GOUROCK Jolly Beggars Burns Club’s 123rd anniversary dinner was once again a sell-out with around 100 members and friends attending.

The event was held in Gourock Bowling Club with Jim Turpie standing in at the last minute as chairman after popular member and former chairman Norrie McPhie had to call off through illness.

However, Jim proved a worthy chairman for the evening and soon had the event in full swing with well-known Inverclyde solicitor Alasdair Hendry as the main speaker. Before Alasdair’s Immortal Memory however, the company enjoyed an excellent meal including the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties.

The haggis, carried aloft by chef Billy Shearer was piped in by Hector MacPhail followed by a gusty rendering of the toast to the pudding by David Bryce.

The toast to The Queen was made by Jim Turpie, who welcomed Alasdair to present his Immortal Memory to the Bard which he did with great humour and a sound knowledge of Burns. 

The Toast to The Lassies was given in hilarious manner by Cumnock guest James Reid with a typically entertaining reply by James Donnelly. Both speakers received hearty response from the members and guests.

Regular visitor Sandy Reddy gave an energetic rendering of Tam O’Shanter and later several other readings that were well received.

Burns songs were sung by young organist Fergus Hall, described by the chairman as a ‘hidden talent discovered tonight’. A collection for Burns Homes and school competitions raised £185.

Toast to the artistes was given by Donald Campbell with suitable reply from Hector MacPhail, the toast to the chairman was given by Arthur Boyle with a reply from the chairman.