For a few occasions each year, a good number of proud Scots and wannabe Scots in NOTL don kilts and other tartan regalia for events planned by our local St. Andrew’s Society.
Last weekend, we were challenged. It was cold, very cold, and a brisk wind was blowing off the Niagara River down by Navy Hall. It was only a short walk after parking the car, but let me repeat, “It was cold,” even wearing long johns or tights.
This year’s Burns Night was a total triumph. Eighty-six people enjoyed a perfectly planned evening, in a unique venue, filled to capacity. How lucky are we, to be able to immerse ourselves in the history of the settlement of this area? The wall hangings are an easy to read textbook.
I will provide details later, but in the meantime, let us think back a century or two. In the days not so long ago, before email and texting and Paypal, and even before telephones, how did people plan events? And think about cooking without gas or electric appliances. Refrigeration? Forget about it.
And let’s remember that indoor plumbing is a relatively recent invention. The mind boggles. How about washing the dishes and pots and pans? Indeed, our ancestors were hardy. Washing and drying their clothes. Heating and cooling their houses.
Rambling back to Burns Night, hats off to the Dicksons at Catering Niagara and Pig Out Barbeque. They served up the traditional haggis and oatcakes. Merlot braised beef and coho salmon, topped off with Scottish shortbread and fruit crumble. Served with class, professionalism and alacrity, on elegantly decorated tables.
By the way, I really think we are coddled now, with a choice of entrees at banquets and other functions. Just saying.
The Burns NIght program had more “R’s” being rolled than a Glasgow pub at closing time.
Piper Graham Edwards started off the evening, followed by Lorna Penman’s “Address to a Haggis,” and Trish Spagnol performing “Poosie Nancy.” Happily for many of us with hearing challenges, the sound system was more than adequate.
Ian Adams delivered the Selkirk Grace, and Vir-r-rgil’s own Diana Carroll read “Willie Wastle.” Next up, the Niagara Highland Dance Academy were enthusiastic and sartorially resplendent. One of their members received the Geoff Martin Trophy and scholarship.
Then, “The Immortal Memory” read by Alan Dickson, and the very direct and mostly correct “Toasts to the Lads and Lassies.” Brian Carberry, a very authentic Scot, presented a “A Red, Red Rose” to each lady.
Eloquently and sincerely, Ben Higgins formally thanked the many Burns Night organizers and volunteers.
With great enthusiasm, Burns Night came to a close with everyone singing “Auld Lang Syne.” “Times Long Past” are remembered with this famous song. The third, last verse says, “And there’s a hand my trusty friend, And give me a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.”
Happily, Heather and Martin Quick’s dulcet and mellifluous singing at a neighbouring table encouraged us to sing loudly and proudly. What fun!
This week’s Ramblings has described the annual Burns Night, because that is the affinity group I was with last weekend on an extremely cold Friday evening. Countless Niagara-on-the-Lake residents are members of friendship groups, and getting together helps us through the long, cold and dark season.
Every little bit helps, so let us resolve to help each other. Take the step, and join a group.
And think about how tough life was for our ancestors. We cannot even imagine. How did they survive and prosper without all the things we take for granted? Pure and running water, available by simply turning a tap. Cold or hot, even.
Medications, almost always easily available.
And oh yes, the internet and computers.
Think about a polar vortex way back then — without central heating.
