This is a report concerning the
0n Gauns as President of the RBWF
Since Sept 2005
Until April 2006

I felt very honoured to be taking on such a prestigious appointment on September 2005 and following so many the able and respected people who have held this position.
At that time I did not realise how important the Federation is to the people of the World.

Prior to me taking up this appointment as SVP I visited Milwaukee for RBANA 2005. This was a splendid opportunity to meet some wonderful people devoted to the Memory of Robert Burns.

My first Duty was on the 21st September when I attended the St. Petersburg Forum Concert in Motherwell.  I was very pleased to present to the four children with Robert Burns poetry books and to be able to present Federation Certificates to the Leaders of the Submarine Crew who rescued the underwater Russian Survivors.

In October, I attended the Conference in Bendigo Australia and this was quite an experience!    I met some wonderful people with whom I still keep in touch. After having been given a Civic Reception by the Mayor and Council Ivisited the Scotch College, Broadcast on Australian Radio and dug for gold down a Gold mine.   
I met a couple from Fiji and the gentleman’s name was Burness. He is reputed to be a distant relation to Robert’s father.  His wife was Fijian and was a lovely person.
I also visited the grave of Sarah Burns, Grandauqhter of Robert Burns.
I must mention the fact that I was hosted by many people but in the main by Jim and Jan Millar and Ina and Bill Graham to whom I will always be grateful.

My next overseas visit was to Kyiv, Ukraine, where once again I was treated royally and met some good and kind people.  This was an unusual Burns Supper, but was full of Brotherhood and Sisterhood!! It was organised by the Lions Club and all the money went to Charity. All the provisions, drinks and cigarettes were donated
There was also THE CLAN from East Kilbride who also gave their time and efforts free.                                                     

Well, so much for Abroad.   I have listed the internal functions and they are still going on!!!

I visited Alloway Burns Club and attended the Church Service where I read the lesson.  This was followed by a tour of Alloway under the auspices of John Skilling and committee.

2.1    Helped judge the Tam 0’  Shanter Competion in Dumfries which was won by a lady.

3.  Attended the Church Service in Mauchline and laid a wreath at the tower.  Once again I net some wonderful people.

4.Laid a wreath In Ayr and met seome lovely children­  from local schools.

1.   Attended the Childrens Burns Supper organised mainly by Margaret Morrell.   The children were marvellous and praise must be given to their parents and school teachers.

6.  I attended a photocall in Burns House, Dumfries connected with the purchase of part of an original Holy Willies Prayer.

7.  I attended a wonderful Burns Supper organised by the Dumfries Ladies Club. 

8.  I laid a wreath at the Statue in St.Georges Square in Glasgow and again met many wonderful people including some talented youngsters who entertained us after the buffet.

9.  On Dec 1st I attended a St. Andrews Concert organised by the Irvine Lassies.

IO.  I attended the Church Service In St Giles, Edinburgh.

11.  I attended and was made most welcome at the 5O year Celebration of the Yorhshire District. This was quite spectacular and credit must go to the three Past Presidents who attended. It was a lovely evening

12.  I attended two further Suppers in the South of England and once again was made very welcome in my capacity as President.

13. I attended an evenings entertainment function  in Motherwell,  organised by the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs.  Another evening of excellent fellowship and I offer my thanks to John and Ruth Haining for looking after us both.

My wife Joan has attended many if not all of these internal functions and is also gratefu1 for the friendliness shown.

I have another Six Months to serve as President and I will do my best to spread the word and the works of the Federation around the World. 
My next overseas trip us to Halifax Nova Scotia for RBANA 2006

Mixed Pictures (Mauchline and others)