In this the 250th anniversary year of the birth of the bard, Lodge Cadder Argyle pulled out all the stops to commemorate Robert Burns and make this year’s Burns’ Supper an overwhelming success.

And so it was that on Saturday 10th January, 106 Burns enthusiasts crammed into the hall to enjoy the celebrations that were about to unfold.

The evening began with the chairman, the Master, Finlay Campbell, welcoming the assembled company and in the light-hearted manner that would continue throughout the evening, introducing the Top Table.

The Director of Ceremonies then asked the assembled company to stand to receive the haggis, which was piped in by a piper from Chryston Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band, and ceremoniously borne by the Junior Warden, Ian McIntyre.

The Haggis
John MacGregor, Past Master of Cumbernauld St. Andrew’s Lodge, addressed the haggis – ‘Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!’ and using his wife Elizabeth’s best chopping knife - ‘trenching your gushing entrails bright, like ony ditch’. Everyone was then asked to be upstanding to toast The Haggis.

The Selkirk Grace was then performed by the Lodge Chaplain, Billy Cairns, after which the usual banquet was set down for the assembled guests. The meal comprised: home-made lentil broth with dinner roll; haggis, neeps and tatties; steak pie, mair tatties and peas; cheese and oatcakes; tea or coffee.

The Pipes and Drums
Following the meal the 1st Chryston Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band treated the audience to some traditional Scottish pipe music, including Scotland the Brave, Highland Cathedral and several other favourites, culminating in Black Bear and their ‘return to barracks’. Their performance received rapturous applause.

Songs of Burns.
It was then the turn of the singers, and the audience was enthralled by the voices of Gwen Hamilton who performed ‘Comin Thro’ the Rye’ and ‘O My Luve’s Like a Red Red Rose’, and Archie Gallacher who performed ’Ae Fond Kiss’.

The Immortal Memory
Performing for the first time at Lodge Cadder Argyle, Brother David Kerr, also of Cumbernauld St. Andrew’s Lodge, carried out the toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, highlighting one of the lesser known aspects of Burns’ life, his days as an Exciseman. With an even balance of light hearted humour and historical fact, and in a clear and concise manner, David caught the attention of the assembled guests.

Toast to the Lassies
Once again the Junior Warden, Ian McIntyre, was to the fore. This time proposing the toast to the Lassies, which was carried out with just the right proportions of seriousness and humour. It was made quite clear who rules the roost in the McIntyre household when Ian’s wife, Laura, took to the stage to reply on behalf of the assembled ‘Lassies’.

Tam O’Shanter
Billy Hunter then took to the stage, and after giving an introduction setting the scene for the epic poem, and describing some of the words and phrases used, he ‘mounted on his grey mare Meg’ and enthralled the audience with a word-perfect rendition of Tam O’Shanter. It must be pointed out that ‘no animals were harmed during the performance of this tale.’

It was now time to hear two rousing songs, with Gwen Hamilton singing ‘A Highland Lad’ followed by Archie Gallacher singing ‘Killiecrankie’. The singers were accompanied on the organ once again by Tommy Lever, who has been carrying out this duty for more years than anyone can remember.

A Recitation
Giving a sample of some of the works which Burns should have written but probably didn’t, Jim Hunter, Past Master of The Athole Lodge, Kirkintilloch, entertained everyone in his own inimitable style. Anyone asking Jim to perform in the future should always remember to tell him if there is anyone in the company likely to be easily offended.

A vote of thanks was very ably carried out by John Mackie, who reminded the audience that he will be chairing next year’s Burns’ supper which will take place on Friday 15th January 2010.

Archie Gallacher then took to the stage once more and led the assembled company in singing the “Star o’ Rabbie Burns” after which the programme concluded with all linking hands to sing Auld Lang Syne. “and all went home replete from an evening of enjoyment”