www.rbwf.org.uk 1967 The digital conversion of this Burns Chronicle was sponsored by Brian & Joyce Goldie 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 Robert Burns World Federation Limited
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Robert Burns World Federation Limited · By John McVie "Interesting reading for all Burnsians ... the starting point of "Tam's" immortal ride to Alloway Kirk is now open to the public
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www.rbwf.org.uk
1967
The digital conversion of this
Burns Chronicle was sponsored by
Brian & Joyce Goldie
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
Limited
Robert Burns World Federation
Limited
ROBERT BURNS CHRONICLE
1967
THE BURNS FEDERATION
KILMARNOCK
Price 7s. 6d.-Paper bound: 12s. 6d.-Ooth bound:
Price to Non-Members lOs.-Paper bound: 15s.-Ooth bound.
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ROBERT BURNS CHRONICLE
1967
THE BURNS FEDERATION
KILMARNOCK
Price 7s. 6d.-Paper bound: 12s. 6d.-Cloth bound:
Price to Non-Members lOs.-Paper bound: lSs.-Cloth bound.
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'BURNS CHRONICLE'' ADVERTISER
... the mystery and romance of the Scottish Highlands is found in Drambuie, once the personal liqueur of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, and now enjoyed throughout the world. The secret recipe, from which Dramb-uie is prepared to this day, has never varied for more than two centuries. Drambuie is a rare experience.
Drambuie PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD ' S LIQUEUR
"BURNS CHRONICLE" ADVERTISER
this is the old Globe Tavern frequented
by Burns.
The chair he usually occupied
is shown to visitors,
also a window pane with verses traced by his hand
and many other very interesting relics
of the Poet
56 High Street, Dumfries
Manageress : Mrs. E. N. BROWN
"BURNS CHRONICLE" ADVERTISER
for smoothness and dependability
There's no mistaking White Horse Whisky
"BURNS CHRONICLE" ADVERTISER
THE NATIONAL BURNS MEMORIAL AND COTTAGE HOMES, MAUCHLINE, AYRSHIRE.
In Memory of the Poet Burns for Deserving Old People
"that greatest of benevolent Institutions established In honour of Robert Burns."-Glosgow Herold
There are now twenty modern comfortable houses for the benefit of deserving old folks.
The site is an ideal one in the heart of the Burns Country. The Cottagers, after careful selection, occupy the houses free of rent and taxes, and, in addition, receive an annual allowance. They are chosen from all quarters.
There are no irksome restrictions, they get bringing their own furniture, have their own key, and can go in and out and have their own friends visiting them as they please. Our aim is to give them, as near as practicable, their "ain fireside" and let them enjoy the evening of their lives in quiet comfort.
9i'urther funds are re4uir•d. Will ~au please help?
Subscriptions will be gratefully acknowledged.
1*
"BURNS CHRONICLE" ADVERTISER
JEAN ARMOUR BURNS HOUSES MAUCHLINE, AYRSHIRE
In 1959, to mark the Bicentenary of the Birth of Robert Burns, the Glasgow and District Burns Association, who manage the Jean Annour Burns Houses, completed the building of ten new houses on the historic farm of Mossgiel, near Mauchline and these are now occupied by ten ladies who live there, rent and rate free and receive a small pension.
Funds are urgently required to complete a further ten Houses.
Earlier houses, established 1915 which comprised the Bums House (in which the poet and Jean Armour began housekeeping 1788), Dr. John McKenzie's House and "Auld Nanse Tinnock's" (the "change-house" of Burns's poem "The Holy Fair") were purchased, repaired and gifted to the Association by the late Mr. Charles R. Cowie, J.P., Glasgow and, until the new houses at Mossgiel were built, provided accommodation for nine ladies. They are now out-dated as homes but consideration is being given to their being retained by the Association and preserved as a museum.
Please help this worthy cause by sending your donation
now to :-A. Neil Campbell, F.C.C.S., Hon. Treasurer,
141 Craiglea Drive, Edinburgh, 10.
"BURNS CHRONICLE" ADVERTISER
Burns:
A Study of the Poems and Songs By Thomas Crawford
an admirable commentary on Burns and his critics, the masterly analysis and revelation for which we have waited so long." The Scotsman
. a mature. thoughtful book, a refreshing and sometimes provocative contribution to Burns criticism." David Daiches in the Sunday Times
New Paperback Edition at 21 s.
Oliver& Boyd Tweeddale Court, 14 High Street, Edinburgh, 1.
A Bibliography of Robert Burns By J. W. Egerer
The complete and authoritative work of reference for all Burns devotees and followers. Indispensable to those wishing to study his genius. 416 pages £5. 5s.
Burns: Authentic Likenesses By Basil Skinner
A critical appraisal of Burns portraiture including reproductions of all the authentic portraits known today. 5s.
The Burns Country By John McVie
"Interesting reading for all Burnsians ... enhanced with excellent photography by Pau l Shillabeer." Dumfries and Galloway Standard 2s. 6d.
"BURNS CHRONICLE" ADVERTISER
BURNS' H 0 USE DUMFRIES
* Visitors to Dumfries
should not fail to visit the old Red Sandstone House in Burns Street,
in which tfle Poet lived and died. The House is open to visitors and
contains many interesting relics of Burns and his family. The House
is one minute's walk from St. Michael's Churchyard where the
Poet is buried within the Burns Mausoleum.
OPEN: I st May to JOth September WEEKDAYS 10 a.m. - 12.30, 2 - 5, 7 - 9 p.m. SUNDAYS 2 p.m. -8 p.m. lst October to 30th April WEEKDAYS 10 a.m. - 12.30, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. SUNDAYS Closed (Admission by arrangement
with curator)
Admission to House : Adults 6d. Children ld.
"BURNS FAMILY TREE" Compiled by the late Tom McCrorie.
On sale at House, price 1/-; or by post from Curator, price 1/4d.
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The above are a selection of the Day and Afternoon Tours operated from Bus Station, Portland Street, Kilmarnock. Ask for illustrated leaflet listing dates and times of departure.
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CHAMBERS'S SCOTS DICTIONARY This dictionary comprises words in use from the l 7th century to the present day, and serves as a glossary for Ramsay, Fergusson, Burns, Scott, Galt , minor poets, and a host of other writers of the Scottish tongue.
736 pages. 25s. net.
THE POETICAL WORKS OF ROBERT BURNS
One of the most comprehensive one-volume editions of Burns's poems. The Bi-centenary edition with li fe a nd notes by William Wallace is illustrated with woodcuts by Lennox Paterson.
Cr. 8vo. 576 pages. Cloth 20s. net . De Luxe 25s. net.
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A visit to the Land of Burns should include a
visit to the Tam O' Shanter Inn. This historic
building, the starting point of "Tam's" immortal
ride to Alloway Kirk is now open to the public as
a Museum, containing many interesting exhibits
connected with Robert Burns and his epic story of
"Tam O' Shanter".
Open Daily (except Sunday)
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BURNS
CHRONICLE
BURNS CHRONICLE AND CLUB DIRECTORY
INSTITUTED 1891
PUBLISHED ANNUALLY
THIRD SERIES: VOLUME XVI
THE BURNS FEDERATION
KILMARNOCK
1967
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PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN
BY
WILLIAM HODGE AND CO., LTD •• OLASOOW
LIST OF CONTENTS PAGE
Junior Burns Chronicle Children's Own Section ..
Robert Burns and Edinburgh (concluding instalment) by John McVie, O.B.E 22
Some Memories, Immortal and Otherwise by Fred J. Belford . . 36
Book Review by Alex. MacMillan .. 40
Alexander Wilson-Poet and Ornithologist by Clark Hunter 42
Irvine Burns Club 51
Proposed Pilgrimage by Descendants of William Burness by John Gray 53
Obituaries 54
Professor John Delancey Ferguson by Robert D. Thornton 56
The National Burns Memorial and Cottage Homes, Mauchline by John Findlay 57
Scottish Literature Competition-1967 58
The Bums Federation-(a) List of Hon. Presidents, Hon. Vice-Presidents,
Executive Committee, Office-bearers and District Representatives, Sub-committees, Auditors and Associate Members . . 61
(b) Constitution and Rules 66
(c) List of Districts 71
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ii (d) Minutes of the Annual Conference, 1966, incor-porating the Hon. Secretary's Report, Financial Statement, Burns Chronicle and School Competition reports .. 79
(e) Club Reports .. 101
(f) Nonimal List of Clubs on the Roll 136
(g) Alphabetical List of Clubs on the Roll 165
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ILLUSTRATION
George Vallance, President, Bums Federation frontispiece
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EDITORIAL NOTE
The Burns Federation does not accept responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed in the Burns Chronicle. Writers are responsible for articles signed by them: the Editor undertakes responsibility for the Junior Burns Chronicle and all unsigned matter.
Manuscripts for publication should be addressed to the Editor and each must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. The Editor cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.
NEWBIGGING,
TwEEosMUIR, BIGGAR,
LANARKSIIlRE.
JAMES VEITCH.
GEORGE VALLANCE
President, Burns Federation
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JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE
We left Burns, remember, on his first visit to Edinburgh. After touring the Borders, the Highlands and Stirlingshire, he spent a little while in Mauchline and then returned to Edinburgh. During this second visit, he met Mrs. Agnes McLehose, his "Clarinda", but, more important, he met James Johnson, to whose Scots Musical Museum he afterwards contributed many songs. Finally settling his business with Creech, the publisher, he returned home and, on 5th August, 1788, his irregular marriage to Jean Armour was finally confirmed by the Mauchline Kirk Session.
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Burns had already obtained a lease of another undeveloped farm, Ellisland, near Dumfries, and, in addition, he had received his Commission after a six-weeks' course in gauging under the Excise Officer at Tarbolton. In June, 1788, Burns went to Ellisland. He had given £200 to his brother, Gilbert, out of the £450 or thereabouts which he had received from Creech for the Edinburgh Edition. When the farmhouse was ready, Jean joined him in December of that same year. His first crops failed, Jean had a baby boy the following August, and Burns was forced to apply for a job in the Excise. He was appointed gauger in a district comprising ten parishes around Ellisland. This meant the he was out in all kinds of weathera great physical strain that did him no good.
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 3
Despite this, Burns continued to pour out poetry and song. In the Edinburgh Magazine in March, 1791, "Tam o' Shanter" first appeared. He had already written "Of a' the Airts the Wind can Blaw" for Jean, and he had given his friend, Mrs. Dunlop, copies of "Auld Lang Syne" and "Go, fetch to me a Pinto' Wine". He had begun, too, his great output of songs for Johnson's Scots Musical Museum. The flood-gates of his intellect and inspiration were open wide. By the Nith, he walked alone with his immortality.
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After three and a half years, Burns obtained a transfer to an Excise post in Dumfries. He gave up his lease of Ellisland and he and Jean and their family moved to a small house in the Wee Venne!, now known as Bank Street. Before very long, however, they moved into a bigger and better house the one now famous as the Burns House in Burns Street. In Burns's day, it was known as Mid Street. He turned more and more to political poetry, his best-known being "Is there for honest Poverty ... " He gave offence to the gentry, too, by his outspoken sympathy for the French Revolution. Yet many people who turned to watch him, perhaps walking towards his home, were to recall with pride that they had seen Burns plain.
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 5
Early in 1796, Burns's physical strength began to fail. Never a robust man, he had to give in and go to bed. Jean was again with child and young Jessie Lewars, the sister of one of his brother Excisemen, helped to nurse Burns. It was to Jessie that he addressed his last and one of his most tender love songs.
Oh wert thou in the cauld blast On yonder lea, on yonder lea,
My plaidie to the angry airt, I'd shelter thee, I'd shelter thee.
Even now, the flame of his poetry still burned brightly.
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>....... -- < e-
On the advice of his doctor, Burns spent a few weeks at the Brow Well on the Salway Coast. Sea-bathing, for a man in his condition, was drastic; but mentally now he was in a torment of dread. Debt.s were heavy on his mind. He could see no glimmer of hope. To James Thomson, he wrote: "After all my boasted independence, curst necessity compels me to implore you for five pounds. A cruel scoundrel of a Haberdasher to whom I owe an account, taking it into his head that I am dying, has commenced a process and will infallibly put me in jail . . . Forgive me this earnestness, but the horrors of a jail have made me half distracted."
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 1
Burns returned home to die. He was worried about Jean, about what would become of her and their children. Jessie Lewars was there to help and, by her own brave love and spirit, Jean, who saw death in his face, did everything she could to comfort him. So it was that, on 2lst July, 1796, with Jean and the children around him, Burns died. Dumfries gave him a public funeral and he was buried in St. Michael's Churchyard. About that time, Jean gave birth to a baby boy. A pity that Burns did not have the consolation of knowing that James Thomson (and others) had answered his frantic appeal for money to pay his debts.
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In 1815, his body was disinterred from its humble grave and finally laid to rest in the Mausoleum at which thousands of visitors pay homage every year. We are reminded here of the words of one of his best biographers, Professor Hans Hecht. "He has been granted the happiest lot that can fall to any poet: he is enshrined for ever in the hearts of his fellow-countrymen, and has become such an essential part of their spiritual possessions that it is impossible to imagine Scotland without Robert Burns. He has remained a living force to the nation. The sun that rose over the grave by the churchyard wall in Dumfries was the sun of immortality."
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 9
· THE FIRST A. D. GRIFFEN AW ARD
AYR SCHOOLGIRL'S WINNING ESSAY
In this competition, for, the Best Essay in Scots on "The Place Whaur I Bide", the response was most gratifying. The standard throughout was very high and, as the Editor informed the delegates to the Annual Conference at Troon in September, 1966, the quality of the handwriting itself was admirable.
The entries, however, were judged solely on the essayists' knowledge and use of Scots. So difficult was the final choice that the Editor sought the opinion of Mr. John Mc Vie, O.B.E., an Honorary President and Past President of the Burns Federation, President of the Scottish National Dictionary Association, and a renowned authority on the life and work of Robert Burns.
An essay, full of humour, by Aileen Harvey reached the short leet and also one which, particularly in the closing stages, showed a remarkable maturity of thought by Ronald Wilson.
Anna Johnstone, Bentpath Cottage, Westerkirk, Langholm, in the longest essay in the competition, was also in the running. One phrase which caught my fancy was-"Yae field is yellow wi' butter baas".
In the final reckoning, for her more extensive use of the mother tongue, Miss Lindsay Hewitt, Sec. 3E2, Belmont High School, Ayr, was the winner. Lindsay was invited to the Annual Conference at Troon and there, warmly applauded by the delegates, received the prize of ten pounds.
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The Winning Essay
THE PLACE WHAUR I BIDE
. by LINDSAY HEWITT
It's no' an awfu' auld root, but it has ·character. Ower the root, at the fit o' oor gairden, thur's a lea whaur there's aye kye or yowes. Jist noo the spring lammies are growin' fast, loupin' an' caperin' aboot ahint their mithers, rinnin' awa' as if bogles were efter them. Efter a time, the wee sauls lie doon, fair wabbit oot wi' a' the caperin'. In the winter, when the snaw's on the grun', the neebours' weans tummle the wullcat in the snaw, squealin' an' haein' a richt cairry-on throwin' snaw at a' the fowk wha pass an' then gae hame fair drookit. Puir craturs!
Ye hae to rub your een afore lukkin' ower at the kye in the mornin'. The sun's glintin' ower that muckle hill an' the wind blaws roond it frae the west till ye can feel it hittin' your banes. Sae early, when thur's nae bustle aboot, ye can smell the scent o' the thyme an' gowans throu the cauld air.
When ye turn your een tae the gairdens efter the winter snaw, the sicht wad gar ye scunner. But afore lang the neebours are oot at it, tryin' tae ootdae yin anither. An' the stench o' the dung is enough tae gie ye the wullies. Ye hae tae haud your neb as ye dauner doon the root tae the schule.
We've cam up in the warld frae the days o' oor auld fowk. It's no' a but an' a hen noo, wi' a loo at the fit o' the gairden an' a jaw-box in the scullery. Oor's is a sma' hoosie wi' fower rooms, the loo up the stairs, an' twa jaw-boxes in the scullery, an' anither yin up the stairs an' a'. Ma hoosie is nae muckle heap. It's wee, cosy, whaur I · bide an' I like it fine-needbours an' a'!
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 11
THE SECOND A. D. GRIFFEN AWARD
ANOTHER CHANCE FOR YOUNG ESSAYISTS
This year, the A. D. Griffen Award of ten pounds will be awarded for the Best Essay in Scots on "What I Like Aboot Scotland". It may be the scenery, the people or its past history. Again, it may be that you do not like very much about Scotland! In any case, write frankly-in Scotsand, remember, your essay will be judged solely on how well you know the Scots language.
As we stated last year, your essay must be your own unaided work and its length is entirely up to you. Send it with your name, age and address to the Editor, Junior Burns Chronicle, Newbigging, Tweedsmuir, Biggar, Lanarkshire.
The age limit is 18 and the closing date is 30th April, 1967.
PAINTING COMPETITIONS
SENIOR SECTION
This year, for young artists over 14 years of age, we invite paintings of any scene from Burns's poem, "The Cotter's Saturday Night". If you read over the poem, you will find a variety of possible scenes.
Send your painting, preferably between two sheets of cardboard to protect it in the post, to the Editor, Junior Burns Chronicle, Newbigging, Tweedsmuir, Biggar, Lanarkshire. Please, do not forget your name, age and address. The closing date is 30th April, 1967. Book tokens will be awarded to the winners.
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JUNIOR SECTION
Young artists under 14 years of age are invited to paint a picture giving us their idea of "Hallowe'en". With bonfires and rockets and turnip lanterns to choose from, we expect some colourful entries! Rules and prizes are the same as in the Senior Section, and if you want your painting returned, do remember to enclose stamps to cover postage .
RESULTS OF 1966 PAINTING COMPETITION
In the competition for children over 14 years, we invited young artists to paint a scene from "Duncan Gray". Unfortunately, some competitors ignored the possibilities of this subject and sent scenes from "Tam o' Shanter" and other poems. As a result, some first-class paintings had to be disqualified. Those who concentrated on "Duncan Gray" favoured, almost without exception, a scene depicting a haughty . Maggie giving poor Duncan the cold shoulder. Nicholas Taylor and P. McVey, both 16-year-old pupils of the Royal Academy, Irvine, submitted large, ambitious examples in this respect, but Maggie had, in both instances, a rather too modern look. The winner, with a painting full of humour, detail and excellent perspective, was W. Cornelius, 15 years of age and also of the Royal Academy, Irvine, and he has accordingly received a guinea book token. In the junior section, in which young artists were invited to paint anything they wish from the Works
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 13
of Burns, an encouraging number of entries was received, particularly from Mauchline. The "wee, modest, crimson-tipped flower" was a popular choice, and altogether this was a difficult competition to judge. In the end, the winner, who has received a guinea book token, was 10-year-old Joanne Bryson of Mauchline School, for a charming study inspired, surely, by Burns's poem: "To a Mouse".
PEN PALS CLUB
CALLING NEW ZEALAND AND JAPAN
Here is a heartfelt appeal from Canada. Robert Glen Pickering, 240 Gordon Avenue, Winnipeg 5 Manitoba, Canada, writes: "I would be very pleased to hear from a pen pal in New Zealand. I am 16 and a boy. I would like to hear from a girl. My hobbies are collecting classical music and collecting tropical seashells. My interests are music, classical art, classicalistic and verbalistic poetry. I would be very pleased to hear from a girl." ·
Jennifer Stewart, Castlehill Crescent, Banknock, by Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, writes: "I have always wanted a pen pal in Japan. My age is eleven. My interests are writing, reading, photography, skating with any kind of skates, and, most of all, swimming. I have dark brown hair, green eyes, not very tall and of medium build. Someone in Japan, if you please."
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1966 POETRY COMPETITION
The subject was a poem in Scots on any bird or animal you wished. Most young poets elected to tell us about their budgerigars, but the prize was awarded, after careful consideration, to 12-yearold Sheila Stokesage, 5 Waincliffe Terrace, Beeston, Leeds, 11, for the following poem.
MA WEE PET
Hammy is ma hamster An' bides ben the hoose,
He's no' much o' a bother, He's wee an' like a moose.
I feed him every nicht On milk and nuts and bread;
But when we a' are up an' oot, Hammy gangs to bed.
But when we gang awa' to bed, Hammy's up an' oot,
So when we're tryin' to get some sleep He's messin' roond aboot. '
I let him run aboot the :flair · while I clean oot his hoose, An' though he's awfu' dun and wee
Och, he's a fine wee moose! '
SHEILA STOKESAGE.
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 15
A WINNING ESSAY ON BURNS
This essay won a £12 prize for John H. Happs at Irvine Royal Academy.
THAT THE POETRY OF ROBERT BURNS IS OVER-RATED
In an attempt to reach a conclusion on this subject we should ask ourselves two questions. How highly is the ,poetry of Robert Burns rated at the present day? and, does it deserve to be rated more, or less, highly?
The first question is difficult to answer; the second is impossible. The question of how much appreciation a poet deserves is impossible to answer because we have no basic principle to which we can adhere when judging whether a poem is good or bad. What makes a poem, or for that matter any piece of art, successful or unsuccessful, effective or ineffective, good or bad? Is it to be judged on the basis of its popular appeal, or the realism with which it represents a scene or mood which we can recognise? Or is it to be judged on its effectiveness in communicating an idea, or philosophy, from the mind of the painter or sculptor, writer or poet?
Art, itself, is difficult enough to define. The question of what is good art or what is bad art is even more complex. Is good art what each of us, personally, likes or is moved by? In this case, when a piece of art, or a poem, receives a different reception from different people it is at one and the same time both good and bad. This may indeed be the the only final answer: that there is no answer. But leaving for the moment the question of what an artist, and more particularly Burns, deserves in the way of appreciation, let us consider
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what kind of admiration and respect his poetry actually commands. But here again we are faced with a problem: the question contains the words "the poetry of Robert Burns," not "Robert Burns" himself. The distinction is, I think, important. Burns suppers are held throughout the country and, indeed, throughout the world every year. Burns clubs, scattered from America to the U.S.S.R., meet with variable regularity and enthusiasm. While Wordsworth, Keats, even Shakespeare are, to many people, just names, the name of Robert Burns conjures up the vision of a young and handsome Scot trudging wearily behind his plough, constantly composing odes to mice and daisies or to one of his many loves.
But this, even if it is a true representation of Burns, does not signify the esteem in which his poetry is held. They are all expressions of the image of Burns as symbolising Scotland's heritage and traditions-"Old Scotia"; the personification of all that the foreigner imagines the Scot to be, and all that the Scot likes to think he is. Burns is not always held up as a supremely great poet, whose genius was international and expressed the hopes and ideals, not of a particular race or sect, but of all mankind. He is sometimes paraded as a mascot, a trade mark of all that is Scottish. As England has her John Bull, do we not tend to think in the same way of Robert Burns? The image in the mind of many an admirer of Burns is that of the Bard as "an illiterate ploughman of Ayrshire," as Carlyle described him; brought up on the hard, bone-grinding labour of a poor farm, and almost totally uneducated. All the expressions of admiration for Burns's poetry might be put down to an excessive romanticisation of Burns as the ladies' man, the· hard
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 17
drinker, the sworn enemy of hypocrisy in religion and oppression in the State. Many of these images are not without foundation, and it may be that Burns owes more of his popularity to the glamorous image presented of him, than to the merit of his poetry. It may be, but I doubt it.
Putting aside the idolisation of Burns, the "Immortal Memories" and so forth, we are still left with the inescapable fact that the poetry of Robert Burns has genuine admirers, and a great many of them, not only in Ayrshire, or even Scotland, but throughout the world. His poetry is known in Russia, possibly more because of its supposed political and anti-clerical bias than for its merit as pure poetry in the Scots vernacular. In Canada, no doubt partly because of the large number of Scots immigrants, Burns has many faithful admirers.
The sentiments, if not the exact words of "Auld Lang Syne", are known throughout the world, and form the nearest thing that we have to an international anthem. The man who cannot, even inaccurately, quote a few words of Burns is exceptional. People who consider poetry as dull, boring, "intellectual" stuff, hardly think of Burns as a poet. He is a man who was able to think things that they wish they had thought, see things that they had never noticed and write them down, not as poetry, but as an honest, unaffected "conversation".
I have never, to my knowledge, met anyone who read a poem by Wordsworth or Milton purely for pleasure. (This is not meant to disparage these two poets but is given as an example of the contrast in attitudes to Burns and other poets.) On the other hand, I know of several, myself included, who occasionally leaf through a copy of Burns, not because we have been told to do so, but
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because we are genuinely interested and even affected. We put down the book, feeling that we have read something worthwhile, have seen the world through a more truthful and yet kinder pair of eyes.
This, then, is the measure of how Burns is generally rated; but what of the admiration which he deserves? Is it greater or less than that which he is at present accorded?
When we look at his poetry we find that it was written by two men: one, the educated Edinburgh society gentleman; the other, the "illiterate plough-man". .
In at least this brief assessment of his poetry we can fairly discount the too highly polished, sometimes affected poetry of the Edinburgh gentleman. Burns was no ignorant yokel: he had read most of the best in preceding and contemporary English writing. One of his school books, Masson's "Collection of Prose and Verse," contained Gray's "Elegy", and excerpts from Shakespeare, Addison and Dryden. This interest in English writing continued throughout his life. He knew, and liked, poems by Milton, Pope and Goldsmith, and his "bosom favourites" in prose were "Tristram Shandy" and "The Man of Feeling". But this admiration of English writing sometimes had an unfortunate effect on his own work. He admired many of the ideas expressed by Pope and Goldsmith and found that he wanted to say the same things. He did not always realise, however, that the greatness of his own poetry depended on the fact that it was his own, both in the sim;;le beauty of its expression and in the originality and honesty of its themes. When he copies the ideas and mode of expression of Goldsmith and his contemporaries,
· his poetry is neither Burns nor Goldsmith but often a rather pitiable, deformed, hybrid.
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 19
His debt to his predecessors in Scottish literature cannot be denied. He was well acquainted with the works of Dunbar, Henryson, Ramsay, and Fergusson; but the effect of these writers on his poetry was different from that of Pope and Goldsmith. He said himself that he read Ramsay and Fergusson "rather with a view to kindle at their flame than for servile imitation".
He realised his own weakness in his attempts at "English" poetry. He wrote to George Thompson: "I have not the command of the language that I have of my native tongue. In fact, I think my ideas are more barren in English than in Scottish."
When, therefore, we judge his poetry, Burns himself would not object to our putting aside much of his English verse and choosing rather, as an example of his work, a poem written almost
· entirely in the Scots vernacular, "Tam o' Shanter". Burns, himself, considered this his finest poem. It had, he said, "a finishing polish" which he despaired of ever excelling.
What is it then that makes this a good poem, and how good is it? The first attraction that springs to mind, is its simplicity. Looking at other examples of Burns's best work we can see that they are mainly dominated by a strong, basically simple, central theme. "Holy Willie's Prayer"; the first, and what I at least consider to be the best, part of the "Cotter's Saturday Night"; "To a Mouse", and several others, seem to be the development of a simple idea-an inspiration, if you like.
Sincerity, too, is the hall-mark of most of his poems, an absence of affection and hypocrisy, which is apparent even through the humour and mock-horror of "Tam o' Shanter". Burns never "preaches" at us. He never takes an attitude of
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superiority in order to amend our shortcomings. Indeed Burns frequently used the potent weapon of satire to attack insincerity and hypocrisy, to ridicule abuse and injustice. "Holy Willie's Prayer" is the prime example of this, but other poems and epistles are sprinkled with drops of acid satire and sarcasm. He could be quite bitter in his attacks: some of his epigrams are very biting and cruel; but for the most part his humour was of a more gentle nature.
Like Geoffrey Chaucer he saw abuses and hated them. Many of the human failings of Chaucer's day were as prevalent at the time of Burns as they are even today. But he still found, as Chaucer did, a little love for those guilty of committing the stupid, selfish sins which he saw around him. We cannot imagine that anything so ugly as hate could exist in the mind of the man who wrote;
"It's comin' yet for a' that, That man to man the world o'er Shall brithers be for a' that."
A final opinion of Burns and his poetry is a matter for the individual. I think, for my own part, that Burns's poetry deserves all the praise it receives, and more, but the question of praise is of little importance to a great artist and Burns was undoubtedly one of these. Of course, artists are 'human; in life they enjoy praise and commendation as much as any man, but the truest immortality which an artist can attain, or ask, is that, by his work, he has justified his life.
For Burns, this immortality has been achieved. His work has lived for over a century and a half since his death and with it Burns-the soul of Burns-will continue to live in every line of the poetry that he has left us. Every time one of his
JUNIOR BURNS CHRONICLE 21
poems is read and appreciated, or people, sometimes of different nations and social classes, join together to sing "Auld Lang Syne", Burns receives the rating which he deserves. Which of us can hope to be judged so well?
JOHN H. HAPPS.
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ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH
A Guide to the Places of Interest Associated with the Poet and his Friends
By JoHN McVm, O.B.E.
(Continued from the 1966 "BURNS CHRONICLE")
GREYFRIARS CHURCHYARD
Sir James Hunter Blair (1741-1787) Against the south wall, and in the third enclosure from the
south-east corner of the churchyard, is the burial place of Sir James Hunter Blair, a distinguished Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1784 to 1787. He was one of Burns's kindest friends when the poet first came to Edinburgh, as may be inferred from his "Elegy on the Death of Sir James Hunter Blair". Burns visited him at his family residence in the eastern division of Queen Street. "The last time," says Burns, "I saw the worthy, public spirited man he pressed my hand, and asked me with the most friendly warmth if it was in his power to serve me."
In the interior of the enclosure on the east wall is a tablet with the following among other inscriptions:- "Sir James Hunter Blair, the son of Mr. John Hunter, merchant, Ayr, was born there in 1741. He was apprenticed to the Messrs. Coutts, bankers in Edinburgh, 1756, and Sir William Forbes and he became partners in the concern in 1763. He married Miss Blair of Dunskey, 1770, and in 1781 was chosen Member of Parliament for Edinburgh; three years after he became Chief Magistrate of the City. The erection of the South Bridge was arranged by his persevering exertions. Hunter Square and Blair Street derive their names from him. Sir James died in 1787."
Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo Bt. (1739-1806) The tomb of Sir William Forbes, the famous banker, is at the
south wall, and is next on the east to the mausoleum of Sir George Mackenzie. Born in Edinburgh 1739 and educated at Aberdeen, Sir William Forbes was apprenticed with Messrs. Coutts, Bankers, Edinburgh, and became a partner of that firm in 1761. In 1773
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 23
he became the head of Forbes Hunter & Co., Bankers, and in 1781
he purchased the forfeited family estate of Pitsligo. He was a
friend of Johnson, Burke and Reynolds and is referred to by Sir
Walter Scott in his notes to Marmion. He met Burns at Canongate
Kilwinning Lodge and subscribed for ft, :ty copies 'of the Edinburgh
editions ofBurns's poems. He wrote a life of his friend Dr. Beattie,
published in 1805. He died 14th November, 1806.
Patrick Miller of Dalswinton (1731-1815)
Patrick Miller is interred at the south wall, west of Mackenzie's
mausoleum. The tomb is surrounded by walls, with a closed door
to the front, and there appears to be no tablet on the inside walls.
He was born in Glasgow in 1731. Beginning in the merchant service,
he later settled as a banker in Edinburgh and became deputy
chairman of the Bank of Scotland. About a fortnight after Burns
arrived in Edinburgh he wrote to James Ballantine, Ayr: "An
unknown hand left ten guineas for the Ayrshire bard, with Mr.
Sibbald, which I got. I since have discovered my generous unknown
friend to be Patrick Miller, Esq., brother of the Justice Clerk, and
drank a glass of claret with him by invitation at his own house
yesterday." He was Bums's landlord at Ellisland, and died at
Dalswinton on 9th December, 1815.
Professor Andrew Dalzel (1742-1806) The tomb of Andrew Dalzel, the eminent classical scholar, is
on the south wall a little to the west of Mackenzie's mausoleum.
He was born at Kirkliston, his father being a carpenter. After
graduating M.A. he studied divinity but did not take licence. He
became Professor of Greek at Edinburgh University, and as one
of his students, Lord Cockburn, in his Memorials of His Time, refers
affectionately to his Greek Professor. Burns presented a copy of
Fergusson's poems to Mrs. Dalzel, wife of the Professor, and on the
first blank leaf he inscribed the lines beginning "Ah, woe is me, my
mother dear". The volume is now in the Edinburgh Public Library.
On one of the tablets inside the tomb an inscription in Latin is
followed by:-Born 9th October 1742; Died 8th December 1806.
James Burnett, Lord Monboddo (1714-1799)
The burial place of Lord Monboddo is in "Lord Elchies' Tomb"
on the west side of the narrow strip to the south now called the
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"Covenanters' Prison", and the third from the south end. There is no inscription or tablet to the Monboddo family. He was born at Monboddo, Kincardineshire, in 1714, and educated at Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities. He was admitted an advocate in 1737 and appointed a Lord of Session in 1767. His suppers at his residence, No. 13 St. John Street, off Canongate, became famous. It was to these suppers that he invited Bums on his arrival in town. Here Bums was a frequent visitor and here he met many of the Edinburgh literati. Lord Monboddo died on 26th May, 1799.
Miss Eliza Burnett of Monboddo (1766-1790) Miss Eliza Burnett, the younger of the two daughters of Lord
Monboddo, is interred beside her father in "Lord Elchies' Tomb". She was born in 1766 and was a young lady of exquisite beauty and grace. She entertained Burns at her father's famous suppers. In addition to the poet's "Elegy on the late Miss Burnett of Monboddo", she is referred to in the "Address to Edinburgh" as the "Fair Burnett".
Fair Burnett strikes the adoring eye, Heav'n's beauties on my fancy shine;
I see the Sire of Love on high And own His work indeed divine!
Having contracted Phthisis she was sent to the farm of Braid, where she died on 17th June, 1790, in her twenty-fourth year.
William Tytler of Woodhouselee (1711-1792) The family tomb of the Tytlers is in the "Covenanters' Prison,"
and is the seventh from the entrance on the west side. William Tytler of Woodhouselee was an antiquarian and lover of Scottish music. Burns became acquainted with him in the course of his work for James Jobnson's Scot's Musical Museum, and on the day before he left on his Border Tour, 4th May, 1787, he sent Tytler, along with a copy of his silhouette portrait by Miers, his Jacobite verses beginning "Revered defender of the beauteous Stuart". In August of the same year he submitted to Tytler specimens of ballad poetry which he had gathered in the West Highlands. Tytler was born on 12th October, 1711, and died 12th December, 1792.
Alexander Fraser Tytler, Lord Woodhouselee (1747-1813) Alexander Fraser Tytler was the son of William Tytler of
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 25
Woodhouselee, and was born in 1747. In 1770 he was called to the Bar and in 1780 he became Professor of Universal History in Edinburgh University. In 1802 he was made a Lord of Session under the title of Lord Woodhouslee. Like his father he was a friend and admirer of Burns, and when "Tam o' Shanter" appeared in Grose's Antiquities, he expressed his high admiration and offered certain suggestions. One of them the poet adopted by excluding the lines:-
Three lawyers' tongues turn'd inside out, Wi' lies seam'd like a beggar's clout: And priests' hearts, rotten, black as muck, Lay stinking, vile, in every neuk.
While one of the later Edinburgh editions of Burns's works was in the press, he assisted the poet in correcting the proofs for it. He died on 5th January, 1813.
Sir John Whitefoord Bart. (1734-1803) Sir John Whitefoord is buried in Lord Provost John Dalrymple's
tomb, in the narrow southern portion of the Churchyard, on its east side. On the death of his father he succeeded as third baronet of Blairquhan. The family also owned the estate of Ballochmyle, which Sir John had to dispose of on account of financial misfortune through the failure of the Douglas Heron & Co. bank in Ayr. He was an early patron of Binns and was Master of St. James' Masonic Lodge, Tarbolton. On the family leaving Ballochmyle, Bums wrote his "Farewell to Ballochmyle". They took up residence in Whitefoord House in the Canongate, where Burns was a welcome guest. The poet sent Sir John a copy of his celebrated "Lament for James, Earl of Glencairn". Sir John died on 8th April, 1803.
Sir Adam Ferguson (1771-1855) Sir Adam was the son of Professor Adam Ferguson of Edinburgh
University, author of the History of the Roman Empire and other works. He was a close companion of Walter Scott and both he and Scott have supplied an account of the famous meeting in his father's house (Sciennes Hill House)-now in Braid Place-at which Burns was present. It was on this occasion that Burns was much affected by a print of Bunbury's (now in the Chambers' Institution Museum, Peebles) representing a soldier lying dead on the snow, his dog sitting in misery on one side-on the other his
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widow, with a child in her arms. Below were the lines beginning Cold on Canadian hills, or Minden's plain, Perhaps that parent wept her soldier plain-,
"Bums," says Scott, "seemed much affected by the print, or rather the ideas which it suggested to his mind. He actually shed tears. He asked whose the lines were, and it chanced that nobody but myself remembered that they occur in a half forgotten poem of Langhome's called by the unpromising title of the "Justice of Peace". I whispered my information to a friend present, who mentioned it to Bums, who rewarded me with a look and a word, which, though in mere civility, I then received, and still recollect,. with great pleasure."
In 1822 at Hopetoun House George IV knighted both Sir Henry Raeburn and Sir Adam Ferguson. Born in 1771 he died in 1855. His remains rest beside those of his relative, Professor Joseph Black, in the narrow southern strip, where there is a tablet to his memory.
Principal William Robertson, D.D. (1721-1793) Principal Robertson's grave is in the south-west corner, and
near the entrance gate to the "Covenanters' Prison". Over it is an imposing mausoleum, inside which there is a metal plate with an inscription in Latin to this distinguished professor of divinity and Principal of Edinburgh University. He was among the first to recognise the genius of Burns and declared that he had "scarcely even met with any man whose conversation displayed greater vigour than that of Bums". His poems had surprised him; his prose compositions appeared even more wonderful; but his conversation surpassed both.
He was born in Borthwick Manse on 19th September, 1721. Here he succeeded his father as minister in 1743 and here he commenced his famous History of Scotland in 1753. In 1762 he was made Principal of Edinburgh University and also minister of Old Greyfriars. He died on llth June, 1793.
William Smellie (1740-1795) The grave of William Smellie, the antiquary and naturalist, is
immediately to the north of Principal Robertson's mausoleum. On a monument to his memory is engraved a Lating inscription which records that he died on 24th June, 1795, aged 54 years.
The son of an Edinburgh architect, he was born in the Pleasance
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 27
in 1740, and apprenticed as a printer to the firm of Hamilton,
Balfour Neill. In 1765 he commenced business as a printer on his
own account. Buchan's Domestic Medicine (referred to in Death
and Dr. Hornbook) was issued from his press. He printed the
Edinburgh Edition of Bums's poems and in 1787 introduced the
poet to the, famous Crochallan Club. In allusion to Smellie, Burns
composed these impromptu lines:-
Shrewd Willie Smellie to Crochallan came; The old cock'd hat, the grey surtout, the same:
His bristling beard just rising in its might 'Twas four long nights and days till shaving night;
His uncomb'd grizzly locks, wild staring, thatched
A head for thought profound and clear unmatch'd;
Yet, though his caustic wit was biting rude, His heart was warm, benevolent and good.
Professor Alexander Monro, Primus Surgeon and Physician
(1697-1767) Professor Alexander Monro, Secundus (1733-1817)
On 6th October, 1791, Burns wrote to Robert Graham of Fintry,
enclosing with other pieces the Poetical Epistle "Late crippled of
an arm", which he called "a sheetful of groans". It was written when
he was suffering from a bruised limb, and contains the lines:-
Critics-appall'd, I venture on the name; Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame;
Bloody dissectors, worse than ten Monroes; He hacks to teach, they mangle to expose.
Burns here refers to the three distinguished Surgeons-father, son
and grandson-who were Professors of Anatomy at Edinburgh
University. A monument to the memory of father and son is erected
over the grave which is the third tomb north of Principal Robertson's
mausoleum. Alexander Monro, Tertius, is buried in the Dean
Cemetery.
The Rev. Dr. Hugh Blair (1718-1800) Dr. Blair was a friend and correspondent of Burns, who visited
him at Argyle Square in company with Professor Walker. On the
eve of leaving Edinburgh on his Border Tour the poet despatched to
Dr. Blair a proof impression of Bengi's engraving which was to
be the frontispiece of his Edinburgh Edition. Dr. Blair was
appointed to the second charge of Canongate Church. He was
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later appointed Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Letters. He was born at Edinburgh in 1718 and died 27th December, 1800. He is interred near to Principal Robertson's tomb. A tablet to his memory was erected by his pupils in 1815 on the outside wall of New Greyfriars Church.
Walter Scott, W.S. (1729-1799) To the west of the Church on the left of the walk leading to Heriots' Hospital is the tomb of Sir Walter Scott's father and eight of Sir Walter's brothers and sisters. The tombstone is a plain red granite tablet with the inscription:-
In front of this tablet lie the remains of Walter Scott, Esquire, W.S., Father of Sir Walter Scott, with those of several members of the Same family.
William Creech, Bookseller and Lord Provost (1745-1815) The tomb of this friend of Bums is in the newer portion of Greyfriars, lying to the west, and on the westmost walk running north. The son of the minister of Newbattle, he carried on for years the bookselling business that had been originated by Allan Ramsay. The inscription on the tomb is:-
William Creech, Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1811-1813. Born 21st April, 1745. Died 14th Jany., 1815.
His shop in the Luckenbooths was a centre of literary intercourse, while in his house in Craig's Close, his morning meetings at his breakfast table became popularly known ·as "Creech's Levees". Bums was a frequent visitor both at the shop and at the house. The poet had been introduced to Creech by the Earl of Glencairn, at whose request Creech undertook to publish the second and enlarged edition of Bums's poems. On the occasion of Creech having to go to London on business Burns addressed to him a poetical epistle in which he refers to the "Levees":-
Now worthy Gregory's Latin face, Tytler's and Greenfield's modest grace; Mackenzie, Stewart, such a brace
As Rome ne'er saw; They a' maun meet some ither place,
Willie's awa !
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 29
John Wauchope, W.S. (1751-1828) The Wauchope tomb is in the newer west division of Greyfriars,
near the head of the first walk leading north. The inscription on the tablet is:-
John Wauchope, Esquire, Writer to the Signet. Died on the lOth and was interred here on the 16th February, 1828. Aged 77 years. .
He was Agent to the Earl of Eglinton, to whom Bums on 11 th January, 1787, wrote acknowledging receipt of ten guineas as his Lordship's subscription money, which Wauchope had delivered to Bums.
William Dunbar, W.S. (?-1807) William Dunbar's unmarked grave is "1 D.P.W. The Martyrs'
Tomb" (Greyfriars Register, p. 55). He was the son of Alexander Dunbar of Boath, Naimshire. He was a Writer to the Signet with an office at 18 Princes Street, and ultimately became Inspector General of Stamp Duties for Scotland. When Bums made his acquaintance he was Senior Warden of Canongate Kilwinning Lodge and later became its Master. He presented Bums with a copy of Spencer's poems-a gift that was greatly treasured. In regard to the song "Rattlin Roarin Willie", Burns wrote, "The last stanza of this song is mine: it was composed out of compliment to one of the worthiest fellows in the world, William Dunbar, Esq., Writer to the Signet, Edinburgh, and Colonel of the Crochallan Corps, a club of wits, who took that title at the time of raising the fencible regiments". Dunbar died 18th February, 1807.
Allan Ramsay, Poet (1686-1758) Allan Ramsay rests in an unknown grave. His burial entry is:-
1758 Jarry. 9. Mr. Allan Ramsay, Lyes 5 dble. paces S.W. the blew Stone. A poet. Old Age.
Burns was a great admirer of Ramsay and was thoroughly familiar with all his writings. In various instances Bums acknowledges his indebtedness to Ramsay, and many of his poems, epistles and elegies were founded on models supplied by Ramsay and Fergusson.
Though no monument was reared over his remains, admirers, in October, 1820, erected a tablet to his memory on the outside south wall of New Greyfriars Church.
John Beugo, Engraver (1759-1841) The grave of John Beugo, the former engraver, is on the south
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side of the Churches, opposite the westmost window of Old Greyfriars. The inscription on the stone is:-
John Beugo, engraver, Edinburgh, Born 7th May, 1759. Died 13th December, 1841. His wife, Elizabeth McDowall, Born 25th March, 1764. Died 16th June, 1849.
He. engraved in stipple the well known portrait of Burns by Nasmyth, with the advantage of several sittings from the life. His engraving appeared in the Edinburgh (1787) and many other editions of Burns's poems.
Dr. Alexander Murray (1775-1813) Alexander Murray-"The Galloway herd laddie"-lies buried
near the door of New Greyfriars. His monument-a tall obelisk of granite-has this inscription:-
In memory of Alexander Murray, D.D. Born at Dunkitterick, 22nd October, 1775. Died 15th April, 1813, aged37years; and interred here. MinisterofUrr 1806-1813; Professor of Oriental ·Languages in the University of Edinburgh 1812-1813.
This monument was erected by admirers chiefly connected with Galloway to commemorate the genius and fame of the "Shepherd Boy" who rose to be the most eminent linguist and Oriental scholar of his day.
Being introduced to Burns in Dumfries he submitted a few of his poems in the vernacular and was advised by Burns to refrain from printing as he would be ashamed to acknowledge himself the author of them when he could judge and write better, advice which put an end to his poetical activities.
Bums made the acquaintance of the famous fiddler, Niel Gow (1727-1807) on his Northern Tour, in 1787, and in his honour wrote the song "Among the Trees, where humming bees". He is buried at Little Dunkeld but his son Nathaniel Gow and his grandson, Niel Gow, jun., both distinguished violinists, are buried in a tomb about twenty-five paces south west of the churches. The inscription to young Niel Gow is:-
To the memory of Niel Gow, Junr., who died 7th Nov., l823;aged 28 years.
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 31
The stone was erected by his father, the better known Nathaniel
Gow, but his own name is not on the stone.
Professor Alexander Christison (1751-1820)
Alexander Christison's tomb is in the newer western division
of Greyfriars, in the ground of Professor Dunbar, on the westmost
walk running north. The inscription on the Dunbar monument is:
Alexander Christison, Professor of Humanity in the
University of Edinburgh. Died 25th June, 1820, aged 69.
There is a tombstone to his memory in the New Calton Cemetery
He was a warm friend of Bums, who visited him at his house.
Henry Mackenzie, "The man of Feeling" (1745-1831)
Henry Mackenzie's monument is in the centre of the northern
part of the cemetery. The grave is on the lower level of a short
terrace with a retaining wall. He was born in Liberton's Wynd on
6th August, 1745, and educated at the Edinburgh High School and
University. He studied law and after a stay in London studying
Exchequer practice he returned to Edinburgh and was appointed
Attorney for the Crown in Scotland. On 9th December, 1786,
he published in the Lounger a review of Bums's Kilmarnock
Edition in which he gave a warm eulogy of the genius of Bums.
He died at his residence, 6 Heriot Row, on 14th January, 1831.
Captain Matthew Henderson (1737-1788)
Matthew Henderson's grave is in the lower part of the cemetery,
immediately to the west of the tomb raised in honour of Duncan
Barr Macintyre. When and where the poet first met him is unknown
but they became very intimate when they both resided in St. James
Square. On hearing of Henderson's death, Burns wrote his
celebrated "Elegy" copies of which he sent to Dr. Moore, Professor
Dugald Stewart and others.
NEWINGTON BURYING GROUND
EAST PRESTON STREET
Jean Lorimer (Chloris) (1775-1831) The tomb of "Chloris", the heroine of many of Bums's songs,
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is in the inner portion of the cemetery, and on the south side of the first walk to the left, about thirty paces east of the tower. The monument consists of a Celtic Cross of granite. Amid the Ce_ltic carving are the words "Better a wee bush than nae Bield"; above are a coat of arms and a crest.
The inscription is:-
CHLORIS
This stone marks the grave of Jean Lorimer, the "Chloris" and "Lassie wi' the Lint-white Locks" of the poet Burns. Born 1775: Died 1831. Erected under the auspices of the Ninety Burns Club, Edinburgh, 1901.
SOUTH LEITH CHURCHYARD
Rev. John Home (1722-1808)
John Home, the eminent romantic poet, was born at Leith on 22nd September, 1722. He was the son of Alexander Home, town-clerk of Leith, whose father was a lineal descendant of Sir John Home of Plass, in Berwickshire, from whom the present Earl of Home is descended. He was educated at Leith Grammar School and Edinburgh University, from which he was licensed to preach on 4th April, 1745. He became a volunteer in a royal corps which was raised in Edinburgh to repel the attack of the Chevalier.
This corps, when the danger approached in all its reality, melted almost into thin air; yet Home was one of a very small number who protested against the behaviour of the rest. Having reluctantly laid down his arms, he employed himself next day in taking observations of the strength of the Highland forces, which he appears to have communicated to Sir John Hope .
In 1746 he was presented by Sir David Kinloch of Gilmoreton to the church and parish of Athelstaneford in East Lothian.
He had composed the tragedy of Douglas and in February, 1755, went to London to offer it to Mr. Garrick for production at Drury Lane, but Mr. Garrick returned it with the opinion that it was totally unfit for the stage. Home had numerous friends among the Edinburgh literati, and they recommended that the play should be presented on the Edinburgh stage, then conducted by Mr. Digges. The recommendation was carried into effect and all
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 33
Edinburgh was presently in a state of wild excitement from the circumstance of a play being in preparation by a minister of the established church. "Dr. Carlyle and others of the brethren, not only attended rehearsals of Douglas but themselves performed in the first of them which took place in the lodgings in the Canongate of Mrs. Sarah Wards, one of Digges's Company". (Edinburgh Weekly Chronicle.)
The most remarkable circumstance attending the performance was the clerical contest which it excited and the proceedings of the Church of Scotland regarding it. The Presbytery of Edinburgh commenced the proceedings by publishing a solemn admonition, in which they expressed deep regret at the growing irreligion of the times. This document only provoked the mirth of the public and it was replied to by a torrent of jeuix d'esprit. Hence the prosecution raised against Mr. Home was characterised by an appearance of rancour which has often since been the subject of ridicule. The church, however, though unable to inflict any punishment upon the people at large for their admiration of the play, had the author and his clerical abettors completely in their power. Mr. Home only escaped degradation by abdicating his pulpit, which he did in June, 1757. His friends who had been present at the performance were censured or punished according to the degree of their supposed misconduct. Mr. White, the minister of Liberton, was suspended for a month, a mitigated sentence in consideration of his apology, which was that he had attended the representation only once when he endeavoured to conceal himself in a comer to avoid giving offence!
In 1760 Home printed his three tragedies in one volume and dedicated them to the Prince of Wales, who when he became King granted him a pension of £300 a year from his privy purse.
Mr. Home died on 5th September, 1808, and according to one account is buried near the south wall of South Leith Churchyard, but so far the writer has been unable to locate the grave.
RESTALRIG CHURCHYARD
Dr. Alexander Wood ("Lang Sandy Wood") (1727-1807) Dr. Wood was born near Edinburgh and became a Fellow of
the Royal College of Surgeons. He became acquainted with Burns at a Masonic Communication, and it was he who attended
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34 ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH
the poet while he was confined to his room in St. James Square with a bruised leg. He also procured from Mr. Graham of Kintry, Commissioner of Excise, the appointment of Burns as an excise officer .. He was highly gifted and benevolent and well known to his friends as "Lang Sandy Wood", a name he used when speaking of himself. At one time he ·had a pet sheep, which, like Burns's "Mailie", trotted by him through all the town on his professional visits.
There is a marble tablet in the interior of Restalrig Church:Sacred to the Memory of
Alexander Wood, Esquire, Surgeon in Edinburgh, who died on the 12th day of May, 1807, aged 80 years
and of Veronica Chalmers, his Spouse, daughter of the deceased George Chalmers, Esq., Writer to His Majesty's Signet, who died on the 9th day of December, 1807, aged 71 years. In memory also of [eight] members of their family including Sir Alexander Wood, K.C.M.G., their 3rd and only surviving son who died 18th March, 1847, aged 74, and Christian, eldest daughter of the deceased, Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, Bart., wife of the said Sir Alexander Wood, who 'died on the 19th day of December, 1863, aged 88, all of whom are buried in the vault beneath.
Louis Cauvin (1754-1825) Louis Cauvin was born in Edinburgh and was educated at the
High School and later at the University of Paris. He became a teacher of French in Edinburgh and in 1817 was able to retire from business with ample means. He founded Cauvin's Hospital which was opened in 1833 eight years after his death. Burns formed his acquaintance at the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge in which Cauvin was initiated in 1778. On expressing a desire to learn French, of which he had acquired 'a smattering by a fortnight's tuition under John Murdoch, Cauvin agreed to receive him at nine o'clock in the evening three times a week, and this continued for three months. At the end of the course Cauvin expressed the opinion that no ordinary pupil could have made the same progress in three years.
At the entrance to Restalrig Church there is a tablet:-In memory of the late Mr. Louis Cauvin, French Teacher in Edinburgh, who died Sept. 22nd, 1778.
ROBERT BURNS AND EDINBURGH 35
To the memory of Louis Cauvin, Esquire, for many years an eminent teacher of French in Edinburgh; who bequeathed a fortune acquired by his own skill and industry to endow the hospital in the parish of Duddingstone which bears his name. He died Dec. 19th, 1825, aged 71.
Marble tablet inside the church:-Sacred to the memory of Louis Cauvin, Esq., the beneficent founder of the hospital which bears his name in the parish of Duddingston.
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SOME MEMORIES, IMMORTAL AND OTHERWISE
By FRED J. BELFORD
In my travels throughout Scotland and across the Border around the 25th of January for some years past, one or two humorous incidents have occurred or been told to me by some of my friends in the Burns world.
One amusing experience occurred the morning after I had proposed the "Immortal Memory" at a Burns Club on the west coast of Ayrshire. When I arrived at the station the previous evening it was pitch black. The young porter who took my return ticket tore off one half, returning the other which I placed in my wallet. I boarded the train the following morning without being asked to show my ticket.
On reaching St. Enoch's Station, Glasgow, the ticket collector informed me that I had travelled thus far with the wrong half. "I can't let you proceed," he warned me. (My. destination was Edinburgh). "All you have to do I pointed out, is to 'phone the station-master at X ... and he will find the return half which the young porter unwittingly removed from my original ticket" "Well, you know," he explained, "we are not supposed to allow travellers to do this sort of thing, but I will let you off on this occasion."
Feeling rather uncomfortable I walked across to Queen Street Station where I produced my half ticket which had already been punched b) the St. Enoch official. "Oh! this is not good enough," said the ticket checker, "Don't you know that you have been travdling with the wrong half from X ... ?" I assured him that I had been allowed to proceed by the authorities at St. Enoch's. He countered this by stating that my excuse cut no ice and that I wouldn't be allowed to step on the train for Edinburgh unless I paid the fare. The thought of having to fork out some cash for what I had already paid for gave me fresh courage and adopting a more or less belligerent attitude I told him that I had to get to Edinburgh right now as I had an important engagement to fulfil. As the train was on the point of leaving he obligingly allowed me to catch it, informing me that he was overlooking the matter on this occasion, not to let it happen again and to square up the situation when I arrived at the Waverley. Alighting in the capital city, I very nervously gave my much-punched half ticket to the collector. He immediately pointed out that I had been travelling the breadth
SOME MEMORIES, IMMORTAL, &c. 37
of Scotland with the wrong half. "You will have to pay the single fare from your station of departure. What you have done is against regulations, and we are not allowed to accept the wrong half." I retold my story, but to no avail. I don't know what made me blurt out, "Well I happened to be at a Bums Supper last night." "What, a Bums Supper!" he cried, I am going to one myself tonight." "Oh!" I remarked, "Which one-is that?" He told me, informing me at the same time that the "Immortal Memory" was to be proposed by a Past President of the Burns Federation. "And what is his name?" I queried. He mentioned a name, but his information was at fault. I reminded him that I was the Past President who was to give the oration at his Masonic Lodge's Bums Supper in the evening, and to my great surprise he called out to me "Pass, Brother".
A poem frequently requested at Bums dinners is "To a Mouse"· Surely no poem was ever more realistically recited than was done by a friend of mine, now deceased. A brilliant elocutionist, he was invited by a Bums Club a few miles west of Edinburgh to deliver this poem, which he invariably did kneeling on one knee, at the same time looking intently at the edge of the platform as if the mouse was actually there. No sooner had he taken up this attitude than a small mouse emerged from an opening at the side of the platform, and in full view of the diners. There it sat, all a-quiver, right in front of the speaker throughout his recitation, and only fled when my friend rose to resume a standing position. , I saw an account of this incident shortly after its occurrence in the local press, and meeting the reciter a few days later in town, I asked him about its authenticity and he assured me that it actually did take place.
Anent this same poem, a headmaster of my acquaintance, a keen Bums student, asked a member of his staff to study with her class "To a Mouse", suggesting, en passant, that she should pronounce the word "mouse" as 'moose'." "Oh!" she replied, "I simply could not shape my lips to say 'moose'." "He was extremely surprised at the time, but a greater surprise came to him later in the day when, on entering her room, he found her teaching a lesson on the animals to be found in Canada, particularly the deer family, viz. Moose, elk, caribou, etc. The word "moose" evidently gave her lips no trouble in the geography lesson. So much for the lady who thought she was demeaning herself by using a word in the Scottish dialect. Might this attitude on the part of some of our younger teachers not be a contributory reason why our vernacular is not so much in evidence as it once was?
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38 SOME MEMORIES, IMMORTAL, &c.
One very cold 25th January, I left Edinburgh to propose the "Immortal Memory" in Fort William. The sides of the railway line were piled with snow drifts. Very hard frost prevailed, but I reached my hotel after a most pleasant journey, dead on time. The Burns Supper was a very enjoyable function. During the night a very heavy thaw had set in. Next morning my train was due to leave at 9.30 but owing to some of the high drifts dropping on to the line two trains were held up at Bridge of Orchy and this meant a delay in Fort William of an hour and a half. When we eventually got under way, it seemed that all was well, but after travelling about fifteen miles the train stopped. We were informed by the iward that we would be delayed for another hour and a half until another engine was sent to our rescue. It was now about one o'clock and I took lunch on the train. We were due in Glasgow at 2.0 p.m. I was becoming rather anxious as I wished to be in Glasgow not later than 4.0 p.m. so that I could catch a train at St. Enoch's for Anoan where I was to propose the "Immortal Memory" that evening. We ultimately reached Queen Street Station at 5.25 p.m. Hopes of ever reaching Annan had by now completely vanished. I mentioned this to the ticket collector. He assured me there was a train from St. Enoch's at 5.30 p.m. Could I reach. this station in the three minutes now left at my disposal? "Jump into that taxi and I will phone St. Enoch's to hold up the train as a V.I.P. from Fort William must catch it for Annan," he hurriedly ordered me. Into that taxi I scrambled, reached the station (in spite of all the traffic lights being at red) and found, I am sure, nearly half of the station staff ready to meet me with the cry "Are you the V.l.P. from Fort William".
Purchasing a ticket en route, I eventually reached Annan where I was met at the station by the secretary of the club who told me that he had heard of the hold-up between Fort William and Glasgow. I was only half an hour late for the Burns Supper and how British Railways rose in my estimation!
An occasion that caused much amusement was that of the gentleman who addressed the Haggis at a Bums Supper held recently. A notable exponent of the works of Burns, he was much in demand at these functions. On this particular evening he rose to recite this particular poem and looking down at the object of his address began thus: "Wee, sleekit, cowrin', tim'rous beastie". One can well imagine the titters of the company and the profuse apologies on the part of the performer forhis mental aberration.
A year or two ago I was asked to propose the "Immortal Memory" at a Scots Society Bums Supper over the Border. At
SOME MEMORIES, IMMORTAL, &c. 39
many of these Caledonian Society functions it is the Chairman's
prerogative to address the Haggis, and some of the Chairmen have
only a smattering of Scottish blood in their veins, enough in fact
to entitle them to membership of a Scots Society, and thay have all
but lost the language of their Scottish forebears. This is how this
particular Chairman recited the first verse of this immortal poem:
"Fair fae your honest, sonsy face, Great Chieftan of the pudding race, Aboon them al/you take your place,
Painch, tripe or thairm; Well are you worthy of a grace
As lang's my fit."
His knowledge of rhyming lines was surely at fault and I am sure
more than the Scotsmen present noticed the bad slip in the last line.
I was amused one Sunday morning when on picking up my
Sunday newspaper I saw in large headlines on the front page
"Immortal Memory in Duplicate". It happened in this way. A
gentleman, whom I knew but slightly, wrote asking me for some
notes for an "Immortal Memory" he was to propose at a Burns
Club in a small country town on the 23rd of January (a Wednesday).
I sent him some suggestions which I thought might be useful and
around which he could construct his toast. He evidently made
good use of my exact words and expressions and indeed must have
read my notes very closely. I was unaware where and when his
function was. As it happened I was booked some months earlier
to give the Oration in a town a short distance from where my
correspondent was to perform. My "Memory" took place two days
after his. As I never use notes when delivering the "Immortal Memory"
some of my remarks were almost certain to be identical with some of
the notes I had supplied him with. Hence the duplication in many
places in the two speeches. I was not at his Burns Supper nor he at
mine. As my Oration was given so soon after that of my fellow
countryman I naturally felt that those who read their Sunday
newspaper that morning must have been of the opinion that I had
"pinched" his speech!
(Editor's Note. Mr. Belford has omitted to mention the
occasion when a chairman, in introducing him, ended with, "Pray
for the silence of Fred Belford!" And there was the Club Secretary who earnestly assured Mr.
Belford: "We would have got a worse speaker than you, but we
just didnae have time.")
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BOOK REVIEW
REMEDY rs NONE. By William Mcllvanney. (Eyre & Spottiswoode.) Price 21s.
It is a long time since a first-class Scottish novel came out of Ayrshire, that county of poets. In fact, we have to go back to George Douglas Brown's "The House with the Green Shutters" before we come upon one as powerful as this young man's first novel "Remedy is None". Brown's masterpiece showed up the dourness, malignancy and spite which could underlie the apparent sweetness of life in a small Ayrshire village in the 19th century. In this new novel, written by a Kilmarnock man, the scene is a 20th century Ayrshire town, the dialogue is in the country idiom of the modern Lowland Scot, but the theme is, like Brown's, as intense and tragic as a Greek play; yet it could happen today.
The hero is Charlie, an Ayrshire undergraduate at Glasgow University. He is in the middle of a personal crisis of his own (his girl may be pregnant) when he is summoned home to his father's death-bed. He hears from his dying father the story of his futile efforts to better himself in life so that he could satisfy his wife's worldly ambitions and keep her from the other man. In that he has failed, and he dies full of grief at his double failure. The effect on Charlie is catastrophic. Thereafter, he sees himself in the role of a modern Hamlet bent on avenging his father. He foresakes his studies, in spite of the cajolings of family and University friends. He becomes obsessed with violent emotions which declare themselves in various ways. The compulsion to make somebody pay for his father's failure, coupled with his preoccupation with death, reaches its inevitable conclusion. : · His mother, married now into the circle she so long sought, has some remorse of conscience when she hears of her former husband's death. She prevails upon her new husband to visit the family with iier, so that they may offer some help. Charlie arrives like an avenging demon, full of blinding insult and destructive impulse. He picks a fight with the new husband and kills him. His violence assuaged, his life frustrated, Charlie passively accepts his punishment. Ten years in prison! . '; .'1t might seem that this was an exercise in gloom, however wellwritten. This is not so. The dance-hall scenes, the undergraduate
BOOK REVIEW 41
wit, the humours of a night's drinking and petting, are genuinely funny, and the expressiveness of the modem Glasgow-Ayrshire idiom give them point and verve. There is also the author's gift of involving the reader in all this stramash, so that one relishes page after page of excellent prose, yet reads with all the compulsiveness one usually accords to a thriller.
Although the book is very much in the Scottish idiom, not merely in speech, but also in the emotions engendered, it has, like "The House with the Green Shutters", overtones which takes us far away from parochial ideas. Those of us who know Willie Mcllvanney might be thought to praise the book overhighly, but critics all over Britain have hailed it as a first novel displaying a powerful talent. I suppose it is characteristic of our Sc~ttish nature to ignore a man's gifts when they are displayed on our own doorstep. Do not, I beg you, ignore the first novel of this talented young Scot.
ALEX. MACMILLAN.
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ALEXANDER WILSON-POET AND ORNITHOLOGIST A remarkable contemporary of Burns
By CLARK HUNTER
In December, 1792, Robert Burns was writing to Robert Graham of Fintry in some desperation and in defence of charges which had been laid against him to the Board of Excise. The time was the years of the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror was about to begin and, as has been recounted many times, Burns was suspected of disloyalty.
Another poet was also facing charges resulting directly from the spirit of reform and fear of reform which was abroad. The poet was Alexander Wilson and on the 22nd of January, 1793, he was sentenced to be incarcerated in the Tolbooth of Paisley for fourteen days, to burn the copies of his offending poem at the market-place and to find security of 300 Scots Merks for his good behaviour for two years to come. A year later Wilson again found himself before the court charged with "framing and industrially circulating an advertisement addressed to The Friends of Liberty and Reform".
There were not many similarities in the careers of Burns and Wilson but there was one more which was vital to the fame of Wilson. In the summer of 1786 Burns was writing to his friends Kennedy, Richmond and Smith telling them that Jean Armour's father had taken out a warrant for his arrest and that he had decided to leave Scotland and seek a new life in Jamaica. But the Kilmarnock Edition was going through the press and the publication brought fame to Burns and with it the need or the desire to leave Scotland vanished.
It was not quite like this in Wilson's case. He published by subscription a volume of poems in 1790. It was not a success and the unsold copies with some additions and excisions were re-issued as a new edition in 1791. It is true that "Watty and Meg", his most popular poem, was published anonymously in 1792 but it was taken by many to be the work of Burns and sold as such by the sellers of ballads and chapbooks.
When Wilson landed himself in trouble with the law there was no reprieve for him due to the saving hand of fame and so on the 16th of May, 1794,he left Paisley for the last time, made his way to Belfast, obtained a passage on the Swift, which it certainly wasn't.
ALEXANDER WILSON 43
It sailed from Belfast on the 23rd of May and reached the American port of Newcastle on the River Delaware on the 14th of July, 1794.·
Before we follow Wilson to America a brief account of his early years in Paisley may help us to gain some impression of his character and the formative years.
It was two hundred years ago (as I write this article) on the 6th of July, 1766 that Alexander Wilson was born in Paisley. In his home town we know of him as a poet and we are aware, perhaps a little vaguely, that he became known as the American Ornithologist. But there was more to Wilson than can be covered adequately by either label. We can add traveller, writer, artist, American pioneer and even then there were his activities in Paisley as a political reformer when to bear that particular tag was to risk ruin. For remember this was not only the age of the French but of the American and the Industrial Revolutions.
Wilson's mother died when he was only ten and with her died the hopes she held of him becoming a minister. Wilson had been attending Paisley Grammar School but soon after his mother's death his father remarried a young widow with a family of her own and it is likely that Wilson was taken away from the Gramm.ar School for there is evidence of him working as a herd boy at a farm near Beith. Alexander Wilson senior could not afford to train a son for the ministry on a weaver's wages and two families to support! At thirteen young Wilson was apprenticed as a weaver to his brother-in-law, William Duncan. This was an unhappy period of Wilson's life for his brother-in-law was an unsympathetic individual who later deserted his wife under cruel circumstances.
It was with blessed relief that Wilson completed his apprenticeship in 1782 at the age of sixteen and he celebrated the occasion by scribbling his first recorded attempt at a verse on the apprenticeship certificate:-
"Be't kent to a' the world in rhyme That wi' right meikle work and toil, For three lang years I've ser't my time, While's feasted wi' the hazel oil."
The point of this becomes clearer when we realise that the last line is the punch line as the reference to the "hazel oil" is Wilson's way of describing the birch rod.
While Wilson was serving his time he lived in Paisley with his brother-in-law but soon after he became a sixteen-year-old craftsman he went to Lochwinnoch where his father had rented the Tower of
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Auchinbathie, the dilapidated old remnant of a castle, now demolished, overlooking Castle Semple Loch. It was at Lochwinnoch that young Wilson first worked as a journeyman weaver and, of course, Lochwinnoch was the scene of his best known poem "Watty and Meg".
Although Wilson's father was a weaver to trade it was for more profitable reasons that he came to Auchinbathie; he was a smuggler and illicit distiller, but don't be too critical because smuggling was a favourite occupation of the time and the original source of the fortune of at least one well-known Renfrewshire family.
Wilson was always a wanderer and flitted-shall we say like a bird?-from job to job, sometimes living in Paisley and at other times at Auchinbathie.
For the next few years he appears to have worked at his trade but in 1786 there was a great event in Scotland, the publication of the first edition of the poems of Robert Burns. This Kilmarnock edition was limited to 612 copies and in the following year there was published in Edinburgh, by subscription, a much larger edition and it is both pleasing and remarkable that young Wilson, aged twenty-one, was a subscriber for two copies and found his name flourishing in the subscription list among the gentry.
With the encouragement ofBurns's success Wilson worked away enthusiastically at his poetry, and rather less enthusiastically at his loom, until he had sufficient poems to fill a book. Publication was impossible without subscribers and Wilson ingeniously decided to try his luck as a pedlar poet. He filled his pedlar's pack with muslins and his pockets with subscription sheets and off he went. We already know from what I have written earlier that the book was not a financial success but it had merit-which is more than can be said for much that followed in the wake of Burns.
It would have gladdened the heart of Wilson to know that Mrs. Dunlop wrote to Burns on 25th January, 1792 with liberal praise for Wilson's book and Burns replied on the 3rd of February, 1792 :-
"Wilson's book I have not seen; but will be much obliged to you for a sight of it."
There is preserved in the Burns Cottage Museum at Alloway a little book of Burns's correspondents, prepared by his biographer Dr. Currie, which lists names, dates and a precis of the contents of each letter. Unfortunately the book has been badly damaged by damp and fully half of each leaf-affecting the last column, which contains the precis of the contents of the letters-has disappeared.
ALEXANDER WILSON 45
Under the date 8th November, 1789, a letter from Alexander Wilson, addressed from Edinburgh, is noted but all of the precis that is left is only these few words:-
"A youth-A stranger-Expresses in ... " Again on the 7th of September, 1791, there is the record of a
letter from Wilson, addressed this time from Paisley and the extant precis is:-
"This letter contains another written ... hurt-Wilson apologises and asserts . . . an enthusiastic admirer of B. & ends ... of the bard himself himself, requesting strictures ... "
Fortunately there is some evidence, although not, so far as is known, existing in the hand of Burns, that this letter was in reply to one from Burns. In George Ord's, "Life of Alexander Wilson", first printed in the 9th Volume of American Ornithology, published by Ord after Wilson's death, he states, "Wilson, in common with many, was desirous of becoming personally acquainted with the poet Burns, who was now in the zenith of his glory; and an accidental circumstance brought them together. The interview appeared to be pleasing to both, and they parted with the intention of continuing their acquaintance by a correspondence. But this design, though happily begun, was frustrated by an imprudent act of the former, who, in a criticism of the tale of Tam o' Shanter, remarked of a certain passage that there was 'too much of the brute' in it". The paragraph alluded to is that which begins thus:-
"Now, Tam, 0 Tam! had thae been queans!" Burns in reply observed:-
"If ever you write again to so irritable a creature as a poet, I beg you will use a gentler epithet than to say there is, 'too much of the brute' in anything he says or does."
Burns's reply rings true and the few words from the precis above appear to confirm Ord's tale.
Nothing more need be said of Wilson's life in Paisley and I have outlined briefly in the earlier paragraphs of this article the reasons that drove Wilson to the very new United States of America.
He took with him to America his young nephew, sixteen-year-old William Duncan and they arrived friendless and certainly penniless.
The first few years were difficult until in 1796 Wilson found employment as a schoolmaster at the village school of Milestown, nineteen miles from Philadelphia.
There he stayed until the summer of 1800 when an outburst of flowery letters to a friend, Charles Orr, bemoaning-perhaps just a
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little lightheartedly-his bachelorhood were followed by a sudden , flight from Milestown. The reason for the hasty departure from Milestown has not been clearly explained but Wilson himself gives us some idea in this letter he wrote to Orr.
"As to reports circulated in the neighbourhood of Milestown, were I alone the subject of them they would never disturb me, but she who loved me' dearer than her own soul, whose image is forever with me, whose heart is broken for her friendship to me, she must bear all with not one friend to whom she dare unbosom her sorrows. Of all the events in my life nothing gives me such inexpressible misery as this."
But who the lady was is just as big a mystery as the identity of Shakespeare's Dark Lady of the Sonnets.
This was one of the great turning points in Wilson's life for he found a more congenjal and better paid post as the schoolmaster at Grey's Ferry, across the River Schuylkill· from Philadelphia. Near Wilson's school was "Bartram's Garden", a botanical garden created by John Bartram, Royal Botanist to George II, and now managed by his son William and it is possibly he who inspired Wilson to undertake his great work. At "Bartram's Garden" he also met and talked with men of scientific and artistic tastes. Soon he was drawing plants and birds, a thing he had not done since his boyhood days in Paisley and then on the lst of June, 1803, he wrote to an old Paisley friend Thomas Crichton, "I am now about to make a collection of all our finest birds".
In the winter of 1804/5 he made the first of his great ornithological expeditions. In the company of his nephew and another young man he walked to Niagara. ·The trip took two months and they covered 1,200 miles!
In April, 1806, Wilson resigned his school at Gray's Ferry and became an Assistant Editor to Messrs. Bradford & Co., publishers in Philadelphia, for a new edition of an encyclopaedia at a salary of $900 per annum. Bradford's firm also undertook to underwrite the cost of the first volume of American Ornithology. It was agreed that it should be printed in an edition of 200 copies, the project to be dropped if Wilson could not get that many subscribers. The price was to be $120 per set of 1 O volumes; an incredible undertaking whether looked at from the point of view of producing the book or selling it-and Wilson did both.
In the autumn of 1807 Wilson set off for New York to find subscribers and among those who agreed to buy the book was
ALEXANDER WILSON 47
Robert Fulton credited with the invention of the steamboat, although perhaps Robert Bums might have been in a position to dispute this! Wilson got a great boost in October when President Jefferson subscribed for American Ornithology and from there on subscribers were much easier to obtain. Wilson had a great admiration for Jefferson, his reforming zeal was not quite dead, and had written a very fine oration entitled, "The Power and Value of National Liberty" when Jefferson was first elected on 4th March, 1801.
From this time until the end of his life Wilson spent all his time seeking new birds, drawing them and obtaining subscribers. He covered over 10,000 miles, mostly on foot, and he even did one journey of 720 miles down the River Ohio from Pittsburg to Louisville, Kentucky, alone in a rowing-boat. On the 15th of June, 1809, he wrote to his father telling him that he had forwarded the first volume of his American Ornithology and continued, "I have visited every town within 150 miles of the Atlantic coast from the River St. Lawrence to St. Augustine in Florida ... "
Thanks to the generous response from the subscribers it was decided to increase the printing and when the second volume came out in 1810 it was with an impression of 500 copies.
Towards the end of 1809 Wilson planned his greatest and most dangerous journey but he showed no more concern than if he had been walking from Paisley to Renfrew. He set out on 30th January, 1810, on foot and crossed the Alleghany Mountains to Pittsburg. There he purchased the rowing-boat mentioned earlier and when he arrived at Louisville, Kentucky, he continued on foot to Lexington where he bought a horse and from there he rode some 700 miles through Indian territory, still alone, to New Orleans.
It is quite incredible to read in Wilson's letters the story of his wanderings through the American backwoods at a time when, if we are to trust American films, there were Red Indians with tomahawks in their hands and eager for paleface scalps behind every tree! Even if we discount the reliability of American films there were still a variety of physical and human dangers. This was territory known only to a few and Wilson explored there without fear, engrossed in his life's work.
In his eagerness to make his American Ornithology a masterpiece Wilson drove himself too hard and he found it impossible to continue as Assistant Editor of the Encyclopaedia. Remember all that Wilr.on's ornithological work involved. He had to collect
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bird specimens and having obtained first class specimens he had to make his drawings, which he did with meticulous accuracy. Then the copper-plate engravings had to be produced and the resultant sheets individually coloured by hand. Just as important as finding birds for his book was the need to find subscribers and to collect the monies due from them.
Then Bradford began to create difficulties about continuing with the book unless more money was prpduced despite the fact that the financial success of the book was now guaranteed. So Wilson set off on another long journey which took him up the River Hudson and then overland to Lake Champlain. As always, although it was principally dollar bills he was after on this occasion, he took time to note any new or unusual birds or ducks.
It was an interesting time to be travelling towards the Canadian border because Great Britain a~d America were in a state of war with one another, it had been officially declared on 18th June, 1812. At Haver hill, Wilson had the indignity of being arrested as a British spy! Haverhill was reckoned to be on the direct line of a British invasion route from Canada and Wilson's bird watching and scientific methods of observation were, to say the least of it, unique in the America of his day. He probably looked more like a spy than any real spy! A visit to a local official of the law soon clarified things with apologies all round. He continued his journey and returned home via Boston having collected sufficient money from the subscribers to keep Bradford happy.
All winter and spring Wilson worked hard on his book but he was no longer a fit man and he told one of his friends that several times during his recent journey he had suffered from violent palpitation. He was now seeing the 7th volume of his work through the press and the material for the 8th volume was already complete but the sands of his life were running out. We find him writing on 6th July, 1813, "I am myself far from being in good health. Intense application to study hurt me much".
On the 19th of August he was taken ill and on the 23rd of that month he died. Wilson seems to have had no connection with the Church in America and he was buried in the churchyard of the Swedish Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, in the lair of his friend and landlord, William Jones. The burial records tell us that the disease was the flux which my doctor friends tell me would be dysentry but all those who were closest to him at the end were convinced that he killed himself through overwork.
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Wilson never married but in the latter years of his life he had become attached to Sarah Miller, the sister of William Jones's daughter-in-law, and I would ·hazard a guess that he intended to marry her once he reaped the financial benefits of his book. It was to Sarah Miller he left all his possessions in a will made not long before his death.
Alexander Wilson died with his great work incomplete but we know from a letter written the month before he died that it was his intention only to produce one more volume, the 9th, and this was eventually prepared by George Ord, who had become interested in Wilson's work, and published in 1814.
How can we in Scotland assess Wilson? As a poet he never achieved the fame of his fellow townsman Tannahill, far less Bums, but he did something that is possibly unique in Scottish poetry, he campaigned against the industrial evils of his time, just as Burns did against religious intolerance, notably in his poems, "The Shark, or Lang Mills Detected", and "Hollander, or Light Weight".
His writings and letters about his travels make splendid reading, painting a vivid picture of the early days of the young America. These writings have never yet all been gathered together and published in book form and it is to be hoped that this may still happen.
Undoubtedly Wilson's greatest achievement was the p~oduction, and all that this involved, of his American Ornithology. Wilson set out to produce the first great book of natural history in America. He achieved this and in the effort created a work of art any one copy of which is today worth a small fortune.
Perhaps the most succinct account of Wilson's merit is contained in the recollections of Malvinia Lawson, the daughter of Wilson's friend and fellow Scot Alexander Lawson who himself contributed to the American Ornithology by engraving many of the plates:-
D
"! remember perfectly his brilliant eyes, and hair as black as an Indian's, and as straight ... I think that a great moral lesson may be drawn from his life. When a man in seven years becomes famous as a man of science and as a draughtsman whose birds live forever, without any other help than the cheering voice of friendship to aid him in his new standing, it seems almost a miracle. When we think of Wilson shouldering his gun and setting out for the wilderness, not only of nature, but of ignorance and prejudice, and after months of wearying travel, return with his drawings and specimens, worn out with fatigue and oppressed by poverty,
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to sit down to the composition of a work as truthful, as beautiful and as charming to read as any romance, what a sermon on the virtue of faith and perseverance!"
Lest we are tempted to think that Malvinia Lawson's recollections may have been coloured by family regard for Wilson, I conclude this article with a comment by Professor Francis Herrick, author of the definitive biography of J. J. Audubon. May I remind you that Audubon produced an even more luxurious and brilliant book of American Birds, the first volume of which was published 14 years after Wilson's death. It is accepted that Audubon's brilliant paintings eventually overshadowed Wilson's American Ornithology but they could not dim the honesty, originality and inspiration of Wilson's book. Wilson pointed the way for Audubon and other naturalists; this is now generally accepted by modem students of American ornithology and Robert Cantwell, the most recent American biographer of Wilson. Could there be a more generous tribute than these words written by Audubon's biographer:-
"When we consider that Wilson's entire working period on the Ornithology was not over ten years and that at the age of forty-seven he was called to lay down his pen and brush forever; that he produced in this brief space a work of great originality and charm, which did inestimable service in promoting the cause of natural history in both America and England, and which is likely to be read and prized for centuries to come, the achievement of this man is little short of marvelous."
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IRVINE BURNS CLUB
ITS FOUNDATION AND HISTORY
When, on 2nd June, 1826, twelve of lrvine's leading citizens, among them several intimate friends of the poet, decided to form the Irvine Burns Club, not even the most imaginative of them could have envisaged the Club as it is today with some five hundred Life Members, its own headquarters and museum and its almost priceless possessions. Nor, when these same men met to celebrate at the first dinner of the Club on 25th January, 1827, in the Crown Hotel, could they have done any more than hope that their work would continue. That hope was realised. The Club has remained in being for nearly a century and a half.
Who were these founders, who perhaps "builded better than they knew"?
The first President was Dr. John McKenzie, M.D., with David Sillar ("Daintie Davie") as his croupier; James Johnstone, Town Clerk, became the first Honorary Secretary (assisted by James Dobie, Writer, of Beith); the responsible office of Honorary Treasurer went to Maxwell Dick, Bookseller. The others were William Gillies, Grain Dealer; John Peebles, Convener of Trades; Robert Wyllie, Harbour Master; John Fletcher, Surgeon; John Orr, James Allan and William Shields, jnr., all Merchants; truly a cross-section of the community. The memory of these men is kept evergreen by the inclusion of "The Founders of the Club" among the toasts at the annual Celebration of the Club.
In this limited space only two aspects of the Club can be mentioned. The first concerns the Manuscripts, the possession of which distinguishes Irvine Bums Club among the many in the Burns Federation.
These Manuscripts are "The Twa Dogs"; "The Holy Fair"; "The Author's Earnest Cry and Prayer"; "Address to the Deil"; "Scotch Drink"; "The Cotter's Saturday Night" and were used by the Printer for the Kilmarnock Edition of Burns's works, forming the first five and the thirteenth poems in the famous 1786 Edition.
These Manuscripts were originally in the hands of Gavin Hamilton, the well-known lawyer friend of Burns. They subsequently came into the possession of one of Hamilton's clerks, by the name of Hamilton Robinson, who afterwards carried on business as a
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writer in Irvine for several years and died there leaving a widow who married a Mr. Campbell, the Burgh Minister of the District. The Manuscripts were in turn given by Mr. Campbell to Mr. Patrick Blair, another Irvine lawyer and one of the original Members of the Club, in order that they might be handed over absolutely to the Club. This was done in the year 1837 since which time these precious heirlooms have been carefully treasured by their fortunate possessors.
It would be presumptuous to estimate the present value of these documents. In 1953, when the Club loaned "The Cotter's Saturday Night" for display at "Le Livre Anglais" Exhibition in Paris, the British Council, under whose auspices the Exhibition was arranged, indemnified the Manuscripts for £20,000. Even so, its safe return to Irvine was greeted with sighs of relief.
The second aspect is another unique feature of the Clubits collection of holograph letters from Honorary Members. It was a happy inspiration of the founders to make John Galt and James Montgomery Honorary Members and to preserve their letters of acceptance. This practice has continued ever since, the result being a truly amazing reflection of famous men spanning nearly one hundred and fifty years: poets in Tennyson, Bridges, Masefield; writers in Dickens, Thackeray, Shaw; statesmen in Chamberlain, Churchill, Home, Wilson; servicemen in Jellicoe, Haig, Montgomery, Mountbatten; explorers and adventurers in Hunt and Hillary; musicians in Whyte, Gibson and Menuhin; actors in Irving and Macrae; distinguished foreigners in Poch, Garibaldi, "Teddy" Roosevelt and Eisenhower.
No wonder visitors to the Club become so immersed in these letters that they are astounded at the way time flies.
The only lady Honorary Member was the late Miss Margaret Hogg, for many years the custodian of the Club's possessions and a true benefactor of the Club, whose well-being was one of her abiding interests.
In the long, unbroken life-time of the Club it has had eleven Honorary Secretaries, but only four Honorary Treasurers. There must be a moral somewhere.
PROPOSED PILGRIMAGE BY DESCENDANTS OF WILLIAM BURNESS
Enthusiasm for Burnsiana can take many forms, but surely the efforts of Mr. William Coull Anderson of St. Petersburg, Florida are of a unique character.
Mr. Anderson is a native of Arbroath, Angus, his grandmother was a Burness, and therefore he claims kinship with Robert Bums.
After spending the greater part of his life in America, he returned in August, 1966, to visit the graves of his forbears in Glenbervie, Kincardineshire and to trace the travels of William Burness since he left his father's farm at Clochnahill, where he was born on the 11 th November, 1721.
Mr. Anderson invited members of his family still resident in Scotland to join him on a pilgrimage to all places associated with the Poet Robert Bums in Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire.
The party of twelve people including two friends from America who were spending a holiday in Devon, took two days to visit all places from the Cottage where the Poet was born to St. Michael's Churchyard in Dumfries where he lies in the Mausoleum.
This party is the forerunner of what Mr. Anderson hopes will be a "Pilgrimage pf the descendants of William Burness to Scotland in 1968".
In conjunction with Mrs. Freda Whitlatch, Milan, Indiana, Mr. Anderson hopes this proposed Pilgrimage will get world-wide publicity, as there may be some descendants of the Burness family in Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand.
Any person in these respective countries who can claim kinship ~ith Robert Burns and who would like to join in this world-wide tribute, should get in touch with the Honorary Secretary, The Bums Federation, Thomas W. Dalgleish, 5 Park Street, Kilmarnock.
JOAN GRAY.
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OBITUARIES
The late MR. JOHN E. BARBOUR Jn last year's issue, we paid tribute to the late Mr. James R. Crawford, F.S.A.Scot., a Past President and Honorary President of the Burns Federation. Now, with the same deep sense of loss, we have to record the passing of Mr. John E. Barbour, "Dalswinton'', The Hill, Almondsbury, Glos.; for he, too, was a Past President and Honorary President of the Burns Federation. As in the case of Mr. Crawford, his appointment as President gave much satisfaction, particularly to the Scots south of the Border. When he was invested with the chain of office, at the annual conference at Edinburgh, 1955, Mr. Barbour remarked, in fact, that he felt it was an honour to the Bristol Caledonian Society for what they had tried to do for the Federation when the annual conference was held at Bristol. Prior to that event, however, Mr. Barbour had been associated with the Federation for many years. He was appointed an Honorary President in 1956.
His was a familiar figure at the annual conferences and the last time we had the pleasure of meeting him was at Hamilton, where it was noticeable that he was not his usual robust self. Despite his long years in England, he retained his love of the mother tongue and followed the progress of the Schools Competitions with keen interest. Let us hope the example which he set us will not be lost.
The late MR. ROBERT MACAULAY It was with feelings of sadness that the President and Members of the Federation learned in mid-September of the sudden death of one of their number, Robert Macaulay, of West Kilbride. Such a loss. to the Burns World will, we know, be shared by his many friends in all walks of life, and who were privileged to have his cheery companionship. Having recovered from a serious illness in the summer, Bob set out on a promised visit to his son, a lecturer on the staff of one of California's Universities-.:in Los Angeles. But, shortly after his arrival, he was struck by a fatal recurrence of his illness, and passed on from his earthly labours. With a life-time of active participation in various fields of human endeavour in church and state, not the least of which was his deep
OBITUARIES 55
Jove for the works of the Lad that was born in Kyle, he leaves behind the Memory of one who at all times sensed his duty in the Immortal Lines:-
That Man to Man, the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that.
JAMES SMITH, WEST KILBRIDE.
The late MR. JoHN R. HURRY
The passing of John R. Hurry, who was one of the U.S.A. District Representatives, has severed the link between the Burns Federation and a gentleman who kept the Secretary posted regarding Burnsiana in the United States. John R. Hurry, who was born in Musselburgh, spent his early life in the coal mines and emigrated to U.S.A. in 1922 where he took up employment in the motor industry in Detroit.
His favourite hobby was the growing of gladioli and his farm was known by this name in Neff Road, Clio, Michigan, and his bulbous plants were well known throughout North America.
He leaves a family of two sons and eight daughters all happily settled in the land of their adoption. John R. Hurry will probably be best known to people in North America for his love for Robert Bums. He travelled extensively to visit Clubs throughout North America and was well known to many eminent Burnsians and amongst one of his beloved was the late James T. Picken. The Secretary had the pleasure of meeting John in Burlington, near Hamilton, in 1965 and spent an evening with him and his knowledge and love for our Poet was outstanding.
It is to be hoped that U.S.A. can appoint another District Representative to the Burns Federation.
T. W. D.
THE LATE MR. ANDREW D. GRIFFEN
As we complete this issue of the Burns Chronicle, we are grieved to learn that Mr. A. D. Griffen of Bishop Aukland, New Zealand, died on 23rd October, 1966. Mr. T. W. Dalgleish will pay tribute to him in the next issue. As most of our readers will know, Mr. Griffen retained a great interest in the Scots language, and it was to encourage its use amongst young people that he gifted £50 to the Burns Federation. The series of A. D. Griffen Awards thus came into being. On behalf of all readers of the Junior Burns Chronicle, we salute his memory.
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PROFESSOR JOHN DELANCEY FERGUSON 13 November 1888-12 August 1966
By ROBERT D. THORNTON
After several years of relentless illness, Professor J. DeLancey Ferguson succumbed to Parkinson's disease at his home in rural Connecticut, Friday, 12 August, 1966. He leaves his wife the former Marion Lockwood and a daughter Mrs. Jane Blanshard.
Born appropriately at Scottsville, New York, Professor Ferguson received his higher education at Rutgers and Columbia universities. His teaching career began in 1914 at Heidelberg College and continued at Ohio Wesleyan, Western Reserve, and, finally, at Brooklyn College, where he served as Chairman of the Department of English from 1944 to an active retirement in 1954. He was a Guggenheim Fellow, a member of the Modem Language Association, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
One specialty of Professor Ferguson's researches is reflected in his Columbia doctoral dissertation "American Literature in Spain" (1916) and his book Mark Twain: Man and Legend (1943). His chief interest, however, was Scottish literature, particularly Robert Burns. Emergence of Professor Ferguson as the most discerning Burns scholar lies implicit in the first of his many important contributions to the Burns Chronicle: "Cancelled passages in the letters of Robert Burns to George Thomson," 1929. In 1931 the Clarendon Press published his unequalled edition of The Letters of Robert Burns in two volumes; seven years later the same press published his biography of Burns titled Pride and Passion. Only last year Professor Ferguson selected and introduced the poetry of Robert Bums for the fine Heritage Club Edition. As a collaborator he worked with Robert T. Fitzhugh on the volume Robert Burns: His Associates and Contemporaries (1943), with Marshall Waingrow in editing Stevenson's letters to Charles Baxter (1956), and with the late James Barke and Sydney Goodsir Smith on The Merry Muses of Caledonia (1959).
Professor Ferguson lived to become generally recognised as the foremost twentieth-century authority on Robert Burns. A generous scholar, he convincingly aided others like Snyder, Carswell and Daiches. A demanding professor, he intelligently trained a generation of American students of Robert Bums, which, today, trains yet
PROFESSOR JOHN DELANCEY FERGUSON 57
another generation. A lucid, cogent writer, he forthrightly and honestly set forth his arguments in strong, clear light. Both in his life and work, he gave witness to the truth
"Acting the law we live by without fear, And, because right is right, to follow right Were honour in the scorn of consequence."
The Burns Chronicle will pay further tribute to Professor J. DeLancey Ferguson in its next issue.
THE NATIONAL BURNS MEMORIAL AND COTTAGE HOMES, MAUCHLINE
IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS
During the past year, a central Television Aerial has been erected which, apart from giving the Cottagers a much better reception, has allowed the Committee to remove the aerials from the roof.
The Committee has also been concerned with the position of the houses in Castle Street, Mauchline, and has been working in co-operation with the Glasgow and District Burns Association, who own these houses. As a result, Nance Tannoch's house is being made available by the Glasgow and District Burns Association to the Local Authority on lease at a penny a year, and this Society has undertaken to bear the cost of the structural alterations necessary to turn the building into an Old Men's Cabin.
A new Recreation Room for the Cottagers is being planned at the moment.
JOHN FINDLAY,
Hon. Secretary.
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SCOTTISH LITERATURE COMPETITION-1967
With a view to encouraging the study of Scottish literature in schools the Bums Federation, with the approval of Education Committees, has arranged a competition for the following sections:
(a) Primary-for pupils in Classes Primary 3 to Primary 6. (b) Primary 7. (c) Junior Secondary. (d) Senior Secondary.
In the Primary Section the Burns Federation's Certificate of Merit will be awarded to the pupil in each Class who is considered to be the best reciter of any of the pieces to be selected by the Teacher from the Scots Reader, Book I, and the School Edition of Bairnsangs (3/6) by Sandy Thomas Ross (Macmillan & Co., Ltd).
In the other Sections the Competition will be confined to the items from Bairnsangs, A Scots Reader, Books I, II and III (Oliver & Boyd) and The Poems of Robert Bums selected by George Ogilvie (W. & R. Chambers), as indicated below. In the Senior Secondary Section any additional extracts from the works of Burns can be found in most standard editions.
PRIMARY 7 Of a' the Airts Gala Water Auld Lang Syne
A Scots Reader (Book I)
Bairnsangs
The Fox's Skin Tam o' the Linn
Jeanie wi' the Mumps
JUNIOR SECONDARY The Deil's Awa Address to the Toothache Poor Mailie's Elegy Highland Mary
A Scots Reader (Book II)
"Glen"-a sheep dog The Twa Corbies Wee Teeny
---- ----------------------------------"'!t" SCOTTISH LITERATURE COMPETlTlON-1967
SENIOR SECONDARY
Epistle to William Simson 0 Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast Last May a Braw Wooer The Cotter's Saturday Night (Last 11 Stanzas)
A Scots Reader (Book III) Look Up to Pentland's Tow'ring Tap Home Thoughts from Abroad Andrew Fairservice OR A Penny. Wedding
59
In Sections (b), (c) and (d) the written examination will be held in the schools as follows:-
Primary 7 } 23rd January, 1967, or nearest convenient Junior Secondary date. Senior Secondary-Any convenient date after receipt of exam
ination papers.
Competitors will be expected to know the meanings of the Scots words occurring in the above pieces. They may also be required to write down from memory 8 to 16 lines from any of the pieces, the choice being left to the Competitor.
The examination papers for Sections (b), (c) and (d) will be forwarded in due course.
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BURNS SONG COMPETITION
With a view to encouraging the singing of Bums Songs, the Burns Federation's Certificate of Merit will be awarded to the pupil who is considered to be the best singer of any two songs in the Burns Federation Song Book (McDougall Educational Co.) in each of the following sections:-
Primary Boys Girls
Junior Secondary Girls under 14 Girls over 14
" Senior Secondary
Boys (unbroken voice) Boys (broken voice) Senior Boys Senior Girls
ACCOMPANYING
A Certificate of Merit will be awarded to the pupil in each of these sections who is considered to be the best accompanist to any pupil of any section taking part in the Song Competition.
There will be no inter-school or inter-class competition and the Burns Federation's Certificate of Merit will be awarded to the best pupils in each class.
The method of adjudication is left entirely in your hands and it is hoped that you and your staff will co-operate in this effort to stimulate the interest of the young in the literature of their native country.
Kilmarnock. JOHN McVrn, 0.B.E., M.S.M., 13 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh, 7. ALEX. MACMILLAN, M.A .• Ed.B., 13 Kilwinning Road, Irvine. A. NEIL CAMPBELL, F.C.C.S., 141 Craiglea Drive, Edinburgh, 10. FRED. J. BELFORD, M.A., F.E.I.S., 3 Park Grove, Liberton, Edinburgh, 9. ANDREW STENHOUSE, M.A., LL.B., 82 West Nile Street, Glasgow, C.2. Mrs. S. G. BAILLIE, 38 Gordon Street, Balwyn, E.8, Victoria, Australia. JOHN GRAY, "Ceres," 135 Whittlets Road, Ayr. ALEX. JOHNSTONE, 41 Benwerrin Ave., Carss Park, Blakehurst, N.S.W. WILLIAM J. OLIVER, 2 Bellevue Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. A. Y. CRAWFORD, 164 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh.
Hon. Vice-Presidents. JAMES MCMURDO, 85-71 144th Street, Jamaica, N.Y., U.S.A. RICHARD DOUGLAS, New York. Captain CHARLES CARMICHAEL, 54 Chatsworth Street, Derby. Mrs. JANE BURGOYNE, 12 Lockharton Avenue, Edinburgh, 11. Mrs. M. NICHOLSON, 3 Goldwell House, 29 Ashgate Road, Chesterfield. WILLIAM ScoTT, 28 K.nockinlaw Road, Kilmarnock. Mrs. V. W. BROOM, 12 Whitecotes Lane, Chesterfield. Mrs. M. COULSON, 10 Queensberry Court, Dumfries. J. D. MCBAIN, 33 Humbledon Park, Sunderland.
Officials. President-GEORGE VALLANCE, 5 Park Terrace, Lugar, Cumnock. Vice-Presidents-Dr. J. I. TAYLOR, 81 Hadfield Street, Sheffield, 6.
J. McDOUGALL, Duncan St., Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Hon. Secretary and
Hon. Treasurer-THOMAS W. DALGLEISH, 5 Park Street, Kilmarnock. Hon. Editor-JAMES VEITCH, Newbigging, Tweedsmuir, By Biggar,
Lanarkshire. Schools Competitions-FRED. J. BELFORD, M.A., F.E.I.S., 3 Park Grove,
Finance: H.G. McKerrow (Convener), Mrs. M. Rennie, Messrs. Neil
Campbell, R. Donaldson, T. Anderson, W. J. King Gillies, A. Maxwell,
S. W. Love and R. Dickson Johnstone.
Memorials: W. J. King Gillies (Convener), Mrs. M. Rennie, Messrs.
J. N. Deas, J. Gray, H. Cun•1ingham, G. W. Burnett, D. McCallum Hay,
A. Maxwell and D. J. Mclldowie. Scottish Literature: Alex. MacMillan (Convener), Mrs. W. G. Stewart,
Miss N. J. Symonds, Messrs. F. J. Belford, J. McVie, Wm. Phillips, A.
Train, T. Anderson, Edgar F. Young, D. McCallum Hay and D. B. Wilson. ·
Schools' Competitions: Fred. J. Belford (Convener), Messrs. Wm.
Phillips, J. McVie, J. Kyle, A. MacMillan, G. W. Burnett and Anderson Wilson.
AUDITORS.
Henry Brown & Co., 2 Market Lane, Kilmarnock.
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64 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
AssOCIATE MEMBERS. (As at lst November, 1966)
Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Attwood, 10 Orchard Road, Melbourn, Royston, Herts. Gordon M. Mackley, 92b Renwick Street, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia. Mrs. M. Shearer, 211 Lochside Road; Lochside, Dumfries. Leslie Hirst, Lane Farm, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield. Miss M. I. Dickson, Argyle House, 16 Victoria Road, Darlington, Co. Durham. Mrs. J. Henderson, 9 Balmoral Avenue, Dumfries. Miss Marie Lax, 101 Grosvenor Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 2. Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Miskell, 43 Norfolk Crescent, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow. W. R. Platt, 86 Silverknowe Gardens, Edinburgh, 4. Mr. and Mrs. G. Irvine, "Ulvescroft," 51 Bonet Lane, Brinsworth, Rotherham, Yorks. F. Cameron, 93 Lochlea Road, Cumbernauld, Glasgow. William Mcintosh, 134 Kylepark Drive, Uddingston. G. \Valker, 7 Geneva Crescent, Darlington, Co. Durham. Dr. D. M. O'Flaherty, West View, New Brancepeth, Durham. James E. Shaw, 16 Beechdene Gardens, Lisburn, N. Ireland. Mrs. Little, 8 Wallace Street, Dumfries. Miss McGeorge, 39 Wallace Street, Dumfries. Miss Callander, 9 Union Street, Dumfries. Mrs. Rogerson, 15 Wallace Street, Dumfries. Dr. Donald M. McKay, Belisera Medical Dept., Kalighat P.O., South Sylhet, E. Pakistan. Robert Wallace, 3 Campbell Place, Dreghorn. Frank G. Parr, 13 Kingsley Park Avenue, Sheffield, 2. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ferguson, 26 Church Crescent, Dumfries. R. S. Binnie, Glenbervie, 27 Lockton Avenue, Heanor, Derbyshire. John Skillin, Lochengelly, Gartmore, Stirling. John C. Weir, 75 Wilson Road, Allanton, Shotts, Lanarkshire. Duncan Smith, 18 Newton Drive, Newmains, Lanarkshire. Miss C. Rodway, Park View Boys' Home, Falmer Road, Darlington. R. Peel, 25 Raby Road, Newtonhall Estate, Framwellgate Moor, Co. Durham. Master Frank Zwolenski, Denpark, Abernethy, Perthshire. Edgar Young, 2 Tivoli Lawn, 8 Tivoli Road, Cheltenham. W. McCallum, 2 Redwood Crescent, Bishopton, Renfrewshire. Prof. Colin R. Blyth, U.I. Math. Dept., Urbana, Illinois. S. Alexander, 8 Ash Drive, Wear Valley View Estate, Willington, Co. Durham. Walter B. Elder, "The Spittal,'' Stonehouse, Lanarkshire. Captain A. B. Caleb, Karachi, Pakistan. Justin Caleb, Karachi, Pakistan. Inayat Jacob, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Rafeeq, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Shahzad, Karachi, Pakistan. Abdul Majid, Karachi, Pakistan. Mumtaz Hussain Sheikh, Karachi, Pakistan. Nazir Ahmed Warsi, Karachi, Pakistan. Allah Ditta, Karachi, Pakistan. James Messy, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Saleem, Karachi, Pakistan. Anwar Hussain, Karachi, Pakistan.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Mohd Arif, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Afzal Bhatti, Karachi, Pakistan. Rehmat Bhatti, Karachi, Pakistan. George Bhatti, Karachi, Pakistan. Ashiq Ali, Karachi, Pakistan. Elvin Joseph, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Hassan, Karachi, Pakistan. Jalal Khan, Karachi, Pakistan. Khadam Hussain, Karachi, Pakistan. Abuzar Khan, Karachi, Pakistan. N. Dean, Karachi, Pakistan. Ghulam Rasool, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Yusaf, Karachi, Pakistan. Saleem Akhtar, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Sadiq, Karachi, Pakistan. Javed Malik, Karachi, Pakistan. Mohd Hanif, Karachi, Pakistan. Abdul Latif Dar, Karachi, Pakistan. Irshad Alam, Karachi, Pakistan. Fazal Ahmed, Karachi, Pakistan. Faniel Lawrence, Karachi, Pakistan. Joseph Messey, Karachi, Pakistan. Miss Venus Mable Messey, Pakistan. James Snodgrass, 1 Doune Quadrant, Glasgow, N.W. S. Alexander, 8 Ash Drive, Willington, Co. Durham. Lt.-Col. J. Fraser, Southbank, Grange Loan, Edinburgh, 9. I. McNab, 31 Howards Lane, Putney, London, S.W.5. John Caimey,
65
Mrs. N. Kristiansen, V. Holbergsalm 16, Bergen, Norway. Toshio Namba, 29-19, 1-Chome, Shimizu, Suginami-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. James Mitchell, 62a Rossella Road, Peebles. Chief Constable Merrilees, O.B.E., Lothian and Peebles Constabulary
Force, 41 Park Road, Edinburgh, 6. Bruce H. Garrett, "Highfield," 120 Long Edge Lane, Wingerworth,
Chesterfield, Derbyshire. A. K. McLeish, Esq., 17 Meadowside, Beith.
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66 THE BURNS FEDERATION
CONSTITUTION AND RULES
Name. 1. The Association shall be called "The Burns Federation,"
with headquarters at Kilmarnock.
Objects. 2. The objects of the Federation shall be-
(a) To encourage Societies and Movements who honour Robert Burns.
(b) To strengthen the bond of fellowship among members of Burns Clubs and kindred Societies all over the world.
(c) To keep alive the old Scottish Tongue. (d) To encourage and arrange School Children's Compe
titions in order to stimulate the teaching and study of Scottish history, literature, art and music.
(e) To stimulate the development of Scottish literature, art and music.
(fl To mark with suitable inscriptions, repair, or renew Memorials of Robert Burns.
Membership. 3. (a) The Federation shall consist of-
(1) Federated Clubs and kindred Societies. (2) Associate members.
Bums Clubs and kindred Societies may be admitted to the Federation by the Executive Committee on application in writing to the Hon. Secretary, enclosing a copy of their Constitution and Rules and List of Office-bearers. Such applications shall be considered by the Executive Committee at its next meeting;
(b) Bums Clubs and Societies shall be grouped into Districts as shown in the subjoined Schedule, but those on the borders of Districts may elect to which District they wish to belong.
(c) Ladies or gentlemen, whether or not they are members of a federated Club or Society, may become Associate Members of the Federation on application in writing to the Hon. Secretary. They shall not be represented on the Executive Committee, but shall have the right to attend at Conferences of the Council, without voting powers.
CONSTITUTION AND RULES 67
(d) Ladies or gentlemen who have rendered conspicuous service to the Bums movement may be elected by the Council to the position of Honorary President or Honorary Vice-President, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee.
Council.
4. The Council shall consist of the Hon. Presidents, Hon. Vice-Presidents, Executive Committee, Associate Members, and three members elected by each Club and kindred Society.
Conference of the Council.
5. (a) The Annual Conference of the Council shall be held, at such place as may be arranged, on the second Saturday of September, when the Annual Reports shall be submitted and Office-bearers elected for the ensuing year.-Only in exceptional circumstances may this date be varied.
(b) Clubs and Societies outwith the United Kingdom may be represented by proxy at the Conference.
(c) Nominations for Offices shall be made by the Executive Committee or by Clubs and Societies. The Executive Committee shall have power to make interim appointments.
(d) Nominations of Office-bearers, Intimation of Election of District Representatives and Notices of Motion shall be lodged in writing with the Hon. Secretary not later than the first Saturday in June.
(e) The Agenda of the Conference and the Annual Reports shall be issued to the Clubs and Societies by the Hon. Secretary not less than one month before the Conference.
6. (a) The Executive Committee shall consist of-
(1) The President, Vice-Presidents, Past Presidents, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Editor of the Burns Chronicle, Hon. Secretary of School Children's Competitions, and Hon. Assistant Secretary.
(2) Representative members elected by Districts as shown in the subjoined Schedule.
(3) The offices of Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer may be combined.
(b) All office-bearers shall retire annually, but shall be eligible for re-election.
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68 THE BURNS FEDERATION
(c) District Representative members shall be elected annually by Districts on the basis of one member for the first five Clubs, and one member for every additional ten Clubs in each District; but for Overseas Districts, one Club in each shall qualify for admission as a District. If a District fails to elect a representative member, the Executive Committee may fill the vacancy.
Meetings of the Executive Committee. 7. (a) The Executive Committee shall conduct the business of
the Federation. It shall meet on the third Saturday of October, December, March and June. Only in exceptional circumstances may these dates be varied. The place of each meeting shall be fixed at the previous meeting.
(b) The Hon. Secretary shall give at least one week's notice of meetings, along with the Agenda.
(c) Notices of motion and other business to appear on the Agenda should reach the Hon. Secretary at least a fortnight before the meeting.
(d) Special meetings may be held on a written request to the Hon. Secretary signed by not fewer than ten members of the Com· mittee and stating the business to be considered.
(e) Ten shall form a quorum at meetings.
Standing Sub-Committees. 8. (a) Standing Sub-Committees may be appointed by the
Executive Committee. They shall be appointed annually and shall consist of such members as may be considered necessary. They shall have power to co-opt additional members.
(b) The President, Vice-Presidents, Hon. Secretary and Hon . Treasurer shall be ex officiis members of all Standing Sub-Committees.
(c) Five shall form a quorum at meetings.
(d) The Sub-Committee on Finance shall meet prior to all Executive Quarterly Meetings. All other Sub-Committees shall meet as may be arranged.
Subscriptions. 9. (a) Each Club, or Society, on admission to the Federation,
shall pay a registration fee of Three Pounds. (b) The Annual Subscription shall be Three Pounds. (c) Clubs in arrear with their subscriptions shall not be entitled
to be represented at the Annual Conference of the Council.
CONSTITUTION AND RULES 69
(d) Clubs failing to pay their subscriptions for two consecutive years shall cease to be members of the Federation, but may be re-affiliated, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
(e) The annual subscription for the Associate Members shall be One Pound, which shall include the cost of a copy of the Burns Chronicle.
Finance. 10. (a) The Bank Account shall be kept in the name of the
Federation and shall be operated by the Hon. Treasurer for the time being, and one member of the Sub-Committee on Finance. Deposit Receipts shall be taken out in the name of the Federation, to be drawn on the endorsement of the President, Vice-Presidents, Hon. Secretary, and Hon. Treasurer, or any two of them. All other securities, investments and properties shall be held in the names of the President, Vice-Presidents, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, and their successors in office, as Trustees for the Federation.
(b) No accounts shall be paid without the authority of the Sub-Committee on Finance, which shall submit a report to the Quarterly Meetings of the Executive Committee.
Honorary Secretary.
11. The Hon. Secretary shall keep the Minute Book of the Federation, in which shall be recorded the proceedings of all Council, Executive and Sub-Committee Meetings. He shall conduct the correspondence of the Federation, convene all meetings and issue Diplomas of Membership. He shall submit to the Executive Committee the Annual Report on the year's transactions for submission to the Conference of the Council.
Honorary Treasurer.
12. The Hon. Treasurer shall have charge of all monies paid to the Federation, and shall pay all accounts authorised by the Sub-Committee on Finance. He shall prepare a statement of his accounts for the year to 30th April, which shall be audited by duly appointed Auditors, who shall not be members of the Executive Committee.
Publications.
13. (a) The Scottish Literature Committee shall advise the Executive Committee on policy in connection with any publications issued by the Federation.
(b) The Burns Chronicle shall be the official publication of the
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70 THE BURNS FEDERATION
Federation and shall be published annually, not later than lst January, at such price as the Executive Committee may decide. It shall contain a Directory of the Clubs and Societies on the roll of the Federation, reports of the transactions of the Federation and of affiliated Clubs and Societies during the previous year, and such literary matter and illustrations as may be decided by the Hon. Editor.
(c) The Hon. Editor shall be responsible for the publication of the Burns Chronicle, and shall submit annually a report on the latest issue.
(d) Estimates for the printing of all publications shall be approved by the Sub-Committee on Finance.
School Children's Competitions
14. The Hon. Secretary of School Competitions shall give assistance to affiliated Clubs and Societies in the organisation of their competitions, and shall endeavour to co-ordinate the efforts of the various Clubs. He shall submit annually a report on the Competitions organised by the Clubs and by the Federation.
Benefits.
15. (a) Each Club and Society on affiliation, shall be supplied gratis with the Charter of Membership of the Federation.
(b) On application to the Hon. Secretary, members of affiliated Clubs shall be entitled to receive a Pocket Diploma on payment of Two Shillings and Six Pence.
(c) On application to the Hon. Treasurer, Associate Members and members of affiliated Clubs and Societies shall be entitled to receive a Burns Federation Badge, on payment of Three Shillings and Six Pence.
(d) Affiliated Clubs and Societies shall be entitled to be supplied gratis with one copy of the Burns Chronicle and one copy of a newspaper containing reports of meetings, demonstrations, etc., organised, conducted or attended by the Federation.
(e) Members of affiliated Clubs and Societies arid Associate Members shall be entitled to be supplied with copies of all works published by the Federation, at such discount as may be fixed by the Executive Committee.
16. No alteration shall be made to the "Constitution arnd Rules" except at the Conference of the Council, and then only by a twothirds majority of those entitled to vote.
LIST OF DISTRICTS
(See Article No. 6c of "Constitution")
I. Ayrshire. II. Edinburgh.
III. Glasgow. IV. Dunbarton, Argyll, and Bute Shires. V. Fife.
VI. Lanarkshire. VII. Lothians (Mid and East) and Borders.
VIII. Lothian (West). IX. Renfrewshire. X. Stirling, Clackmannan, and West Perth Shires.
XI. East Perthshire, Angus and Kinross. XII. Northern Scottish Counties.
XIII. Southern Scottish Counties. XIV. London and South-Eastern England.
803 Bowhill People's Club 832 Lochore "Lea Rig" 884 Fife Burns Association
VI. Lanarkshire-23 Clubs: 2 Members 20 Airdrie
121 Hamilton Junior Burns Club 133 Newarthill 152 Hamilton 207 Cambuslang Wingate 237 Uddingston Masonic 348 Newton Bonnie Jean 356 Burnbank Masonic 387 Cambuslang Mary
Secretary: Miss Ethel Hall, 3 St. Mary's Place, Aberdeen.
XIII. Southern Scottish Counties-IS Clubs: 2 Members 112 Dumfries Howff 217 Eskdale
530 Southern Scottish Counties
226 Dumfries 309 Annan 323 Kirkcudbright 393 Annan Ladies 401 Brig-En' (Waverley) 437 Dumfries Ladies 479 Queen of the South Ladies
B.C.A. 536 Whitham 562 Castle Douglas 626 Moffat and District 629 Sanquhar 660 The Langholm Ladies 693 Masonic, Kirkcudbright 730 Wigtown 818 Dalbeattie and District
Secretary: Mrs. M. Coulson, 10 Queensberry Court, Dumfries.
XIV. London and South-Eastern England-9 Clubs: 1 Member 1 Burns Club of London 663 Bournemouth and District
492 Harrow Cal. Soc. Cal. Soc. 570 Scottish Clans Assoc. of 719 Chelmsford and District
London Scottish Society 617 Reading and District Cal. 743 Romford Scottish Assoc.
Assoc. 788 Harlow and Dist. Cal. Soc. 791 Swindon and Dist. Cal. Soc.
Secretary: A. F. Robertson, Vincent House, Pembridge Square, London, W .2.
XV. North-Eastern England-12 Clubs: 1 Member 89 Sunderland 745 Northumberland and
158 Darlington Durham Cal. Soc. 379 Hartlepools Burns Club 755 Blyth and District Cal. Soc. 534 Bedlington and District 759 Sunderland and District 696 Whitley Bay Cal. Soc. 699 Choppington 775 Hartlepools Cal. Soc. 744 Durham and District 796 Gateshead and District St.
Cal. Soc. Andrew's Society
Secretary: John D. McBain, 33 Humbledon Park, Sunderland.
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76 LIST OF DISTRICTS
XVI. North-Western England-14 Clubs: 1 Member
71 Carlisle 95 Bolton
236 Whitehaven 363 Barrow St. Andrew's Soc. 366 Liverpool 417 Burnley and District 436 Walney Jolly Beggars Ladies 572 Chester Cal. Assoc. 618 Altrincham and Sale Cal. Soc.
674 Manchester and Salford Cal. Assoc.
753 Westmorland St. Andrew Society
754 Thornton Cleveleys and Dist. Scottish Society
780 Isle of Man Cal. Soc. 834 St. Andrews Soc.
(Altrincham, Sale & Dist)
Secretary: Miss H.J. Brownlie, 452 Queen's Drive, Liverpool, 4.
XVII. Yorkshire-IQ Clubs: 1 Member
548 Leeds Cal. Soc. 551 Scarborough Cal. Soc. 555 Harrogate St. Andrew's Soc. 718 St. Andrew Society of York 722 Bridlington Cal. Society 763 Wakefield Cal. Soc.
808 Pontefract and Dist. Cal. Soc.
812 The St. Andrew's Society of Bradford
836 Hornsea and District 880 Otley and District
Secretary: Stanley Mcintosh, "Moy House," 79 Cross Lane, Scarborough.
XVIII. North and East Midlands of England-22 Clubs: 2 Members
11 Chesterfield Cal. Soc. 17 Nottingham 55 Derby
329 Newark and District 405 Sheffield Cal. Soc. 439 Barnsley Scottish Soc. 454 Rotherham 461 Leicester Cal. Soc. 556 Doncaster Cal. Soc. 563 Norfolk Cal. Soc. 606 Corby 706 North Lindsey Scots Society 720 Retford Cal. Soc.
of Scottish Societies 861 Cal. Soc. of Lincoln 862 Market Rasen and District
Scottish Association 866 Heanor and Dist. Cal. Soc. 872 East Midlands Scottish Soc. 878 Worksop Burns and Cal.
Club
Secretary: Captain C. Carmichael, 54 Chatsworth Street, Derby.
LIST OF DISTRICTS 77
XIX. WEST Midlands of England-11 Clubs: 1 Member
707 Malvern Scots Club 167 Birmingham 296 Walsall 553 Wolverhampton 559 Coventry Cal. Soc. 661 Leamington and Warwick
Cal. Soc.
751 Worcester Scots Society 777 Nuneaton Scottish Society 845 Tam o' Shanter, Coventry 881 Rugeley and District Cal.
683 Stratford upon Avon and District Cal. Soc.
Secretary:
Soc.
:XX. South-Western England-7 Clubs: 1 Member
120 Bristol 721 Plymouth Bums Club 446 Herefordshire 758 Bath and District Cal. Soc. 462 Cheltenham Scottish Soc. 774 Gloucester Scottish Soc. 535 Plymouth and District Cal.
Soc.
Secretary: Mrs. Dora Dodd, 7 The Dell, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.
XXI. Wales-1 Club: 1 Member
444 Swansea and West Wales
XXII. Ireland-2 Clubs: 1 Member 15 Belfast 183 Londonderry
Secretary:
XXIII. Mrica-1 Club: 1 Member
873 Ndola Tam o' Shanter
XXIV. Australia-11 Clubs: 1 Member
511 Perth 523 Highland Society of N.S.W. 566 Scottish Soc. and Bums Club
of Australia 711 Victorian Scottish Union 716 Royal Caledonian Society of
Melbourne
726 Melbourne 863 Ballarat and Dist. Cal. Soc. 864 Burnie B.C. (Tasmania) 869 Port Adelaide Men's Club 874 Melbourne Masonic 882 Canberra Highland Soc.
:XXV. New Zealand-4 Clubs: 1 Member
69 Dunedin 497 St. Andrew (Wellington)
851 Auckland Burns Assoc. 860 Southland Bums Club
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78 LIST OF DISTRICTS
XXVI. Canada-13 Clubs: 1 Member
197 Winnipeg 303 Victoria (B.C.) St. Andrew's
Soc. 344 Ladysmith (B.C.) 353 St. Catherine's, Ontario 443 Bums Club of Victoria (B.C.) 476 Border Cities (Ont.) 501 Galt
561 London (Ontario) 575 Windsor (Ont.) Jean
Armour 710 The Burns Literary Society
of Toronto 841 Robert Bums Association
of Montreal 842 Ye Bonny Doon, Hamilton,
Ontario 877 Montreal Cal. Soc.
XXVII. India-1 Club: 1 Member
355 Calcutta
XXVIII. U.S.A.-16 Clubs: 2 Members
220 St. Louis 238 Atlanta 271 Trenton 284 Philadelphia 320 Troy 354 Royal Order of Scottish
Clans 413 San Francisco St. Andrew's
Soc. 453 Philadelphia Ladies'
Auxiliary
498 Flint 518 Ye Auld Cronies, Ohio 557 Atlanta Ladies 594 Cuyahoga County B.C. 597 The Burns Society of the
City of New York 701 Detroit 826 North Carolina 870 Massachussetts
Secretary: Howard D. Whinnery, 560 Fourth Avenue, North Troy, New York, U.S.A.
XXIX. Near and Middle East-2 Clubs: 1 Member
771 Caledonian Society, Karachi, 883 Pakistan Young Folks Pakistan Association
XXX. Europe-I Club: 1 Member
727 The St. Andrew Society of Denmark
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE COUNCIL
TROON OLD CHURCH HALL,
TROON.
10th September, 1966.
The Annual Conference of the Burns Federation was held here today at 9.30 a.m.
The President, Dr. James S. Montgomerie, occupied the chair and was accompanied by Mr. George Vallance and Dr. J. Taylor, Vice-Presidents, and the officials.
Apologies for absence were received from Mr. John McVie and Mr. James B. Hardie, past presidents, and Miss N. J. Symonds, Mrs. Baillie, Melbourne, Mrs. Picken, Mr. A. D. Griffen, New Zealand, Mr. Robert W. Macaulay, Mr. Tom Michie, Mr. Bruce Garnett and Mr. John Skillin.
Telegrams of good wishes were received from Calcutta Burns Club, Ingram, Melbourne Masonic, Victoria (B.C.) Burns Club, Mr. Alex Johnstone, N.S.W., and Mr. W. J. Oliver, New Zealand.
CLUBS REPRESENTED
The following 98 clubs and societies were represented at the conference, the figures in brackets denoting the number of delegates from each:-No. 0, Kilmarnock (3); 1, London (3); 11, Chesterfield (2); 22, Edinburgh (I); 33, Glasgow (1); 36, Rosebery (3); 40, Aberdeen (2); 49, Bridgeton (3); 55, Derby (1); 62, Cupar (1); 68, Sandyford (3); 69, Dunedin (2); 89, Sunderland (3); 95, Bolton (3); 112, Dumfries (3); 124, The Ninety Burns Club (3); 133, Newarthill (3); 153, Scottish Burns Club (3); 158, Darlington (3); 169, Glasgow and District (3); 173, Irvine (3); 192, Ayrshire Association (3); 198, Gorebridge (3); 199, Newbattle and District (3); 217, Eskdale (3); 226, Dumfries (3); 252, Alloway (1); 263, Glasgow Masonic (1); 274, Troon (3); 275, Ayr (3); 307, Edinburgh Ayrshire Association (3); 309, Annan (3); 310, Mauchline (l); 314, Scottish Burns Club, Edinburgh (2); 323, Kirkcudbright (l); 329, Newark and District Caledonian Society (1); 336, Peterhead (1); 340, Balerno (2); 349, The Howff Burns Club (3); 365, Catrine (3); 370, Dundonald (2); 377, Kilbirnie Rosebery Burns Club (3); 378, Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs Association (I); 379, Hartlepools (3); 387, Cambuslang Mary Campbell Bums Club (l); 393, Annan Ladies' Burns Club (2); 398, Colinton (l); 401, Brig-en' (Waverley) Bums Club, Dumfries (2); 405, Caledonian Society of Sheffield (3); 426 Sauchie (1); 437, Dumfries Ladies (1); 454, Rotherham and District Scottish Association (2); 462, Cheltenham Scottish Society (1); 472, Renfrewshire Association (2); 479, Queen of the South Ladies' Burns Club (3); 500, New Cumnock (2); 503, Dunblane (2); 520, Uddingston Lochlie Ladies (3); 530, Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association (3); 535, Plymouth and District Caledonian Society (2); 549, Bothwell Bonnie Lesley Ladies' Burns Club (1); 562, Castle Douglas (2); 566, Scottish Society and Burns Club of Australia (l); 577, Dalserf and Clydesdale (1); 578, Lanarkshire Association (2); 630, Coalsnaughton (3); 632, Symington (3); 659, Dundee (2); 660, Langholm Ladies (2); 679, Tullibody
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80 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
and Cambus (2); 681, The Cronies Burns Club, Kilmarnock (3); 706, North Lindsey Scots Society (1); 720, Retford and District Caledonian Society (3); 721, The Plymouth Burns Club (2); 726, Melbourne (1); 744, Durham and District Caledonian Society (3); 745, Northumberland and Durham Caledonian Society (1); 747, Tranent "40" Burns Club (3); 775, The Hartlepools Caledonian Society (1); 781, Ochil View Burns Club (1); 795, Longcroft, Bonnybridge and District Burns Club (2); 796, Gateshead and District St. Andrew's Society (2); 808, Pontefract and District Caledonian Society (1); 811, Logangate (l); 816, Peeblesshire (1); 822, Mansfield District Caledonian Society (2); 824 Stirling, Clackmannan and West Perthshire Association of Federated Clubs (2); 839, Coldstream (l); 841, Robert Burns Association of Montreal, Canada (l); 845, Tam o' Shanter, Coventry (3); 854, North East Midlands Association of Scottish Societies (1); 856, Dalkeith Wheatsheaf(2); 872, East Midland Scottish Societies (2); 873, Tam o' Shanter Burns Club, Ndola (l); 874, Melbourne Masonic Club (l); 877, Montreal Caledonian Society (l); 879, Dreghorn (I); 882, Canberra (1).
SECRETARY'S REPORT
The Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Thos. W. Dalgleish, presented his annual report:-
Another year has rolled past and I bring you a further Annual Report. The year 1965-66 has been a red letter year in many ways for me as
Secretary and Treasurer, and in particular, the issue of the two Burns Stamps on 25th January, 1966, was truly a highlight for Burnsians the world over.
During 1965 I made preparation for my world tour to visit as many Clubs as possible in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Mrs. Dalgleish and I left Prestwick on Tuesday, 28th December, for Montreal. During our sojourn there, we were the guests of the Robert Burns Association, Montreal, on Wednesday, 29th December, the Greater Montreal Scottish Society Association on the 30th December, and attended the Montreal Caledonian Society, Hogmanay Dance on Friday, 3lst December.
On Monday, 3rd January, we flew from Montreal for Vancouver, but had to leave the 'plane at Calgary as the Vancouver Airport was closed owing to a blizzard. We arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday, 4th January, around midday. On Thursday, 6th January, I was entertained to Luncheon by the Saltire Society of Victoria B.C., and we joined with the Burns Club of Victoria and the St. Andrew Burns and Caledonian Society in the evening.
We returned to Vancouver on Saturday, 8th January, and left for Honolulu, Fiji, Auckland and lnvercargill, where we were the guests of the Southland Burns Club on the evening of Saturday, 15th January.
On Tuesday, 18th January, we were the guests of the Dunedin Burns Club at their Anniversary Dinner. We moved to Auckland on Wednesday, 19th January, and on Saturday, 22nd January, we attended a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Burns Statue in the forenoon, and the Auckland Burns Club Anniversary Dinner in the evening .
. During our stay in Auckland I had the pleasure of meeting the "Wee Doo" Griffen, author of "No Wee Angel" and "Sailin' Down the Clyde" and to those who read the Chronicle, he was the Mr. Andrew D. Griffen who donated £50 so
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 81
that the "Mither Tongue" should be fostered amongst children. The Editor is to award prizes for the best items taken from the Children's Section of the Burns Chronicle.
We flew from Auckland to Melbourne on Sunday, 23rd January, where we attended a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Burns Statue in the afternoon. On Monday, 24th January, we were the guests of the Melbourne Masonic Burns Club and on Tuesday, 25th January, we attended the Melbourne Burns Club, both of which were celebrating their Anniversary Dinners.
Whilst in Melbourne, I had the great pleasure of meeting Mrs. Mollie Picken, widow of James T. Picken, who was well known to many Burnsians in Scotland where he had paid a number of visits to the old country during his lifetime. I also met Mrs. Ashton, his sister.
On Wednesday, 26th January, we left Melbourne for Sydney and on Thursday, 27th January, we visited Canberra, the Capital of Australia. On Friday, 28th January, we were the guests of the Scottish Society and Burns Club of Australia, at their Anniversary Dinner, where I had the pleasure of investing Mr. Alex Johnstone with his Hon. President's Badge.
When in Canberra on the Thursday we were invited to the Canberra Burns Supper on Saturday, 29th January, and Mr. John Begg and I flew from Sydney to attend. We returned to Melbourne on Saturday, 5th February, and thereafter, made the return trip to the old country via Sydney, Fiji, Honolulu, San Francisco, New York and back to Prestwick, on 14th February.
Throughout the trip we were welcomed with open arms everywhere we went and the sincerity of their welcome will be an everlasting memory. The Scots in these distant lands had to be met to realise the pride which they express in Robert Burns and Auld Scotland. The meeting of folks from every corner of Scotland, from the Borders to Orkney and the Western Isles, and to meet the Secretary and Treasurer of the Burns Federation appeared to be a red letter day in their lifetime. Everybody was proud of the lands of their adoption and many said they would never be back to Scotland, but their memories of Scotland and Robert Burns were uppermost in their minds, even to the third and fourth generation, in the places they had chosen furth of auld Scotland.
Throughout my trip my two main themes commenced with the letter "B", Burns and Business, I had the opportunity and great joy of seeing afforestation in many varied aspects both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The big Douglas Firs in Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island and the vast growth of Pinus Radiata in New Zealand and Australia, where the growth and volume is phenomenal, was another of the highlights of a wonderful trip.
During the year I have visited many clubs but the two outstanding functions were: Firstly, my attending the annual concert of the North and East Midlands District, in the Normanton Inn on Sunday, 24th April. Trophies were awarded to the children under the Schools Competitions and the highlight was the competition for adults. It was gratifying to me that the winner was a young lady born south of the border and her rendering of a Burns' Song was delightful.
The other occasion was my visit to Coalsnaughton Burns Club, where the members have reconstructed a cottage for Club purposes. They have a very nice hall with the ancillary apartments including a bar. At the front door they have an old-time street light, where an artist has set out the profile of the head of Robert Burns. The members are to be congratulated on having such fine premises, and this might be a leader to other clubs to have their own premises.
Whilst on my tour I saw some wonderful halls and club premises and I am sure much could still be done within these islands with the idea of clubs having their own quarters.
On the gloomier side of life, mention must be made of those who are no longer with us. The Glasgow and District Burns Association lost two of their stalwarts in the persons of Allan S. Meikle and James Jackson. Allan Meikle
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was also a member of the Executive Committee and to their widows on behalf of the Burns Federation, we extend our deepest sympathy. The Edinburgh Burns Association lost one of its stalwarts in Mr. Burgoyne, and to Mrs. Jane Burgoyne, we also extend deepest sympathy.
Membership The membership figures given may require to be adjusted later and the
position at the moment is as follows: Number of Clubs on the Roll of the Federation as at October, 1965. 353 Lapsed 14
Affiliated During Year 880 Otley and District Caledonian Society 881 Rugeley and District Burns Club 882 Canberra Highland Society and Burns Club 883 Pakistan Young Folks Association
Quarterly Meetings
339
4
343
The Royal Engineers Memorial Club still make the premises at 27 India Street, Glasgow, available for meetings of the Executive Committee and to Mr. J. S. Hughes the Burns Federation are most grateful for his co-operation.
All the meetings of the Executive Committee were held at the above premises and on all occasions a very considerable amount of business was transacted. The meetings were well attended.
Memorials Committee During the year, the main functions were Wreath Laying Ceremonies in
various parts of the world. The Cairn at Cambusdoon has now been sign posted and very many people
have expressed their delight that this landmark will now be perpetuated for all time coming. The two seats are in place and suitably inscribed and during the Spring of 1966 a further donation of £10 was donated by the Melbourne Burns Club. As the Ayr Town Council suggest that this seat be put at the Bu~s Statue in Burns Statue Square, Ayr, the Burns Federation have agreed and this will certainly enhance the amenities of this beautiful garden near the centre of Ayr.
During the Spring of 1966 vandals made an attack on the Cairn at Leglen Wood. They wrenched off about 10 feet of the stonework which can be used as a seat at the base of the Cairn, and heaved the kerbs down the steep bank into the River Ayr. This wanton destruction by people who have nothing else to do but destroy landmarks has cost the Burns Federation the sum of £13 to re-instate. They also removed the inscription plate on one of the seats .::rected two years ago, which was presented by Ayr Burns Club. This plate has now been replaced.
The apparent joy in destroying this beautiful Cairn is typical of the thoughtlessness of our present generation and is evident in many parts of the country.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 83
Clubs in Arrears Club No.
Name
116 Greenloaning Bums Club 183 Londonderry 236 Whitehaven 238 Atlanta 242 Montrose 309 Annan 326 Bingry 336 Peterhead 353 St. Catherine's .. 377 Kilbirnie Rosebery 497 St. Andrew, Wellington 498 Flint, Michigan .. 516 A' The Airts . . . . . . . . 535 Plymouth and District Caledonian Society 536 Whithom and District .. 549 Bothwell Bonnie Leslie . . . . 556 Doncaster Caledonian Society .. 557 Atlanta Ladies . . . . 564 Ochiltree Winsome Willie 576 Fort Matilda . . . . 581 Cumbernauld and District 585 Queen's Park Clarinda .. 589 Solway . . . . . . 617 Reading Caledonian Society 648 Carronbridge 686 Banchory . . . . 693 Kirkcudbright Masonic . . . . 716 Royal Caledonian Society of Melbourne 728 Bachelors' Club .. 762 Tannochside, Mossgiel .. 764 The Plateau (N. Nigeria) .. 771 Caledonian Society of Karachi 793 Scots Wha Hae .. 802 Crosskeys, New Cumnock 814 Auld Hoose, Stirling 815 B.M.K. (Netherton) 816 Peeblesshire 833 Alloa Station 836 Hornsea and District 846 United Services 848 Star Burns Club .. 855 Stirling, Back o' Hill 856 WheatsheafBurns Club.. . . 857 Newton Aycliffe Caledonian Society 858 Citrus Heights Bums Club 859 Eglinton . . . . 864 Burnie, Tasmania 865 Forresters Arms . . . . 869 Port Adelaide Men's Club 871 Bowhill Colliery "Lea Rig" 875 East Houses Miners Welfare
18/-
x
x
x x x x
6
Years in Arrears 1 2 3 x x x x
x x
x x x x x x x x x x
x
x
x x x x
x x x x
,X
x
x x x
x x
33
x
x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x
x
7 5
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84 MlNUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Scottish National Dictionary:
The appeal for donations for the Scottish National Dictionary has now reached the sum of £1,587 11 s. 6d. and a summary of the Clubs, Societies and individuals who have contributed up to 30th April, 1966, are as follows: Balance brought forward from last Report £1,369 19 10 Monies sent to the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Burns Feder-
ation:
42 Strathearn Burns Club 469 Denny Cross Burns Club 811 Logangate Burns Club (Subscription) 530 Southern Scottish Counties Burns Club
Miss Symons .. 461 Leicester Caledonian Society 632 Symington Burns Club (Subscription) 112 Dumfries Howff Burns Club 226 Dumfries Burns Club ..
Royal Academy, Irvine 581 Cumbrae Burns C!Ub 721 Plymouth Burns Club
Donations sent direct to Scottish National Dictionary: 851 Auckland Burns Club 173 Irvine Burns Club .. 699 Choppington Burns Club 349 Howff Burns Club 403 Fraserburgh Burns Club .. 307 Edinburgh Ayrshire Association 543 Abbey Craig Burns Club 40 Aberdeen Burns Club
1 London Burns Club .. 21 Greenock Burns Club . . . .
597 Burns Society of the City of New York 89 Sunderland 48 Paisley Burns Club
Jean Armour Burns Houses On Saturday, 28th May, the Glasgow and District Burns Association had
their Annual Coach Tour for the ladies who occupy the houses. The trip this year was to Troon, thence to Prestwick and Ayr, returning to Mauchline, by way of Tarbolton. A High Tea was provided at the Common Room which terminated a happy day for the ladies and guests.
I continue to appeal on behalf of the Glasgow and District Burns Association, that all Daughter Clubs make their donations as generous as possible. · These Houses which have been built on ground at Mossgiel Farm, comprise ten up to date houses with a central Common Room.
During the year wrought iron gates have been erected for vehicular and pedestrian traffic and these will be known as the Robert Orr Memorial Gates to commemorate the great work which was done by the late Robert Orr, as President of the Glasgow and District Burns Association and for many years Convener of the Houses. The Houses are well maintained as also are the surrounding grounds and are a worthy memorial to the wife of Robert Burns.
Visitors from Burns Clubs and other Societies are very welcome at the Houses. The old houses in Castle Street have not been fit for occupation for some time,
and the Glasgow Association are presently considering various schemes for their use. It may be possible to use one of the Houses as an Old Men's Cabin for the Mauchline District. Funds are urgently required and will be gratefully acknowledged by Mr. A. Neil Campbell, the Hon. Treasurer, 141 Craiglea Drive, Edinburgh 10.
Burns Chronicle The Literature, Finance and Executive Committee of the Burns Federation
increased the price of the Burns Chronicle to l 5s. for cloth and 10s. for paper back, to the Trade and Individuals and I am happy to report that there has been no objection to this increase.
The other main feature was the reduction from two to one gratis copy sent to each Club and Associate Member. With the benefit of Clubs making their requirements known timeously, the numbers purchased were 2,200 paper and 250 cloth, and I would again appeal to all Daughter Clubs to let me have their order not later than lst November, to budget for our requirements.
Other Clubs will be happy to learn that the Burns Society of the City of New York ordered 200 copies this year so that each member could be given a copy.
During a meeting with Mr. George Oliphant, Immediate Past President and Robert Morrison, Secretary, in New York in Mid-February, they suggested that the price of the Chronicle to all Clubs should be doubled and that they were making an effort to boost advertising in America.
I sincerely trust that all Clubs realise that the Burns Chronicle is produced at a considerable loss annually and no doubt the price to Club members will again be considered at the Annual Conference in September.
Schools Competitions Messrs. Fred J. Belford and W. Phillips, Hon. Secretaries of the Schools
Competitions, have been untiring in this most commendable work of keeping the "Mither Tongue" alive amongst the school children in many parts of the country. The numbers taking part in these Competitions whether they be run by Schools or Burns Clubs have maintained previous years figures, and how can our language lapse when the children are being taught in their formative years.
To these two gentlemen we offer our most grateful thanks.
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86 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Tam O'Shanter Museum During the past year, the Ayr Town Council have extended the Museum by
adding a further four rooms, and through the efforts of Mr. John Gray, all the rooms are now suitably furnished with the relics of the time of Burns. A Nursing Chair and Cradle were donated to the Museum in the will of Miss M. M. H. Harper, Bolton, Lancashire, and they are reputed to have been in use in the Burns family.
A beautiful oil painting of our Poet was donated by Mrs. Crawford, late of Leadhall, Kilmarnock, and has a place of prominence on one of the walls. The Tam O'Shanter Museum is now open at the week-ends during the winter months and Mr. Gray informs me that they had 700 people during this period. The Museum is becoming very well known and Mr. Gray in his retirement, spends much time giving first hand information to visitors. He is still open to receive items of interest for display in the Museum.
Robert Burns Check Messrs. George Harrison (Edinburgh) Ltd., 24 Forth Street, Edinburgh,
continue to give a commission to the Burns Federation, as do likewise, the Lochcarron Products Ltd., Gala Mills, Galashiels, but this year the amount was slightly down.
May I again appeal to all true Burnsians to make use of the Burns Check , whether it be for coats or ladies' dresses, sports jackets or vests, and at all functions male members should at least wear a Burns Check tie. We waited a long time to have this check, but let all Burnsians be proud to wear it on every occasion possible.
Conclusion The Secretary and Treasurer and his typist find that the work in no way
diminishes and Daughter Clubs will appreciate that the work entailed on the25th of January, 1966, when 1,000 envelopes were stamped and franked at the Post Office, was no mean effort, when the Secretary himself was galivanting in other lands. To Mr. TomAndersonandthosegoodfolksloffermywarmestthanks. Out of the 1,000 envelopes, 300 were retained for re-sale to Burns enthusiasts and collectors, and to date, have brought in £60, which has offset the cost of the I ,OOO sets of stamps-£80. At the time of writing, there are still approximately 90 available for anyone wishing to purchase a set or sets. I have learned recently from a philatelist that these stamps are now carrying an enhanced value so that if anyone wishes a set they should contact me without delay.
I am most grateful to Mr. Andrew Stenhouse for drafting the Greetings Letter which was sent out on 25th January.
The meetings of the Sub-Committees and Executive Committee attended diligently to all matters pertaining to the Federation activities.
I wish to record the assistance given by the President, Dr. James S. Montgomerie, Mr. Andrew Stenhouse, Assistant Secretary and all Conveners.
Secretaries of Daughter Clubs, in the main, have been most helpful in keeping me posted with all changes, but there are still the odd few Daughter Clubs who have changed their personnel who seem to think that I must be clairvoyant in maintaining contact, which is so essential to an organisation such as the Bums Federation.
To the Clubs we visited on my tour, may.I express my gratitude for fitting in dates to suit my travelling arrangements.
My correspondence expands annually, with queries from people all over the world as to whether they are direct descendants of the Poet, or with books and other material in their possession which they wish to have valued.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 87
Once again, I was indebted to the assistance given by the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs, during the Conference hel.d in September, 1965; to Mr. Alex. Maxwell, the Chairman, Mrs. C. D. Mcintosh, Conference Secretary, Mr. Robert Paton, Conference Treasurer, and all members of the Conference Committee, the grateful thanks of the Executive Committee for the efficient manner in which they carried out their part of the Conference arrangements. May I also thank them for the co-operation at all times given to me.
This year, I look forward to the Conference which is to be held in Ayrshire, with headquarters at Troon, and to meeting many representatives both from our own island and I was assured on my trip that there would be a considerable number coming from overseas.
On this occasion, we have David B. Wilson, as President of the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs Conference Committee, Mr. Thomas Anderson, as Conference Secretary and Mr. D. Dunlop as Conference Treasurer, The Conference Committee are actively getting down to business, and I am sure all those attending can be assured of a happy stay in Ayrshire, where again the hospitality and features will be of the usual high standard.
The Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of Troon are to welcome the Delegates on the Friday evening. We are to be guests of the Ayrshire County Council on the Saturday evening with a Concert by the Beresford Girls Choir and a Section of Ayr Academy Orchestra.
On the Sunday afternoon, there is to be a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Bums Statue on the Moor at Irvine, at 4 p.m. We are to be the guests of the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the Royal Burgh of Irvine where we are to be entertained to tea.
To all attending, the Executive Committee of the Burns Federation can assure everyone that the week-end spent in the land of Bums will be an everlasting memory.
The report was unanimously adopted.
BRIDGE REPORTS
New Bridge No structural defects. The main stream of the River Ayr flows through the
Southmost arch but there is no indication of scouring near the piers or abutments.
Auld Brig The Structure of the Auld Brig is in good condition and requires no attention.
The main channel of the River Ayr is through the southmost arch but there is no scour at the piers or abutments.
Auld Brig 0' Doon No further restoration was possible during 1965/66 but discussions took place
with a Representative of the Ministry of Works. Arrangements have now been made to scaffold the bridge and begin the repairs to the arch ring.
CHARLES EDDIE, Burgh Surveyor.
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88 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mr. Dalgleish then submitted the financial report.
Ordinary Fund The balance at lst May, 1965 was £752, whereas the balance at 30th April,
1966 was £1,236, which this year gives a credit balance of £484,as compared with a deficit of £263 in 1964. It should also be noted that the sale of Federation Brooches has gone up by £20. The Conference Receipts are considerably increased and the Federation thanks the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs, who handed over a surplus of £321. General Appeals were down by £100, but the miscellaneous receipts have gone up from £13 to £84. On the payment side, postage and telephones are up by £15, the expenses of meetings are down by £16. The Conference Expenses are up £13, and the transfer to the Chronicle Account is up by £73. It should be noted that whilst the Burns Commemorative Stamps cost £79, the Federation has been reimbursed by £58, and I have still approximately 90 sets of stamps still on hand, which can be purchased at 5s. per set. The balance on hand at £1,236 is gratifying.
Annual Subscriptions At the close of the Financial Year, there were 6 Clubs each 18s. in arrears,
33 Clubs one year in arrears, 7 Clubs two years in arrears and 5 Clubs three years in arrears. The balance of 18s. per Club outstanding is the difference between the £2 2s. and £3 for the Annual Subscription.
The number of Clubs in membership of the Burns Federation is 343 and it will be noted from the Financial Statement what the position is regarding Clubs, at the present time. It is also gratifying to note that 4 Clubs who were two years in arrears, and one Club three years in arrears, have now brought their Annual Subscription up to date. During the year, fewer Clubs joined the Burns Federation, but I am very happy to inform you that during my trip to Australia, I was able to bring into the fold, Canberra Burns Club, and I have also an application from Pakistan Young Folks Association, Karachi. This Association has also paid the subscription for 1966/67 for 35 of its members to be Associate Members of the Burns Federation. It should be noted that the Annual Subscriptions have gone up from £833 to £981, and in particular, that there are now 62 Associate Members.
Burns Chronicle Whilst the transfer from the Ordinary Fund was £266, it should be borne in
mind that an extra 200 paper bound copies of the 1966 Chronicle were printed. Advertising is down by approximately £50. It should be noted that I am still able to sell back numbers at an increased price. The printing of the Chronicle cost an extra £74, but commission, packing, etc., is similar to last year.
The Executive Committee should now consider an increase in the price of the Burns Chronicle, as it is now becoming apparent that the General Fund cannot continue to subsidise the Chronicle annually.
Scottish Literature Fund The balance at the beginning of the year was £677, and £896 at 30th April,
1966. It should be noted that our Royalties from the Scots Reader and Bums Federation Song Book are down by approximately £20. Thanks to the County Council of Dunbarton the sales of the Declaration of Arbroath are up from £9 to £82, and the windfall from the Burns House Club Ltd., was £100. There is also the £50 from Mr. A. D. Griffin of Auckland. It should be noted that the commission on the sale of the Bums Check has dropped by £10. On the pay-
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 89
ments side, the Posts, Travelling and Printing, are up by £33 and the £4 accounts for the book tokens under the Children's Section.
Central Fund • The balance at the beginning of the year was £1,311 as compared with £1,514
at 30th April, 1966, the main items making the difference was £64 in donations and £100 from the Burns House Club, together with the increase in interest. It was unfortunate that we had vandalism to the Cairn at Leglen Wood, which in the present financial year, may cost approximately £15.
Joseph Laing Waugh Memorial Fund Again, the Burns Federation have sent a cheque for £12 to the Southern Scottish
Counties Bums Association for the purchase of School Prizes.
Scottish National Dictionary It will be noted that the donations have gone up from £198 to £218. During
my world tour, I made a strong appeal to all Clubs which I visited, and I sincerely trust they will bear this in mind when reading this report. It would be a tragedy when we have reached the letter "O" if funds were not available to complete this work, which some day will be looked upon as our National Heritage.
General My trip to Canada, U.S.A., New Zealand and Australia, indicated the enthu
siasm of emigrants in foreign parts, in their Jove and admiration for our National Bard and in particular, to this small country called Scotia. How these folks rally round, to anything with a Scottish flavour, is something which has to be seen to be realised and may we at home continue to engender the enthusiasm imparted by those folks overseas, in their love for our National Bard. The longer I live, I feel we have a heritage which must be treasured, and to the Conveners of the Schools Competitions, we owe an overwhelming debt of gratitude, in keeping the auld Scots tongue to the forefront.
At this stage, may I pay a very warm compliment to Mr. Andrew D. Griffen of Auckland: What a gem of a man he is! He prospered well in the land of his adoption, and many contributions financial and otherwise have been donated to the Scottish cause, both in the land of his adoption, and in auld Scotland.
The report was unanimously adopted.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30th APRIL, 1966
ORDINARY FUND •
RECEIPTS 1964/6S --- Balance at lst May, 196S:
£833
737
Current Account Savings Account S % Defence Bonds
Annual Subscriptions: Current Arrears .. Advance Associate Members
11 Affiliation Fees 20 Sale of Pocket Diplomas 39 Sale of Federation Brooches
139 Conference Receipts ..
340
13
29
£2,161
General Appeal Funds-Scottish National Dictionary . . . . National Burns Memorial and Cottage
A. NEIL CAMPBELL, Convener of Finance Committee. THOS. W. DALGLEISH, Honorary Treasurer.
£12
213
£225
GLASGOW, 7th June, 1966.-We have examined the Books and Accounts of The Burns Federation for the year ended 30th April, 1966, and have obtained all the information and explanations required. We certify that the foregoing Financial Statement is in accordance with the Books, and we have verified that the Funds and Securities at 30th April, 1966, as shown in the Statement, are correct.
Mr. James Veitch, Editor of the Burns Chronicle submitted the following report:-
Whilst the 1966 Burns Chronicle was sold out, it cannot be denied that this again involves us in considerable financial loss. Year after year, I have pointed out that, until the Burns Chronicle is sold at a realistic price, there is no possibility of taking it out of the red. Unsolicited support for an increase in price has reached me from America, and I hope to present this overseas viewpoint at the Annual Conference in September.
The 1966 Issue included the second number of the Junior Burns Chronicle Thanks to Mr.John E. Russell, Principal Art Teacher at the Royal Academy, Irvine, and Miss M. E. Jardine, Kilmarnock, who teaches at Mauchline, the painting competitions were well supported.
In the essay competition for the important Mr. A. D. Griffen Award, we warmly appreciate the interest shown by Mr. David McCreadie, Headmaster of Belmont High School, Ayr, who sent entries from 15 pupils. In this connection, Mr. John Gray, one of our Honorary Presidents, took it upon himself to draw the attention of all headmasters in Ayr to the Junior Burns Chronicle. For this, we sincerely thank him.
From the above, however, it will be noted that, on the whole, members of Burns Clubs are still leaving the children's section to "hing as it grows".
Clubs which purchased 20 or more copies: 597 Burns Society of the City of New York .. 226 Dumfries Burns Club 811 Logangate Burns Club 476 Border Cities 275 Ayr Burns Club .. 198 Gorebridge Burns Club 48 Paisley Burns Club 35 Dairy Burns Club . . . .
469 Denny Cross Burns Club .. 405 Sheffield Caledonian
0 Kilmarnock Burns Club 10 Dumbarton Burns Club 15 Belfast Burns Club 89 Sunderland ..
220 St. Louis 112 Burns Howff 238 Atlanta .. 808 Pontefract .. 173 Irvine 748 Ouplaymuir
At this point, Miss Lindsay Hewitt, 157 Hillfoot Road, Ayr, a 15-year-old pupil of Belmont High School, Ayr, was announced as the first A. D. Griffen Award winner for her essay on "The Place Whaur I Bide". Miss Hewitt, who had been invited to attend the business meeting, was warmly applauded as she stepped forward to receive her prize of ten pounds.
INCREASE IN PRICE OF "BURNS CHRONICLE"
Mr. Alex. MacMillan, Convener of the Scottish Literature Committee, was then asked to speak upon the price of the Burns Chronicle. He pointed out that the cost of printing was increasing year by year. "It is true," he said, "that we are subsidised normally to the extent of something like £200 per year, sometimes more than that. But no Federation of this sort can go on doing that." The Executive had decided that the price would have to go up substantially. Mr. MacMillan explained that he had been asked to convene a Meeting at which it had been agreed that the paper back edition should be 7s. 6d. and cloth-bound 12s. 6d.
Mr. R. McGuff, Edinburgh, Mr. Neil Campbell, Edinburgh, and Dr. J. O'Flaherty, Durham, spoke strongly in favour of the increase. Mr. W. J. King Gillies formally moved that the price be 7s. 6d. paper back and 12s. 6d. cloth. There was a unanimous show of hands in favour of the increase.
SCHOOL COMPETITIONS REPORT
The report by Mr. Fred J. Belford and Mr. W. Phillips, Joint Conveners of the School Competitions, was submitted by Mr. Belford.
The School Competitions in Scottish Literature and Music continue to give a good account of themselves. From the undernoted table it will be seen that, as compared with 1965, the number of schools competing has increased both in Literature and Music. In Literature, the rise has been considerable, in Music, a little down. In this report the various grades of schools are not shown but a pleasing feature to mention is the increase in the number of senior secondary pupils taking part.
With the "distribution of the examination questions and certificates by the Printers to the Directors of Education working most satisfactorily it has also to be reported that the task of the printers and the schools has been greatly minimised by having the papers printed in different colours for each section of the competition.
Some reports have still to come in from Burns Clubs, and it is hoped to be able to report on their competitions later in the year.
For the help given by the Directors of Education and their staffs in distributing the papers and by the headmasters and their staffs in carrying out the competitions the Burns Federation is most grateful. Thanks are also due to the Burns Clubs throughout the country for the interest many of them take in running contests in song and verse. In this way a love for the Scottish tongue is early and it is to be hoped, lastingly inculcated.
Book Prizes and Tokens .. Shields, Cups &c. . . Certificates . . . .
Grand Total of Competitors ..
1964
266 35,370 1,736
Music
1965
291 34,700
1,730
Burns Clubs
1964
25 90
10,882 442
14 385
1965
26 87
10,361 406
14 369
1964 - 159,061 1965 - 152,406 1966 - 158,354
95
1966
296 34,182 , 1,684
1966
31 98
10,124 601
27 754
F. J. BELFORD & W. PHILLIPS, Joint Conveners.
Mr. Belford stressed the need for projects and suggested, as an example, that a class might build up a project on "Tam o' Shanter'', something that would appeal to the children's imagination. He thought it would add fresh impetus to the children's competitions.
Mr. Phillips said that between 35,000 and 50,000 examination papers were compiled and printed every year.
The report was unanimously adopted.
SCOTTISH LITERATURE REPORT
Mr. Alex. MacMillan, Convener of the Scottish Literature Committee, submitted the following report:-
This has been a comparatively fallow year for the Committee as a whole although individually much has been done. Tom Anderson arranged the TV Service; your Convener had a hand in the Bums Stamp production, as well as dealing with recent "discoveries" of the poet's letters, and giving well-meant advice to a Canadian lady who is going to write a book on Jean Armour; and John Gray is once more undertaking the work of guide to Burnsians from abroad.
There is still with us the problem of financing the Burns Chronicle. Like many publications which have a limited interest to the public in general, the Chronicle has now to be subsidised from Federation funds. Increases in printing costs make the cost of publication much in excess of the price charged.
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96 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The time has come to ask Burnsians to pay an economic price for their journal. I have never believed that an enthusiast cannot afford a Chronicle even if the price is increased.
The Editor has always gone to great pains to encourage material that throws light on some undiscovered territory in Burns lore not yet explored by scholars. At the other end of the scale, the "Junior'' section has been accepted by everybody as excellently presented but not enough children see it.
It has been argued that the Section which has actually to do with the Clubs and their activities should be cut, but the existence of this section is one of the reasons for the very existence of the Chronicle. Ah, well "What does the utmost that he can, will whyles do mair".
A. MACMILLAN, Convenor.
The report was unanimously adopted.
MEMORIAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. W. J. King-Gillies, convener of the Memorial Committee, gave this report:-
N o claims or calls were made on the Committee in eleven months of this year which suggested that all was well and tidy in our jurisdiction but in the month of May, vandalism was reported from Leglen Wood. Last year we had to replace wooden seats and this year it is replacement of the stone seats around the memorial itself.
That such vandalism should take place in Ayrshire-at the Wallace and Burns Monument in Leglen Wood is to be deplored and it is difficult to understand the mentality of Scots who can descend to such acts in ground hallowed by two of Scotland's greatest sons.
W. J. KING-GILLIES, Convener.
The report was unanimously adopted.
AYRSHIRE RESOLUTION
The conference went on to discuss a resolution: "That it is the considered opinion of Ayrshire Association that the Junior Section of the Burns Chronic!e should be a separate issue and sent to the schools in November. Only by th!s method will the children be made aware that the Junior Chronicle exists and their interest in the Mr. A. D. Griffen Award and the other competitions be aroused."
Mr. John Gray, Ayr, spoke in favour of the resolution. Mr. G. McKerr?w, Dumfries, asked what it would cost to produce a separate Junior Burns Chromc!e. The Editor said .he was in sympathy with the idea, but economically it was qmte out of the quest10n.
After further discussion, the President asked Mr. Gray if he would be ·prepared to leave the matter in the hands of the Scottish Literature Committee, the Schools Competitions and the Editor.
Mr. Gray replied that with the consent of his colleagues in the Ayrshire Association he would be agreeable to dropping the resolution on the understand· ing that the particulars would be sent out so that they would have a larger entry next year.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 97
RESOLUTION ON CHANGE OF DATE
Another resolution to the effect that: "Nominations of office-bearers, intimation of election of District Representatives and notices of motion shall be lodged in writing with the secretary not later than the first Saturday of June" was accepted on the motion of Mr. William Phillips, Troon, seconded by Mr. W. J. King-Gillies, Edinburgh.
Assistant Secretary, Mr. Andrew Stenhouse, Glasgow, explained to a member that the date was being changed from the second Saturday in June to the first Saturday.
HONORARY PRESIDENTS
Mr. W. J. Oliver, Dunedin, and Mr. A. Y. Crawford, Ayrshire, were made Honorary Presidents of the Burns Federation.
Mr. Wm. Brown, a past president of Dunedin Burns Club, was asked to hand over the badge of Honorary President to Mr. Oliver on his return to Dunedin.
Mr. A. Y. Crawford was present to receive his badge of Honorary President.
HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENT
Mr. J. D. McBain was made an Honorary Vice-President of the Burns Federation.
NEW PRESIDENT INSTALLED
Dr. James S. Montgomerie then formally announced the election of Mr George Vallance, Lugar, as the new President. He invested him with the chain of office, and Mr. Vallance suitably replied.
The new President pinned a past-president's badge on Dr. Montgomerie's lapel and congratulated him on his year of office.
OTHER OFFICE-BEARERS
Dr. J. Taylor, Sheffield, and Mr. J. McDougall, Bonnybridge, were appointed Vice-Presidents and the other office-bearers were elected as follows:-
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. T. W. Dalgleish, Kilmarnock; Hon. Assistant Secretary, Mr. Andrew Stenhouse, Glasgow; Hon. Editor of Burns Chronicle, Mr. James Veitch, Tweedsmuir; Schools' Competition Conveners, Mr. Fred J. Belford, Edinburgh, and Mr. William Phillips, Troon.
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98 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
DEBATE ON ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS
Mr. David Mann, Bonny bridge, said: "Since you have completed the election of office-bearers, I would like to raise a question on the manner of election. There is a recommendation from this executive that certain people be elected. I move that during the year ahead the executive should give further consideration to this position and leave the selection of office-bearers of this organisation to a free vote of the appointed representatives. I agree that the executive will have recommended in their wisdom the people they think are the best for the position but here we are violating our well-established democratic way of doing thingstelling the representatives what they have got to do rather than letting them make their own selections according to their judgments."
Dr. David Wilson, Glasgow, said he thought they would have been given the honour of voting for the vice-president since there were two recommendations.
Mr. George Walker, Darlington, was not against the recommendation of the Federation. But it was constitutional etiquette that these things should be put to the floor of the meeting.
After a lengthy discussion in which many delegates took part, it was agreed that consideration should be given to the whole question during the coming year.
VENUE OF NEXT CONFERENCE
On the motion of Mr. R. Allan, Sheffield, it was agreed that next year's conference will be held in Sheffield.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Bruce McGuff, Edinburgh, asked what progress was being made with the Scottish National Dictionary.
In reply, Mr. Alex. MacMillan, Irvine, Literature Committee Convener, said they had reached the letter "O" and two-and-a-half pages had been allocated to the word "oxter". "I am asking you to give the Scottish National Dictio~ary the help of your oxters because it is limping along. It will be finished bu! it could be finished much earlier if we had more financial support. I am speaking not only for myself as one of the executive of the Dictionary, but for Professor Lorimer and for Mr. John McVie.
"And I see here today Dr. Annie I. Dunlop, of The Kilmarnock Standard, one of the people who have driven on the idea that the Scottish tongue should be kept alive; and Mrs. Burgoyne who has spoken up and down the country and has written long and wisely on the Scottish tongue. I am speaking for us all. If we had more support from bodies such as the Burns Federation we co?ld reduce time on the Dictionary by a year. Enormous support is already coming from universities abroad."
Mr. R. McCall, Kilmarnock, raised the question of the state of the Bums house in Castle Street, Mauchline, to which Bums and Jean Armour had repaired after their marriage. "This house, unfortunately, presents an almost derelict appearance," said Mr. McCall. "I is locked up and some of us have been wondering why."
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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 99
Mr. Andrew Stenhouse, the Assistant Secretary, replied that it was not the province of the Burns Federation. The Glasgow and District Burns Association should be contacted.
Before the meeting closed, the delegate for Stirling, Clackmannan and West Perthshire, invited the 1968 conference to come to that area. "We will do everything in our power to make it a happy conference," he said.
Mr. Dalgleish then announced that Mr. Brown of Sunderland had sent a further £20 for the Jean Armour houses.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
On Friday night a civic reception was given in the Concert Hall by the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors ofTroon, followed by a dance, in the course of which a buffet supper was provided.
Provost Mrs. R. I. Breckenridge welcomed the Federation delegates to Troon and the President, Dr. J. S. Montgomerie, replied. Mrs. Breckenridge was thereafter presented with a bouquet by Miss Jennifer Begg, the 28-year-old descendant of Isabela Burns, who had travelled from Australia to be present at the conference. Mrs. Breckenridge presented a bouquet to Mrs. Montgomerie.
On Saturday forenoon the ladies not attending the business meeting were provided with morning coffee at the South Beach Hotel by the Ladies' Committee, who also provided all the ladies with a brooch consisting of a square of the Burns check on which was superimposed a Scotch thistle fashioned out of horn at the well-known Ayrshire factory.
At the customary conference luncheon, held in the Concert Hall, the toast to "The Burns Federation" was proposed by Mr. W. T. H. Inglis, Ayrshire Director of Education. President George Vallance suitably replied.
The toast to "The Chairman" was proposed by Mr. D. B. Wilson, Chairman of the Ayrshire Conference Committee.
Attractive corsages worn by the ladies at the top table were presented by Mrs. Vallance.
Later, a number of delegates paid a visit to Burns Cottage at Alloway and to the Tam o' Shanter Museum in Ayr. In the evening a civic reception and dinner was provided at the Craigie College of Education, Ayr, by Ayr County Council. Mr. William Paterson, Vice-Convener of the County, presided over a company numbering over 370. Mr. George Vallance made an appropriate reply and asked the Chairman to convey their good wishes to Mr. Daniel Sim, Convener of the County, who was unable to be present. Mr. D. B. Wilson, President of the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs, also extended thanks to the County Council, and Miss Jennifer Begg presented bouquets to Mrs. Paterson and Mrs. Inglis, wife of the Director of Education.
Following dinner the company assembled in the college concert hall, where they enjoyed a concert by the Beresford Girls' Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Sam Duncan, and an instrumental ensemble and verse speakers from Ayr Academy, assisted by Miss Dorothy Cumming.
On Sunday morning delegates and friends attended divine service in Troon Old Church, which was conducted by the Rev. Allan Young, assisted by the Rev. Archibald H. Taylor. The lessons were read by Mr. George Vallance and Mr. D. B. Wilson.
On Sunday afternoon delegates and friends enjoyed a coach tour by way of Prestwick Airport, the Tam o' Shanter Museum, Burns Cottage, the Auld Kirk of Alloway, th~ Brig o' Doon and Monument and the Cairn at Cambusdoon,
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100 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
at the last-mentioned of which there was a brief halt. On arrival at Irvine the Federation President, Mr. Vallance, laid a wreath at the Burns statue on Irvine Moor, and the company thereafter were accorded a civic reception and entertained at afternoon tea in the Caledonian Hall by the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the Royal Burgh. Provost W. Muir welcomed the gathering and this was responded to by Mr. Vallance. Mr. T. W. Dalgleish thanked the Conference Committee and also paid tribute to the Ladies' Committee, under the Convenership of Mrs. Jean Anderson. The Conference Committee was composed of Mr. David B. Wilson, Convener; Mr. David Dunlop, Treasurer; Mr. Tom Anderson, Secretary; and Mrs. Anderson.
There was an unusual and interesting interlude when Mr. Wardrop, Secretary of the Tam o' Shanter Club in Ndola, Zambia, presented an inscribed copper salver to Mr. John Gray, Ayr, in token of his being elected an honorary member of that club.
This ceremony was followed by the handing over by Miss Jennifer Begg of bouquets to Mrs. Vallance, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Dalgleish and to Provost Muir and Dr. Montgomerie for their wives, who were unable to be present. Mr. Dalgleish thereafter presented a monetary gift to Mr. Anderson, the Conference Secretary.
Mr. D. B. Wilson thanked the Irvine Town Council for their hospitality and then, on behalf of the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs, presented a desk clock to Mr. Dalgleish in recognition of his having been awarded the O.B.E., and as an expression of thanks for all his advice and assistance. Mr. Dalgleish briefly replied.
As it was not possible in the time available for all the delegates to visit the Irvine Burns Club's Museum, the overseas visitors were shown over the premises and the others returned to Troon.
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BURNS CLUB NOTES
1 : THE BURNS CLUB OF LONDON
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the toast to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. James Dow from the Isle of Arran.
Other events: The visit of Drs. Murray and Grant with their wonderful collection of songs from the North East; and Mrs. W. Reid Findlay's talk on her "Life in a Banffshire Manse".
A Burns Library for use of members has been established on the foundation of volumes presented to the Club by a daughter of the late James Aitken.
JAS. MASON,
Hon. Secretary.
2: ALEXANDRIA BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, the toast to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Dr. Hugh Gillies, Ph.D.
JOHN BARTON,
Secretary.
5: ERCILDOUNE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, Mr. Bob Patterson proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Annual trip in June to Kilmarnock.
ALEX. V. SMAIL,
Secretary.
7: THISTLE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Alex. McGregor, Largs.
Other events: Prizes awarded to pupils of Adelphi Terrace School for Burns Competition.
WILLIAM JAMIESON,
Secretary.
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102 BURNS CLUB NOTES
9: ROYALTY BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 20th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Jack House. Other events: St. Andrew's Night dinner, bus outing to Largs
and Clyde cruise. Prizes were awarded to pupils of Williamwood School for a
Burns Competition. Collections for Benevolences amounted to £162.
CHARLES R. BLUES, Secretary.
10: DUMBARTON BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Alastair T. Campbell, President of the Club, according to custom.
Annual appeal for charities: £73 was disbursed as follows:Jean Armour Burns Homes, £45, National Burns Memorial and Cottage Homes, £14, Erskine Hospital Burns Supper Fund, £14.
Other events: Prizes amounting to £24 were presented for singing and verse speaking (Burns' works) to winners in competitions organised in five local schools.
JOHN M. MCKEAN, Secretary.
11: CHESTERFIELD AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION Anniversary Dinner ,Report: Mr. J. McDonald Cobban,
Headmaster of Abingdon School, Berks., was chief guest. Mr. Cobban is a direct descendant of the famous Flora
McDonald-the sixth generation, we believe. Other events: Usual functions.
(Mrs.) MINA NICHOLSON, Secretary.
14: DUNDEE BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was given by Mr. W. W. Charlton, Dundee. Other events: St. Andrew's Night dinner. Annual bus outing on 19th June, 1966, via Perth, Falkland
Palace, Leven and Glendevon. JOHN MAIN,
Secretary.
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BURNS CLUB NOTES 103
21: GREENOCK BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Sir Ian Moncreiffe of that ilk, Bt., D.L., Ph.D.
At the suggestion of the President an effort was made to reintroduce Club evenings and the response was most gratifying.
A postal franking stamp for Greenock was obtained and used on the first day of issue of the Burns Commemorative Stamp. A Commemorative envelope containing a card of verse by our Bard, Rev. J. L. Dow, M.A., was sent to all Burns Clubs in the Federation and to members of our own Club.
The following donations have been made:-Jean Armour Burns Homes . . . . £42 0 0 Scottish National Dictionary . . £32 11 0 Renfrewshire Association of Burns
Clubs Essay Competition £5 5 0 Renfrewshire Association of Burns
Clubs Annual Subscription £1 0 A history of the Club is being prepared by Mr. R. Miller.
WILLIAM KIRK,
Secretary. 35: DALRY BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, Mr. Alex. Reid, Chairman, proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: The School Competition was held in Dairy Town Hall on 25th January, 1966, when there was a large response of primary, junior and senior pupils.
JAMES G. RENNIE,
Secretary. 36: ROSEBERY BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by William B. Hooper, Esq., of Bellshill.
Other events: The Club held competitions for singing and reading in Copland Road Junior Secondary and K.nightswood Senior Secondary Schools. The Crookston Street Primary School amalgamated with Scotland Street Primary School and the competition was held in the latter-named school.
The Headmaster of the combined school is very keen to continue the competition and the former Headmistress of Crookston Street School has asked that Rosebery organise a competition in her new
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school. A sum of money has been donated anonymously to provide
prizes for two years. Annual social evening for the schools' prize-winners, their
parents, teachers and friends. Ladies' night.
FINLAY M. SKINNER, Secretary.
40: ABERDEEN BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Norman Hogg, Esq.
Other events: St. Andrew's Night dinner. Summer outing to Ayr.
J.C. ANDERSON, Secretary.
42: STRATHEARN BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. W. P. MacNaughtan of Monzie and Fowlis Wester Church.
Other events: Jumble Sale raised £19.
(Mrs.) GEORGINA B. LOWE, Secretary.
48: PAISLEY BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by the President, Dr. Robert Cochran.
Other events: Annual summer outing on 16th June, 1966, to Kirkoswald and Culzean Castle.
DANIEL URE, Secretary.
49: BRIDGETON BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. Stanley D. Mair. Other events: Hallowe'en supper, 30th October, 1965. We again donated £25 towards the Jean Armour Houses at
Mauchline. Collections at our functions to meet the expenses of our Schools
Competition and concert amounting to £468 3s.
ROBERT DONALDSON, Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 105
59: GOUROCK JOLLY BEGGARS BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was given by ex-Provost James Clements,
Stevenston, Ayrshire. Other events: During Gourock Scottish Week a Tattie and
Herring Supper was sponsored by the Club.
At Gourock Primary School 65 pupils took part in Burns
Competition. Twelve book prizes were presented to successful
competitors. ROBERT SMITH,
Secretary.
62: CUPAR BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: Mr. William McL. Dewar, 0.B.E.,
M.A., F.R.S.E., Headmaster, George Heriot's School, Edinburgh,
proposed the "Immortal Memory". Other events: The Club sponsored Burns Suppers at the Church
of Scotland Eventide Homes at Kinloch House, Collessie, and
Leslie House, Leslie. A St. Andrew's Night celebration was held on 30th November,
1965. Book prizes were gifted to the Bell Baxter High School, Cupar,
in connection with their literary competition.
J. G. RUTHERFORD,
Secretary.
68: SANDYFORD BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by the Right Honourable Lord
Bruce, D.L., J.P., M.A. Other events: A Hallowe'en dinner dance, a presentation dinner
and an annual outing to Perthshire. w. J. w. GRAHAM,
Secretary.
69: DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB (INC.)
A wreath was placed on the Robert Burns Statue in the Octagon,
Dunedin, by the President of the Dunedin Burns Club, Mr. Arthur
S. Miller, on 23rd January, 1966. After this ceremony, members of
the Club attended a Service in the First Church of Otago in Dun
edin. A Bums Anniversary concert was held on 24th January, at
which an address on Robert Bums was given by the Hon. A. H.
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Nordmeyer, M.P. Other events: The event of the year was the visit of the Secretary
of the Burns Federation, Mr. Thos. W. Dalgleish, from 17th to l9th January, 1966.
Our activities include concerts, film shows and visits to old people's homes and rest homes throughout the year.
J. D. McDONALD,
Secretary.
76: BRECHIN BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the Rev. Peter Gordon, B.D., of Brechin Cathedral, proposed the "Immortal Memory". The guests included the Commander of the U.S.A. base at Edzell with many of his colleagues and their wives.
DAVID YOUNG,
Secretary.
89: SUNDERLAND BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the toast to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Alex. Macmillan, M.A., Ed.B.
Other events: The annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Burns Statue in the Public Library on 25th January, 1966, was performed by Dr. J. S. Montgomerie, President of the Burns Federation and President of the Club.
Usual programme of fortnightly meetings. W. K. DONNAN,
Secretary.
95: BOLTON BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the main speaker was Mr. W. Phillips, Deputy Rector of Marr College, Troon.
Other events: Various functions, dancing classes and illustrated talks.
At the Music Festival organised by the Lancashire and Cheshire Federation of Scottish Societies, and held at Crosbie, Liverpool, on 26th March, 1966, the Club had twenty-one entrants and won several prizes including two cups. We also gave enthusiastic support to the Highland Games at Blackpool on llth June, 1966.
w. G. DIGGLE,
Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 107
96: JEDBURGH BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was given by Mr. Oliver Wight, ex-President
of Kelso Bums Club. JOHN R. B. HUME,
Secretary.
112: BURNS HOWFF CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
given by Mr. Andrew Chaiters, Depute Chief Constable of Ayr
Burgh, on 25th January, 1966. Other events: On 25th January, 1966, our speaker attended a·
short service in St. Michael's Church and later laid a wreath on the
Poet's grave in the mausoleum on behalf of the Club. This ceremony
was attended by the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the
Burgh of Dumfries and members of the other Clubs in the town.
DAVID MILLER,
Secretary.
152: HAMILTON BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. Andrew M. Douglas,
M.A., the President of the Club. Other events: Prizes donated to seven senior schools in Hamilton
for Scottish Literature Competition. Several hundred children
participate in the competition which is arranged by the staffs of
each school. J. WALLACE JACKSON,
Secretary.
153: SCOTTISH BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 17th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. John Gray, Ayr.
Other events: Monthly meetings were held throughout the
season. K. E. FISHER,
Secretary.
158: DARLINGTON BURNS ASSOCIATION
Anniversary Dinner Report: Proposing the "Immortal Memory"
this year, our Diamond Jubilee year, at our Annual Dinner we
108 BURNS CLUB NOTES
were very fortunate in having the Burns Federation President, Dr. J. S. Montgomerie, from our neighbouring Sunderland Club.
Other events: In March we held our Diamond Jubilee Dinner. Hallowe'en evening.
T. W. CHATER,
Secretary.
173: IRVINE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by the President, Mr. T. Martin Cameron. The Secretary intimated that Honorary Membership of the Club had been accepted by the Rev. James L. Dow, Mr. Duncan Macrae and Mr. Maurice Lindsay.
Other events: It is hoped that by the time of publication of the Chronicle the Museum in Eglinton Street, Irvine, will have been formally opened. The main feature is the Burns Room, with its unique murals by Mr. and Mrs. Ted Odling depicting scenes from the period of the stay of Burns in Irvine. The whole project, including Steward's House, Burns Room, Library and Directors' Room, has taken a long time and has cost a lot of money, but at the moment of writing the completion is in sight.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS,
Secretary.
192: AYRSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF BURNS CLUBS
The Ayrshire Association, together with representatives of the Burns Federation, attended Cathcart Parish Church, Ayr, where a Burns Service was televised live on Sunday, 30th January, 1966. The service was conducted by the Rev. Angus Nicholson and one of the lessons was read by Dr. J. S. Montgomerie, President of the Burns Federation.
A large turnout of representatives from member clubs attended the wreath-laying ceremony at Burns Statue, Ayr, and the Annual Service at Legleu Wood on 24th July, 1966.
THOS. ANDERSON,
Secretary.
198: GOREBRIDGE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was given by Mr. W. Sorbie, Town Clerk of Tranent, East Lothian.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 109
Other events: At our Men's Supper, held at the beginning of February, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was given by Club member, Mr. W. Wardrop, Jnr., a constable with Edinburgh City Police.
St. Andrew's Night function and a ladies' supper.
JAMES DAVIDSON,
Secretary.
209: GREENOCK ST. JOHN'S BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 27th January, 1966, the toast to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by our District Representative, Mr. James A. Kyle.
Other events: Usual functions and musical evening. The Competition for the Wylie Cup was held on 5th August,
1966, when our Club were the winners. J. FERGUSON,
Secretary. 212: PORTOBELLO BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. Sidney Adamson, M.A., B.D.
Other events: Social evening held in March. Bus run to Forth Road Bridge and Fife in April. This Club gave twenty book prizes to the five local schools in
the area. J. STANLEY CAVAYE,
Secretary. 217: ESKDALE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. I. Finlayson from Ha wick.
IRENE C. ARMSTRONG,
Secretary. 229 BURNS CLUB OF ST. LOUIS
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was offered by President McLeod.
The speaker of the evening was Dr. Robert Thornton, of the -English Department of the University of Kansas.
MARVIN D. MCQUEEN,
Secretary.
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237: UDDINGSTON MASONIC BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 19th February, 1966, the
function was a joint one with Lodge St. Bryde No. 579 Uddingston. The "Immortal Memory" was proposed by the Rev. Robert Paterson, B.D. (The Happy Padre).
A. DOWNIE, Secretary.
238: BURNS CLUB OF ATLANTA Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, at Bums'
Cottage, Alloway Place, S.E., the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Frank Fletcher.
W. RICHARD METCALFE, Secretary.
252: ALLOWAY BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the main
speaker was Club member Dr. Ben N. Peach Bannatyne, M.B., Ch.B., B.Sc., D.A., F.F.A., R.C.S.
Other events: Talk-"Travels in France" given by Rev. Thomas Ritchie and illustrated by coloured slides.
St. Andrew's Night celebration. Visit by Burns prize-winners and children's choirs from Alloway
schools. WILLIAM HEPBURN, President for Secretary.
263: GLASGOW MASONIC BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 12th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Councillor Gartshore of Kirkintilloch.
Other events: The Children's Verse Speaking Competition was held on 5th March, 1966, and had a record number of children competing in primary, junior and senior classes.
A. T. GORDON, Secretary.
274: TROON BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
President, Charles McArthur, proposed the "Immortal Memory". Other events: Talks throughout the session. Schools competitions were held in Marr College, Troon Primary
BURNS CLUB NOTES 111
School and Muirhead Primary School. Prizes were donated by Club. Over 400 competitors.
T. MONTGOMERY BROWN,
Secretary.
275: AYR BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. J. Carmichael, M.A., F.E.l.S., Headmaster of Queen Anne Secondary School, Dunfermline.
Other events: The Commemorative Service was held at Leglen Wood on 24th July, 1966, the oration being given by the Rev. J.M. Mackechnie, M.B.E., M.A., of Hamilton.
Bus outing to the Old Glasgow Museum (People's Palace). The Ayr Schools' Bums Competition awards were presented
to pupils by members of Council. Prize winners gave a programme of Scots songs and recitations at the March social evening.
St. Andrew's Night celebration. WILLIAM GRAHAM,
Secretary.
284: PHILADELPHIA NORTH-EASTERN BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the '.'Immortal Memory" was given by Mr. Robert Miller of Kearny, New Jersey.
Other events: On 24th April, 1966, the Annual Scottish Service, held at Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, was conducted by the Rev. John H. Leitch.
ALEX. MACDONALD,
Secretary.
293: NEWCRAIGHALL AND DISTRICT POOSIE NANSIE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the oration was given by Mr. J. Bush, a member of the Prestonpans "Airts 516" Bums Club.
Other events: The Club presented seven books of poems and songs by Robert Bums to the local school.
Bus drive in September to other parts of the country. We exchanged visits with the Prestonpans "A' the Airts 516"
Club. DAVID GILROY,
Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES
307: EDINBURGH AYRSIDRE ASSOCIATION Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, our guest
speaker was Mr. John Strawhorn, M.A., Ph.D., Cumriock Academy.
Other events: Brains Trust and Musical Symposium was held on 25th March, 1966.
Other functions were held during the season. (Mrs.) MARY B. MCARTHUR,
Secretary. 310: MAUCHLINE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the principal toast was proposed by Dr. John Strawhorn, member of Club and now Principal History Teacher at Ayr Academy.
A collection on behalf of Jean Armour Homes raised £16 10s. Other events: Monthly meetings and talks. An evening tour of Mauchline Churchyard was conducted by
member Wm. Macfarlane. D. I. LYELL, M.A.,
Secretary. 314: SCOTTISH BURNS CLUB (EDINBURGH)
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, Mr. A. Aitken, M.A., proposed the toast to the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Various talks and, on 28th May, 1966, annual outing to Trossachs.
(Mrs.) J. A. BRUCE, Secretary.
323: KIRKCUDBRIGHT BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by the Rev. John McKie Hunter, The Manse, Borgue.
ADAM GRAY, JR., Secretary.
329: NEWARK AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, Mr. Jas.
Small of the Lincoln Caledonian Society proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Annual St. Andrew's Ball. Scottish Country Dance class every Monday evening. Various other functions.
K. BRADSHAW, Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 113
336; PETERHEAD BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dirmer Report: The Dirmer, which was attended by 160 members and guests, was presided over by our President, Dr. Daniel Gordon of Inverurie.
JAS. J. GRINDLAY,
Secretary.
340: BALERNO BURNS CLUB ("LET IT BLA W") Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. W. R. Platt of Edinburgh.
Other events: Three members, Mr. H. Rankin, Mr. R. Rankin and Mr. A. Robertson, Jnr., were asked to run a Burns Supper for Mr. Ballingaul, proprietor of the Flotterstone Tea Room. It was agreed that a Club be formed to be called the Rullion Green Burns Club.
ALASTAIR ROBERTSON,
Secretary.
346: OAKBANK MOSSGIEL BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 27th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. J. Taylor, Balerno.
Other events: Outing to Ayr on llth June, 1966.
E. G. WALKER,
Secretary.
349; THE HOWFF BURNS CLUB, KILMARNOCK
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by the Rev. Angus M. Nicolson, T.D., M.A., Cathcart Street Church, Ayr.
Other events: Usual outings, meetings and talks. In July, we attended the wreath-laying at Burns Statue Square,
Ayr, and the service at Leglen Wood thereafter. T. A. OGILVY,
Secretary.
350; MARKINCH BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the guest of the evening was the Rev. John F. Gillan, Buckhaven, Fife.
Other events: Our Club suffered a great loss in December of 1965 when Mr. George H. Barclay died very suddenly. Mr. Barclay
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114 BURNS CLUB NOTES
had been Secretary for about nine years and was also a past president of the Club.
The Club held a Recitation Competition for the school children of Markinch Primary School and donated six prizes in the form of Bums's Poems. Four Burns books were also presentedtotheschool library.
JOHN REID,
Interim Secretary.
365: CATRINE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Crony George Wilson.
Other events: St. Andrew's Nicht function. JAS. Y. ROXBURGH,
Secretary.
366: LIVERPOOL BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: Our guest speaker to propose the toast to the "Immortal Memory" was Mr. S. W. Love-Past President of the Burns Federation.
Other events: Lectures and socials were held during the winter months and usual rambles during summer.
H. J. BROWNLIE,
Secretary.
370: DUNDONALD BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. W. T. H. Inglis, O.A., M.A., B.A., F.E.l.S., Director of Education for Ayrshire.
Other events: Usual functions and a local Old Folk's Bums Supper sponsored by the Club.
School Competition. ROBERT KIRK,
Secretary.
377: KILBIRNIE ROSEBERY BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: Mr. Robert McCall, Secretary of No. 0 Club, proposed the principal toast at short notice.
Other events: St. Andrew's Night celebration. Entries in our School Children's Burns Competition were well
down owing to a 'flu epidemic. We again suffered the loss of two of our life members: Richard
Tod and our oldest member, Donald Dinning. GEORGE DICKIE,
Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES
378: EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT BURNS CLUBS ASSOCIATION
Annual wreath-laying at Regent Road Bums Monument. A successful annual prize draw and social evening.
115
An excellent President's Chain has been purchased and much admired.
We also paid for an Edinburgh Date Cancellation Stamp in January, 1966.
The Regent Road Bums Monument was again opened daily during the Edinburgh Festival and on Sunday afternoons through-· out the summer. Over 1,000 visited the monument.
, J. STANLEY CAVAYE,
Secretary.
379:. HARTLEPOOI.S BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was given by J. H. Dalgleish, Esq., Middlesbrough.
Other events: Various functions throughout the year; also donations to different charities.
WM. s. ALLEN,
Secretary.
392: WlilFFLET BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 27th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by the Rev. James L. Dow, M.A.
J. M. CARNWATH,
Secretary.
393: ANNAN LADIES' BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 23rd January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. J. Young, M.A.
(Mrs.) G. JAMES, Secretary.
403: FRASERBURGH BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: David D. Murison, M.A., B.A., our President, a Fraserburgh loon and Editor of the Scottish National Dictionary, was Chairman.
The "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Douglas Young, M.A., D.Litt.
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116 BURNS CLUB NOTES
Other events: Our Secretary, James B. Kay, J.P., A.C.I.S., local manager of the National Commercial Bank of Scotland Ltd., was elected an Honorary Life Member of the Club.
JAS. B. KAY, Secretary.
405; THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF SHEFFIELD
Anniversary Dinner Report: .. The "Immortal Memory" was given by Anderson Wilson, Esq., Past President of the Burns Federation and of Sheffield.
WM. A. ALLAN,
Secretary.
417: BURNLEY AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: Dr. T. D. Culbert of Manchester proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Various functions and Scottish Dancing classes.
MARGARET S. GREIG, Secretary.
426: SAUCHIE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 21st January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. James McDougall, Bonny bridge.
A collection in aid of the Jean Armour Burns Houses, Mauchline, realised a sum of £6.
Other events: Prizes to the value of £3 for Burns Essays were donated to the three local schools.
Two rinks from the above Club took part in the Area Burns Bowling Competition on lOth September, 1966, at Tillicoultry.
Various functions. DAVID S. ROBERTSON,
Secretary. 430: GOUROCK BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by T. S. Scadlock, Esq., of Paisley Burns Club. Over £22 was collected for the Jean Armour Homes, Mauchline.
Other events: Memorial Board of lists of Presidents since Club was founded was presented by Mr. David Montgomerie, and installed in Burns Room of Gamble Institute.
D. FERGUSON,
Secretary.
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BURNS CLUB NOTES 117
432: WINCHBURGH "LEA RIG" BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: John Eaddie, Esq., B.Sc., proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: No other events of note were held during the year owing to closure of Lea Rig Hall, Winchburgh.
WM. N. MEIKLE,
Secretary.
436: TJIB WALNEY JOLLY BEGGARS LADIES' BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mrs. McFarlane.
Other events: Annual Easter gift to old ladies in Roose Hospital, Barrow.
Lectures, talks, Scottish traditional folk and country dancing and usual functions.
The usual donations were made to the National Burns Memorial and Cottage Homes and to the Cancer Research, Manchester. There was also a donation given to The Women's Voluntary Welfare organisation to pay for the teas on a senior citizens outing.
N. BETIY,
Secretary.
437: DUMFRIES LADIES' BURNS CLUB, NO. 1 Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was given by Professor E. Robertson, President of Southern Counties Association.
Other events: Talks, film show and demonstration during winter months.
Visits paid to the I.CJ. works and local paper Standard works. Outings to "Valley of Doon" Dalmellington Ladies Club, and
Queen of the South Ladies' Burns Club. An evening visit to Thornhill, Valley of Ae and a visit also
paid to "Rowantree House" Home, in which the members take an interest in sending Xmas gifts, etc., to the elderly members.
Our usual prize was donated to the Musical Festival.
M. SHEARER,
Secretary.
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118 BURNS CLUB NOTES
439; BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT SCOTIISH SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On the 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Leslie Morgan .
...._,. Other events: St. Andrew's Dinner and Dance.
c. L. SUTHERLAND, Secretary.
443; BURNS CLUB OF VICTORIA, B.C., CANADA
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the toast
of the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Alderman Robert
Baird. Other events: The visit of Mr. Thos. W. Dalgleish who, with
Mrs. Dalgleish, was tendered a reception by the Burns Club and the
St. Andrew's and Caledonian Society jointly at Holyrood House.
Various functions and talks. YVONNE H. STEVENSON,
Hon. Secretary.
453: NORTH-EASTERN BURNS CLUB LADIES' AUXILIARY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, at our
combined annual banquet, the guest speaker was from New Jersey.
Other events: Anniversary Dinner for ladies only on 20th May,
1966. (Mrs.) GEORGINA GORMLEY,
Secretary.
454; ROTHERHAM AND DISTRICT SCOTIISH ASSOCIATION
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the toast
of the "Immortal Memory" was given by Mr. W. Y. Weir, M.A.,
of Kilmarnock. Other events: Monthly functions and the weekly dancing class.
The Ladies' Committee's donation to various local and national
charities amounted to £25. G. w. BURNETI,
Secretary.
458: STONEHAVEN (FATHERLAND) BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: Rev. J. Andrew proposed the
"Immortal Memory" on 26th January, 1966.
Other events: Bus run to Glenbervie Churchyard to view the
gravestones of the Poet's ancestors which the Club has just had
renovated. MARJORY LEIPER,
Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 119
469: DENNY CROSS BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. J. McWhinnie of Tullibody.
Other events: The D. D. Paterson Memorial Prizes were awarded to all schools in the Burgh as usual.
Club members sustained programmes at various dinners in the area.
The usual donations were made to Bums charities and Scottish National Dictionary.
THOMAS M. STOCKS Seel' tary.
472: RENFREWSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF BURNS CLUBS In the Annual Burns Essay Competition for schools 1,743
entries were received from sixteen schools. The Wylie Bowling Trophy Competition resulted in a win for
Greenock St. John's Burns Club with a score of 29 shots up. The prize for the highest-up rink was won by Fort Matilda Burns Club which finished twenty-two shots up.
ROBERT MILLER, Secretary.
476: BORDER CITIES BURNS CLUB, WINDSOR, CANADA Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Brother the Rev. A. Donald Munro of the Parish Church of St. Matthew, in Windsor.
Other events: Various functions throughout the year.
P.P. JOHN G. SAUNDERS, Secretary-Treasurer.
479: QUEEN OF THE SOUTH LADIES' BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 27th January, 1966, Mr. J.
Young, J.P., Master of Locherbriggs School, proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: The March meeting at which the ladies of Dumfries Ladies' No. 1 were our guests.
(Mrs.) F. PEARSON, Secretary.
492; HARROW AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
proposed by the President, Mr. W. A. Cullen.
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120 BURNS CLUB NOTES
Other events: The Society successfully arranged thirty-six
events in the year. From proceeds from these functions, £196 was donated to
Scottish charities. A. c. BROWN,
Hon.- Secretary. 503: DUNBLANE BURNS CLUB
Anniversacy Dinner Report: On 19th Januacy, 1%6, Mr. Norman Halkett, from Thurso, proposed the toast to the "Im
mortal Memocy". ARCH. P. LAMONT,
Secretary.
511: PERTH ROBERT BURNS CLUB Two guest afternoons. Bus outing to Araleun. Picnic to Kings Park. Carol singing at December meeting. New arrivals to Perth always welcome.
JANET RUSSELL, Secretary.
516: THE AIRTS BURNS CLUB, PRESTONPANS Anniversacy Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
given by Mr. Abe Moffat, President of the Scottish Mineworkers
Union. Other events: Annual Dance. Drive to Ayr and Burns Countcy in August.
WALTER M. MUIR, Secretary.
530: SOUTHERN SCOTIISH COUNTIES BURNS ASSOCIATION The Annual Burns Service was held in St. Michael's Church on
25th January, 1966; thereafter the ceremony of laying wreaths at the Mausoleum took place.
The Willie Black Memorial Cup, presented to the Association by the late Mr. James Picken of Australia, has been gifted to the Dumfries Musical Festival Association. · This trophy will be competed for yearly and awarded in the singing of Burns's songs to the best choir. A Rose Bowi presented by the Association is also competed for at this Festival.
The Scottish Literature Competition was held throughout the Southern Counties. The Association donated sixty Burns book prizes to the winners.
The following donations was made: Jean Armour Burns
BURNS CLUB NOTES 121
Homes, £5, National Burns Memorial Homes, £5, National Dic
tionary, £5. (Mrs.) M. COULSON,
Secretary.
534: BEDLINGTON AND DISTRICT BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 26th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was submitted by Mr. A. W. Baille, M.B.E.,
of Morpeth, Northumberland. Other events: Annual Ladies' Night on 28th April, 1966.
A series of six dances was held over the winter season, and a
total of £200 was given to worthy local charities.
R. B. HAMILTON,
Secretary.
535: THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF PLYMOUTH AND DISTRICT
Other events: St. Andrew's Night Dinner and Dance and various
other functions and film shows. R. STANLEY SCOTT,
Secretary.
548: LEEDS CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 26th January, 1966, the Rev.
James L. Dow, M.A., of Lochranza; proposed the "Immortal
Memory". Other events: Usual traditional functions, dancing and Gaelic
classes, and a series of golf and bowling matches. Coach excursion
to Edinburgh Tattoo. J. PARNHAM,
Secretary.
Editor's Note: Our thanks to Mr. Parnham for sending us
copies of the Society's magazine Hoots Mon! This delightful
publication is more than a mere record of the Society's activities:
it is a Scots magazine that must do much to maintain the interest
of all members in this go-ahead Society.
551: SCARBOROUGH CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
proposed by P. S. Mitchell, Esq., a Past President of the Society.
Other events: Various functions, including Highland Ball and
St. Andrew's Night Dinner and Dance. JAMES A. RUXTON,
Secretary,
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122 BURNS CLUB NOTES
553; WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, Dr.
Fowler gave the toast to the "Immortal Memory". Other events: Various functions.
A. NEILSON, Secretary.
566: THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY AND BURNS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA Anniversary Dinner Report: The Dinner was held on 28th
January, 1966, to coincide with the visit of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. W. Dalgleish. Mr. Dalgleish proposed the toast to the "Immortal Memory". During the evening Mr. Alex. Johnstone was invested by Mr. Dalgleish as an Hon. President of the Burns Federation.
Other events: Meetings are held monthly, supported by Scottish music, song, literature and Scottish country dancing.
The annual gathering held in January each year at the Burns Statue in Hyde Park, Sydney, on the Sunday afternoon nearest the Bard's birthday, was well supported by our members.
Overseas visitors are always given a very special welcome to our evenings.
(Miss) GRACE c. CAMPBELL, Secretary.
568: DARVEL BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. W: Luke. WILLIAM H. IRVINE,
Secretary. 572: CHESTER CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, Mr. James S. Adam proposed the "Immortal Memory".
575: JEAN ARMOUR BURNS CLUB
T. s. LEA, Secretary.
Anniversary Dinner Report: Dinner and Dance is held on Jean Armour's birthday. The guest speaker was Mr. John Grieve, President of the Border City Burns Club. Toast to Canada, "The Land of Our Adoption," was given by Mrs. Marie Auld.
Other events: Various social evenings and functions are held during the winter months, the proceeds of which are given to charities and hospital funds.
P.P. (Mrs.) BELLA TOUGH, Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 123
577: DALSERF AND CLYDESDALE BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, Mr.
James Frame proposed the toast to the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: On 9th April, 1966, members' bus run to Aber
deen, returning the following day.
Double bus run on 27th August, 1966, to Leven via Forth
Bridge. JoHN McCoNNACHIE,
Secretary.
582: HIGGINSNEUK BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, President
Jack Stewart gave readings of the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Party of Club members visited Metropole
Theatre, Glasgow, to see John Caimey in "There was a Man"
during November. Party met Mr. Caimey backstage and through
President J. Stewart presented cheque to Hon. Secretary and
Treasurer, Mr. Thos. W. Dalgleish.
Annual Outing on 14th August, 1966, to Scott Country. JAMES LAING,
Secretary.
612: TORRANCE MASONIC SOCIAL AND BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the
toast to the ••immortal Memory" was proposed by the Rev. Wm. D.
Drysdale. £11 1 ls. was collected for the Jean Armour Building
Fund. Other events: St. Andrew's Night and other functions were
held during the session. Bus outing took place to Inverness and Fort William, returning
via Glencoe and Loch Lomond.
We regret to record the passing of four of our members: Bro.
Douglas Ferrie, who was Club steward for a long number of years
and an active Committee member, Wm. Hutcheson, Robert Gibson
and Wm. Ritchie. We cherish their memory.
FRED c. JORDAN, P.P. Secretary.
618; ALTRINCHAM AND SALE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 21st January, 1966, Sir William
Sinclair, C.B.E., J.P., 58 Dalziel Drive, Glasgow, S.1, proposed the
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124 BURNS CLUB NOTES
"Immortal Memory". Other events: Various functions.
J. G. B. MACGREGOR, Hon. Secretary.
626: MOFFAT AND DISTRICT BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. Canon R. M. Bissett, All Saints Rectory, Bearsden.
CHARLES J. YOUNG, Secretary.
632: SYMINGTON BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
proposed by Mr. George Y. Nisbet, M.A., on 2lst January, 1966. Collection uplifted on behalf of Bums Memorial Homes and Jean Armour Bums Houses.
Other events: Annual outing to Galashiels. Representation at the televised Bums Service in Cathcart
Parish Church, Ayr, in January, and at the Commemorative Service at Leglen Wood in July.
Usual functions. Prizes were awarded to winners of School Burns Competition
who entertained the members at a children's night. Donations made to various charities.
(Mrs.) JEAN ANDERSON, Secretary.
657: FALLIN GOTHENBURG BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the toast
to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. A. Robertson. Other events: St. Andrew's Night function. Visitations were also held with clubs from Coalsnaughton,
Newarthill and Fishcross. Our Club is always open for visitations from any club wishing
to visit us. D. HUTCHENSON,
Secretary.
659: DUNDEE BURNS SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: On 24th January, 1966, the
toast to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Rev. James A. Bremner, M.A., and St. Columba's Singers.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 125
Other events: Annual outing, 28th May, was via Perth, Dollar
to Stirling and Bannockburn. (Mrs.) L. M. SMALL,
Secretary.
660: LANGHOLM LADIES' BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 27th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. David Brockbank.
Dumfries. (Mrs.) MARGARET A. TURNBULL,
Secretary.
663: BOURNEMOUTH AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. James Gordon Jack.
w.s. Other events: Traditional Scottish functions.
In May we held our annual summer dance at Minstead in the
New Forest. Neighbouring Scottish Societies joined us.
Annual Church Service was held 'on 5th December, 1965, at
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. J. CAMPBELL,
Secretary.
664: WEST KILBRIDE BUR..~S CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 19th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Dr. James Montgomery,
M.B., Ch.B., J.P., of Irvine. Other events: For the School Competition in February two
trophies and thirty prizes were presented by the Club.
ROBERT JACK, Secretary.
667: THORNTON AND DISTRICT TAM O' SHANTER BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
principal guest was the Rev. Rankine of Thornton who gave the
"Immortal Memory". J. W. BRODIE,
Secretary.
691: INVERNESS BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: Lord Birsay was our guest speaker.
Other events: A coffee evening was held in March, 1966, the
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126 BURNS CLUB NOTES
central feature of which was a taped film of "The Life of Robert Bums" made by the pupils of Millburn School. All departments of the school had collaborated in the production.
LESLEY S. POLLITI,
Secretary.
696: WHITLEY BAY AND DISTRICT SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREW
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 21st January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. R. S. Allan, 0.B.E., B.E.M., of Renfrewshire.
Other events: Various functions. (Miss) J. H. COLVILLE,
Hon. Secretary. 698: TURRIFF BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: The toast to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Chief Constable Tom Chasser, of the North-East Counties Constabulary.
Other events: St. Andrew's Night function.
DUNCAN E. LINDSAY,
Secretary. 701: THE DETROIT BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, a joint dinner was held with the Kyles of Bute Club of Detroit. Mr. Robert Murray, Vice-President of the Border Cities Bums Club of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: It is with regret we report the passing of one of our Honorary Life Members and Past Vice-President, Mr. Carl Bettesworth, in his 75th year.
SAMUEL R. DICKEY,
Secretary. 706: NORTH LINDSEY SCOTS SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, Mr. Alex. Macmillan, Rector, Royal Academy, Irvine, proposed the "Immortal Memory".
(Mrs.) D.S. FERGUSON, Secretary.
707: MALVERN SCOTS CLUB
Aniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, Col. R. A. Russell-Leslie, of Edinburgh, proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Varied programme throughout the season.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 127
The proceeds from our charity dance were divided between local and Scottish charities as usual.
DAPHNE CRoss, Hon. Secretary.
720: RETFORD AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: On 19th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. James Veitch, Hon. Editor, Burns Chronicle.
Other events: Usual functions throughout the year. D. I. WALKER,
Secretary. 721: PLYMOUTH BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 29th January, 1966, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth gave the toast "Scots the World O'er". Cheques for £20 were handed over for local charities.
Other events: Various traditional functions. Cheques for £90, including £40 for Bums charities, were given
at the end of the financial year. One hundred and fifty envelopes and Bums stamps were sent
out to members on the 25th January, 1966. CHARWTTE Ross BAXTER,
Secretary.
722: BRIDLINGTON AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
proposed by A. Macarthur, Esq., on 28th January, 1966. Other events: Usual functions.
(Mrs.) E. PENROSE, Secretary.
723: STRATHPEFFER BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Professor Robert Grieve, M.A., M.T.P.I., A.M.I.C.E., A.M.I.M.E., Chairman of the Highland and Islands Development Board.
WM. s. FAIRHOLM, M.B.E., Secretary.
727: ST. ANDREW SOCIETY OF DENMARK Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, H. E.
The Hon. Sir John Henniker-Major, K.C.M.G., C.V.O., M.C., Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Denmark, joined the Society for the last time in his capacity of Hon. President because
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128 BURNS CLUB NOTES
Sir John was due to leave Denmark soon after. The "Immortal
Memory" was given by Hamish Barclay, Esq., a distinguished
Scottish resident in Copenhagen. Mr. Barclay is well-known within
British drama circles in Denmark. The Society's staging of "Scotland ... Its People, Their Sorrows
and Joys" in a public theatre in Copenhagen. The actors, Ian
Gilmour and Meta Forrest, had been brought over to Copenhagen
for this purpose, and their recitals of old Scottish poems were a
great success. The Danish press gave great compliments both to
the actors and to the Society for this outstanding effort in trying to
bring Scottish culture to Denmark on such a high cultural level. PER BERGENHOLZ,
Secretary.
730: WIGTOWN BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. J. Huxtable.
Other events: The Club held the usual summer outing, St.
Andrew's Dinner and Jean Armour Night.
We record with regret the passing of Mr. G. B. Holmes, a
Committee member, and Mr. David McAdam, our Hon. Secretary
since 1959. R. HAMILTON,
Secretary.
743: THE ROMFORD SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 26th January, Mr. Wm.
Champion of the Burns Club of London proposed the toast to the
"Immortal Memory". Mr. V. V. Pavlovic of the B.B.C.'s Overseas Service attended as
our President's guest. The following day in a broadcast to his
native Yugoslavia, his entire London Letter in the series "People,
Places and Events" was devoted to describing his first-ever Burns
Dinner. Other events: A visit by about sixty of us to a Kenneth
McKellar pre-recording session at the Shepherds Bush TV Theatre. J.M. WALLACE,
Secretary.
746: GRIMSBY AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: Our guest speaker was Mr. R.
MacFarlane, ex-President of Tamworth Scottish Society. (Miss) E. MCCALLUM,
Secretary.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 129
747: TRANENT "40 BURNS CLUB"
Anniversary Dinner Report: At our Annual Supper the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. R. Sorbie.
DANIEL M. KENNY,
Secretary.
768: AUCHTERDERRAN JOLLY BEGGARS BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, Mr. Jas. Penman, Secretary, proposed the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: "Hallowe'en" function. The Club donated six book prizes to Auchterderran Secondary
School Burns Competition. JAS. PENMAN,
Secretary. 772: PRESTWICK BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by the President, Mr. J. Maxwell.
Other events: Annual Schools Festival, sponsored by the Club.
Annual summer outing in June. Varied programme of talks and lectures.
s. M. SMITH,
Secretary.
775: HARTLEPOOLS CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by one of our own members, T. V. Anderson, Esq.
Other events: Various functions, golf competition, bowling match and meetings of discussion group.
HUGH GORDON,
Secretary.
808: PONTEFRACT AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On this occasion Mr. Alec. Finlay proposed the toast to the "Immortal Memory".
Other events: Various functions. This Caledonian year also saw the formation and equipping
of the Society's own Pipe Band. (Mrs.) J. M. REEVES,
Secretary.
130 BURNS CLUB NOTES
809: ALLANTON JOLLY BEGGARS BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. George Wilson, from Newmains. ·
Other events: Outing to Metropole Theatre, Glasgow, to see "There Was a Man'', by John Caimey.
Outing to Ayr on llth June, 1966. CLIFFORD PATON,
Secretary.
811: THE LOGANGATE BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the toast
to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Chief. Constable James McAuley of Paisley Burgh Police.
Other events: St. Andrew's Dinner and various monthly talks. Annual outing on 6th June, 1966, to Coldstream.
WALTER HALL, Senior, Secretary.
812: ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY OF BRADFORD Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
President, T. A. Mason, C.A., was the chief speaker. Other events: At the annual golf match between the Society
and Our Royal Society of St. George, this Society was victorious for a change.
ALEX. McINTOSH, Secretary.
813: TRANENT "25" BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 24th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by D. W. Erskine, M.A., B.A., Rector of Dundee High School.
Other events' The Sixth Song and Verse Speaking Competition for children was held on 9th February, 1966. Book tokens were awarded to first and second in each class and certificates to the third in each class. A total of fourteen prizes and seven certificates was awarded, together with a special award and an adjudicator's prize.
Work was continued building the lay-bye at Grants Braes along with our normal maintenance to the monument and site.
The Club provided a display of books by Scottish poets and
BURNS CLUB NOTES 131
local authors for National Library Week, 14th to 18th March, 1966.
A series of lectures and film shows was held in the winter months.
GEORGE MURDOCH, Secretary.
818: DALBEATTIE AND DISTRICT BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the toast
to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Dr. A. L. Taylor, Ayr.
Other events: It has been decided to hold a St. Andrew's Night
Dinner annually on 30th November. EWAN c. MAIR,
Secretary.
821: AYR MASONIC BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 21st January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Brother George Wilson,
a Past Master of Lodge Tarbolton No 135.
Other events: On 23rd January, 1966, the President, in the
presence of a number of cronies and friends, placed a wreath on
the Poet's statue. Annual outing was held on 27th June to Edinburgh, Peebles and
Biggar. On 24th July the Club joined with Ayr Burns Club atthe Wreath
laying at the Statue followed by the Commemoration Service at
Leglen Wood. CHAS. P. STROYAN,
Secretary.
822: MANSFIELD DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 28th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Professor J. T. Boulton,
B.Litt., Ph.D. Other events: Various traditional functions.
JAs. R. HoRN, Secretary.
825: "CLARINDA" EDINBURGH LADIES' BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 20th January, 1966, the
speakers were as follows:-Lt.-Col. J. Fraser, Mrs. Fraser, Dr.
Frank Stewart, Chief Constable W. Merrilees, Miss Janet S.
Leslie, M.A., ex-Councillor Patrick Murray and Miss Wendy Wood.
: '1
132 BURNS CLUB NOTES
Other events: On Sunday, 23rd January, 1966, a wreath was
placed at the Burns Monument.
On 7th February, 1966, the Secretary was interviewed by the
B.B.C. regarding the foundation of the "Clarinda" Edinburgh
Ladies' Burns Club, a recording was made and this was broadcast
on the "To-day" programme.
On 15th May, 1966, the Club had an outing to the Burns Country
and Culzean Castle. (Miss) HELEN R. WILSON,
Secretary.
839; COLDSTREAM BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 21st January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Fred Belford, M.A.,
Past President of the Burns Federation.
Other events: Two more volumes of the Scottish National
Dictionary have been received.
Alderman Thos. Evans, J.P., of Berwick-on-Tweed (member),
presented the Club with a magnificent speakers' lectern.
WM. JACKSON, Secretary.
842: "YE BONNIE DOON" BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: The "Immortal Memory" was
proposed by Rev. Adam Thomson, M.B.E.
Other events: Various traditional functions. (Mrs.) J. CASSIDY,
Secretary.
845: TAM 0' SHANTER BURNS CLUB, COVENTRY
Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. G. Taylor, a recent
arrival in Coventry, from the Gorebridge Burns Club.
Other events: St. Andrew's Night concert and dance.
We also received visitations from a few Scottish Clubs in the
Midlands. JAMES MCCAW,
Secretary.
849: JEAN ARMOUR BURNS CLUB
Anniversary Dinner Report: On lst February, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Tom Bannatyne, Forth.
BURNS CLUB NOTES
Other events: Annual summer outing to Arbroath. Annual family outing to Bumtisland. Thirty old-age pensioners entertained to dinner and social.
133
R. HENDERSON, Secretary.
851: AUCKLAND BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 22nd January, 1966, we were
privileged and honoured to have as our guest speaker the SecretaryTreasurer of the Bums Federation, Mr. Thos. W. Dalgleish.
Mr. Dalgleish also laid a wreath at the Bums Statue in one of our lovely parklands.
(Mrs.) KATE WEIR, Secretary.
854: NORTH EAST MIDLANDS ASSOCIATION OF SCOTTISH SOCIETIES The annual concert was held at Worksop on 24th April, 1966.
During the afternoon Mr. Thomas W. Dalgleish, the Hon. SecretaryTreasurer, Bums Federation, presented the Wilson Trophy, the Binnie Rose Bowl and the Robert Burns Bi-centenary Trophy to the respective winners.
The week-end school of Scottish country dancing was held again at Skegness with students attending from as far north as East Kilbride and as far south as Kent.
The annual Scottish Country Dance Festival was held at Chesterfield, when the Chesterfield Caledonian Society Dance Class acted as hosts on 18th June, 1966.
JAMES SMALL, Secretary-Treasurer.
860: SOUTHLAND BURNS CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: On 15th January, 1966, Mr.
Thomas W. Dalgleish proposed the "Immortal Memory". A tape-recording of the evening's programme was taken and
has since been played over at a later meeting. Other events: We paid a visit to Dunedin Burns Club in May,
1966, taking with us a concert party who presented half of the programme.
Bi-monthly concerts and friendship meetings. (Mrs.) J. L. BoNE,
Secretary.
'\
134 BURNS CLUB NOTES
861: CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF LINCOLN Anniversary Dinner Report: On 26th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. Robert S. Binnie, President of the North-East Midlands Association of Scottish Societies and a Past President of Heanor and District Caledonian
Society. w. G. HUGHSON, Secretary.
866: HEANOR AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: On 2lst January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by Mr. R. G. Scott, Past·
President of the North Lindsey Scots Society. Other events: Various functions and activities.
N. GREEN, Secretary.
870: MASSACHUSETTS SCOTTISH BURNS ASSOCIATION Anniversary Dinner Report: On 15th January, 1966, the toast
to the "Immortal Memory" was proposed by Robert Bumiston
of Brookline, Massachusetts. David Munn, a Kilmarnock Laddie, gave a brief talk on the
life of Burns. ROBERT R. MATSON,
Secretary.
878: WORKSOP BURNS AND CALEDONIAN CLUB Anniversary Dinner Report: At this, our first Annual Dinner,
Mr. Robert Macdonald proposed the "Immortal Memory". Other events: Various functions. A coach-load of members went to the Leeds Highland Gathering
on lst July, 1966. RoNALD McDONALD,
Secretary.
880: OTLEY AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Anniversary Dinner Report: On 25th January, 1966, the
"Immortal Memory" was proposed by J. M. Murdoch, Esq., a Past President of Harrogate St. Andrew's Society.
BURNS CLUB NOTES 135
Other events: St. Andrew's Night dinner and dance and various other functions.
M. FIRTH,
Secretary.
881 : RUGELEY AND DISTRICT BURNS CLUB
On 19th February, 1966,' a founder members' meeting was held and the Club formed.
Other events: We have sold ten dozen Club Badges from March to July since we formed the Club.
Various functions have been held. DAVID LORIMER,
Secretary.
(Editor's Note. We regret that a number of reports were received too late for inclusion.)
'\
) ... ~ LIST OF THE 342 BURNS CLUBS AND SCOTTISH SOCIETIES ON THE ROLL OF
THE BURNS FEDERATION, 1966. (Corrected to 31st October, 1966)
No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President James Gould
Secretary 0 Kilmarnock Bums Club - 1808 1885 150 Robert McCall, 71 Bumfoot Pl., Kil
marnock The Burns Club of London - 1868 1885 169 Alex. G. Hutton James Mason, 83 Dorchester Way, Kenton,
Harrow, Middlesex 2 Alexandria Bums Club -
4 Callander Bums Club -
5 Ercildoune Bums Club -
7 Thistle Bums Club
9 Royalty Burns Club
JO Dumbarton Burns Club
- 1884 1885
- 1877 1885
- 1885 1963
- 1882 1885
- 1882 1886
- 1859 1886
11 Chesterfield and District Cale-donian Association - 1886 1886
14 Dundee Bums Club - - 1860 1886
15 Belfast Burns Association - 1886 1886
100
52
52
Robert Armstrong
S. T. Connell, M.A.
Robt. Patterson
John Barton, Cedar Cottage, 126 Middleton Street, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire
(Pro tern) Samuel T. Connell, M.A., Craggan House, Bridgend, Callander
Alex. V. Smail, 11 Murrayfield, Gordon
50 Robert S. Millar William Jamieson, 278 Stonelaw Road, Rutherglen
183 Walter Myron Charles R. Blues, 63 Great George Street, Glasgow, W.2
114 David Mcintosh John McKean, Clydesdale Bank, Ltd., 51 High Street, Dumbarton
231 Mrs. Mina Nicholson Mrs. C. Yeomens (Pro Tern), Stanton Woodhouse Rowsley, Mattock, Derbyshire
60 Alastair McGregor J. Main, c/o Dundee Burns Club, 37 Union Street, Dundee
200 F. R. 0 Neil, B.A. Miss M. White, 4 Barnetts Road, Belfast, 5
1
No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President Secretary
17 Nottingham Scottish Assoc. - 1871 1886 603 Dr. J. S. Drummond Chas. C. Couper, F.Comm.A., "Rowan-bank," 62 Moor Lane,· Bramcote, Nottingham
20 Airdrie Burns Club - - 1885 1886 156 D. M. Danskin Thomas J. Dunlop, 22 Manor Drive, Airdrie
21 Greenock Bums Club - - 1801 1886 152 A. McKelvie Wm. Kirk, 7 Sandringham Terrace, Green-ock
22 Edinbur11:h Burns Club - - 1848 1886 40 Mrs. J. Burgoyne, Miss W. Gibson, 22 Greenbank Row, M.A. Edinburgh, 10
33 Glasgow Haggis Club - - 1872 1886 100 David Scott J. Lawrence Grant, C.A., 4 Laggan Road,
..... !; No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President Secretary
169 Glasgow and District Burns Association - - - 1907 1908 16 Clubs David R. Smith Andrew Stenhouse, M.A., LL.B., 82 West
173 Irvine Burns Club - - 1826 1908 540 Samuel K. Gaw Nile Street, Glasgow, C.2
William Phillips, M.A., F.E.I.S., 93 Dun-donald Road, Troon, Ayrshire 179 Dailly Jolly Beggars Club - 1909 1909 9 Dr. R. Mcinroy D. C. McKerlie, Church Square, Dailly, Girvan, Ayrshire 183 Londonderry Burns Club and
Caledonian Society - 1907 1909 100 Rev. N. F. Orr, John Butler, 10 Balmoral Avenue, London-B.A., B.D. derry, N.1
187 Galashiels Burns Club - - 1908 1909 100 Dean of Guild William E. McCrindle, 137 Wood Street, J. J. Geddes Galashiels
190 Port Glasgow Burns Club - 1910 1910 20 Colin McKenzie Ernest Weir, 2 Burnside Ave., Port Glasgow,
192 Ayrshire Association of Burns Renfrewshire
Clubs - - - - 1908 1910 33 Clubs David B. Wilson T. Anderson, 21 Cuthbert Pl., Kilmarnock
197 Winnipeg Burns Club - - 1907 1911 40 W. J. L. Watson Mrs. H. Esta Brook, 2 Birch Bay, Winni-peg, 6, Manitoba, Canada 198 Gorebridge Burns Club - 1906 1911 250 Archibald Lochrie Jas. Davidson, c/o 18 Barleyknowes Rd.,
199 Newbattle and District Burns Gorebridge, Midlothian Oub - - - - 1910 1911 60 J. Telford A. Wilson, 103 Sixth Street, Newtongrange
207 Cambuslang Wingate Burns Club - - - - 1908 1912 30 Adam Humphries Mrs. J. Clark, 36 Burn Terrace, Eastfield,
Cambuslang 209 Greenock St. John's Burns Club - - - - 1909 1909 50 Frank Colhoun Jas. Ferguson, 18 Wellington St., Greenock
r No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President Secretary
212 Portobello Burns Club - - 1892 1913 60 Hugh C. Brown J. Stanley Cavaye, 40 Durham Terrace, Portobello, Edinburgh, 15
217 Eskdale Bums Club - - 1886 1913 145 Mrs. Jean Dickson Mrs. I. Armstrong, 33 Eskdaill St., Lang-holm
220 Bums Club of St. Louis - - 1904 1913 30 Lamar W. McLeod Marvin D. McQueen, D'Arcy Advertising Co., 1226 Olive Street, Missouri, 63103
226 Dumfries Burns Club - - 1820 1913 96 Rev. J: L. Mangles, David C. Kellar, M.A., LL.B., 135 Irish St.,
B.Sc. Dumfries
236 Whitehaven Burns Club - 1914 1914 66 Peter D. Turner A. Thorley, Oakbank, Whitehaven, Cum-berland
237 Uddingston Masonic Burns Club - - - - 1914 1914 30 Joseph Polson Arthur Downie, 89 Woodlands Crescent,
Bothwell, Glasgow
238 Burns Club of Atlanta - - 1896 1914 75 Dr. A. F. Furcron W. Richard Metcalfe, 112 Church Street,
Decatur, Georgia, 30030, U.S.A.
239 Hawick Burns Club - - 1878 1914 770 Edward Berridge Thomas Hunter, Albert Bridge, Hawick
242 Montrose Burns Club - - 1908 1915 108 Dr. W. G. Carson James F. Smeaton, 5 Whinfield Way, Mon-trose, Angus
252 Alloway Bums Club - - 1908 . 1918 120 William Hepburn James Wilson, 6 Doonholm Road, Alloway, Ayr
263 Glasgow Masonic Bums Club 1919 1919 150 G. Turnbull Andrew T. Gordon, 20 Melrose Avenue, Rutherglen, Glasgow
274 Troon Burns Club - - 1920 1920 125 Rev. Archd. Taylor T. Montgomery Brown, 36 West Portland Street, Troon
275 Ayr Burns Club - - - 1886 1920 157 James Glass William Graham, M.A., 7 Fir Bank, castlehill Estate, Ayr
282 The Burns Bowling Assoc. - 1898 1920 29 Clubs David R. Smith Hugh J. Watson, 200 Shieldhall Road,
- Glasgow, S.W.4
e
303 Victoria St. Andrew's and Caledonian Society - 1872 1922
. -=-,. -=;"' .... ~No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President
John Russell Secretary
769 Robert Bruce Burns Club - 1953 1954 50 Andrew M. Barclay, 17 Bruce Street, Clackmannan, by Alloa 771 Caledonian Society, Karachi, Pakistan - - - 1939 1954
772 Prestwick Burns Club - - 1954 1954 773 Cumnock Cronies Burns Club 1910 1954 774 Gloucester and Dist. Scottish Society - - - - 1949 1954 775 The Hartlepools Caledonian Society - - - - 1899 1954 777 Nuneaton and Dist. Scottish Society - - - - 1949 1954 778 Glasgow Highland Burns Club 1954 780 Isle of Man Caledgnian Soc. - 1920 1955 781 Ochil View Burns Club 784 Kelso Burns Club
- 1953 1955 - 1951 1955
788 Harlow and Dist. Cal. Soc. - 1955
166 Robert Reid E. J. Miller, c/o Reckitt & Colman (Paki-stan) Ltd., Nelson's Chambers, McLeod Rd., P.O. Box No. 4638, Karachi, Pakistan 60 Alex. Purdon S. M. Smith, 2 Duart Avenue, Prestwick, Ayrshire 55 Peter Smith John W. Gray, 8 Park Terr., Lugar, Cum-nock, Ayrshire 75 W.R. Davidson J. Robertson, 19 Simmonds Road, Huccle-cote, Gloucester
177 David A. Renton Hugh Gordon, 9 Warwick Grove, West Hartlepool, Co. Durham 145 J. W. Dix Dr. M.A. Macaulay, 48 Manor Park Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire A. M. Campbell R. B. Blair Wilkie, M.A., 4 Clouston Street, Glasgow, N.W. 250 Mrs. Mabel Brearley Miss Jean Bisset, "Santa Rosa," Little Switzerland, Douglas, Isle of Man 40 Thos. S. Michie John Barrie, Bridge Hotel, Tillicoultry 70 Charles Young R. Donaldson, C.A., 19 The Square, Kelso 140 David V. Livingstone D. M. Austin, 74 Stile Croft, Harlow, Essex
,,-~
-----
No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President Secretary 791 Swindon and Dist. Cal. Soc. 1946 1955 60 Mrs. G. Wilcox Mrs. D. Doyle, 5 Lanac Road, Stratton St.
Margaret, Swindon 795 Longcroft, Bonnybridge and
District Burns Club - 1955 1956 40 D. H. Mann Jas. McDougall, 3 Duncan Street, Bonny-bridge
796 Gateshead and District St. Andrew's Society - - 1955 1956 50 Miss Christine Mrs. Crozier, 1 Cyprus Gardens, Lowfell,
Hawke Gateshead, 9 802 Crosskeys Burns and Social
Club - - - - 1952 1957 40 James Walker Tom McDonald, 33 Dalhanna Drive, New Cumnock
876 Tullibody Working Men's Burns Club - - - 1964 1965
877 Montreal Caledonian Society 1855 1965
878 Worksop Burns & Cal. Club- 1965 1965
879 Dreghom Burns Club - - 1965 1965
906 Dr. Wm. Marshall W. A. Campbell, 106 Colchester Road, Leicester
45 R. H. Wardrop T. W. Slater, P.O. Box 1489, Ndola, Zambia
44 F. Lang J. T. Ingram, 164-170 Flinders Street, Melbourne
43 P. McQuade G. Thomson, 6 Coronation Pl., Mayfield, Dalkeith
40 D. Steel G. Penman, 42 Stirling Rd., Tullibody
157 J. Paterson J. E. Painter, 7005 Champagneur Avenue, Montreal, 15, P.Q., Canada
50 James Russell Ronald McDonald, 54 Ashley Road,
45
Worksop, Notts.
W.R. F. McMurtrie J. Young, "Rhoda," 41 Dundonald Road, Dreghom, Ayrshire
I ,
~ ~No. Name Inst. Fed. Members President Secretary 880 Otley and Dist. Cal. Society - 1960 1965 45 Wm. Thomson Mrs. Marion Firth, 13 Hopeview, Windhill,
Shipley, W.R., Yorks. 881 Rogeley & Dist. Burns Club - 1966 1966 200 R. Cochrane D. Lorimer, 30 Carlisle Road, Cannock, Staffs. 882 Canberra Highland Society &
Burns Club - - - 1924 1966 437 Ron V. Kelly H. B. Morrison, 17 Atherton St. Downer, Canberra, Australia 883 Pakistan Young Folks Assoc. 1963 1966 273 Mr. Yunis Paul Mrs. S. Khan, P.O. Box 3176, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi, 29 884 Fife Burns Assoc. - - - 1964 1966 6 Clubs James Gillies
867 Afton Waters B. C. (Falk.irk) 120 Bristol 20 Airdrie 356 Burn bank
516 Airts Burns Club 864 Burnie Burns Club 2 Alexandria 417 Burnley
809 Allanton Jolly Beggars 282 Burns Bowling Association 833 Alloa "Station" Burns Club 112 Burns Howff 252 Alloway 597 Burns Society of the City of 618 Altrincham Caledonian Soc. New York 309 Annan 355 Calcutta 393 --Ladies 4 Callander
82 Arbroath 387 Cambuslang Mary Campbell 238 Atlanta 207 Cambuslang Wingate 557 --Ladies 882 Canberra Highland Society 452 Auchterderran Bonnie Jean 71 Carlisle 768 -- Jolly Beggars 761 Carluke 851 Auckland Burns Association 648 Carron Bridge Cronies 566 Australia, Scot. Soc. of 562 Castle Douglas 275 Ayr 365 Catrine 821 Ayr Masonic 719 Chelmsford 192 Ayrshire Assoc. 462 Cheltenham 728 Bachelors' Club (Tarbolton) 572 Chester Caled. Assoc. 340 Balerno 11 Chesterfield 863 Ballarat & Dist. Caledonian 699 Choppington
Society, Victoria 646 Clear Winding Devon Alva 686 Banchory 547 Coalburn Jolly Beggars 439 Barnsley 630 Coalsnaughton 363 Barrow 839 Coldstream 758 Bath and District 398 Colinton 534 Bedlington and District 606 Corby 288 Beith 559 Coventry
15 Belfast 845 Coventry Tam o' Shanter 725 Ben Cleuch 581 Cumbernauld 592 Ben what 580 Cum brae 326 Bingry Ladies 45 Cumnock 167 Birmingham 773 --Cronies 815 B.M.K. (Netherton) 62 Cu par 755 Blyth and District 594 Cuyahoga County
No, No. 469 Denny Cross 700 --Jubilee 55 Derby 842 Hamilton, Ontario 701 Detroit 788 Harlow and District 37 Dollar 555 Harrogate 556 Doncaster 492 Harrow 879 Dreghorn 349 Howff, Kilmarnock 10 Dumbarton 379 Hartlepools Burns Club 226 Dumfries 775 --Cal. Soc. 437 --Ladies No. 1 239 Ha wick 503 Dunblane 866 Heanor and District Cal. 14 Dundee Society 659 --Burns Society 446 Herefordshire 656 Dundonald Jean Armour Ladies 582 Higginsneuk 370 Dundonald Burns Club 836 Hornsea and District 69 Dunedin N.Z. 510 I.C.I. Grangemouth 85 Dunfermline 691 Inverness 744 Durham Caled. Soc. 173 Irvine 875 Easthouses Miners' Welfare 859 Irvine Eglinton Burns Club 872 East Midlands Scottish Soc. 780 Isle of Man 22 Edinburgh 348 Jean Armour (Newton) 307 --Ayrshire Assoc. 849 Jean Armour, Sauchie 825 -- Clarinda Ladies Burns 96 Jedburgh Club 771 Karachi Cal. Soc. 378 --District Assoc. 784 Kelso 149 Elgin 377 Kilbirnie 217 Eskdale 0 Kilmarnock 5 Ercildoune Burns Club 681 ---Cronies 126 Falkirk 695 Kilmaronock (Dunbartonshire) 651 Fallin Gothenberg 627 Kinross Jolly Beggars 884 Fife Burns Association 323 Kirkcudbright 852 Fishcross Jolly Beggars 693 ---Masonic 498 Flint 388 Kyle Ladies 865 Foresters Arms Burns Club 344 Ladysmith (B.C.) (Cambusbarron) 518 Lanarkshire B.C.A. 576 Fort Matilda 660 Langholm Ladies 403 Fraser burgh 637 Larkhall Applebank 187 Galashiels 661 Leamington and Warwick 501 Galt 548 Leeds Caledonian Society 665 Gartmorn Ladies 461 Leicester 796 Gateshead and District 341 Leith
i 169 Glasgow Assoc. 861 Lincoln Caledonian Society 263 --Masonic 366 Liverpool 778 Glasgow Highland 360 Lochee 766 Glencoe 835 Lochaber Burns Oub 774 Gloucester Scottish Society 831 Lochgoilhead Bums Club 198 Gorebridge 832. Lochore Lea Rig Burns Oub 430 Gourock 811 Logangate, Cumnock 59 Gourock Jolly Beggars 1 London 116 Greenloaning 570 --- Clans Assoc. 21 Greenock 561 London (Ontario) 209 -- St. John's 183 Londonderry 746 Grimsby 795 Longcroft and District 33 Haggis 707 Malvern Scots Club 152 Hamilton 674 Manchester and Salford 121 Hamilton Junior 822 Mansfield Cal. Socy.
----- I
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF CLUBS 167
No. No.
862 Market Rasen and District 190 Port-Glasgow Scottish Association 212 Portobello
350 Markinch 772 Prestwick 870 Massachusetts 479 Queen of the South Ladies 310 Mauchline 585 Queen's Park Clarinda 726 Melbourne 617 Reading Caledonian Assoc. 874 Melbourne Masonic 472 Renfrewshire Assoc. 716 -- Royal Caled. Society 720 Retford 626 Moffat and District 769 Robert Bruce (Clackmannan) 877 Montreal Cal. Soc. 743 Romford Scott. Assoc. 841 Montreal Robert Burns 36 Rosebery (Glas.)
Association 454 Rotherham 242 Montrose 354 Royal Clan 494 Motherwell United Services 9 Royalty 620 Muirhead 881 Rugeley and District 74 National Memorial 834 St. Andrew's Society
873 Ndola Tam o' Shanter (Altrincham, Sale & District) 500 New Cumnock 812 St. Andrew's Soc. of Bradford 802 --Cross Keys 727 St. Andrew Soc. of Denmark 523 N.S.W. Highland Soc. 671 St. Andrew's Cronies, Irvine 329 Newark 353 St. Catherine's, Ontario 133 Newarthill 470 St. Giles, Elgin 199 Newbattle 220 St. Louis 293 Newcraighall 413 San Francisco 124 Ninety 68 Sandyford 563 Norfolk 629 Sanquhar 826 North Carolina 426 Sauchie 706 North Lindsey Scots Society 551 Scarborough 745 Northumberland and Durham 314 Scottish (Edin.)
of Scottish Societies 283 Sinclairtown 742 Norwich Scots Society 530 Southern Scot. Counties 17 Nottingham 860 Southland B.C., New Zealand
777 Nuneaton 848 Star 346 Oak bank 50 Stirling 781 Ochil View 824 Stirling, Clackmannan and 880 Otley and District West Perth Assoc. 748 Ouplaymuir 458 Stonehaven 48 Paisley 683 Stratford upon Avon
Tranent "40" --"25" Troon Troy Tullibody and Cambus Tullibody Working Men's Club Turriff Uddingston Lochlie Ladies Uddingston Masonic United Services, Johnstone Valley of Doon Ladies Victoria St. Andrew's Soc. --Burns Club Victorian Scottish Union Wakefield Walney Ladies Walsall Wellington St. Andrew
No.
664 West Kilbride 753 Westmorland St. Andrew's 392 Whiffiet 236 Whitehaven 536 Whitham 696 Whitley Bay and District 730 Wigtown 432 Winchburgh 575 Windsor (Ont.) Jean Armour 197 Winnipeg 564 Winsome Willie, Ochiltree 553 Wolverhampton 751 Worcester 878 Worksop Burns and Cal. Oub 518 Ye Auld Cronies 718 York St. Andrew Society 827 Zetland Ward Community