Robbie Burns night a success
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
The Civic Centre was filled with men in their family’s kilts, thick Scottish accents and the scent of haggis as people took part in the Robbie Burns dinner Jan. 22. This was the second year for the dinner, hosted by the Gleichen and Strathmore Masonic Lodges. Kevin Keegan, a member of the Strathmore Masonic Lodge and one of the organizers, said attendance was way up this year. There were close to 200 tickets printed for the event.
“According to the chefs there were 189 plates served. A great increase from last year. In the next few days, we will be presenting the Anglican Women’s Guild with a cheque for all their hard work,” said Keegan.
“It is my understanding that 100 per cent of last year’s donation to them went to some very deserving causes which will be the case this year as well.”
Robbie Burns was a famous Scottish poet and lyricist. Burns’ poem ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is still often sung on New Years Eve. Burns’ birthday was January 25, 1759. Due to the number of dinners being held in his honour, they are spread throughout the month of January.
After the welcome and introductions of the members at the head table, Dick Ellsworth, the piper for the night, piped in the haggis.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish and is a staple of every Robbie Burns dinner. Jim Curry read the ‘Address to the Haggis’, which was written by Burns.
“Probably one of the best toasts to the haggis, the most animated. I enjoyed that immensely,” said Keegan.
“This is one of the better Robbie Burns dinners I’ve come to,” said guest Larry Watson.
Many of the people at the dinner in Strathmore travel to some of the other dinners, which take place throughout the month.
“Lots of these people go from place to place to place,” said Keegan.
He said Robbie Burns nights are typically put on by Masonic lodges and there is usually a large diversity of people at them.
There had been a highland dancer in place as part of the entertainment, but they were unable to make it. When Keegan looked for a replacement he found out the other dancers were going to other dinners taking place the same night.
“Next year I would like to get more pipers, I’d like to have more drummers involved in the piping in and so on and so forth as well,” said Keegan.
He is not sure if he will be one of the organizers next year but said it is one of the ideas he will pass along. Keegan said he and members of the two lodges are happy to hear thoughts and suggestions about how to improve in the future.
“We don’t want to rush things, and we want to make sure we improve every year.”