Burns supper returns

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Famed poet Robert Burns will once again receive a tribute in Strathmore, consisting of special Scottish traditions and raising funds allocated to the Freemasons, in one week’s time.
The annual Burns Supper is a global phenomenon that took shape after Burns’s death when nine of his friends gathered for dinner to celebrate his life in 1801, reciting his work, toasting his memory, and enjoying haggis – a Scottish savoury pudding containing sheep organs that will be served at the Strathmore Masonic Lodge #53 supper.
The event is the fraternal organization’s main fundraiser, and despite amassing trivial amounts of funds, it ensures other purposes within the community.
“Of course we do casinos and things like that, and they probably raise more money, but it’s important to do things like this… they’re increasing our visibility in the community,” said Gord Morck, senior warden of the Strathmore Masonic Lodge #53. “It’s something to make Strathmore a more interesting community. The little quirky kind of things that people can enjoy.”
Money raised at the event will be donated to community causes, which have included the Air Cadets and higher education bursary funds in the past. Although the 50-member-strong organization sold 100 tickets last year, 120 tickets will be available for this year’s event being held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Strathmore for a second year. The fundraiser will follow some same guidelines as in the past years, but the menu will include Cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, roast beef, and dessert. The celebration will also include bagpipers and the district deputy grand master who will do the address to the haggis and is originally from Scottland.
The Strathmore Masonic Lodge #53 Burns Supper will take place on Jan. 23 at the Royal Canadian Legion. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at the Royal Canadian Legion or by E-mailing Gord Morck at g.morck@shaw.ca.