Saturday 25th January saw the Isle of Wight Caledonian Society celebrating Burns Night at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes.
266 years since Robert Burns was born and celebrations such as these are still bring held all across the world.
Guests were piped to their places by Piper extraordinaire Dr Kieron Cooney, welcomed by President Lin Patey, and the Selkirk Grace was recited by Melinda Measor.
The Haggis was duly piped in and addressed in fine style by Burns’ own Address to the Haggis given by Aileen Napper.
A very enjoyable meal then followed which included the inevitable haggis, neeps and tatties and during coffee guests were entertained to a song from Richard Wilkins, who also recited some poems. Steve Scott then gave an amusing Toast to the Lassies and Val Bennett gave an equally amusing reply.
The evening carried on with Scottish country dancing encouraged and led by Aileen Napper and came to an end with a rousing rendition of Burns’ most famous song, Auld Lang Syne accompanied by Dr Cooney on the pipes.
If anyone is interested in joining the IW Caledonian Society or joining one of the many Scottish country dancing classes across the Island, email [email protected] for information.
