Last Saturday, 31st January, was the date of the much anticipated Tory Burns Supper, held once again at the Seamill Hydro Hotel. Taking time off from his election campaign, Marc Hope, Parliamentary Candidate for Central Ayrshire, was among the many guests present.
A good turn out of members and supporters welcomed the piping in of the Haggis by Robbie Graham which was energetically Addressed by Drew Cochrane, former editor of the Largs and Millport Weekly News. After an excellent meal and The Loyal Toast, the guests settled back to enjoy an evening of words, songs, poetry and music.
The Immortal Memory was proposed by Bill Grant, a South Ayrshire Councillor who spoke movingly of the life of Robert Burns, quoting his famous verse in "The Dumfries Volunteers" -
"Be Britain still to Britain true,
Amang oursels untied;
For never but by British hands
maun British wrangs be righted!"
Throughout the evening, songs of Burns were presented by Eleanor Lamont and William Parker with accompaning music on the keyboard from David Rocks.
The Toast to the Lassies was proposed by Drew Cochrane in his own inimitable style and was suitably replied to by Ashley Baird, a young Party member.
For many the highlight of the evening was Drew's performance of Tam O'Shanter complete with stick horse and galloping sounds. He brought the scariness of the poem to light along with the humour and was loudly applauded for his entertaining recital.
Finally, Pat McPhee proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to all who had taken part.
Pictured above from left to right seated are Richard Wilkinson, Ashley Baird, Marc Hope, Councillor Tom Marshall, Elisabethe Marshall and Anne Wilkinson. Standing are Drew Cochrane and Bill Grant.
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