Provincial Burns Weekend
This year’s highlight of the London Mark social calendar was another sell-out. Over 180 members and guests assembled at the Marriott Hycliff Hotel in Bournemouth and yet again we were blessed with bright sunshine and a blue sky.
The weekend kicked off with an informal dinner on the Friday evening, with the main event on the Saturday night. After the haggis was paraded in, Mrs Eunice Quinn kicked off the proceedings by giving the Selkirk Grace, and after the starter R.W. Bro. Tom Quinn gave the Address to the Haggis in his inimitable style before we tucked into the rest of our meal which culminated in the most “fully loaded” cheeseboards.
Following the Loyal Toast, given by V.W. Bro. Tim MacAndrews, the Toast to the Immortal Memory was given by W.Bro. Vincent Fattorusso. V.W. Bro. Matt Gibbs gave the Toast to the Lassies and his wife, Janine, gave the Response.
The audience was then entertained by Tom and Eunice’s singing, with lyrics changed to great merriment. It never ceases to amaze that, year after year, Tom and Eunice are able to come up with amusing and original lyrics. During one song, with the help of the BBC (Bournemouth Burns Choir), Tom announced that V.W. Bro. Matthew Gibbs was appointed an Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
The raffle, in aid of the PGM’s Discretionary Fund, which had some incredible prizes raised an enormous £3620.
Then those energetic souls hit the dancefloor for some Scottish dancing.
The conversation at breakfast the following morning was about how much fun had been and new friendships made. Roll on next year!!
Photographs courtesy of Henry Hobson
