Burns Supper 2025

A Night of Revelry and Reflection: Lodge St Olaf’s 2025 Burns Supper

In the heart of winter’s chill, upon the seventeenth eve of January in the year 2025, the brethren of Lodge St Olaf No. 1188 did gather beneath their hallowed roof, there to pay homage to Scotland’s immortal bard, Robert Burns. With mirth and fellowship unshaken by the season’s icy grasp, they assembled in great number – brethren, honored guests, and friends alike – all drawn together for an evening that would long be sung of in their halls.

Right Worshipful Master Gordon Daly, in noble fashion, rose to commence the night’s merriment. His words, at once warm and weighty, set the tone for the revels to come. With a jest and a knowing nod, he bid welcome to the stalwart Gordon Mackay, who took up the charge as croupier, ensuring the night’s course flowed as true as the waters of the Clyde.

The Procession and Address of the Haggis

Then did the hall stir, for into its midst was borne the haggis, carried forth with all due ceremony. At the head strode Piper Corry Sutherland, the skirl of his pipes filling the air, a sound both fierce and proud, as of olden times when clansmen marched to battle. And when at last the noble dish stood before them, it was met with hearty applause. Then, with fire in his voice and steel in his eye, Gordon Mackay did rise and deliver the great Address to the Haggis, his fervor igniting cheers and laughter alike.

Feast and Gratitude

A feast was then laid before them, a banquet worthy of the occasion. And great was the praise sung of Pamela McLean, the artisan whose labors had crafted such a repast. So moved were the brethren by her skill that they did bestow upon her flowers, a humble token of their unbounded gratitude, and their applause rang long and true.

A Programme Befitting the Bard

When the tables lay empty and the wine had flowed, the brethren turned to the night’s great orations, a gathering of words and song, of verse and merriment, in tribute to the Bard of Ayrshire:

• The Immortal Memory, spoken with wisdom by Vern Nathan, carried forth the very soul of Burns, reminding all of the poet’s eternal place in the hearts of Scotsmen.
• Tam O’ Shanter, brought to life by the ever-animated Gordon Mackay, saw the hall enraptured, his telling of Tam’s wild ride met with roars of approval.
• The Masonic Song, rendered in fine voice by Trevor Cooke, wove together the sacred brotherhood of the Craft and the lyrical mastery of Burns himself.
• The Toast Tae The Lassies, raised by Andy Phipps, rang out with humor and fond appreciation, its jesting words met with laughter and knowing smiles.

And between these great moments did the air resound with the melodies of 3rd Degree Burns, whose song added yet further joy to the revels, their music a cherished gift to the night.

Not yet was the merriment done, for Mark Dunn, in grand jest, recited the Address to the Toothache, while the works of Kenny Davidson, shared in brotherhood, brought forth mirth and thought alike, each performance met with thunderous applause.

The Evening’s Triumphant Close

At last, the revels reached their peak as Gordon Daly took up John Barleycorn, his voice strong as the oak, leading all in a rousing ode to Scotland’s cherished dram. And when the hour grew late, and the fire burned low, Barrie Harper did rise to offer a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, his words binding the night’s memories in the hearts of all present.

Then, as is tradition, the brethren stood as one, voices entwined in the immortal strains of Auld Lang Syne, their song a tribute to kinship, to memory, and to the unbroken bonds of brotherhood.

Funds Raised and a Future Bright

Amidst all the merriment, a noble deed was done, for the brethren of Lodge St Olaf did raise the grand sum of £640 for their worthy causes, a testament to the generosity and unity that flows strong within their halls. Thus did the night stand not only as a triumph of revelry but as a beacon of hope for the Lodge’s future, a future built upon the strength of its kindred hearts.

And so, beneath the cold gleam of winter’s stars, the brethren took their leave, their hearts warmed by the bonds of fellowship, their laughter and song lingering yet in the night air, as echoes of a tale well told and a night well spent.

The Address Tae The Haggis

Gordon Mackay

Toast Tae Kenny Davidson

Mark Dunn

The Address Tae Toothache

Mark Dunn

John Barleycorn

Gordon Daly

Green Grow The Rashes O’

3rd Degree Burns

Toast Tae The Lassies

Andy Phipps

Aye Waulki’ O’

3rd Degree Burns

Vote Of Thanks

Barrie Harper