Burns Memorial at Bridgeton Cross
The Evening Times April
2010
Alec’s Bridgeton Burns memorial will be set in stone
-
Lecturer John Halpin, left, casts his
expert eye over Alec Keeper’s planned Burns memorial. Picture: Colin
Templeton
Exclusive by Gordon Thomson
Published on 1 Apr 2010
Photographer Alec Keeper has carved out a whole new career by designing
a modern memorial to Robert Burns.
Having
swapped his camera for a chisel to train as a stonemason at a Glasgow
college he’s designed a granite and sandstone tribute to our national
Bard.
Alec won
a competition to design a new Burns memorial which will stand just yards
from Bridgeton Cross, which is undergoing a £1 million renovation.
Bridgeton Burns Club commissioned the work last year to mark the 250th
anniversary of the birth of Burns.
Alec,
38, was inspired by the Bard’s nickname – ‘the ploughman poet’ – and has
designed a stone pillar more than six feet tall which bends in the shape
of a ploughshare.
Despite
running the risk of being labelled illiterate, he and his team will
chisel out the word ‘LUVE’ on the pillar. The old Scots word for “love”
was frequently used by Burns in his works, including the line: “My
luve is like a red, red rose.”
Glasgow
Metropolitan College student Alec said: “Love is the central message of
Burns’ celebration of our common humanity. This message remains
inspirational and relevant to us all today.”
Alec,
from Dennistoun, and his fellow student
expect to complete the memorial by the time the new-look Bridgeton Cross
is unveiled in June.
The work
will be created under the watchful eye of John
Halpin, head of building trades at the college.
Bridgeton Burns Club, is the oldest of its
kind in Glasgow. Club President Jack Steele said: “We wanted to do
something to mark the life and works of Robbie Burns. I think he would
be very pleased.”
The club
has contributed £1,000 to the £15,000 cost of the memorial, which will
be funded from the overall scheme’s £1.1m budget.
Competition Certificate Presentation
Lochend Community High School 17 March 2010
Bridgeton Burns Club Director Andy McArthur paid a
special visit to Lochend Community High School in Easterhouse, to present
certificates to entrants and prize winners who had participated in the
Bridgeton Burns Club 2009 Schools Competition in December. Siobhan McMahon,
an Art Teacher at Lochend Community High School, together with some very
enthusiastic pupils whom she teaches, was on hand to receive the Bridgeton
Burns Club Schools Framed Certificate. The pupil’s spoke of their enjoyment
in participating and receiving the certificates and they look forward to
taking part in this year’s competition. Siobhan echoed the pupils’ comments
and expressed her view that the Competition seems to improve year on year.
.JPG)
.JPG)
BBC Director Andy McArthur with Siobhan McMahon and pupils
Presentation of the School Certificate
Forthcoming Events 2010 - 2011
An up to date list of forthcoming events for 2010 -
2011 will be published shortly.
Recent Events 2009 - 2010
The Adjudicators' Dinner Friday 19th February 2010 - Haggs
Castle Golf Club
Bridgeton Burns Club Adjudicators Dinner 2010
The Bridgeton Burns Club Adjudicators Dinner was held
in the prestigious Haggs Castle Golf Club on Friday 19th February
2010.
After a brief introduction from the President Jack
Steele, who warmly welcomed the diners and especially the guests, the
Competition Adjudicators the haggis was piped in. The first item of our
evening’s programme was addressing the Haggis which Jack did with such
emotion and feeling that the Chef took two paces back to avoid the swirling
blade.
An excellent meal prepared and served by the Golf Club
staff pleased everyone. This was followed by the Loyal Toast.
Opening the entertainment proceedings was our own
Soutar Ian Macpherson resplendent in a bright red jacket, possibly an ex-Butlin’s
item.
The company sang Rantin, Rovin Robin to begin
the entertainment section. Introducing Director Andy McArthur, Ian
Macpherson set about telling the audience how he had seen the film Gungha
Din in the year 1940 and how it left an impression on him for life.
Thereafter, in walks Andy dressed in the uniform of the British Army circa
1903. A quick tale of how the film Zulu was totally inaccurate and
then he recited Kipling’s Gungha Din.
Guest artist Jane Jackson then sang a harmony of her
own followed by Caledonia. Her voice was sweet and the guitar playing
mesmerised the audience.
A theatrical performance titled the Giggles
saw Danielle McIlroy with Jodie McGregor re-enacting part of the late
Eva Cassidy’s life to the song Fields of Barley.
It was then time for Past President Bob Burnett to
speak on the Fund for the Arts. A few jokes lightened the mood then Bob
described the availability of funds for budding musicians, singers, writers,
artists and actors. Bob explained the support offered to students of the
arts and encouraged the audience to advise any young student to apply for a
grant. He rounded off by presenting a cheque to Jane, Danielle and Jodie.
Ian introduced an unusual act next. For those fans on
Monty Pythons Flying Circus the treat was a re-enactment of The Argument
starring Paddy Burnett, Louise Lightbody and Maureen Brown. This was as
close to the real thing and was well received by those who remembered the
original sketch and those hearing it for the first time.
Jane Jackson plucked her guitar to the tune of My
Luve is like A Red Red Rose and sang the words with sincerity.
Director Andrew Samuel was nominated to Toast the
Lassies and that he did. Complimenting the ladies and at the same time
bringing humour relating how he was absent one Valentine’s Day but did text
Samantha, his loving wife, from Tel Aviv while attending an international
football match. It took a few dinners to get over that one.
Following the raising of the glasses to the Lassies
the boys sang in harmony the song If You Were the Only Girl in the World.
The new kid on the block Director Peter Hughes was on
hand to sing that world famous Adam McNaughtan Jeely Piece Song. For
the hard of Glaswegian a Jeely Piece is a local delicacy consisting
of two bits of bread with a butter and jam filling. Without prompting the
audience joined in the chorus, well done Peter.
Not on the menu but warmly received was Ishbell
Cameron dressed as Edith Piaf singing Je Ne Regrete Rien.
Retired Commodore Director Eric Thompson got dressed
up for his version of Tam O’ Shanter titled Ally O’ Shanter. The
story line was very, yes very similar and the parody of Ally being chased
and being caught by the Glasgow Polis was greeted with laughter and warm
applause.
In response to the Toast to the Lassies up stepped the
President’s Wife Mrs Anne Steele. Between compliments and some rather blunt
humour, Anne weaved a path that lead to everyone agreeing that without the
Ladies the boys lives would not be so bright.
To close the entertainment Danielle McIlroy with Jodie
McGregor performed a comedy monologue each. The audience showed their
appreciation for the display of acting ability the girls showed.
The boys and girls then sung My Love, She’s / He’s
but a Lassie / Laddie Yet accompanied by Jack Hendry on the piano.
Club Vice-President Ronnie Williamson had the pleasure
of delivering the Vote of Thanks. From bottom to top he praised the catering
and bar staff, Past President Ian Macpherson as Soutar, President Jack for
the chairmanship, Past President Bob Burnett with the Fund for the Arts
appeal, Paddy Burnett with Louise Lightbody and Maureen Brown for some
Python Comedy, Director Andrew Samuel for Toasting the Lassies, Director
Andy McArthur for being the water boy Gungha Din, newest Director
Peter Hughes with his rendition of the Jelly Piece song, President’s
wife Anne Steele for replying beautifully on behalf of the lassies. Special
thanks went to performers Jane Jackson, Danielle McIlroy and Jodie McGregor
for bringing new, young and promising talent. Ronnie’s last thanks went to
the Adjudicators whom without their judging skills the Club Competition
would not be the success it is.
Finally Auld Lang Syne the song that unites the
world.
A couple of refreshments later the carriages arrived
and the diners weaved a path home.
Director Andy McArthur
President Jack Steele addresses The Haggis
Soutar Ian Macpherson
Andy recites "Gunga Din
Macpherson and Burnett "Chatting up" the
students
Past President Bob Burnett on "The Fund for The Arts"
Paddy, Louise and Maureen in "The Argument"
Eric as "Ally Shanter"
Director Andrew Samuel "Toasts the Lassies"
Anne Steele replys on behalf of "The Lassies"
Danielle McIlroy, Jane Jackson and Jodie McGregor
Jack Henry our Pianist for the evening
Ishbell Cameron as Edith Piaf
Peter Hughes with the "Jeely Piece" song.
Vice President Ronnie Williamson proposes a Vote of
Thanks Auld Lang Syne
closes the evening.
Schools' Concert and Prize Giving 5th February 2010
Woodside Halls
The annual
Schools' Concert and Prize Giving took place on Friday 6th February 2009 at the
Woodside Halls, St George's Cross, in Glasgow. The Concert was well attended by Prize Winners, Parents, Teachers, Adjudicators
and Past Presidents and Directors of the Club together with
Councillor Jonathan Findlay, Executive Member for Education on Glasgow City
Council, and Councillor Mary Smith, his counterpart on South Lanarkshire
Council. The event was hosted
by The President John R Steele ably assisted by his wife Anne. All the children who attended were given crisps, sweets and
a drink and our thanks 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 very high standards achieved, which seems to improve year
upon year. Below is a selection of
photographs of some of the participants.
The 140th Anniversary Dinner 2010 - Monday 25th January
2010
Once
again, The Bridgeton Burns Club staged the "Best Burns Supper in the World"
by holding its 140th Anniversary Dinner on Monday 25th January in the
Marriot Hotel in Glasgow. The Dinner was attended by 699 Gentlemen and
1 Lady (Mrs Jane Jack, President of the Glasgow and District Burns
Association who was attending for the second time) and all were once again
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 Steele who successfully
controlled a very full, at at times noisy, house, with some more full than
others, and it is a great tribute to our club that all 700 attending upheld
the great tradition of the Bridgeton Burns Club by affording all our
speakers and entertainers their full attention. Very
well done Jack for chairing the
Best Burns Supper in the World
and for your excellent Address to the Haggis. As this was our
25th dinner in succession to be held in the Marriott Hotel, our President
chose to mark the occasion by presenting a signed and framed certificate to
the Hotel Manager.
Director Eric Thompson, our new Schools Competition Convener, introduced the
Schools Competition Winners who performed for us.
Congratulations are due to Eric for his meticulous work in organising a very
well run competition and again for excellent entertainment at the dinner.
The
Schools Competition is what the club is all about and we were soon
entertained by a selection of the Competition winners. It was generally
agreed that the standard this year was the highest ever. It is
obvious that the children who take part in the competition do so because
they enjoy it and their enthusiasm spills over in their performances.
The standard just gets better year on year. The performances
finished with Emma Reilly, aged 5, from Calderwood Primary School, standing
on a chair on the stage and reciting a Burns Poem in front of an audience of
700. Well done Emma and all of the children who performed for
us.
Past
President Ian Macpherson made the appeal for donations for club funds and
the use of Gift Aid forms again this year will enable the Club to recover a
28% donation from HM Revenue and Customs. Ian's very funny
and original appeal culminated in raising a staggering £18,000.00
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. The President announced
that it was Ian's 75th Birthday and Past President Eddie Meek's 60th.
Well done the auld yins.
Spencer Veitch and the Stamperland Pipe Band entertained us during the
interval and this added to a wonderful evening.
Our
principal speaker was Alex Neil MSP, from Patna in Ayrshire,
the
Housing and Communities Minister in the Scottish Government,
who was recently voted Orator of the Year in the Scottish Parliament.
Alex followed a long line of distinguished speakers who have proposed the
Immortal Memory and we soon understood why he had won the Orator of the Year
title. Alex provided a very interesting and informative Immortal
Memory, with only a small amount of political comment thrown in.
A true tribute to the Bard and to Scotland. Alex was very
well received by all in attendance and their appreciation of his efforts was
made clear by the standing ovation. Alex was then
presented with a bronze bust of the Bard and thanked in rhyme, by newest
Director Dr Peter Hughes. Alex is the third MSP to speak at our
dinner in recent years and we are indeed fortunate to have elected members
of the highest calibre willing to give their time for the Bridgeton Burns
Club.
Past
President George Moore proposed a very humorous (with lots of new material)
Toast to the Guests which included him having a small drink of Buckfast "by
the neck" as part of his Toast. He obviously enjoyed it as he
was seen having another swig later!!!!
George's toast was replied to by Graeme Kidd, the Lord Dean of Guild and the
Second Citizen of Glasgow who apologised for being born in Edinburgh, being
a retired Stockbroker, being the son of a Banker and for having attended The
High School of Glasgow from the age of 9. He was soon forgiven
by the audience who obviously took pity on him for his deprived childhood
and he was doing well until he told a joke about Glasgow Rangers!!!!!
Seriously Graeme, well done and we trust that you enjoyed your first, but
hopefully not your last, Bridgeton Burns Club Anniversary Dinner.
Well
Done all!
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 Alasdair Ronald and his
sub-committee for organizing the event and to Ronnie Williamson for leading
off the signing, (the largest all male choir in the UK 699 of Glasgow's
finest singers), to Director Eric Thompson for introducing the Schools
Competition winners who performed on the night, and for his sterling work in
organizing the Schools Competition this year, our Pianist Matthew Hynes,
Pipe Major Spencer Veitch and the Stamperland Pipe Band and The Marriot
Hotel and all of their Staff for keeping us all fed and "Watered".
Thanks once again to Auchantoshan Distilleries who provided a bottle of
their superb Malt Whisky for each table.
President Jack Steele proposed a vote of thanks to all involved, and
everyone appreciated his excellent chairmanship of the evening.
Vice President Ronnie Williamson toasted "Our Chairman" and thanked him on
behalf of us all.
Thanks
are also due to all who attended for supporting the club and the appeal and
finally to Maureen Brown who works tirelessly behind the scenes doing all of
the necessary administrative work of the club.
The
evening closed in the traditional manner with everyone singing
The Worlds National Anthem, "Auld Lang Syne."
The President John R.
Steele and his Top Table Guests
The Stamperland Pipe Band
The Largest All Male Choir in Glasgow
The President's welcoming address
Leona Logan - St. Mungo's Academy - Verse Winner
St Columkille's Primary - Choral Speaking Winners
St Columkille's Primary - Enjoying their performance
Wellshot Primary School - Winning Choir
Alex Neil MSP proposes the Immortal Memory
Ronnie Wiliamson Graeme Kidd
John R. Steele Alex Neil MSP George Moore
Wreath Laying 23rd January 2010
The Bridgeton Burns Club was proud to be represented at the Annual Wreath
Laying Service on George Square Glasgow on Saturday the 23rd of
January 2010. In the foyer of Glasgow City Chambers the audience
assembled. The opening address by Jean Jack President of the Glasgow and
District Burns Association made everyone welcome.
The choir of Wellshott Primary School Choir sang for the audience prior to
the procession leaving the City Chambers. The choir appeared at ASDA Store
in the Parkhead Shopping Centre the day before. The singing brought the
store to a stand still as members of the public were entertained by the
choir. Leading the procession was Piper Dougie Melvin of Williamwood Pipe
Band.
At
the statue of Robert Burns, warm words of welcome were spoken by World Burns
Federation President Wing Commander Mike Duguid. Following a lament from
the Piper the Wreath Laying party stepped forward and ceremoniously laid the
wreaths on the Statue of Robert Burns. The party consisted of World Burns
Federation President Wing Commander Mike Duguid, Glasgow City Councillor
Baillie Alan Stewart Deputy Lord Provost, Bridgeton Burns Club President John R. Steele, Glasgow
and District Burns Association President Jean Jack, Sandyford Burns Club
President Bob Lawson (George Anderson laid the wreath on his behalf), Royalty Burns Club President Robert McSween,
Rutherglen Burns Club President Donald Ross and Haggis Club President Kenny
Dalgleish.
The Choir of Wellshot Primary again sang for assembled audience to warm
applause. From George Square the procession led by Piper Dougie proceeded
to the Glasgow City Council Parish Halls in George Street for light
refreshments. Jean Jack welcomed all and handed over to Master of
Ceremonies Bob McDonald. Bob highlighted the entertainment. More songs
from Wellshot Primary School Choir, a recitation by Leona Logan of St
Mungo’s Acadamy and Fraser Kent of James Aiton Primary School. The songs
sung beautifully were Duncan Grey and Ye Banks and Braes of Bonny Doon.
Leona’s rendition of a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation was exquisite with
clear and precise diction alongside demonstrative gestures. The warming
smile from Leona during the applause proved how she enjoyed entertaining the
audience. Fraser Kean recited To a Mouse. A wee boy who made his parents
proud and he also received warm applause.
Closing the ceremony Bob McDonald proposed a vote of thanks. He warmly
thanked Baillie Alan Dewar from Glasgow City Council, World President Mike
Duguid, Wellshot Primary School Choir, Leona Logan of St Mungo’s Secondary
School, Fraser Kean of James Aiton Primary School, Maureen Brown of the
Bridgeton Burns Club, Glasgow City Council Caterers and Janitorial Staff,
Burns Club Presidents and Members, Aileen Nisbet and Sandra Lees the
musicians.
The only way to finish Bob said was to sing Auld Lang Syne and we did.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Bridgeton Burns Club President John R. Steele, centre. Choir from
Wellshot Primary School in Merchants' House
Royal Scots Club Burns Supper 22nd January 2010
Bridgeton Burns Club Director Andy McArthur attended
the Royal Scots Club Burns Supper in January 2010. The Immortal Memory was
beautifully delivered by World Burns Federation Past President Mr D Wilson
Ogilvie. Pictured having a hearty hand shake Mr Wilson sends his greetings
to the Bridgeton Burns Club President John R Steele and all the Members.
Andy returned the compliment by wishing good health and happiness to Wilson.
.JPG)
Friday 4th December 2009
Schools Competition
The Schools Competition was held in St Mungo's Academy on the evening of
4th December 2009
and well over 700 children, with their Teachers turned up on a very cold night
to perform their Burns pieces in front of our Adjudicators. The winners
and runners up will be invited to perform in the Woodside Halls in front of their
family, friends and teachers, on the evening of 5th February 2010.
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. The
Competition results will be published shortly on this Web Site. Our
thanks go to The Staff and Pupils of St Mungo's Academy for the use of their
School and for the assistance in acting as "runners" for the Directors and
Adjudicators. Our thanks are also due to the dedicated group of
volunteer Adjudicators who listen to the Children and select the winners and
runners up in each category. Finally our thanks go to all of our
Past Presidents and Directors who turned out on the evening to help control
the flow of children to each Adjudicator and to ensure that all went
smoothly. Special thanks are due to Director Eric Thomson and his Schools Competition
Committee for organising the whole competition and to Maureen Brown in the Club
Office.
Director Andy McArthur checks out the Buses
for the Competition
2009
Schools Competition Report
The
2009 Schools Competition was held on 4th December in St Mungo’s
Academy where the Club again enjoyed superb support from Headteacher John
Reilly, Marie Birchard and 29 senior pupils who were employed in tasks as
varied as VIP guiding, competitor collection, and finding the missing bits
of the Convenor’s car immobiliser which had fallen apart in the playground.
Altogether, 1240 pupils from 34 schools participated (including the Art and
Newsdesk sections) and when they poured into the reception desks from their
buses, the level of enthusiasm in the school hall was tangible. An estimated
80 anxious-looking teachers were also involved.
The Club’s policy of funding music teacher support for primary
schools has delivered rich dividends with no less than fourteen primary
school choirs entering this year compared with only one from a secondary
school. In similar proportions, P6/7 Verse Speaking proved so popular that
numbers per school had to be restricted and four parallel lines of
adjudication had to be set-up with play-offs. This year, the Club was
pleased to welcome three new primary schools and three schools returning
after long absences: it was also pleasing to see that two of these schools
broke into the prize lists. But whilst the primary schools’ entry was
gratifyingly strong, the correspondingly poor response from secondary
schools was disappointing and seems to point to some systematic turn-off at
this level of education. In recognition of this, the Club was pleased to
welcome senior officials from both Glasgow and South Lanarkshire Education
Departments to observe the Competition as a result of which participation in
future Competitions will be seen as reinforcing rather than distracting from
the Scottish Government’s new Curriculum for Excellence. Another dividend
reaped this year was piano accompaniment by Kevan O’Reilly, a former
Competition winner from St Andrew’s Secondary and beneficiary of the Club’s
Fund for the Arts who graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and
Drama last summer. This year, the Glasgow Evening Times sent along a staff
photographer and gave extensive coverage to the Competition.
The Concert and Prizegiving will take place in the Woodside Hall
on 5th February when 17 trophies will be presented along with 10
silver medals for exceptional performances and £2710 of gift vouchers and
cheques. The Club is delighted that Councillor Jonathan Findlay, Executive
Member for Education on Glasgow City Council, and Councillor Mary Smith, his
counterpart on South Lanarkshire Council, have accepted invitations to
attend the Concert.
Once again, the Club is indebted to the 23 independent volunteer
adjudicators without whom the competition would not have been possible.
Eric Thompson MBE
Convenor Schools Competition
Schools Competition Winners 2009
Please
click on the Schools Competition Results at the foot of this page.
The
Bridgeton Burns Club
c.JPG)
c.JPG)
c.JPG)
c.JPG)
.jpg)
