"Middleton's Month"
Thursday 15th September 2006.
My first official engagement as President of the Robert Burns World Federation was to attend the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs Festival Winners Concert at Wellwood, Irvine.
The premises of Irvine Burns Club No 173 are a tremendous facility and a perfect setting for such an occasion.
The number of young people performing was down on recent years, however, those who entertained with readings, songs and musical instruments are to be congratulated.
Tuesday 19th September 2006
Tam O Shanter Competition at The Globe, Dumfries.
A capacity crowd and the unique atmosphere of The Globe ensured another memorable event.
Six male contestants were closely matched on the night leaving the yours truly, Maureen Milton IPP of Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No 1 and last years winner Jean Wilson to pick the following winner...Mr Stuart Moffat of Carlisle. The trophy was presented by Walter Watson Past President of the RBWF.
Wednesday 20th September 2006 - Burns / Pushkin Evening in the Tontine Hotel, Greenock.
This was a spectacular event organised by The St Petersburg Forum and Greenock Burns Club. Anne Fawbert being the driving force and deserves great credit for "making it happen". Arthur Boyle President of The Mother Club must have been a very proud man on the success of the evening.
The visiting deputation from Russia were very impressive and it was a great delight for me to present the Burns prize to Anna Kokoshinskaya.
Thursday 28th September 2006- Dumfries Burns Howff Club No 112.
It was a great pleasure for me to be asked to be the Speaker at the first club night of the new session. The meeting was well attended and they hopefully enjoyed my 35 minutes of "Robert Burns and his 2 Galloway Tours".
A Club with a very proud history and a most unique Club Room. Can I come back?!
Outwith the above I attended other visits and events, some happy and some very sad. My thoughts are very much with Joe Harkins and Bert McGregor at this time.
Angus Middleton
President Robert Burns World Federation 2006-2007.
