Past President, Mary Roach, hosted the evening and welcomed The Worshipful Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Tony Ansell and the Mayoress, Jayne Crofts together with one hundred and four members and guests. The Association’s Honorary Piper, Alan Mcllravie, piped the honoured guests to their table and Peter Scatterty, icon of the Scottish music scene, provided the music for the ‘jiggin’.
The Haggis Himsel’ was ushered in tae the skirl o’ the pipes, on the McKee Salver purchased by the Association in memory of Robert McKee, a valued and respected member, who died in March of last year.
The highlight of the evening was the Address to the Haggis, ably delivered by James Russell, aged ten, a past winner of the Burns Verse Competition for Northamptonshire Schools. James’ address was competent, humorous, full of drama and a huge success with all present.
Allyson Russell proposed an interesting and entertaining Immortal Memory, followed by ‘a tongue in cheek’ but brilliant Toast to the Lasses given by Bill Lockerbie.
The evening was heralded as one of the best and enjoyed by all.
For members who did not attend our Burns Nicht Celebrations, the Executive Council have purchased a silver plated salver in remembrance of the late Bob McKee, to be used at each Burns Nicht to serve the haggis for “The Address to a Haggis”. The Salver is inscribed “The Bob McKee Salver”.
It was used for the first time at Burns Nicht 26th January 2019 at The Fitz John Hall, Moulton Community Centre, when it was piped into the hall, carried by Bob’s son Stuart McKee. Read Margaret McKee’s letter of appreciation.
