Hexham Masonic Hall Social Committee were delighted to mark a return to some sense of normality by hosting a social evening in celebration of Burns Night on Saturday 22nd January 2022 attended by 66 guests.
The haggis was paraded aloft by W.Bro Paul Leonard, the Worshipful Master of Albert Edward Lodge No.1557, whilst being piped into the hall by W.Bro Peter Hawkins, the Worshipful Master of Epicure Lodge No.9618. .
A wonderfully animated address to the haggis was made by W.Bro David Southern, a Past Master of Epicure Lodge, who also delivered an extended version of the Selkirk Grace and, following the meal, his own interpretation and assessment of the ‘Address to a Haggis’. He kept all entertained and certainly earned his glass of “guid auld Scotch drink”! “Here’s a bottle and an honest friend! What wad ye wish for mair, man?”
A delicious meal of Broth, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, with a chicken breast option for those that didn’t care for the Great Chieftain o’ the pudding-race!, finished off with Cranachan was provided by the recently appointed Masonic Hall Caterer, Sarah Harper and her excellent team, of Homemade in the Dales.
Following the meal, entertainment was Scottish Country Dance Music courtesy of Robert Whitehead & The Danelaw Dance Band, allowing some of the guests the opportunity to demonstrate their nifty footwork, although many struggled to move due to the very satisfying and filling meal!
A profitable raffle was held during the interval raising much needed funds towards the upkeep of the hall.
It proved to be an entertaining and convivial evening enjoyed by all who attended. Hopefully, this marks a return to business as usual and we can look forward to future social events.
So raise your glass in a toast to the immortal Bard, Brother Rabbie Burns!
Many thanks go to W.Bro George Anderson for the submission of this article.
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