Robbie Burns

ON January 25, 1759, the Scottish ploughman poet Robbie Burns was born. His name is synonymous with tunes like Auld Lang Syne and poems like Tam O'Shanter, and every year at this time his life and works are celebrated all over the world. One of the biggest Burns' Suppers is celebrated in North Van at the J.P. Fell Armoury with the Clansmen Pipes and Drums. This weekend was their 7th annual celebration and there was no shortage of haggis and neeps.


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North Van City mayor Barb Sharp and her main man Brian Pollitt were honoured to have seats at the head table.

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James Shamus Bathurst is a WWII veteran who used to parachute into enemy territory. This night he escorted the haggis as it was piped into the room.

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Nine-year-old Kay Hanen (left) and eight-year-old Katerina Holbek performed some highland dancing to begin the evening.

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These sailors can sure dance the hornpipe. Holly von Meyenfeldt (from left), Jessica Holbek and Jessica Smith entertained the audience.

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Never trust a soccer player in a kilt. Jamie McLaughling (from left), former Vancouver Whitecaps member Carl Valentine and Bob Maley are all "fitball" buddies.

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The News' own Lorraine Wareham was looking forward to her haggis along with hubby Lindsay.

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Drum Major Doug Drysdale was also the MC for the night's festivities.

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Pipe Sgt. Milton Cameron (from left) and George Martin piped in the haggis to the tune of "A man's a man for a' that".

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It's the Chisamore clan. From left: Pipe Major Alex, his wife Norma, daughter Christine, daughter and clansmen member Tricia and son Paul.

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Larry Smeaton, seen here with wife Shirley, delivered the "address to the haggis". He is also a D-Day veteran and bagpiper.

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Drummer Derek Dickson (centre) was lucky enough to escort Rona Michel (left) and Leone Konings to dinner.

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Drum Cpl. Maureen Titchmarsh (from left) gave the reply to the "toast to the lassies". She's seen here with her sister Patty Hamson, Janice Aver and Galen irwin.


Because the larger photos take up so much memory, I have not posted them here. If you want a copy of one of these larger photos, please feel free to email me at cbarr@westvancouver.com

Page created by Catherine Barr on 22/1/01