereafter for refreshments at Wellwood,

President Joanne Wilson, Vice President Annie Small and Treasure Moira Ewing of Irvine Lasses joined other Clubs at the wreath laying service on Sunday 27th January.

27 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Can-Du Burns Club

The ubiquitous Wilson Ogilvie braves the elements again to preside over the commemoration ceremony at Burns Statue in Dumfries. Edmonton

Photo Joe Marshall At noon on Friday 25th January, Members of the Edmonton Burns Club gathered around the statue of Robert Burns in the Frank Oliver Park, Rev. Alistair Jessamine read a poem by Burns. With this wreath laying ceremony completed, members of the Club made their way to a luncheon in preparation for the evening’s Burns Supper. Kenneth Munro

28 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Burns in the January Media, a small taste of the annual coverage; It is of annual interest to the RBWF how Robert Burns is portrayed on television and reported in the “newspapers” each January season and generally as guardians of his memory and promoters of the genuine and accurate relaying of his memory we have feelings ranging from frustration to outright rage at some of the mistreatments and untruths levied upon Burns life and works at this time of popular celebration. On balance this year was lighter than many with portrayals that provoke only a few comments with some even positive. In the Mail on Sunday of 13th January, the paper that Chris Rollie was to deliver at the Glasgow Conference was trailed under the headline “new light on one of the great loves of Burns’ life” with particular leaning towards the letters between Agnes McLehose and William Maxwell with the other important manuscripts and letters in this discovery only mentioned in passing. The Mail on Sunday of 20th January ran another sensationalist piece “Burns clubs on brink of extinction due to lack of new members” predicated on the notion that Burnsians are an aging community and Burns is of no interest to young people. Several carefully chosen views and opinions were quoted to support the doom and gloom prediction, one supposed expert and Burns “scholar” suggesting that people only become interested in Burns when they reach 50 years of age! Our Chief Executive was quoted as acknowledging the influences of changing society but the encouraging number of schools Burns clubs in our steady membership was never mentioned. Similarly in some papers the announcement of the discovery of the unpublished and previously unknown letter to Mrs Elizabeth Kemble was coached with some questions heavily suggestive that this letter suggested a furtive and most likely physical relationship with no basis for this premise other than the gender of the recipient. The Herald of 25th January however carried a fair and detailed article on the letter and its discovery with some background information on the Kembles and the context of the times. TV coverage on the 25th was in general quite acceptable in comparison to the travesties sometimes visited on the memory of Burns. On BBC1, as part of his “Watching Ourselves” series, Grieg Hemphill had a special dedicated to a resume of Burns programmes from the last 60 years. These snippets

29 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 ranged from John Cairney’s career, the classic delivery of Burns songs in the polished tones of Moira Anderson and Kenneth McKellar, through Andy Stewart and the White Heather Club attempt at a Burns celebration as seen by the BBC, through to some of the avant-garde productions of more recent times. Along the way we were treated to some meaningful tributes by favourite performers and I’m sure I saw Margaret Morral singing along among the company in a clip from a 1996 feature with Maya Angelou. The flagship STV contribution was “in Search of Robert Burns” with the unveiling of the much heralded forensically reconstructed face of Robert Burns. The programme, fronted by David Hayman, followed the oft trod path through Burns life with not too much for us to remark on. This was a reasonable popular telling of the biography with some interesting commentary and not too many errors. Quality contributions from notable authorities, Dr Kirsteen McCue, Dr Pauline Mackay and Clark McGinn gave authority to the programme. The unveiling of the reconstructed face of Burns was introduced by some brief explanations of the accurate scientific processes applied to achieve accuracy in the result and the emphasis on the reliance on proven science in the work undertaken by the team at Dundee University who are undoubtedly world leaders in this field. The resulting face was quite astounding, not substantially removed from what we have from portraits of the time allowing for the flattery which was naturally encompassed in these. No doubt this “new” face of Burns will be subject to much examination and expression of opinion by the Burns community in future and in Chronicles. I applaud STV for this programme, particularly the quoting from Burns letter to Peter Hill, 2nd March 1790, front and end of the programme, giving a thought provoking tag to it all. I can even forgive them the occasional miss-naming of Burns as R*bbie by those who should know better. BBC Alba produced one of the best promotions of Burns songs I have heard in recent years in their programme “Rabbie agus Caileagan Nashville” (I allow the misnomer in this case due to the translation) from Nashville Tennessee and with Scottish Gaelic singer Cathy Ann MacPhee. We were treated to a selection of the less well-known and beautiful Burns songs from country artists Beth Nielsen Chapman and Suzy Boguss giving us great performances of Burns songs with a roots artist vibe, backing vocals by the McCarter twins with some of the best fiddle playing I have seen/ heard in a while from Laura McGhee, an ex pat Scot now carving her fiddle playing career out in Tennessee, who also gave us a fine song or two, her

30 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Macpherson’s Farewell standing out as my best memory from TV this Burns season although Beth’s Highland Widow’s Lament comes close second with Suzy’s Westlin Winds vying for that place. I advise our friends on the west side of the pond, if you get the opportunity to engage some of these stars for your Burns event, you must hire them, you will not be disappointed.

BD

Annual Glasgow Conference A substantial programme of speakers was put before a large audience in the Western Infirmary Lecture Theatre on Saturday January 12th. First up was Alan Reid who gave details of investigations into Kirkoswald Parish records and the interesting connections that emerged, then tantalised us all with a theory that Burns proposed landfall in Jamaica, Savannah-la-Mar, was proposed by the ship masters in order to scam the Poet. Hanna Dyka followed, giving details of numerous translators into Ukrainian with illustrations, David Purdie tantalised us with tales of the forthcoming encyclopaedia and Pauline Mackay delivered the first ever Burns Scotland Lecture, ‘Robert Burns and Clarinda, the Objects of the Affair’ concluding the morning session. The afternoon opened with songster Bill Adair performing a most excellent set, followed by Frank Shaw giving a well-illustrated ‘History of Atlanta Burns Club’. Michael Morris then gripped the interest with his paper ‘Robert Burns and the Caribbean’. The final session commenced with Chris Rollie expanding on the paper he presented to Peebles Conference about the treasures he found in Scott Douglas volumes and the final paper came from Nigel Leask who gave an insight into the soon-to-be-published OUP edition of Burns prose. A short Q&A session concluded a very informative day for the enthusiasts and scholars.

Songs on the web. The ‘Editing Robert Burns for the 21st Century’ team launched six new Burns songs, performed by Bill Adair, for Burns Night. This is the first set of songs to be linked directly to a volume of the new Oxford University Press edition of ‘The Works of Robert Burns’. Catch them here; http://burnsc21.glasgow.ac.uk/song-and-music/

31 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 A Corner of Scotland in a Small Village School in Ukraine Once my pupils and I have an opportunity to learn much about beautiful monuments and statues of Robert Burns which adorn many cities of the world. It was great information that made us think and be deep in thought. We wrote letters to many Burns Clubs and museums seeking help. This was the beginning of our Burnsiana. We received lots of letters, leaflets, cards, badges, posters from obscure corners of the world Our rising enthusiasm was endless. And it struck us that the time was ripe for a Burns museum to be opened and a Junior Burns Club to be organized in our school. The work was soon in full swing. In 250th anniversary of the National Bard, the Universal Brotherhood of Man, A Man for a That, patriot, hopeless romantic, ploughman, a man whose life was short but immortal, whose name made “a small noise” in the country and an ordinary man, our dream came true. Our museum has a small library with about 150 books and magazines. We have collected a large number of things concerning Burns. Every year members of the Burns Club issue a Burns Calendar and celebrate Burns Night with haggis and Auld Lang Syne. We also take part in Burns Essay Competitions. This January Hanna Dyka, a teacher from Kyiv, and I were invited to the Burns Conference in Glasgow. Due to our Scottish friends we visited sacred Burns places and we are very thankful for all that they did for us sacrificing their free time and greeting us on the Land of Great Poet. Our Club is in communication with many of lovers of Robert Burns in Scotland, America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia. One of the highlights of our Burns Club’s activities was presentation of our museum at the district competition for the best school museums. And we became winners. Our museum was recognized as the best. And it is not occasionally. Our work has brought its results. We wish to thank all from around the world who have contributed in one way or another to the success and flourishing of our museum with special thanks to Peter Kormylo, a member of “Friends of Ukraine in Scotland” and his wife Lesley. We think our efforts have not been in vain and we’ll do all our best to popularize our favourite Scottish poet in Ukraine. We appeal to each Burnsian. All of you can make a little contribution to our museum, in memory of Burns and millions of Ukrainians will learn more about the Scottish Bard. Taya Khryplyva, teacher, member of “Friends of Scotland in Ukraine” [email protected] Contact the Federation HQ for mailing address.

32 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Schools Competition Photo by Chloe Adams, courtesy Standard of Dumfries & Galloway Chloe Adams, by Photo

Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association President Jane Brown with principal prize-winners at their Schools’ Competition held in Dumfries Academy on 2nd February.

Cupar schoolchildren with the wonderful array of trophies at the Clubs’ competition.

33 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013

12 year old Andriy Mazur of Form 7, School N 56, Kyiv, Ukraine, with his Federation Certificate for a most excellent Burns Essay.

Olivia Donnet (Dunblane High School) holds the President’s Silver Salver for her recital of “The Braw Wooer”, while Sam Waite (Robert Douglas Memorial School, Scone) shows off the William Soutar Unicorn for his rendition of “The Gowk” at Perth Burns Club’s Schools Festival.

34 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Bendigo

Bendigo Burns Club have done sterling work in recent years encouraging Burns appreciation in schools and their efforts have borne fruit this year with a successful essay competition on the subject “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn” The Federation sent engraved medals and certificates for the winners from Rochester Secondary College and these were presented by Jacinta Allan MP, Member for Bendigo East in the Victorian Parliament. The photograph shows Ms Allan and Bendigo President Jim Millar with the winners. Schools Convener Isa told the Chronicle “We are delighted to have Australia on board and Jim hopes other teachers will persuade more students to write essays on next year’s subject.”

Edinburgh Primary Schools Burns Festival was held in Tynecastle High School, with over 80 entrants taking part. There were two classes Primary 4/5 and 6/7 for each discipline, Verse, Singing and Musical Instruments. We were very pleased that President Robert Stewart was on hand to present the prizes, in Verse, 4/5 Gabriella Cremona, and 6/7 Maddy Wilson, 4/5 Adhi Chowdhury and 6/7 Dominic Millar for Singing, and for Instrumentals, 4/5 Ellie Shek and 6/7 Jason Wang.

35 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Robert Burns in Newmilns Newmilns Burns Club is very community orientated and focuses activities on enhancing awareness of Robert Burns’ connections with Newmilns. A pamphlet has been produced, with sponsorship from Phoenix Utilities, giving information on the numerous sites of interest in the town and surrounding area. The Club’s Newmilns Burns Project aims to mark the sites identified with the Bard and illustrated in the pamphlet to create a heritage trail. A plaque on the Loudon Arms, the first of many to mark the trail, was unveiled in front of a large gathering of townsfolk and visitors on 2nd December 2012.

Stephen Drury, President of Newmilns Burns Club, welcomed the gathering and invited the Provost of East Ayrshire, Mr James Todd, to unveil the plaque. Following speeches and photographs to mark the occasion all made their way to the Riverside Inn to enjoy the hospitality of the Burns Club. Freemasonry and Freemasons played a major part in the success of Robert Burns and the connection with Newmilns is certainly worthy of particular mention. Contributed Helensburgh- the Rebirth of a Club In the weeks prior to Burns Night on January 25 2009, a group of local people got together, formed a steering group, and revived Helensburgh Burns Club which had ceased to exist around 1951. The original charter issued by the Federation had found in the loft of the Masonic Hall by Les Reynolds. Since then, Les and the members of the steering group were determined to reconstitute the club — with the 250th anniversary of our national bard’s birth making it an ideal time. The club was first registered with the Burns Federation in Kilmarnock on November 17 1913. The club’s beginnings were researched and it was discovered had been founded by an all-male choir. It became a mixed club in 1922 when women were invited to join to complement the male voices. Over the course of the last 4 years the Committee has worked hard to

36 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 re-establish the club and 2012 has been a year of a number of exciting developments. Local man Craig Moffat was given the task of designing a logo for the club which was then used for the centerpiece of the newly commissioned President’s chain. The logo has also been used in the production of a Past President’s medal and a club tie. Now with almost 50 members, the club is re-established with three annual events, a St Andrew’s Celebration night, a Supper and Past Presidents night in October and the future looks positive. The club is a member of the Glasgow and District Burns Association and attend the Association’s quarterly meetings. All Burnsians are welcome at our club. 2013 is a special year for the club as it will be 100 years since the club was originally founded. If you are interested in membership, only £10, or would like to attend an event, contact [email protected] Graham Hill Amazing Find in Mauchline A box had been lying in Mauchline Kirk for years and no-one had a key or knew what was in it. On opening recently everyone was amazed to find that it contained two silver Communion cups which had been given to Mauchline Kirk in 1777 to celebrate Daddy Auld’s 36th Year of Ministry. The Inscription (with the old spelling of Mauchline)reads:- ‘For the Kirk of Machlin A.D. 1777. The 36th year of Mr Wm. Aulds Min’ry’ In the 1780’s Robert Burns would have taken Communion from these cups. Contributed

It’s amazing the hidden talent we have in the Burns fraternity ...... this is Halton Peel Burns Club back in 2011 - when club member Jim Steel presented the club with a hand carved profile of the Bard that he had produced with painstaking detail. It now takes centre stage at all club meetings. Jim is seen here presenting it to President at that time – Chrys Ballantyne.

37 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Kinross Jolly Beggars, a Club Profile. Kinross Jolly Beggars was formed to honour Robert Burns’s memory following a convivial gathering of a number of leading townsmen for a celebrationary supper in The Green Hotel Kinross on 25th January 1888. There may be Burns clubs which have their formal institution earlier than this, but honouring Burns in Kinross can be traced back many years before the actual creation of the club in 1888. Ballantine’s great “Chronicle of the Hundredth Birth Day of Robert Burns” (1859) devotes two pages to the gathering in Kinross, detailing a torchlight procession following the band through the streets and a company of 300 (men) sitting down to a dinner with an extensive programme of toasts, including one by Robert Burns-Begg (grand-nephew of the poet), and songs and music. Several references in the report suggest that such gatherings and celebrations were habitual in the town, but despite this great enthusiasm it was a further 29 years before the need was felt to formally institute a Burns Club. After the supper of 1888 Robert Burns Begg was called to the chair and the meeting unanimously resolved to form themselves into a social and convivial Club under the name of “The Jolly Beggars”. This is a particular feature of the Club, it was one of the first, if not the very first Burns Club to be named “The Jolly Beggars”, it is certainly the oldest of the handful of Federated Clubs so named, others may have come and gone but in Kinross “the Beggars” carry on in traditional manner. Robert Burns Begg was elected perpetual President and instigated the tradition of sending out the invitations to the annual gathering in rhyme (of guid braid Scots) expecting the Beggars to reply in similar style. Robert Burns Begg continued as President until the club suspended meetings in 1899 for the South African War, he passed away in 1900 and on resumption of annual gatherings a president, titled “Chieftain” for the gathering was appointed on an annual basis. Gatherings again were suspended in 1915-1919 for The Great War and 1940-45 for WWII. The Green Hotel remained the favoured howff of the Club until 1971 when the supper moved to the Gartwhinzean, then the Thistle Hotel from 1985 until in 2003 the Beggars arrived at The Windlestrae. Early Membership was around a dozen with new members proposed, seconded and balloted by the membership. In the first fifty years the roll grew to sixty and today stands over 160. It remains an all-male club, although membership of “The Lasses” has been considered from time

38 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 to time. A plebiscite of 1907 brought staunch opposition with many responses in the traditional rhyming manner such as; “That woman is a jewel Is no’ to be denied, But she aye shines the brightest At her ain fireside. I’m no a woman hater But sure as I’m a sinner, I dinna haud wi’ lassies At a “Jolly Beggars” dinner.”

It is interesting to note however that there is a photograph in the original minute book of the hostess in 1888, Mrs Hogg of the Green Hotel. The Club has been blessed over the years by a series of highly efficient and very long-serving office-bearers. Robert Burns-Begg served as President from the inception of the Club in 1888 until his demise in 1900, J M Ross was Secretary from 1892-1935 followed by substantial terms by TM Tod, DR Young, JD Milloy, J Kidd and latterly Gordon George. Similarly Treasurers have given long and valuable service (24 years until 2003 by David Birrell who then took over as Secretary until last year) husbanding the funds annually and when special appeals were raised for ‘The Auld Brig o’ Ayr’ and the ‘Burns Window in St Giles’ the Jolly Beggars were most generous. The Club instituted the promotion of Burns and competition in local schools in 1927 and the ‘Jolly Beggars Trophy’ was presented to Kinross High School in 1969, the club stalwartly supporting the annual competition. Despite being staunch supporters of Robert Burns and his legacy, it was not until 1946, after long debate, that the Jolly Beggars joined the Burns Federation. An indicator of their level of enthusiasm and appreciation is shown in the election of two members of the Club to serve as President of the Federation, the great John Kidd in 1981 and latterly Bill Dawson for the anniversary year of 2009. Traditions are very much at the heart of the success of the Jolly Beggars. Firstly and above all social conviviality and harmony of the annual meeting which have been staunchly upheld throughout the years, Members are addressed as Beggar “X”, membership is prized, few drop from the roll, expatriates hold onto theirs and return to Kinross annually for the gathering, fathers introduce sons, continuity and tradition hand in hand. John Sands was a founding committee member on 25th January

39 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 1888 and through an unbroken chain of service a direct descendant, David Sands, is the sixth in this dynasty to be Chieftain for this year and also serves the Beggars as Treasurer. The call to the annual gathering continues to be sent out in rhyme with responses expected in the same vein, the best are recorded in the Club records and now an annual trophy, in John Kidd’s memory, is awarded to the best of them, leading to much head scratching and midnight oil burning to provide an apt response. The menu is traditional fare with ample liquid support, excess is actively discouraged, annual reports and business follow the dinner briskly in great humour. While the principal toast is generally given by an eminent guest all subordinate toasts and entertainments are provided by Beggars. The Club has some idiosyncratic style to its programme stemming from the traditional patterns established all those years ago but it still provides a forum for one of the best traditional gatherings in celebration of the Memory of Robert Burns anywhere. BD Refs; “The Jolly Beggars” A Jubilee Retrospective, T.M. Tod, 1937 “The Kinross Jolly Beggars A Brief History”, Murray S. Blair 1995

Tickets for the Federation Lasses Lunch are now on sale. The lunch is on Sunday 12th of May at Shawlands Park Hotel, Ayr Road, Larkhall. Guest Speaker is Liz Lochhead Tickets cost £24.50 from the Federation Office. For gentlemen, there are a number of local attractions; Visit nearby Chatelherhault, designed by William Adam and built in 1732 as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Hamilton. The restored building is now open to the public and visitors can view the Duke’s private apartment, Banqueting Room, subsidiary apartments and restored formal gardens. The restored building is now a visitor centre with display gallery and exhibitions on the area’s history, wildlife and also the story of Chatelherault itself. Take time to admire the Baroque style plasterwork and the high quality joinery restored under the direction of one of our own executive members. The house also has a large gift shop, café and reception area. Not too far away is the Cameronian Museum at Hamilton Low Parks exhibiting their history from their origins in the Covenanting period from 1638 through their many battle honours to their demise in 1995. There is also a large Garden centre at Chatelherhault for those horticulturally inclined.

40 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Robert Burns Night app As more and more information becomes readily available via Smart Phones and Tablets - it is interesting to see that access to RB is also increasing via this media. There are several “Apps” available for download from “App Stores” – most are fairly static applications with some “About Burns” information, a “Supper Guide” and access to his “Poems”. Not that being able to access all of Burns Poetry to read, learn or recite - at any time or place - is insignificant. The most dynamic of the apps so far - is one that has been produced by Saraband Books. www.saraband.net of Glasgow. From an Introduction to Burns - some History and Timeline information - a very comprehensive Recipes and Guide section to arranging and running a Burns Supper – all the way to recitals of some of Burns best known pieces. There is even an “Autocue” section where the poem Tam o’ Shanter is scrolled automatically for you to follow or recite (something many of us who took on the challenge of learning the poem to memory in years past - would have found very helpful - I’m sure) The main features of this app in comparison to others available - is the multiple layers and different amount The bright easily usable menu page of the App of information contained within – and that’s without mentioning that it is more “fun” and interactive. In contacting Saraband for permission to use some pictures from their App - they have advised that an updated version of the App is going to be available very soon. I do understand that members of the “Burns Polis” may consider some of the content frivolous and slightly irrelevant to the purity of Burns Memory - but the target audience demographics is a part of the 12 million who play “Angry Birds” every day – not the Burnsians who already have all the information. Anyway – fan of Smart Phones or not – the technology is here to stay - and to put Burns in the hands of a younger audience you have to be inventive and provide something that gets attention – I think this App does just that……….. try it out! Ronnie O’Byrne Halton Peel Burns Club, Ontario, Canada

41 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 RICS Awards posthumous membership to Robert Burns The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awarded posthumous membership to Robert Burns at its International Governing Council meeting in Edinburgh on 19 November 2012. The award was accepted on behalf of the Scottish nation by Derek Mackay, Minister for Planning and Local Government and the membership certificate will be housed at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. RICS is the world’s leading qualification when it comes to professional standards in land, property and construction. RICS is an independent professional body and many members practice in land surveying and this is where the association with Robert Burns becomes apparent. At the age of 19, Robert Burns was sent to school in the Ayrshire village of Kirkoswald to study land surveying. The parochial teacher there, Hugh Rodger, enjoyed great local and regional fame as a land surveyor and geometrician. Burns’ mother was determined that her son would not work the land as a tenant farmer but should improve himself by becoming a surveyor and make the most of the new fashion for land surveying (land surveying became big business during the second half of the 18th century, a feature of the Agricultural Revolution and the Enlightenment approach to land improvement, every land-owner wanted their lands properly surveyed and mapped). Burns studied land surveying for 9 months and beyond his basic school education, his training in land surveying was the only professional training Burns ever undertook. So it would be fair to say that although a farmer by upbringing and a poet by hobby, his only professional training was in land surveying. Throughout his twenties, Burns worked as a tenant farmer in Ayrshire, writing poetry in his spare time. He used influential friends he had made through his poetry to secure an appointment and in the late summer of 1788 he started work as an Exciseman. Later, in February 1792 he was promoted to the Dumfries Port Division, an appointment that carried a salary of £50 per annum. This was a high salary, almost twice the average at that time and coupled with his income from his poetry it placed him well into the “comfortable” bracket for the first time in his life. An exciseman was employed by the government in what today would be HM Customs and Excise to ensure that people paid their taxes, particularly where related to

42 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 alcohol. There was a surveying element to this work too as he was required to measure quantities, quality and volumes in order to calculate the tax due - measure in all things - but the existence of surveying chains from his days an Exciseman shows that his duties also included land measurement. East Ayrshire Council Museum Service has 2 links from Burns’ original surveying chain. The Writer’s Museum, Edinburgh, holds four links of a surveying chain, used by Burns while he was an Excise officer. Brief details of his land surveying training are described by Burns’s in his well-known biographical letter to Dr John Moore Surveying was clearly part of Burn’s work as an Excise Officer and if Burns was around today, he would have been a RICS member. RICS wanted to recognise another talent of this most talented Scotsmen and where better to do that, than in Edinburgh in front of an international audience. The Institution is delighted to have been able to recognise Robert Burns’ work as a land surveyor. Sarah Speirs, Director, RICS Scotland Thornhill Academic Wins Prestigious Recognition At the Saltire Society Literary Awards in November the G. Ross Roy Medal for excellence in research in Scottish literature was presented to Dr. Corey Gibson. The prize was founded in 2010 to honour the renowned Burns scholar Professor G. Ross Roy of the University of South Carolina, and is awarded by the Universities Committee for Scottish Literature and Scottish Arts Council. Dr Gibson received it in recognition of his doctoral work with the Department of English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, which focussed on the folklorist, poet, and political and cultural commentator, Hamish Henderson (1919-2002). It was titled ‘Endless Flyting: The Formulation of Hamish Henderson’s Cultural Politics’ and he is currently continuing with related research at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh. Corey recently wrote, “I come from the Thornhill area, and whilst still at school I took an interest in Burns and in Scottish literature in general. Encouraged by my parents and my teachers, I recited Burns at various competitions and Burns Suppers across the region and in Glasgow and Edinburgh. I am grateful for this early encouragement, and I am always thrilled to find traces of my Dumfriesshire home – in dialects, historical anecdotes, landscapes, and place-names – in my academic research. In particular, I am interested in the ways in which writers seek to make their

43 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013

Dr Corey Gibson is presented with the G Ross Roy Medal by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop. Photo courtesy of Maverick Photo Agency . politics manifest in their work; in the ways in which the ‘folk’ – the people whose voices have always supported and sustained radical culture, though they go unacknowledged – are represented. I hope to develop my career in Scottish literary studies from this basis.”

Posthumous Humanitarian Award for Dumfries Aid Nurse Khalil Dale MBE, the British Red Cross aid worker who was abducted and killed in Pakistan in 2012 was named recipient of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2013 at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway on 26th January. The 60-year-old, who grew up in Dumfries, spent decades working to help vulnerable people in some of the most dangerous places in the world. Last year, he was abducted and killed in Pakistan while working to make a difference for people wounded in conflict. The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award - launched in 2002 - recognises a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or ‘hands on’ charitable work. Receiving the award from Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf, Khalil’s brother Ian said “Khalil had a deep affinity with Scotland and, to him, Scotland was always his home so he would have been delighted to be named winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. Khalil very much saw himself as someone who just got on with his job wherever that happened to be and he would have

44 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 been very humbled by this accolade, which is testament to the lives he changed and the legacy he leaves behind. Khalil was loved and respected by many people and I am extremely proud my brother - and the work he carried out over many years to make a difference for others - has been recognised in such a wonderful way. And I would like to thank the people of Scotland - and especially those in Dumfries - for their support over the last 12 months. It has been truly overwhelming and means a lot to the family.” Humza Yousaf, added: “The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award recognises the tireless efforts of those who follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s national Bard to promote and celebrate freedom, liberty and the brotherhood - and sisterhood - of all humankind. Khalil Dale fearlessly dedicated his life to helping others, demonstrating deep rooted Scottish values of compassion and empathy. It is an honour to present his family with this Award. Khalil Rhasjed Dale was born Kenneth Robin Dale in York but changed his name when he became a Muslim. A caring and compassionate man, he became a nurse working initially at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. He went on to become a medic on a North Sea oil rig before studying at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. In 1981, he joined the Red Cross and began a career of humanitarian work overseas - much of it for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement working in many war-zones and troubled areas. It was for his humanitarian work in Somalia that Khalil was awarded the MBE in 1994, He returned to Dumfries in 1998 to care for his mother. While back in Scotland, he continued to help others, working as a nurse and for Turning Point Scotland - a charity dealing with alcohol addictions and drug and mental health problems. At the beginning of 2011, Khalil left Dumfries to take up what would be his last post with a Red Cross programme in Quetta, Pakistan, providing healthcare and physical rehabilitation to people wounded in conflict. Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for Event Scotland said: “Khalil’s story is a humbling one, and he truly represented the ethos of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. His selfless attitude is an inspiration, and I think we can all take something from his story and his efforts to improve the lives of others. As part of Khalil’s award, his family received a specially commissioned award handcrafted in Scotland by Harmonies in Wood, and a cheque for the sum of 1759 guineas - a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage then in circulation. The family have donated the monies to the Khalil Dale Memorial Fund

45 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Obituaries

Edward (Ted) Murray was posted to Dumfries in 1972 and, as a London born southerner, he had a culture shock when shortly after he arrived, he was invited to a Burns Supper in the Globe Inn, saying after that he had no idea what was happening. Ted later accepted an invitation to the more genteel gathering of Dumfries Burns Club to which he could take his wife Joyce, a world away from the male only suppers in the Globe Inn. He joined the club, initially for the social aspects and in due course was elected President of one of the oldest Burns Clubs in the world. As a Sassenach, he was very proud of his election and at the Anniversary Supper in his presidential year, he won much praise for his faultless “Address to the Haggis”, with authentic pronunciation. The club appointed Ted as a delegate to the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association and he later served with distinction as President. For many years he was SSCBA delegate to the RBWF where his warm and engaging personality made him a popular figure at the quarterly meetings. Ted Murray’s interest and knowledge of Robert Burns grew over the years and he acquired a reputation as a speaker of note. Although Ted regarded Dumfries Burns Club as his home, he found himself a member of the Burns Howff Club and was a well respected committee member at the time of his death. Ted Murray’s passing is felt by a very wide circle of friends and will be sadly missed as a gentleman and friend. David Smith

It was very sad news to the Scottish Community in Melbourne and in particular The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne, to learn of the sudden passing of Ian Murdoch on September 14th 2012. Ian was born in Johnstone Scotland on 16th April 1929, and migrated to Melbourne in 1953.

46 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 Ian, with his wife Helen, joined The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne in 1992 and was a very active member. He was elected to the Committee of the Club and eventually became Vice-President then President, and then Editor of the quarterly newsletter, The Melburnsian. Ian was a founding member of the Robert Burns Association of the Pacific Rim and served as Treasurer until his death. Ian was a hard working member of many Scottish organisations and was recognized with an award from the Multicultural Commission of Victoria for his contribution to the Scottish Community.

Graham Galbraith joined Coldstream Burns Club in 1986 aged 25. He was always an active member, helping whenever he could and served on the committee for at least 15 years. He was the Club’s representative on the Borders Association for 8 years and seldom missed a meeting. He was elected President of the Borders Association of Burns Clubs in October 2012, an office of which he was rightly proud. As Borders representative to the Federation Executive, Graham served as a very enthusiastic member of the Schools Committee and at the time of his death had been arranging for a quarterly meeting to be convened in Coldstream.

John Little will be well remembered among long serving Members of our Executive for, despite his residency in Canada, he was for a time a frequent attendee at our meetings and a vociferous contributor to all our business. He had an outstanding energy for the celebration of all things Burns, and was a driving force in his beloved club Ye Bonnie Doon, Hamilton, Ontario. In 1984, almost single handed, he caused and erected the Burns cairn in Gage Park. He was instrumental in taking the annual Conference to Hamilton Ontario in 1988 Active in Burns to the end John passed away at age 75 from complications following major heart surgery.

47 Burns Chronicle Spring 2013 The Robert Burns World Federation Office Bearers, Directors and Conveners

PRESIDENT Robert Stewart Strathisla’, 24 Court Hillock Gardens Kirriemuir, Angus DD8 4J [email protected] 01575 572267

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT JUNIOR VICE-PRESIDENT IPP & FINANCE Jane Brown James Thomson Jim Shields The Globe Inn, 56 High Street 6 Glebe Court 62-1 Dundee Terrace Dumfries, DG1 2JA Kilmarnock KA1 3BD Edinburgh EH11 1EF [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 0131 337 0312

SCHOOLS HERITAGE LITERATURE Isa Hanley Walter N Watson Mike Duguid 24 Kirklands Road, Heathhall 7 John Street Braeside, 51 Main Street Dumfries DG1 3RN Biggar ML12 6AE Twynholm DG6 4NL [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01387 255182 01899 220708 01557 860040

CONFERENCE MARKETING ARCHIVIST B David Baird Murdo Morrison John F Haining 3 Urquhart Court, Calside Craigellachie, 108/110 Campbell St 115 Ralston Avenue Dumfries DG1 4XE Wishaw, ML2 8HU Paisley PA1 3BY [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01387 267794 01698 372638 0141 883 2059

USA CANADA PACIFIC RIM Leslie Strachan May Crawley Jim O’Lone 630 Mountain Ave 25 Pine St 14 Marine Terrace Bedford, VA 24523 St Catharines Fremantle Ontario L2N 4TS Western Australia 61060 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 540 586 4446 (001) 905-934-9169 08-9335. 7303

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Alison Tait ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Corinne Buivenga

The Dower House, Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB [email protected] 01563 572469 www.rbwf.org.uk

48 Federation Shop Federation Bookshop

IN AND OUT OF TAM O’ SHANTER The Story of a Tale

Classic Federation Badge with Coat of James Thomson’s detailed study of the poem and its Arms and Motto background from inception to publication and beyond, £4.00 plus P&P along with all manner of related sub-topics. Illustrated throughout.

£ 8.99 plus P&P

Homecoming Souvenir THE DELTIOLOGY OF ROBERT BURNS Badge showing Federation Logo and Anniversary Dates. The story of the Life and Works of Robert Burns illustrated with over 420 different postcards £4.00 plus P&P from the collection of Peter J Westwood, amassed over more than 10 years, arranged by topic and style.

£10.00 plus P&P.

Available from Federation Headquarters. Available from Federation Headquarters. Burns Chronicle

Making Teacakes for your Thomas Tunnock Ltd., 34 Old Mill Road, Uddingston G71 7HH Tel: 01698 813551 Fax: 01698 815691 Email: [email protected] enjoyment www.tunnock.co.uk Spring 2013

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