After a short Wretham Council meeting, all present assembled in the dining room with their Ladies, and prepared for an entertaining evening celebrating the birth of the Scottish poet Rabbie Burns. They were not disappointed!
With the District Grand Master present, together with several members of the District team, all were welcomed by Ill Comp John Handley who explained the format of the evening. Ill Comp Bob Ashford, splendidly attired in full Scottish dress with bagpipes, piped in the Haggis to loud applause and presented the address to the Haggis. We understand that MacSween Haggis was specially flown in from Edinburgh and naturally served with Neeps & Tatties, and of course Scottish Malt Whisky. This was followed by Scotch Broth, Roast Beef, and ‘the uncontested king of Scottish dessert’ – Cranachan.
Thrice Illustrious Master John Handley presented the toast to the Immortal Memory of Bro Rabbie Burns, and gave us a condensed history of the poet’s short but full life, producing prolific numbers of poems, songs and children! Following the meal, the toast to the District Grand Master was given by Ill Comp John Handley, to which R Ill Comp Peter Wellings responded saying that this was his first attendance as DGM at Wretham Council, and a superb evening had been enjoyed by all. On an occasion such as this, long speeches were not necessary, and Ill Comp Chris Denley, District Recorder rounded off the evening with a toast to the visitors, of which there were a good number. Finally, the only way to finish was with Burns own ‘Auld Lang Syne’.