Burns Festival another Smash Hit!
From the first drink on the Friday night to the singing of Auld Lang Syne on the Sunday Morning you could not have wished for a better celebration of the Bard. The Festival President and his Lady – David and Vanda Ashbolt – welcomed everyone and the Festivities began in great good humour. Everything ran smoothly due in no small part to DepPGM, Tim MacAndrews who organised the evening in conjunction with Tom Quinn, our PGM to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves.
The first Item on the Agenda was to present a cheque for £500.00 to Bob Hancock’s lovely lady for her Charity and to recognise her great achievement in being awarded the British Empire Medal.
After a first class Banquet and with much pomp and ceremonial, the Grand DC – Frank, the Asst GM- Stephen (Acting Knifeman) and the ProGM, Ray Smith (Percussion), accompanied, and towered above, DepGM John Prizeman to the podium where he spoke for several minutes about various things and then moved seamlessly into “The Memory”. Actually this was the precursor to a fun filled evening just starting.
Minutes later we were privileged to hear the Address to the Lassies delivered by Tom’s son, Douglas, in an entertaining and highly professional manner. We were then treated to a most excellent response on behalf of the Lassies from Mrs Eunice Quinn which was applauded by the gentlemen with a standing ovation. This, I have been told by my wife to explain to you, was a spontaneous response to the wonderful speech by Eunice and that we, as mere men, were not under any pressure, coercion, or threat of any kind from our spouses. (If you believe that, then, trust me, I have some beautiful Time Share properties for you to invest in, on one of the main thoroughfares in Downtown Kabul – Cash Only).
From there we were in the very safe hands of Tom and Eunice Quinn who delivered some more great parodies on well known Gilbert & Sullivan songs and on some older, music hall favourites as well. This time, to the tune of Captain of the Pinafore they were accompanied by that well known song and dance chorus aptly named Michael Flatfoot and the Flatnotes (AKA The Provincial Officers Ensemble). After that Tom and Eunice presented a great selection of their Parodies which were all greeted with great mirth.
The raffle was drawn and as you will see from the photos all six prizes were very well received. After another musical set by Push ‘n Pull, those left standing sang Auld Lang Syne and departed for their rooms, Beach Huts or Tents as available. This really was a most splendid occasion which c200 people enjoyed to the utmost, I really would urge you to keep checking the website for information in regards to bookings for next year as it is strictly First Come, First Served Basis.
Photos by Richard Veness and Chris James to whom all payments for the Time Shares should be made.