‘Seventy plus members and guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of wit and fine food and wee drams.

The piper added atmosphere, as did the well decked out tables, dressed expertly by Pat Buckley.

Martin Makey gave the traditional Selkirk Grace in his best mock Glaswegian voice.

After Luke, out aprentice chef, presented the Haggis to Paul Graves, our MC for the evening, Paul toasted it in rousing and authentic tones and with much drama. David Mellard replied on behalf of the haggis in a mixture of Scots, Geordie and South East (not by design).

Two of Burns’ poems were read firstly by Katie Cole (My Love is like a red red rose) in her regular voice and secondly by Toby Reich (Tam O’Shanter) followed in near perfect Scot’s with a slight Italian twist.

The toast to the Lassies and response by Ian Harris and Joan Costello combined an  amusing and interesting take on Burns from the ‘me too’ era which was echoed by Paul Graves in his toast to the Immortal Memory – the three toasts gave a clear impression that Burns life achievements may not achieved such positive feedback today!

The food was more than plentiful and of the usual high standard – shirt buttons were heard to pop by the end!

Our staff team looked after us extremely well.

A great evening was had by all.

David Mellard