The President's Mailbag

My mailbag has been bigger of late, every day there are one or two extra pieces and all of them very welcome, from expressions of fraternal greetings as the anniversary approaches to invitations to attend all manner of splendid events. This morning an unusual delivery of a parcel containing a wooden box. The antiqued box, just bigger than an old style foolscap page and about 4" deep, just as one would imagine might be used to keep safe a few particular treasures. Inside I found a letter, folded and closed with an image of Burns Seal in blue wax, on opening, in the style of an antique handwriting, it is my letter of invitation to the Homecoming Burns Supper this Saturday in Alloway. Below, wrapped in a piece of hessian, are several other wee keepsakes. A sprig of dried flax, wheat, heather and a red rose, picture postcards ? addressed to Robt Burns at Mossgiel, one with a view of some highland loch, dated October 1786 and signed Highland Mary, and the other a view of Edinburgh dated Jan 12th 1788 and signed Clarinda, both tied in a red ribbon, a label written Mossgiel, two small silhouettes framed in card, more postcards tied in string with fragments of verses and a picture of Auld Alloway Kirk, a whisky advert, a travelling dram cup, a handkerchief with a lipstick print on. and a small facsimile of the letter RB sent from Dumfries on 18th July 1796 to James Armour. There is a "modern" label on the exterior commenting on the unknown owner of these personal items, and the paper label in the centre of the top is monogrammed RB.

I do not normally celebrate the kitch of the Burnsiana around but I rather like this little collection, regardless of the minor stretches with the supposed historical timeline.

Another wonderful happening today. In late November I first noticed the Presidential Chain of Office required some repairs, one of the secondary internal joints was off, a link on the main chain was suspect, and in early December it parted, so repairs were urgently required. As we are all aware the jewellers who manufactured it in 1914 disappeared from the scene around 1972, but estimates were sought and by the time these were received and and considered the regalia specialists were closed for the winter holiday, but on their return instructed to proceed. The first message was that they worked on an eight week lead time, but would endeavour to have the work done in three or four! Much groveling, cajoling, and pressuring followed. and just over two weeks later we have our chain back. Not only have the repairs been expertly done the whole has been totally refinished and looks positively splendid, I am sure when many see it next they will hardly recognise it, such is the shine off this wonderful golden jewel and chain.

I will bear it with pride on my forthcoming duties, and I am so thrilled that it is back in pristine condition for this most important anniversary.