I have had the very good fortune over the last week or so to see some of the really great work Clubs and Associations carry out in promoting interest in Burns in our children and young adults.
On Thursday 29th January I was at Alloway for a Burns Supper for all the local schools Burns Clubs organised by the matriach of all things Burnsian in and around Ayr, Margaret Morrall. It was a showpiece of the work they put in over the piece with songs, poems and the usual speeches from the kids and of course Margaret, A memorable event only made possible by the funding efforts of the Morralls.
Last Friday, 30th January I was a guest of Grampian Association of Burns Clubs, at their major Gala dinner to mark the 250th anniversary, and more of that great event elsewhere. The diners were entertained throughout by a wonderful gathering of very talented youngsters, singing, reciting verses, and playing beautiful tunes. This was the cream of Grampian youth demonstrating their skills in Burns, and a great credit to the work by the Association in their schools development under the guidance of Helena Anderson-Wright and her colleagues.
On Thursday 29th January I was at Alloway for a Burns Supper for all the local schools Burns Clubs organised by the matriach of all things Burnsian in and around Ayr, Margaret Morrall. It was a showpiece of the work they put in over the piece with songs, poems and the usual speeches from the kids and of course Margaret, A memorable event only made possible by the funding efforts of the Morralls.
Last Friday, 30th January I was a guest of Grampian Association of Burns Clubs, at their major Gala dinner to mark the 250th anniversary, and more of that great event elsewhere. The diners were entertained throughout by a wonderful gathering of very talented youngsters, singing, reciting verses, and playing beautiful tunes. This was the cream of Grampian youth demonstrating their skills in Burns, and a great credit to the work by the Association in their schools development under the guidance of Helena Anderson-Wright and her colleagues.
One week later, Friday 7th February, I had the joy of attending the Annual Schools Concert of Bridgeton Burns Club, who since 1870, have worked in schools, initially around Bridgeton but growing to cover the whole of the East End of Glasgow, from the Cathedral to Cambuslang, this year attracting a participation of over 1100 kids of all ages in their various wonderful competitions, and on Friday a programme of 40 groups and individuals entertained a packed theatre. Bridgeton Club have to be heartily congratulated for their superb organisation of this gigantic undertaking, and they have every reason to be very proud of the talent they nurture in Glasgow's East End. I heard some of the best singing ever at a kids Burns night, and some very expert musicians, the enthusiasm of the choirs was quite infectious, and the various styles of verse recital left me blown away. This legendary Club have built a phenomenal tradition of learning and performing Burns for children in their "patch" which very few other Clubs could even dream of, they do a very great service to East Glasgow and the whole Burns world.
More excellence yesterday as I was in Dumfries for the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association regional Burns competitions. A very high general standard with several absolutely great performers over all the disciplines of recitation, singing, instrumental and bagpipes. The slick organisation of the SSCBA had everything running very smoothly and provided great entertainment to all who looked in. Winners of these comps go forward to the Federation national events later in the spring, and I look forward to seeing and hearing more from this very talented and enthusiastic region.
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