NEWSLETTER

FIRST EVER BURN'S SUPPER IN BERMUDA

From The Royal Gazette, 28 January, 1896

pg. 2 col. 5, pg. 3 col. 1

Burns’ Anniversary Supper

This Entertainment held on Saturday night last, was favoured with pleasant weather so that a company of about eighty persons of all ranks were able to duly celebrate the one-hundredth and thirty-seventh birthday of the immortal bard, Robert Burns. It was entirely fitting that Bermudian Scots should celebrate the day this year, the centenary of his death. It was the first event of the kind in Bermuda. An informal reception of visitors from Ireland Island was held from 7.30 to 8 p.m. The company then sat down to an excellent repast prepared under the direction of Miss Wilson, one of the committee of arrangements. That famous Scotch piece de resistance, the haggis, so enthusiastically praised by Burns was duly preed.

In a few well chosen words the croupier the Rev. Alex Christie, of Warwick Pres. Church, indicated the object of the meeting and proposed the health of the Queen, at the same time feelingly referring to the great loss the family of our beloved monarch has sustained in the death of Prince Henry of Battenberg. The toast of the Army and Navy was then proposed and duly drunk.

Capt. Drummond, Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), responded for the Army and Mr. Leuchars responded for the Navy in a very creditable manner.

Burns, the Patriot Bard, was next proposed by Mr. Christie. The reverend gentlemen referred to the wonderful influence that Burns’ songs have had on the manners and thoughts of the Scottish people and to the uplifting character of his efforts. Burns, he said, compelled succeeding poets, instancing the Lake poets and Scott, to go to nature for their themes. Previous to this poets had lived in a dreamy atmosphere above all ordinary mortals. Burns was content to occupy a place as a man among men, directing his keen satire only to the reformation of abuses in Church and State.

The fact that Burns’ Anniversary was celebrated annually throughout the whole English speaking world was sufficient tribute. Auld Land Syne was universal.

The toast of Burns was then drunk amid great enthusiasm.

After a short interval the musical part of the programme was next proceeded with, but before beginning this part of the programme the opportunity was taken to tender a unanimous vote of thanks to Miss Wilson, who so ably provided for the wants of the inner man.

A vote of thanks was also given to the Burns committee and all others who had assisted to make the affair a success.

The musical and literary programme was then rendered. It would be invidious to mention any one in particular as all participants acquitted themselves very creditably and as much of the programme had to be reserved owing to the lateness of the evening and to the fact that Sunday was fast approaching, we only give the names of performers and their parts:

“There was a Lad was born in Kyle” Mr. Campbell

Pianoforte solo Mrs. Abell

Song “O’ for the Bloom” Mrs. Grant

Ballad “Mary” Mr. Main

Duet “O’ wert thou in the cauld blast” Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Main

Pianoforte solo “Overture from Guy Mannering” Mrs. Christie

Recitation “Address to the Haggis” Sgt. Maj. Allan

An Address Mr. Oudney

Song “The land o’ the Leal” Mrs. Grant

Recitation “Cuddle Doon” Mr. Morrison

An Address Mr. Robertson

Song “Bonnie Wee Thing” Mr. Main

A vote of thanks was then given to the Rev. Mr. Christie for the able way in which he acted as chairman. Given a day in the middle of the week and it is evident our worthy Scottish residents are able to get up an entertainment lasting to the Wee Sma’ ‘oors ayont the Twal’. It is evident too that Burns’ night is to be an annual affair in Bermuda for years to come.