The
Bridgeton Burns Club
President 2008 - 2009 Kenny Wilson
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President 2008 - 2009 Kenny Wilson
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Links to other Burns Sites
David Sibbald's Web Site
The World Burns Club Web Site
Burns Country Web Site
Inside Robert Burns Web Site
Glesga Pals Web Site
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News:Annual General Meeting 2008 The Annual General Meeting of The Bridgeton Burns Club took place in the Marriot Hotel, Argyle Street, Glasgow on Tuesday 15th April 2008 at 7.00 pm. Congratulations to Kenny Wilson who was elected President for 2008 - 2009.
Kenny Wilson with the Presidents Chain of Office addresses the members at the AGM. Jack Steele was elected Vice President for 2008 - 2009 and both Kenny and Jack look forward to another busy year in the life of the Bridgeton Burns Club.
President Kenny Wilson and Vice President Jack Steele.
The Secretary Ken Brown retires after many years of service to the club and was thanked by the outgoing President Jack McKinney and all who attended the AGM.
The newly elected President thanks the outgoing President and congratulates him on a very successful year, before presenting him with his Past President's Medal. The Club also welcomed new Director Allan McGinness. Finally all present were invited back to Cambuslang Golf Club by the new President for celebratory drinks and a buffet and the traditional chaining of the Lady President. Honorary Vice President Bob Burnett chained the Lady President.
Adjudicators' Dinner 29th February 2008 The Adjudicators Dinner was held in Pollok Golf Club on Friday 29th February and was well attended by Past Presidents, Directors, Adjudicators and their Partners despite a howling gale blowing outside. This Dinner is the Club's way of thanking the Adjudicators for the time they give in helping us run the Schools' Competition. After a super meal, there was a variety of in-house entertainment including, songs and recitals. Another very successful Bridgeton Burns Club Dinner. Below is a selection of photographs of the evening.
Schools' Concert and Prize Giving 1st February 2008 The annual Schools' Concert and Prize Giving took place on Friday 1st February 2008 at the Shettleston Halls in Glasgow. The Concert was well attended by Prize Winners, Parents, Teachers, Adjudicators and Past Presidents and Directors of the Club. The event was hosted by The President Jack McKinnney ably assisted by his wife June. All the children who attended were given crisps, sweets and a drink and our thank go to PP Willie Telfer for his assistance with this. The event was a great success and all of the children who took part are to be complimented on the high standards achieved. Below is a selection of photographs of some of the participants.
Wreath Laying 26th January 2008 The annual wreath laying ceremony took place at The Statue of Robert Burns in George Square in Glasgow on Saturday morning. The ceremony was attended by several Clubs representing the Glasgow and District Burns Federation and our President Jack McKinney laid a wreath on behalf of the Bridgeton Burns Club. The ceremony then continued in Merchants' House in George Street and all of the members and guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and some excellent entertainment from one of the winning choirs from the Schools Competition.
The March from the City Chambers Burns Statue in George Square
President of the Glasgow and District Burns Association Willie Entertainment in the City Chambers Telfer with the Lord Provost Bob Winter
More Entertainment in Merchants' House Anniversary Dinner 2008 Another outstanding Anniversary Dinner was held on Friday 25th January in the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow. The Dinner was attended by almost 700 members and guests and they were royally entertained by a selection of first class after-dinner speakers, pipers, community singing, pupils from some of the competition winning schools (who were all superb), recitals and an excellent appeal for club funds. The evening was expertly chaired by our President Jack McKinney who successfully controlled almost 700 men, with more than a few of them having taken one or two small libations. Well done Jack for chairing the Best Burns Supper in the World and for your Address to a Haggis. We were all entertained by a selection of the Competition winners and it was generally agreed that the standard gets better every year. The Schools Competition is what the club is all about and it was fitting that some of the children who took part in it were there to show everyone just how enthusiastic they all were. Past President George Moore made the appeal for donations for club funds and the use of Gift Aid forms for the first time this year will enable the Club to recover a 28% donation from HM Revenue and Customs. George's very funny appeal culminated in praise of all who had already completed their Gift Aid forms, but with a request for everyone to score out the amount they had decided to donate and change it to a nice round £30.00. This, most in attendance did, and the result was a staggering £22,000.00 towards club funds and that will go a long way to assisting the work of the club and funding the Schools Prize Giving and Concert in February and next December's Schools' Competition. Our principle speaker was Tom Johnston from Cumbernauld who followed a long line of distinguished speakers who have proposed the immortal memory. Tom provided a very interesting and informative Immortal Memory, regularly punctuated with humour, a true tribute to the Bard. Tom was very well received by all in attendance and their appreciation of his efforts was made clear by the standing ovation. Tom was then presented with a bronze bust of the Bard by newest Director Andrew Samuel. Past President Ian Macpherson (with a small p) was his usual hilarious self and proposed a very humorous Toast to the Guests. The reply was made by Ron Cully, who entertained us all, for 40 minutes, with a superb stand up routine. Well Done all! It should be noted that Past Presidents Ian Macpherson and Eddie Meek, together with Boyd Tunnoch were all celebrating their birthdays on the 25th - congratulations. A great many thanks are due to all of the Past Presidents and Directors for their work in making this dinner The Best Burns Supper in the World. Particular thanks go to Ronnie Williamson and his sub-committee for organizing the event and to Ronnie for leading off the signing, to Hon Vice President "Uncle" Alan Findlay for introducing the Schools Competition winners who performed on the night, to Director Jim Cathcart for his sterling work in organizing the Schools Competition this year, having recently taken over from Ralph Taylor after his 6 year stint, our Pianist Matthew Hynes, Pipe Major Spencer Veitch and the Stamperland Church Boys Brigade Pipe Band and The Marriot Hotel and all of their Staff for keeping us all fed and "Watered". Thanks also to Auchantoshan Distilleries who provided a bottle of Malt Whisky for each table. President Jack McKinney proposed a vote of thanks to all involved, in a rhyming style more akin to McGonnigle than Burns, but everyone appreciated his chairmanship of the evening. Vice President Kenny Wilson toasted "Our Chairman" and thanked him on behalf of us all. The evening closed in the traditional manner with everyone singing The Worlds National Anthem, "Auld Lang Syne",
The President and Top Table Guests The President Addresses the Haggis
A very full House BBC Ladies help with sales of souvenirs
Schools Competition Winning Choir Schools Competition Winners of Choral Verse
Schools Competition Winner Senior Solo Schools Competition Winner Junior Solo
Past President George Moore makes the Appeal Tom Johnston Proposes The Immortal Memory
Tom Johnston Proposes The Immortal Memory Andrew Samuel thanks Tom Johnston The Schools Competition 2007 Friday 7th December 2007 The Schools Competition took place on Friday evening at St Mungo's Academy. Over 700 Children turned up on the evening, with ages ranging from 5 years old to 17 years old, all reciting song and verse of Robert Burns. It was truly a wonderful experience to see so many children, all steeped in Burns and all having a great time. The Competition results will be posted on this site shortly. Our thanks go to all of the Adjudicators, Teachers, Helpers, Pupils and Staff of St Mungo's Academy, Past Presidents and Directors and Wives and of course the Children.
Director Andy McArthur took his role as bus co-ordinator very seriously, dressing up as Blakie from "On The Buses" with Vice President "Inspector" Kenny Wilson checking up.
A Choir ready to go Another super performance
An anxious wait while the results go up President Jack and Vice President Kenny in attendance
Two winners with their Medals Heading home after an enjoyable competition
A well earned cup of tea for the Adjudicators Glasgow and District Burns Association Sunday 4th November 2007 The Glasgow and District Burns Association celebrated its 100th Anniversary at a service in Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday the 4th of November 2007. The G & D B A President Willie Telfer participated by reading at the service. The Minister the Reverend Doctor Laurence Whitely conducted the service on the day. The service was supported by many members of the Bridgeton Burns Club. Also in attendance was Glasgow's Lord Provost Bob Winter adding to the "Chain Gang" present. Proceedings were helped along with our own Director Jack Steele who moonlights as Session Clerk to the Cathedral, well done Jack. The service was followed by informal chat in the Cathedral.
Guest Mrs Margaret Ballantyne, Cathedral Guide Miss Cassels, G & D BA President Willie Telfer with BBC Past President BBC Director Andy McArthur. Andy Wilkie
Glasgow's Lord Provost Bob Winter offers BBC President Jack Ian Macpherson enjoys a drink of Tea, yes Tea. McKinney a drink. Glasgow and District Burns Association Civic Reception 2007 Glasgow City Council hosted a Civic Reception in the City Chambers which was attended by members of the Associated Burns Clubs and their guests. President Willie Telfer presented the Council with a new Lectern made from a New Zealand timber over 45,000 years old. Rumours that Willie planted the tree should be ignored. The Lectern was designed by Bridgeton Burns Club Past President Alan McLennan. A very enjoyable evening was had by all who attended and thanks are due to the Lord Provost and his Staff for their organisation. © Visage Photography 0800 043 3140 © Visage Photography 0800 043 3140 President Willie Telfer presents the New Lectern The "Top Table"
© Visage Photography 0800 043 3140 © Visage Photography 0800 043 3140 President Willie Telfer Certificate for the Lectern Timber
© Visage Photography 0800 043 3140 © Visage Photography 0800 043 3140 Civic Reception Guests Lectern Plaque Hallowe'en Supper Friday 26th October 2007 The Halloween Supper was a great success. President Jack McKinney welcomed all and they all ate very well indeed. There was incidental music on the piano throughout out dinner, followed by a rousing Piggery Brae. Vice President Kenny Wilson was outstanding as "Holy Willie". President Jack introduced the main speaker, Stuart Smith from Hamilton. Stuart was very funny indeed and toasted Scotland with a rogue sense of humour. Ian Macpherson's Tam O' Shanter was one of the finest. This was followed by Piggery Brae to round off the evening. Ken Wilson proposed the collective vote of thanks to all, The Merchant Hall Staff, the Caterers, Piggery Brae, The Pianist, Stuart Smith, Ian Macpherson, President Jack and all the guests who, with admirable generosity donated nearly £900.00 by playing "Stand Up Bingo". Special thanks to Alasdair Ronald and his committee for the hard work in making this superb Supper Evening happen.
Top Table Ian Macpherson Stuart Smith and President Jack "Holy Willie"
Andy shows off 43 Tartans, Ralph Slater beware.
Kirkintilloch Speakers Club Visit to Tarbolton Bachelors' Club Andy McArthur a BBC Director recently attended a branch meeting of The Kirkintilloch Speakers Club at the Tarbolton Batchelors' Club after our own successful visit in February. The hosts provided a brief history of the club and all there enjoyed the historic atmosphere.
Andy working towards his Masterpiece Speech Club Members enjoy the visit
Kirkintilloch Speakers Club President, Jackie Stewart, addressing the meeting Schools Competition Winners Publicty 2007Please click on the Schools Competition Bar for recent Publicity articles
Programme of events for 2007 - 2008 Friday 1st February 2008 Schools Concert and Prizegiving The Schools Competition will again be held in St Mungo's Academy on the evening of 7th December 2007 with the winners and runners up invited to perform in the Shettleston Halls in front of their family, friends and teachers, on the evening of 1st February 2008. The Competition and Concert are the culmination of the work of the club over the year and fulfils one of the aims of the club, "To further the knowledge and understanding of Robert Burns in the Schools of the East End of Glasgow". It is most gratifying to see the very high standards achieved by these young people in both the Competition and the Concert. Tuesday 15th April 2008 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Club will take place in the Marriot Hotel, Glasgow at 7.00pm on 15th April 2008 and all club members are cordially invited to attend. Recent Events 2007 Choosing Meeting 9th May 2007 The Choosing meeting took place in St Mungo's Secondary School on 9th May and was chaired by President Jack McKinney and well attended by Honorary Vice Presidents, Past Presidents, Directors, (including the two newest Directors), Adjudicators and Teachers. The list of chosen pieces for the various categories will be posted on the site in the near future. The competitions are open to both Primary and Secondary Schools in the East-End of Glasgow and any School not already on our list, who wish to take part, should contact Ralph Taylor, the Competitions Convener, as soon as possible. Tarbolton Bachelors' Club 23rd February 2007 A group of Past Presidents and Directors visited the Tarbolton Bachelors' Club on Friday 23rd February for a private Dinner and some entertainment. The visit was well attended with just over 30 ( the Maximum Capacity for the Building) Past Presidents, Directors and Guests, led by our President Eddie Meek. Past President Charlie Newlands had organised the visit, including transport and an excellent meal. It was an emotional visit and several of the attendees entertained with song, recitals, anecdotes and speeches. A great night was had by all and it was agreed that another similar visit should be arranged next year. Our thanks to The National Trust for Scotland for allowing us this privilege. http://www.burnsscotland.com/tours/tarbolton/
Director Kenny Wilson as "Holy Willie" Director Jack Steel "Brewed a Peck"
P P Alan McLennan "Toasts (roasts) The Lassies" Director Ian Lightbody "Addresses the Haggis"
Director Andy McArthur gives a recital Visit to the Mitchell Library A group of Past Presidents and Directors recently visited the Mitchell Library in North Street in Glasgow to view some of the many Robert Burns artefacts held by the Library including several belonging to The Bridgeton Burns Club. It was a very interesting evening and all who attended were impressed by the extent and quality of the collection. The Past Presidents and Directors wish to thank the Staff of The Mitchell Library for their assistance and it is the Club's intention to organize another visit in the not to distant future.
Original Manuscript by Robert Burns The Kilmarnock Edition by Robert Burns
The Group of Visitors and Staff
The Bridgeton Burns Club Punch Bowl 1872
Schools Competition Results 7th Dec 2007:A Full list of all of the results of the recent Schools Competition can be found by clicking on the link below.
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