Waterbeck SWRI 60th Anniversary Burns Supper on Thursday 5th February 2009

Our President Anne Vevers welcomed all Waterbeck members and many guests from the local rurals as well as the Dumfriesshire President, Mrs Irela Hamilton and Secretary, Mrs Jean Wilson to Waterbeck SWRI’s 60th Anniversary Celebration Burns Supper.

Waterbeck SWRI’s oldest member Jen Jardine was called upon to cut the 60th Anniversary cake. The cake which had been made by Deena Reid looked and tasted wonderful, and was admired by everyone.

Secretary, Pat Adie gave President Anne Vevers a surprise presentation of an engraved vase and bouquet of flowers from all the members of Waterbeck SWRI in appreciation of her many years of loyal and dedicated service. An emotional Anne was unable to continue with her speech until later in the evening.

Burns’ Selkirk Grace was read by Anne and Cameron Reid piped in the haggis, then a memorable ‘Address to the Haggis’ was recited by Sylvia Ferguson. An excellent three course traditional meal was provided and served by the Village Catering Services, expertly led by Janice Vevers. During the meal everyone searched the depth of their ‘Burns’ trivia knowledge to answer the questions in Waterbeck SWRI’s Burns Quiz.

Deena Reid gave an amusing alternative Burns’ style poem ‘The Haggis’ Reply’. This was followed by an interesting account of the Poet’s life and loves by Sylvia Ferguson, who then asked everyone to raise a glass to ‘The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns’. Pat Wield’s hilarious ‘Sasanach’s Toast’ came next, and the poetry ended with Elizabeth Thompson’s explanation and rendition of ‘The Kate O’Shanter Poem’, a look at life from ‘Tam O’Shanter’s’ wife’s view, a thought provoking and witty poem.

The winners of the Burns quiz - Sylvia Ferguson, Jen Jardine, Olive Robison, Olive Threkeld and Elizabeth Thompson were all delighted to receive a box of chocolates each.

The entertainment concluded with a good old fashioned sing-a-long thoroughly enjoyed by all. The musical accompaniment and programme was provided by Just Us with Frances Wallace on accordion and Elaine Irving on keyboard. The evening finished with the traditional rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.


Dumfries Federation President, Mrs Irela Hamilton kindly gave the vote of thanks.