Robert BurnsLimited World Federation Limited www.rbwf.org.uk 1995 The digital conversion of this Burns Chronicle was sponsored by Mrs Helen Morrison The digital conversion service was provided by DDSR Document Scanning by permission of the Robert Burns World Federation Limited to whom all Copyright title belongs. www.DDSR.com BURNS CHRONICLE INCORPORATING "THE BURNSIAN" BICENTENARY of DEATH DECEMBER 1995 VOL. 4 (NEW SERIES) NUMBER 3 BURNS COUNTRY TOURING SOVEREIGN Chauffeur Drive The story of Scotland's National Poet Robert Burns is woven into the Ayrshire countryside which he knew so well. Burns Country holds a warm welcome for visitors, and at SOVEREIGN we offer a touring service tailored to your particular requirements. Whether a Burns expert, an enthusiast, or just curious to find out more about the legend - allow us to help make your visit a memorable one. Please call or write for our brochure and tariff SOVEREIGN Chauffeur Drive, Carrick Cottage, 15 Main Street, Dundonald, Ayrshire. KA2 9HF, Scotland, UK. Telephone: 44 1563850971 Fax: 44 1563850660 (UK Code 01563) Other Services: Airport/ Hotel transfers, Evening Hire, Executive Travel, Touring throughout Scotland and Northern England, SPecial Interest Tours (Castles, Historic Homes) . Members - AYRSHIRE TOURIST BOARD Partners - Catherine and William McKinlay BURNS CHRONICLE INCORPORATING "THE BURNSIAN" Contents DECEMBER 1995 Dumfries Commemoration .................................... 5 Burns's Neighbours in Dumfries ......................... 15 NUMBER 3 How We Licked 'Em ........ .. ....... .. ...... .. ................... 24 The Cheltenham Connection ........................ ..... .. 28 VOL. 5 Robert Burns -A Reverie and a Reminiscence ... 32 My Sketchbook ...................................................... 34 Coilsfield "The Castle 0' Montgomerie" ............ 36 The Passions of Robert Burns .............. ..... .... ... .... 43 Roger Quin, Scotland's Tramp Poet ......... ......... .. 47 Obituaries ............................................................... 56 Thomas Carlyle -The Other Bicentenary ........... 61 Personification in the Poetry of Robert Burns .... 64 Centenary of Atlanta Burns Club ............ ...... ... .... 66 Buchanites .............................................................. 67 John and Peter Wilson .......................................... 72 Burns in Italian .... ................. ................................. 75 Book Reviews .. ............. .. ........................................ 79 North American Tributes to Burns ................ ... .. 81 Editor: PETER]. WESTWOOD, 28 Stranka Avenue, Paisley. PA2 9DW. Tel: 0141 887 4777. Editorial Consultant: Professor RAYMOND GRANT, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Advertising: lAMES GIBSON, Craigowan Cottage, 28 Brewlands Road, Symington, Ayrshire. Tel: 01563 830312. The Burns Federation does not accept any responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed in the Bums Chronicle or The Bumsian. Contributors are responsible for articles signed by them; the Editor is responsible for articles initialed or signed by him, as well as for those unsigned. Articles, photographs, items for review and all correspondence should be addressed and forwarded to the Editor at the above address. Articles offered should be in typescript with double spacing and on the one side of the sheet. A stamped addressed envelope should be forwarded for return of articles and photographs. © BURNS FEDERATION 1 2 DAVID C. SMITH PRESIDENT OF THE BURNS FEDERATION 1994 -1995 A native of Midlothian although long time resident of Dumfries. Became a member of the Burns Howff Club in 1968, appointed assistant secretary in 1971 and elected Honorary Secretary in 1972 on the retirement of the then incumbent. Served as President of the Club in 1978-1979 and as President of the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association from 1982 to 1989. Was appointed to the Burns Federation Executive as representative for Europe in 1980 serving on the Memorials Committee, until demitting that office in 1992 on being elected Junior Vice President ofthe Burns Federation. Currently serves as Publicity Officer for the S.S.C.BA working particularly on the Dumfries Bicentenary programme. Had a thorough enjoyable and interesting year as President and gained an insight into the work of the Federation and its Committees. Feels that there is much more for the Federation to do and the 1996 Bicentenary Year is an ideal opportunity to raise public awareness of the legacy of Robert Burns. I came into the Burns scene by chance. In 1968, a friend who had a spare ticket, invited me to attend the Burns Howff Club's Halloween Supper in the Globe Inn. Little can be recalled of that function but I must have enjoyed myself because I applied for membership and was accepted. Due to the fact that I worked in an office I suspect, and had access to a photocopier, I was asked in 1971 to assist the Club Secretary and took over as Honorary Secretary one year later on his retiral. In no time, I realised I had become involved with one of the most prestigious Burns clubs in the world. Letters arrived from Burns enthusiasts all over the globe and I found myself helping to organise Tam O'Shanter competitions, Burns quizzes and welcoming dozens of visiting parties of Burnsians to Dumfries. I had heard vaguely of the Burns Federation but in 1973, the Annual Conference was held in Dumfries and I was sucked into the organising committee and met the late Jock Thomson, one of the giants of the Burns Federation. During the succeeding 22 years, I've received a liberal education in Scottish literature, music and history. I've met hundreds of super folk, travelled with the Burns Federation to Russia (1975), seen the Niagara Falls (1988) and developed a reasonable knowledge of the Life and Works of Robert Burns. In recent years, the Burns Howff Club has become much more active (and pro-active). Members are closely involved in a wide range of community events. Sporting, charitable and cultural activities play a leading role and an invitation to speak at the Globe Inn is highly prized. Latterly, preparations for the Dumfries Bicentenary commemorations seem to occupy every waking moment. Outside the Burns world, I am employed as Office Services Manager byThe Gates Rubber Company Limited, manufacturers of the famous green wellies and Tredaire carpet underlay. 67~ 2ff~ with Pl3ed 0fI/~ r the cfF~ 67ea4On and~ Pl3~ 8!/(!4/)( -THE EDITOR 3 HOUSE IN DUMFRIES WHERE THE POET DIED 21st JULY 1796 ROBERT BURNS BICENTENARY 1796 - 1996 THE POET'S STATUE, DUMFRIES. 4 As this is the last issue of the Burns Chronicle before the Bicentenary Commemoration of the Poet's death to be held in Dumfries next July, we felt it appropriate to record in this issue the events in Dumfries at the Centenary of his death, and in particular the address given by Lord Rosebery on that occasion. DUMFRIES COMMEMORATION 1896 Among the numberless demonstrations in commemoration of the death of Robert Burns none surpassed in importance and significance that which took place, on 21stJuly, 1896 at Dumfries. From all parts ofthe United Kingdom, from America, the Colonies, indeed, from wherever the British tongue is spoken, memorial wreathes, votive offerings, tributes of reverence and affection were brought by specially-appointed deputations, and laid by the hands of the Earl of Rosebery on the grave of the Poet in the Mausoleum in St. Michael's Churchyard. For the occasion the most elaborate arrangements had been made, all classes of the community seeming to vie with each other in their desire that the demonstration should be in every way worthy of the event. The streets of the burgh were profusely decorated, and a procession had been organised which, in the magnitude of its proportions, excelled anything ever seen in the burgh. Labour was entirely suspended, the occurrence of the annual holiday setting the entire population at liberty to take part in or witness the demonstration. All over the southern counties the celebration excited intense interest, and there was a great influx of strangers. By nine o'clock the principal streets were densely crowded, and shortly afterwards people began to take up positions to witness the progress of the procession. The weather, so important an element in all outdoor spectacles, was, unhappily, not wholly propitious. Heavy clouds overcast throughout the forenoon, and before the procession had traversed more than half the appointed route rain fell in torrents, continuing for more than an hour. Fortunately, before it began, the imposing ceremony at the Mausoleum had been brought to a close. All along the route of procession, which extended for a distance of fully two miles, the streets were lined with Venetian masts. At half their height trophies of flags resting on shields were placed, and between the masts were carried double festoons of evergreens, while at salient points along the route scrolls bearing appropriate inscriptions were thrown across the streets. It is impossible to do more than indicate the character of the mottoes which chiefly found favour. With a few exceptions, they were all taken from the works of the Poet. One of the most striking was the remark made by the Poet to his wife, "I'll be more thought of, Jean, a hundred years after I am dead;" another by the side of St. Michael's Church ran "Such graves as his are pilgrims' shrines;" and in more than one place was displayed, "We'll a' be proud 0' Robin;" and again "We hail an honest man." The house in which