First Presbyterian Church members hosted a very successful Robbie Burns night to a crowd of 95 guests this past
Saturday.
Robert Burns - a famed Scottish poet - was born January 25, 1759 in Alloway, Aiyshire, Scotland. Burns is coined as a first world and most universal-loved poet who embraced all humanity. His works are deemed timeless and universal. He wrote poems in the language of the common man and his sympathies were for the poor which even transcended into the animal world. Burns appealed to the mind and the heart. He died in 1796 at the age of 37. Burns Night is celebrated around the world and traditionally held close to Burns’ birth
date.
The hard working First Presbyterian Ladies Group and a few gentleman members set the tone for Scottish Robbie Burns night with lots of colourful red tartan and other Scottish memorabilia. Guests were treated to a very traditional Scottish feast including; haggis, tatties and neeps (turnips) oak cakes, shortbread and tremblin’ geordie (jello). This year, members of the Mason also assisted with some of the food preparation and addressed a few classic toasts to Robbie Burns.
Some brave lads and lassies weathered the Prince Rupert cold and rainy weather and wore their colourful kilts to the evening event. Guests also enjoyed the traditional piping and addressing of the haggis, live bagpipes as well as Burns poetry readings, tongue-in cheek toasts to the lads and lassies and serenaded with Scottish songs. The highlight of the evening was Helen Moore’s energetic sword dancing and the wonderful farin (or food) and great company.
The evening finished with guests at each table joining hands and singing a Burns famed hymn to friendship, Auld Lang Syng.