On this sunny warm -6 winter’s day in Calgary, 24 brave people came out in person to the Grey Eagle to join President Linda (9 on zoom) to celebrate another wonderful Rotary meeting. To greet us at the door were Debbie McMillan, Judy Cochran and Marie Rickard, all ready to celebrate Robbie Burns day. Buffet lunch of Shepherd’s pie (or was it Haggis), vegetables and a nice tray of fruit and a variety of cookies was nicely presented for us all to enjoy.
President Linda called the meeting to order at 12 noon. She shared a Rotary historical moment in recognizance of the lands on which we live and meet, and asked us all to sing “O Canada” as this was a day when 24 people were offered the opportunity to exercise their lungs, and that they did, with great gusto and enthusiasm, realizing that we really do not need the canned anthem when we all sing so well!
Visitors and guests included Megan, a guest of Jean Claude in zoom land, David Savage and Bill Skinner and of course, our speaker Dr. Sandy Paterson.
IN HONOUR OF ROBBIE BURNS
David Watson, Watson of Whitehall, all decked in his brolly and bowler hat, introduced his Scottish Friend Alexander Sandy Paterson who is a practicing medical man specializing in oncology, born in Calcutta India, educated at Edinburgh University , a member of the Burns Club of Calgary, a singer, fiddler, speaker, humorist, interested in many and varied subjects, who spoke to us of Scotland, the history, the people, the two major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and how they contrasted each other socially, culturally and otherwise. It was a most interesting talk that wove through many subjects and places from haggis to curry, from poetry to poverty, and from drinking and frolicking to the showering sex habits of the Scots, and finally settled on Robbie Burns.
Some highlights:
- Compared Glasgow and Calcutta India, City of curry and city of Joy.
- Compared Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Blasphemy was a capital offence in the British Isles till 1740
- Burns was born in Ayrshire, was home schooled, worked hard, wrote well and was generally outspoken, believed in self sufficiency and prolific social activity. His consideration for ‘giving back’ resonates well with Rotarians. He was a good individual with a good heart, an active hormone system, and an outspoken and witty rhythm that favoured freedom of speech lacked prudence or diplomacy.
- He was a good and published poet at 27, and recognized in 1786 as Scotland’s bard, who entered into the societal circles of Edinburgh at that age. Famous books include “ Tammershanter” , a satire, and the famous “auld lang syne” we all sing to bring in the new year.
- He had a roving eye, enjoyed his drink, sired thirteen children, nine from his partner Jean Armour, and died a poor man, in Dumfries, but his story continues to this day, and his legend transcends all cultures in all places all the time.
- He has been quoted by many including Abraham Lincoln, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Lord Byron and many more.
- He died and 36 but lives forever in the hearts of many. Happy Birthday Robbie Burns
At the end of this most exhilarating and entertaining presentation I could not help but confirm that I learned a great deal more about Burns than I ever did in the past thirty RB day Rotary celebrations, plus a great deal more than I had bargained for. My sentiments were, I’m sure, shared by the other 23 people in the room and the 9 zoomers.
Thanked by Steve Rickard who presented him with a certificate.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Debbie and Orlin are hosting a fireside for all members and specifically the new members at their home February 5th afternoon 2-4:30 pm. This promises to be a great outing.
Sa’adat Keshavjee has been invited by Debbie and Orlin to plan and lead us on another group safari to Kenya like he has done in 2019, 2014 etc. So, he advised the club that the plan is to go to Kenya Mid January 2024 for two weeks. More information and pricing to follow. The group, planned not to exceed 16 people, of which interest to date has been expressed by seven or eight people. Our club members will be the first to know the information.
Natalija Reljic reported for the youth committee that the four-way test speech competition to be held in the club, hopefully face to face, March 20th and has openings for competitors high school age, and the prizes of cash are quite attractive. Deadline March 1st. See Natalija for more information. Ideal candidates can speak well, will write and present a short speech on “the four way test” and present at the club.
Linda and Dan Doherty announced that the orders for flowers from In-step close January 31st. Please support this worthy cause by ordering flowers, as this is one of our club’s fundraisers and we are halfway there.
Chinese Banquet in honour of Chinese New Year this Friday at the Regency Palace, hosted by the Stampede Park Club. Tickets $50.00
Casino needs volunteers. Please reach out to Bill Lawless
Next week’s meeting is ‘in person” only. Please attend. Linda is resurrecting “My Story” and will be debuting with her story. If we wish to know more about President Linda first hand, this is the meeting to attend!!
President Linda’s Closing Quote was also from Robbie Burns. The meeting adjourned at 1:15 pm.
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