ESU Burns Night. 1.25.25 – Photo Reportage

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A Burns Night to Remember

A stunning affair that could not have been mounted, first and foremost, without the hard work of several of our members, beginning with Ginna Kelly, who negotiated the event with the Glenmore Club on behalf of the English-Speaking Union. As a Boyle, she is not only of Donegal Irish heritage, but also of the Clan Boyle of Ayrshire, Scotland, the home of the renowned Bard of Scotland, Robert Burns, affectionately known, even in his day, as Rabbie, 1759-1796. Additionally, President Williams provided oversight as the program evolved, rallied the troops (about 82 of the 142 attending were ESU), as well as serving as MC. John Crawford worked hard on all aspects of the event, including lining up the Burns speaker (Leslie Strachan), the Piper (Ian Wright), and the Sword Dancer (Haley Kukulis). Together, we worked on this event for many months.

And finally, Lizzie McCowen, and her team created the most attractive table arrangements.

The Club at Glenmore, the Gen. Mgr., Event Coordinator, Chef and kitchen staff, were critically engaged in helping the ESU, and the Glenmore Caledonian Society, produce, by all accounts, a spectacular event for Club and ESU members.   

Guests began arriving, socializing, and enjoying the site of the beautifully decorated tables, all the while, taking in the resplendent dress of attendees – from tuxedos, to kilts, tartan sashes, sporrans, knee stockings, medals, and plaids. The dazzling brilliance of it all added to the expectation of the traditional beginning of Burns Night commemorations, the Piping in of the Haggis. Our Piper, Canadian by birth, was a professional piper, proved "to still have it." Following the Piper, the Haggis carried by the Club Manager, and then an honor guard, weaving its way around ballroom before finally arriving at the dais, where the Honor Guard, following the traditional 

"we dram of Highland Scotch Whiskey" for the thirsty Piper, the others of the Honor Guard, those seen on the dais plus your President, joined in a wee dram to ready us for the famous, and truly moving "Address to a Haggis", written by Burns. Leslie Strachan, knife in hand, delivered, in his native Scots brogue, a powerful rendition of the "Address" – which includes oratorical flourishes that go on for minutes. The crowd was in awe. He finished with the Burn's famous Selkirk Grace, pithy and au point.

"Some hae meat and canna eat/And some wad eat that want it; / But we hae meat, and we can eat, / Sae let the Lord be thankit."

There followed the service of the traditional "Bill O'Fare," beginning with Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. In spite of the "mild" odor of its "offal" contents, mitigated by oats and spices, the Americanized version, duly "gentled", proved to be quite popular. 

John Crawford was seen carrying the Haggis about the room with a number hearty souls having seconds.

In order to ensure the gustatory happiness of the Bard's American faithful, the dinner also included a Cock-a-Leekie soup, an Entrée of Filet Mignon and Crabcake (both cooked expertly and surprisingly excellent for so large a group). Dinner finished with a dessert of Berry Cranachan made with cream, raspberries, steel cut oats, honey, and whiskey. The ingredients are layered like a trifle. Truly, the Chef and his staff outdid themselves.

From table to table, the attendees were clearly charmed and in ebullient moods. A great vibe!

The President arose during dessert to call the Chef and his Staff to join us for a toast to their culinary skill. He then asked the gentlemen to rise to toast all the Lassies, beginning with his own, ESU First Lady Marilyn, who he found, 55 years earlier, at the University of Edinburgh and married a year later. (A dam lucky bloke he could be heard to say.)

The evening then brought the highlight, Leslie Strachan's thrilling, moving, presentation of, "The Immortal Memory: Robert Burns." His skill, empathy, and visceral passion  delighted the crowd with a taste of the greatness of Burns The audience was enthralled with Leslie's altering between quoting Burns poetry and song ( Ae Fond Kiss, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Tam O'Shanter, and Auld Lang Syne), and biography of the complex young man who died early, age 37. Burns is thought to have fathered at least 12 children by four separate mothers. Seven of his children were illegitimate, including the first four by Jean Armour, before they were married in 1788. He also famously supported the Americans in their Independence War with England. Leslie brought the poet to life with power and great depth of understanding. His speech was spelling binding, alas, broken when all were asked to raise their wee glasses of whiskey, at each place, to the memory of a man whose influence would eventually become legendary and worldwide.

John Crawford then called for the traditional, "Gie them a Tune, Piper." Piper Ian went onto outdo himself for 5 minutes with military tunes and then a few jigs. His performance was stirring, with feet tapping, and some hands quietly clapping to the pipes. Then John called forth Haley, who danced with grace and skill over the four quadrants created by two, un-scabbarded, swords. It had been nine years since she had last done this potentially hazardous Sword Dance. Clearly, her execution indicated that she had brought back her A game. Well done, Haley.

Ginna Kelly then took center stage to explain the origin of the most widely sung hymn in the world, and then led us all, accompanied by the Piper, in the singing of "Amazing Grace."

The evening concluded, piper accompanied, with the eponymous Burns poem set to music, "Auld Lang Syne."

"Should auld acquaintances be forgot, and never brought to mind… (Chorus) For auld lang syne, my dear/For auld lang sign/We''tak a cup o'kindness yet, For auld lang syne." These words are sung the world over at New Years. Leslie brought to our attention the amusing observation that the tune had been mysteriously co-opted by University of Virginia fans, who long ago began the tradition of singing "The Good Old Song" every time points are scored on the football gridiron. While all had a good laugh at that reminder, regrettably Cavalier teams have given us precious few opportunities sing it in recent years. While there is always hope that that will change, what we can count on is inspired beauty of Robert Burns' poetry and song, both in Broad Scots and English. 

In conclusion, it is safe to say the spirit of "Rabbie Burns" is alive and well. It was truly a "Burns Night to Remember." And until we all can gather again in his memory, I leave you all with a wish, "Lang may your lum reek."

Cheers, Phil – Cville ESU Cville Branch President.

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