In February/March 2020, it became apparent that a major disease, first seen in China, was spreading throughout the world. Many aspects of day to day life in Scotland were affected by the spread of the virus with the Government closing down large numbers of businesses, schools, colleges and preventing travel both internationally and at home.
Late December 2020 saw the beginning of vaccinations on a large scale throughout the country with full coverage unlikely until late 2021. The vast majority of Burns Suppers scheduled for January 2021 were cancelled as it was illegal to hold such large events.
‘Let it Blaw’ took the decision not to cancel our supper and it was agreed to host a gathering of members online using the relatively new Zoom system. Club Members were invited to submit photographs of their meal which was to be eaten prior to the Toasts, Songs and Recitations.
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Club President, Iain McSporran ……
if only he had remembered to put 50p in the meter.
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The Father of the Club –
Ian Falconer at a sprightly 96 years young.
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Honorary Club Piper – Kerr Cowan Snr.
Piping in the Haggis
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Iain Downie
“Address to a Haggis”
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A Serving Wench
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Alex Hood still counselling his Haggis
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Ivor Santer
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Jim Donald
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Niall Donaldson
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Charlie Boyle
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Club Bard, Andy McGowan
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John Mathers, who recites “To a Mouse” accompanied by a live mouse, has new cast members
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Mike Erskine
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Charlie Husband
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John Dibben
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Pat Harkin
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Jonathan Payne
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Brent Hurley
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Alan Prior; what more could a man need at a Burns Supper ?
Haggis, neeps, tatties, a bottle of Highland Park, a beer ………. oh, and a computer !
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Angus Swan
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Rev. Dr. Andre Groenewald
“Grace After Meat”
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Club President, Iain McSporran QC –
Chairman & “Toast to the Balerno Burns Club, Let it Blaw”
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Jim Weatherston
“Is there for Honest Poverty”
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The Haggis is gone; only oatcakes, cheese & drams left –
Raymond Ward, “The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns”
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Kerr Cowan
“The Bard’s Lament”
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John Cox
“Appreciation of the Immortal Memory”
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Alan Prior
“My Luv’ is like a Red, Red Rose”
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Brent Hurley
“Toast to the Lasses”
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Alex Cox
“Reply on behalf of the Lasses”
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Hon. Vice President, Ken McDonald
“Tam o’ Shanter”
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Alex Hood
“The Balerno Song”
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Neil Johnstone
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Roy Cook
“Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon”
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Greg McCarra
“Now Westlin Winds”
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Max Downie
“Toast to New Members & Guests”
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Mike Erskine
“Reply to the Toast to New Members & Guests”
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Charlie Husband
“Ae Fond Kiss”
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Colin West
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Ian Duncan
“Holy Willie’s Prayer”
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Donald John
“Toast to Chairman, Croupiers & Artistes”
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Iain McSporran leading the Company in ‘Auld Lang Syne’
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Following the Supper, his grandfather Kerr Snr., who had served as Honorary Piper to ‘Let it Blaw’ for over 43 years, announced his retirement from the post at the next AGM. How lucky we are to have such a ready replacement.
We wish one Kerr a long and happy retirement in which he might enjoy many more Suppers without having to work for his haggis, and welcome our new Kerr setting him the not insignificant target of 43 years to beat.