Our thanks to Jimmy Johnstone for this Report.
340. BALERNO BURNS CLUB. Now in its 116th year,
held the Annual Supper in the Kestrel Hotel on 27th
January 1996. Despite appalling weather conditions, a
Total of 83 members and guests sat down to a traditionally
fulsome meal followed by an excellent programme. In
this year of the bi-centenary of the death of Robert Burns,
it was perhaps fitting that the Club should have its first
guest speaker proposing the Immortal Memory of the
Bard. But the Principal Speaker was no stranger to the
Club, for the Rev. David Ogston, now resident in Perth,
had previously delivered the Immortal Memory in 1977,
while Minister of Balerno Parish Church. As on that
memorable occasion, he again received the unanimous
acclaim of the audience. Speaking from the heart, the Rev.
Ogston, who is a leaned authority on Burns, compared
the poet’s life with that of another of Scotland’s sons,
the recently deceased Norman McCaig. A speech that
was received with fascination and approval throughout
the hall. Other highlights were Ken McDonald’s first
“Tam O Shanter”; the address by W. Ramsay, Honorary
Vice President of the Club, and a “Live Satellite Link”
With Houston, USA, where Jimmy Johnstone was able
to deliver the Bard’s Oration. This innovative performance
was greeted with good humoured incredulity by the
Company who were later reassured by the Producer, Ken
Falconer, that the cost involved would not result in any
increase in annual subscriptions! Congratulations must
go to President, Alex Hood and his hard working
Committee for their part in making the evening such a
success and the overall opinion of those attending was
that next year’s event cannot come quick enough. In
association with our sister club Marchbank, we continue
to support our local schools’ participation in several Burns
Competitions. J.J.