Alloway Burns Club Centenary

Angus Middleton, President of Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs, with president Bill

On Friday evening I had the pleasure of being with Alloway Burns Club as they celebrated their Centenary, yes one hundred years in existence for this great Club. Of course their roots go back much further being successors to the group which initiated the practice of holding gatherings to celebrate the birth of Burns and enjoy the wondeful legacy of poems and songs he left us. A few years after Burns death a group of his Ayrshire friends gathered on the anniversary of his death to remember the Poet, and from there resolved to meet on the annversary of his birth thus starting the Burns Supper. no doubt this continued until Alloway Burns Club was officially formed 100 years ago. Apart from the tradition of the Burns night, Alloway also has done sterling service looking after the various Burns sites in their localle, and still are doing valiant work including their recent rejuvination of Mungo's Well.

It was a real pleaure to be with the Club for their celbrations of this great milestone, and what a grand occassion it was. South Ayrshire Council gave a champagne reception on arrival, main entertainment was from Sheena Wellington, singing a few extracts from the songs as she gave an entertaining understanding of Burns works. Other highlights were a Toast to the Club by Rev Neil McNaught and a presentation to several Past-Presidents. There was an Auction ably conducted by Angus Middleton which raised a substantial sum to offset the sundry expenses of the night. At Auld Lang Syne everyone could conclude it was a very fitting tribute for the Club's Centenary.

Autioneer Angus, ably assisted by Bill Duncan, seeks bids for the star Lot, a painting illustrating "The Twa Dogs" by Club Member Bill Kerr and below the hammer falls on a great night