Irvine to Barassie and Burns Supper 28th January

The Morning

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Rex, Robert

On a fine late January morning Johnny provided us with coffee and rolls and sausage as we met prior to our Burns Supper later in the day. Food was delivered for the evening meal (thanks to all who contributed) and there was much anticipation about the day ahead. Whilst Johnny and Allan stayed behind to set up the room for the evening, the rest made their way to Irvine beach for a walk to Barassie and back.

The Burns Supper

The above were joined by Billy, Graham and Ronnie for what turned out to be a great night (as always, it has to be said). The meal was first class and superbly cooked by our resident chef, Johnny, Ronnie (and it was great to see him again) led the singing and accompanied us on his guitar, and everyone participated in the programme. The contributions were thoughtful, instructive, humorous (occasionally outrageous), and, at times, extremely emotional. For the record: Robert was the chairman, Jimmy- Immortal Memory, Gus – To the Lasses, Allan – To the Ooters, Alan McQ -  To the Haggis, Davie C – To the Tinned Haggis, Derval Davie – Tam O’Shanter, Johnny – A Man’s A Man, whilst the others contributed brilliantly with a variety of poems and readings. Somewhat scarily, Dougie read a poem written by AI. Maybe in 100 years they will be having AI suppers!

Enormous thanks to Johnny and Helen for hosting the event and for the morning’s breakfast. Johnny, as usual, had produced song books, individualised place settings, and had the room transformed into a setting fit for any Burns Supper. Of course, there was also the matter of tidying up later on and the following morning. We can’t thank you enough, Johnny, and we wish Helen a speedy recovery.

A brilliant day!

Arrangements for 4th February

 Meet at Dundonald Castle at 10am for the Smugglers' Trail.

Some images from the Irvine shore walk

Ayr and Pool 21st January

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Ian, Rex, Robert

We met at Rex’s on a nice, dry morning and welcomed Ian who had come down form darkest North Lanarkshire to participate in our legendary pool competition. First things first though as we had a walk to do and, given the necessity to get the competition started reasonably early, a two-hour walk would suffice, so we set off down to the cycle track, through the tunnel bedecked with the murals, and continued down to Greenan. Passing above the castle we walked to the Millenium bridge and then turned right to go up to the wee roundabout at Parks’ garage and then straight up the road and back to Rex’s covering between five and five and a half miles in two hours exactly.

Rex had the pies on as soon as we got back and the competition proved, as always, to be good fun. Robert insisted that he got a mention for potting four balls in a row (some of them even his own) and mention also must be made of the fact that no balls ended up on the floor this year. There were some great shots and plenty of diabolical misses, but the final was keenly contested by last year’s winner, Robert, and Graham, with Graham winning out in the end. Well done to Graham! Indeed, well done to all for participating. And we were finished by half past two!

Thanks to Barbara and Rex for their hospitality and to Rex for arranging the pies (and, for some, it was a four-pie day).

An excellent day!

 

Arrangements for 28th January

Morning

Meet at Johnny's at 9.30 for coffee and delivery of food/drink for the evening. Walk to be decided on the day but probably Irvine beach to Barassie and back.

Burns Supper

Be at Johnny's from 6pm for a prompt start to the meal at 6.30. Hope to be finished by 10.30.