Full report from the 132nd Carrick Burns Club annual supper

In their 132nd year, club members enjoyed a memorable evening in a magnificent setting. 

The host Make Believe Events and their staff served high quality traditional fare to the 70 guests in attendance.

The club committee reported a successful evening full of music, entertainment, banter and repartee, sentiments echoed by the guests.

The evening was admirably chaired by Shona McIntyre.

Shona, now from Bearsden in Glasgow, is a native of Girvan and has attended the supper for more than 40 years and is clearly passionate about keeping the memory of Robert Burns to the fore.

Bella Cunningham receives her award from Shona McIntyre (Image: Charlie Gilmour) The chair’s first task was to have the pleasure of introducing Bella Cunningham, aged 12, who would awe the audience with her “Address to a Haggis” using expert diction, action and expression to the joy of all and leading to a well-deserved ovation and setting a very high standard for the evening ahead.

Bella went on to entertain playing the violin with musician Stephen Bradley on keyboard.

The Carrick Burns Club supports local schools in the area and helps to promote the works and poetry of Robert Burns.

Bella was the 2024 School poetry competition winner. A specially commissioned trophy donated by The Marquess of Ailsa, the Ailsa Craig Trophy, was presented to Bella by Mrs McIntyre.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) After a fine meal, served by the waiting staff in traditional and welcoming surroundings, the chair formally introduced the musical entertainer for the evening Stephen Bradley.

Stephen, former principal teacher of music and former teacher of support for learning among his many other achievements, is a professional organist.

Stephen opened the evening with a wonderful version of  Ye Banks and Braes and an unaccompanied rendition of Ma Hairt is Sair to the delight of the audience.

Later in the evening, Stephen delighted the audience with his rendition of Scots Wa Hae, By Yon Castle Wa, A Mans a Man and I'll Aye Come in by Yon Toon.

The second recital of the evening was from a long serving supporter of the Carrick Burns Club, Stuart McKinlay.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) As well as a teacher at Gleniffer High School, Stuart is also a qualified speech and drama teacher which was clearly evidenced as he enthralled all present during a superb rendition of one of Burns best works, The Tale of Tam O Shanter.

The first speaker of the evening, Jane Brown, first female president of World Burns Federation, honorary member of Burns Howf Club in Dumfries and former manageress of The Globe Inn in Dumfries, proposed the toast to the Immortal Memory ‘of Robert Burns.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) Jane approached her speech dressed in period costume and spoke of Burns from the perspective of Jean Armour, reciting , without a note, enthralling the audience with the story of Burns life, a very fitting and informative tribute keeping his audience captivated.

The second speech of the evening, The Toast to the Lassies was presented by Stevie Hastie, president of The Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association a witty, insightful and humorous account of the impact on the ladies have in in our lives.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) The Reply to the Lassies was expertly presented by Fiona Evans immediate past president of the Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association.

Fiona responded with gusto to Stevie’s toast, putting men in their place from the female perspective. Both received heart felt appreciation for their wit and repartee.

Stuart McKinlay regaled the audience with two further inciteful recitals, Holy Willie’s Prayer and Address to the Unco Guid.

A highly enjoyable evening was brought to a humorous close with a toast to the guests and artistes, presented by Allan Brown and then in the usual worldwide recognised fashion by a rousing version of Auld Lang Syne.

A fond farewell until the next time was extended to all by Mrs McIntyre.