October, 2008

Hello to you all on behalf of the Executive of the Winnipeg Robert Bums Club. We hope you enjoyed the summer and that you will join us for some of the Club's activities in the 2008 - 2009 season.

Firstly, here is a recap of the events since the beginning of 2008.

The 101" Annual Burns Supper of the Winnipeg Club was held on January 25^th at the Marlborough Hotel on Smith Street. The event was attended by approximately 135 members and guests. A four course meal was provided, along with entertainment and the customary "toasts" and "addresses". The featured speaker for the evening was Major (Ret'd) John Paterson, a recent President of the Robert Burns World Federation Ltd, who delivered his speech to the "Immortal Memory of Robert Burns". The Burns Federation is an organisation of 350 - 400 affiliated clubs worldwide.

The Monthly Luncheon Meetings were held in February, March and April, at Mc Phillips Casino.

On Sunday, July 20, the Annual Memorial in memory of Robert Bums was held at the Burns Statue on the Kennedy Street side of the Legislature. Kirby Mc Rae provided a medley of piping tunes in addition to the Lament. Craig Oliphant, with guitar, sang a variety of songs. Members of the Royal Scottish Country Dancers conscripted several guests to join them in a dance demonstration. Club members recited some of Burns' works. In addition, P.J. Buchan sang a medley of mostly Burns' songs. Several passersby stopped to enjoy the afternoon with us.

In early August, the Club once again operated a Burns Club Booth In the Scottish Pavilion of Folklorama, at the Heather Curling Club, Thanks to the many volunteers!

And now the events for 2008 - 2009.

The 2008 - 2009 Saturday Regular Monthly Luncheon Meetings will be held in the Marlborough Hotel at 331 Smith Street (between Portage and Ellice Avenues). The cost of the Lunch has increased to $15.00, inclusive of both taxes and gratuity. The meal will be at the Chef’s discretion but apparently, for those with dietary restrictions, some regular menu options may be substituted. Please remember that the cost includes a private room In a modern facility

The dates of the Saturday Luncheon Meetings for 2008 - 2009 are as follows:

It is very important that everyone planning to attend the Luncheon Meetings should PLEASE notify Colin Harris at 269-0300, no later than the afternoon of the Wednesday before the Saturday meetings. Colin needs to notify the Marlborough Hotel of the number of meals to be served, three days prior to the Meetings.

At the October 18 Meeting:

The Winnipeg Robert Bums Club's 102^nd Annual Burns Supper will, of course, be held in January, `009. You will be contacted w' h details at a later date.

The year 2009 will he the 250^th Anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. There are a large number of events being held in Scotland throughout the year to celebrate this occasion.. Details may be obtained by contacting the Bums Federation, or various Scottish Tourism websites, It is anticipated that the Winnipeg Robert Bums Club will commemorate this significant Anniversary.

1 have kept the WINNIPEG ROBERT BURNS CLUB TELEPHONE LISTING, and 24 hour message service at (77-"BURNS") or (772-8767). Please feel free to use and pass it along to others.

Remember that the Winnipeg Burns Club has a website at: <www.winnipegrobertburns.org>

Thanks to Colin Harris for creating and keeping the website updated. If you don't have a computer, you can obtain free internet access at your local library.

We look forward to seeing all of you during our monthly events between now and April 2009, as well as the "Burns Supper in January 2009.

Yours sincerely,

on behalf of the Executive,

Jim Carrigan, Secretary

Winnipeg Robert Bums Club.