81. Burns’ Night Supper, 1 February 2019

A week later than the traditional date of 25 January, a wonderful evening of dining and dancing was organised by the City Livery Club and as members, the Mistress and I were delighted to attend. So we dusted off our tartan and got on our dancing shoes!

On arrival at the Little Ship Club (LSC) we were greeted by Club member and piper, Michael Forbes-Smith who piped us all into the Reception with great aplomb. Joining the 60 or so other guest we enjoyed good company until supper was announced. Words of welcome were given by the Vice Commodore LSC, Iain Pickard and Senior Vice-President Adele Thorpe before the Parade of the Haggis by our piper. The Address to the Haggis was given by Peter Knight complete with sword and the stirring words of Robbie Burns and the Selkirk Grace was said by Tom MacLean Davey. All very traditional and emotional.

Our supper followed which included – of course – some fine haggis as well as roast beef and all the trimmings. And a wee dram… It was superbly cooked and presented by the catering team and there was a great atmosphere in the room.

We drank the toast to the Immortal Memory of the Poet before the Address to the Lassies by the Vice Commodore. In the Reply to the Laddies, Racheal Hedley did a fine job and was very well received! And all the in the broadest of Scottish accents!

By now we were ready for a dance and the Ceilidh was superbly performed by a fiddle and accordion duet with Peter acting as Caller. The musicianship far exceeded the competence of the dancing but under the expert eye of the Caller, we all managed to keep to the music and on our feet (mainly). It was great fun and good exercise after the supper. Fantastic.

The evening rounded off with the signing of Auld Lang Syne before we headed off into a cold winter’s night – very appropriate weather!

Out thanks to the City Livery Club, the LSC and all those involved for making it such a special and enjoyable evening.