Once again, Bootle Pilgrim Lodge No 1473 meeting at Litherland Masonic Hall, organised another fine Burns Night to fill the dark days of winter with a well-attended anniversary event. The evening began at 7pm following drinks at the bar when all began to gather into the well-prepared dining hall to again celebrate the birth of Scotland’s finest bard, Robbie Burns.
Robbie was born in 1759, some 266 years ago and passed away aged only 37 years having written in his short life some of the most memorable verses and songs of the English-speaking world and who’s words and sentiments have not aged or lost any of their keen edge.
The lively chatter stilled as the Bard’s Selkirk Grace was given by the lodge’s chaplain, George McDonald following which Mike and the rest of the staff swiftly presented the first of the three courses beginning with cock-a-leekie soup. The following course was presented by organiser and master of ceremonies Stephen Oliver who carried the beast the length of the hall to the accompanying wail of howling pipes and delivered his, ‘Address to the Haggis’ accompanied by all of the customary theatrical mimes, motions, gestures and inflections and ended with his slicing and dicing of this, ‘Chieftain of the sausage race’.
The traditional neeps and tatties accompanied the haggis and was followed by apple crumble for dessert. After which, the chaplain then returned grace followed by the first toast of the evening to The King by the master of the lodge Graham Daly. The evening’s entertainment was K T James, who was introduced by Stephen and had all laughing and dancing with in no time.
During the interval, the raffle was drawn for the many prizes which had been donated by the lodge and guests, which raised a further £366 for future charitable giving to the benefit of the local community. Also, Graham Chambers, who is going on the Ogden’s Masonic Coach Holiday, sent round his sponsorship form for the annual sponsored walk, which this year, and as its in its 50th year, will go to West Lancashire Air Ambulance, collected £134, bring the grand total for the charities to £500.00 on the evening.
K T James then returned for the second set with more songs and jokes which was just as lively and enjoyable as the first and got the lads and lasses on their pins to be, dancing the night away. The evening had come to its natural end by 11pm when Auld Lang Syne was movingly sung and accompanied by all.
With the last words going to the master Graham Daley, who thanked the organisers Russell Skidmore and Stephen Oliver, for all their hard work making sure the evening was another success and Russell’s mum Joan for the wonderful table displays. Graham then thanked everyone for supporting the evening and wished all a safe journey home.
