Kippen Village Hall was packed out for the 2019 Village Burns Supper, organised as usual by the Friends of Kippen Kirk Trust, and chaired by Sir Michael Hirst. 135 guests sat down to an excellent supper prepared by Cameron Skinner.
The evening started with the Selkirk Grace from the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. Then the Haggis being piped in by Murray O’May, the talented young Kippen piper, and the Haggis Bearer was David Jenkins, a trustee of FKKT. The Haggis was addressed by local toastmaster, Richard Patten.
After supper, Kelsie Hewines from Kippen Primary School gave an outstanding recitation of Burns’ poem “Willie brewed a peck o’ maut” with wonderful actions. What a talented young lady is Kelsie. We can be proud that Kippen Primary is so successful in teaching the children about our National Bard.
The Immortal Memory was proposed by Ian Young OBE of Clachan of Campsie who gave a thoughtful, informed and comprehensive speech. Arnprior farmer Duncan McEwen toasted the lassies and brought the house down with some splendid remarks and jokes. He was followed by Cllr Neil Benny of Stirling who recited Tam O’Shanter with a boxful of props. Baroness Annabel Goldie replied to the toast to the Lassies and was hugely amusing as she demolished the men at the top table.
Kathleen McKellar Ferguson organised the musical programme and we were indeed fortunate to have two outstanding singers from the Royal conservatoire of Scotland, Karla Grant and Daniel Barrett.
The Trust is most grateful to the many helpers who set up the hall, assisted with the serving, donated raffle prizes and sold raffle tickets, and cleared up the hall at the end of a most successful and enjoyable evening. Diane Loutitt’s tablet was enjoyed by all.
The Wee Vine 