Burns Supper 2025

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

In the frosty embrace of January’s depths, on the 17th day of the month in the year 2025, the brethren of Lodge St. Olaf No. 1188 gathered for an evening of mirth, fellowship, and homage to Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns. Beneath the venerable roof of their Masonic Lodge buildings, a full house of brethren, friends, and guests assembled for what would prove to be a night to remember.

Right Worshipful Master Gordon Daly rose to begin the festivities, his warm welcome setting the tone for the evening. With characteristic humor and gravitas, he introduced the ever-capable Gordon Mackay, who took on the mantle of croupier. Tasked with ensuring the evening’s programme flowed seamlessly, Mackay was, as ever, a stalwart presence amidst the revelry.

The Procession and Address of the Haggis
Piper Corry Sutherland played as they brought forth the haggis, carried with all due ceremony, the skirl of the pipes echoing through the hall. The venerable dish was greeted with applause before Gordon Mackay delivered an impassioned Address to the Haggis, his animated performance met with cheers and laughter from the assembled company.

Feast and Gratitude
The evening’s meal, a veritable banquet, was met with universal praise. Pamela McLean, the artisan behind the culinary delights, was lauded by the brethren, her efforts acknowledged with thunderous applause and the presentation of flowers, a token of the Lodge’s gratitude.

A Programme Befitting the Bard
Following the feast, the evening’s cultural programme commenced, a tapestry of Burns’ verse, music, and conviviality:

• The Immortal Memory was delivered by Vern Nathan, his eloquent tribute stirring hearts and reminding all of the enduring legacy of Scotland’s Bard.
• Tam O’ Shanter, recited by Gordon Mackay, brought the tale of Tam’s misadventures vividly to life, his performance met with resounding acclaim.
• The Masonic Song, performed by Trevor Cooke, wove together the Craft’s traditions and Burns’ poetic genius in harmonious celebration.
• The Toast Tae The Lassies, raised by Andy Phipps, was a blend of humor and heartfelt appreciation, eliciting laughter and warm smiles.

Between these highlights, the hall resounded with the melodies of 3rd Degree Burns, their music a cherished addition to the evening’s revelry.

Mark Dunn’s rendition of Address to the Toothache and the shared recitations of The Works of Kenny Davidson brought moments of levity and reflection, each performance met with enthusiasm and applause.

The evening was crowned by Gordon Daly’s spirited rendition of John Barleycorn, a rousing ode to Scotland’s favorite dram, before the night concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from Barrie Harper and a communal singing of Auld Lang Syne, the voices of one and all united in celebration and camaraderie.

Funds Raised and Future Bright
Amid the festivities, the Lodge raised an impressive £640 toward its funds, a testament to the generosity and spirit of its attendees. The night’s success spoke volumes of the strength and unity of Lodge St. Olaf, promising a bright future for its gatherings and endeavors.

And so, beneath the winter stars, the brethren departed, hearts warmed by the spirit of fellowship and the timeless words of Robert Burns, their laughter and song lingering in the air like the echoes of a well-struck chord.

The Address Tae The Haggis

Gordon Mackay

Toast Tae Kenny Davidson >more

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