August 6 - Burnsians Head Home - Federation Conference a Success

Members of the the Robert Burns World Federation began returning to their homes in the United Kingdom and throughout North America following the closure of the Federation Conference at Winnipeg's Fairmomt Hotel. Those who attended were fulsome in their appreciation of all the Winnipeg club had arranged for the weekend from meeting delegates as they arrived at Richardson International Airport, through the Friday night dinner and Ceilidh, the Saturday Investiture Dinner and Dance and Sunday morning church service as well as all the additional activities, from the Thursday night river cruise, the Sunday afternoon coach tour to Lower Fort Garry, the visit to the Scottish pavilion at Folklorama and Monday's vintage train ride. Of particular notice was the performance by Troyanda Ukranian Dancers at the Saturday night event, a demonstration of Winnipeg's diverse cultural heritage. Old friendships were renewed and new friendships formed throughout the weekend. It was an event that will not soon be forgotten by our visitors or by members of the Winnipeg Club, who are already making plans to attend future conferences.

July 22 - Burns Club Holds Memorial Service

Members of the the Winnipeg Robert Burns Club gathered today in the heat of the afternoon at the foot of the Robert Burns Statue in Winnipeg's Legislative grounds to remember the anniversary of the bards death. President Jim Carrigan welcomed all to the annual Memorial Service before calling on Club Chaplain Sebastian Sears who read a eulogy. Piper Mike McIvor played Highland Cathedral as Jim Carrigan laid a wreath at the base of the statue. During the hour long proceedings which followed, entertainment was provided by singer P. J. Buchan, and members of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, led for the day by Joyce Cormack, as well as members of the club who provided readings from Burns The service ended with P.J Buchan singing the Star of Rabbie Burns before leading the assembled in Auld Lang Syne.

April 21 - Burns Club Holds AGM - New Executive Elected

The Winnipeg Robert Burns Club today held their 100th Annual General Meeting, in the Aggasaiz Room at McPhillips Street Station Casino. A new Executive Board, which will take office in October was elected.  Four members will join the 9 member Executive Board for the first time. Roy McLeod will become the 47th President in club history, Roy has served as 1st Vice-President for the past 6 years. Dr Tony Grogan was aclaimed as 1st Vice President, and Lawrence Cormack will become 2nd Vice President. Joining the Board as Treasurer for the coming term will be Mrs Joyce Cormack.  Joyce succeeds Craig Oliphant who chose to leave the Board after years of service. Jim Carrigan will return to the position of Secretary and will also serve as Immediate Past President. Chaplain Sebastian Sears will continue in that role. After a close vote, three new members were elected to complete the Board.  Joining Joyce Cormack as first time members were Don Rennicks, Chris Conway and Roseanne Carrigan. Congratulations to the members of the incoming Board.

January 25 - Burns Club Holds 100th Celebration of Bard’s Birth

Winnipeggers gathered at the Winnipeg Convention Centre tonight to celebrate Robert Burns Night. This year’s celebration was the 100th Burns Supper hosted by the Winnipeg  Robert Burns Club. President Jim Carrigan welcomed all before introducing the Head Table, and emcee Ron Robinson. The St Andrew’s Society Grade 2 Pipe Band entertained during the Soup Course, Dr Ian Wight gave a rousing Address to the Haggis, and a wonderful Roast Beef dinner was enjoyed by the attendees. Following the Toast to the Queen, and Secretary Nadia Carrigan bringing Greetings Frae Ither Clubs, 6 members of the Manitoba Highland Dancers’ Association Entertained. Club Member Jim Easton Proposed the Toast to Canada before Richard Greig introduced the first set of song selections by P J Buchan and Joanne Mercier, a last minute replacement for Paula McLeod, who had taken ill. The Toast to the Lassies was proposed by the Bard himself, looking very much like club Past President and Treasurer Craig Oliphant, while Honorary Member Ishbel Turnbull responded on behalf of the Ladies, including Coila, Robert’s muse. Following more songs from P J Buchan and Joanne Mercier the Toast to Immortal Memory was proposed by the Hon Rev Bill Blaikie P.C. M.P., the Deputy Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons. Bill’s Toast was humorous, thought-provoking, and well received by all. Following the Toast, P J Buchan again entertained, before President Jim Carrigan asked Ishbel Turnbull to return to draw the winning ticket in the night’s Door Prize. The trip for two to the United Kingdom, courtesy Zoom Airlines, was won by Susanne Robertson of the Manitoba Highland Dancers’ Association. Following the draw P J Buchan led those assembled in the singing of the “Star of Rabbie Burns.” The evening ended, as usual with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. The club thanks all who attended.

December 28, 2006 - Burns Club on 'Breakfast Television'

Winnipeg Robert Burns Club President Jim Carrigan today appeared on City TV's Breakfast Television show with Bill Blaikie to speak about Robert Burns and the forthcoming 100th Burns Supper.  The two men told host Jimmy Mac some of the history of the club, and spoke of the significance of Robert Burns. Mention was also made  of the World Federation Conference in August 2007. In a second segment Bill Blaikie piped in the Haggis, and Jim Carrigan recited The Address to a Haggis.