104th Burns Supper enjoyed by over 100
More than 100 attended the 104th Annual Burns Supper at the Marlborough Hotel last night. Following the piping in of two tables of guests from the St Andrew's Society of Winnipeg and the President's Table, Colin Harris led the singing of the National Anthem. Compere John Perrin then welcomed everyone and introduced the members of the President's Table. Following Grace, and a Toast to Absent Friends, the guests enjoyed a hot bowl of Scotch Broth.
Following the soup, Piper Kirby McRae led in the Haggis Procession. Greg & Lynette Buchanan bore the haggis in the regimantal style that has become club tradition followed by Secretary, and Supper Committee Chair Colin Harris, who, for the first time in public, gave the Address to a Haggis, to much acclaim.
Prior to the service of the Trile, Guest Entertainer Ronnie O'Byrne performed Son of Mar, from The Jolly Beggars, accompanied on the Bodran by club member John Madden. Following a post dinner interval, and Colin Harris bringing "Greetings Frae Ither Clubs" Ronnie returned to perform "Such A Parcel of Rogues in a Nation, again accompanied by John Madden.
Immediate Past President Roy McLeod Toasted Canada prior to Craig Oliphant humourously toasting the L:assies, to which his wife Carla replied.
The Winnipeg Burns Club Men's Chorus took centre stage to perform Scot's Wha' Hae and A Man's A Man before Compere John Perrin introduced special guest for the evening Dr Archie McNicol, Membership Chair of the St Andrew's Society, who suitably Toasted The Immortal Memory.
The Men's Chorus returned, to accompany Ronnie O'Byrne for the Star of Rabbie Burns before Ronnie presented Holy Willie's Prayer.
President Lawrence Cormack made brief remarks of welcome and thanks before Ronnie O'Byrne presented a well received PowerPoint accompanied recitation of Scot's Wha Hae.
A brief interval was followed by the door prize and raffle draws, with several guests winning prizes.
The evening ended in the traditional manner with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the Royal Anthem.