Remembering Scotland’s ‘immortal bard’

Last year on Jan. 25, a light snow was falling as I walked into the James Horsfall Memorial Hall to attend what was my first Robbie Burns Dinner. This was also a first for the Digby Area Board of Trade and the hope was that it would not be the last.

The dinner was scrumptious—including the haggis—and the speaker was engaging. Master of ceremonies Alex Morrison’s invaluable experience helped make this celebration one to remember.

Building on this success, members of the board of trade’s economic enhancement committee have banded together again for a second such dinner this Jan. 25, a diversion from what is truly a ‘real Nova Scotian winter’.

This year in addition to the food, the laughter and the companionship, the board has engaged some incredible local talent to help dinner guests digest what can only be a meal to remember. Natalie Saulnier on fiddle and the musical group ‘3 Sheets To The Wind’ will create a ceilidh atmosphere that will fill the hall with music and revelry.

Alex Morrison has agreed to return and a pipe major from Greenwood will help with the traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’. The toast to the ladies and the response to the lads will be, as it was last year, a surprise to all that attend. There is room for impromptu recitations, just as it should be for the Bard’s birthday.

As guest speaker, organizers have invited the spouse of a Bear River native whose additional claims to fame include the premiership of Nova Scotia and a seat in the Senate of Canada. John MacDonald Buchanan is always engaging and full of fun and will be able to put a spin on this that is well worth your attention. Perhaps he can be coaxed to lead the group in his own famous rendition of ‘Out on the Mira’.

Robbie Burns had a short life, from 1759 to just 1796, but the Scottish poet and patriot had a unique literary style that left an enduring legacy for those with Scottish heritage or those who would like to have Scottish roots.

On his birthday, it is customary to raise a glass to the homeland. The drink of choice is of course a fine scotch, but others can be substituted. The scotch tasting that is part of this event will help participants discover their own tastes.

Committee co-chairs Kevin Ellis and John DeMings are enthusiastic about this second annual Burns Dinner. Because it falls on a Friday, they have been able to negotiate reasonable accommodation at the Conference Centre in Cornwallis for those who want to have a real break from the winter—or those who don’t want to worry about driving home afterwards.

Fortunately, there are still tickets left and the Basin Conference Centre still has accommodation so if you are interested there is still time to ensure you can partake in this tradition. Tickets are available from either Growth Opportunities on Water Street in Digby at 245-6166, or by contacting me at 245-8879.