Almost 140 guests packed into the Greenock Town Hall for the Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII Burns Supper.

This made it the largest Burns Supper in Inverclyde this year.

The evening was voted a great success by those who attended and more than �2,100 was raised for the two nominated charities, Help for Heroes and the 1st Greenock Company, The Boys' Brigade.

Originally planned for No XII's usual home, the Saloon of the Town Hall, the popularity of the event led to it being moved to the main hall with a couple of days to go. After the haggis had been piped in by Bro Alasdair Beaton of Lodge The Gael No 609, and addressed by Bro Arthur Young IPM, Reverend David Young led the brethren in grace.

Bro Iain White PM of No XII delivered an amusing and thought-provoking Immortal Memory and Bro Iain Gordon (The Lodge of Erskine No 1566) had the audience rolling in the aisles with his hilarious Toast to the Lasses.

Bro Alasdair Henry (Lodge Cumberland Kilwinning No 217) replied in like manner.

Readings were given by Bro Sandy Reddy (HM XII) and Bro Ross Nugent (RWM The Anchor Lodge of Research No 1814).

The accompanist for the evening was Bro Dr Fraser Gray (Lodge Greenock St John's No 175) and Bros Alan Beck WSW and Arthur Young IPM of No XII sang. A haunting saxophone interlude was played in 'My luve's like a red, red rose' by No XII's newest entered apprentice Bro Allan Glen.

Bro Ian Ross PM (No XII) was chairman for the night. RWM Bro Bob Bain proposed the Loyal Toast and gave a hearty vote of thanks.

The success of the fundraising was undoubtedly due to the persuasive powers of auctioneer, Bro Paul Galbraith (No XII).

The lodge was delighted with support given by other local organisations that had guests present, particularly Greenock Golf Club, the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club, Greenock Arts Guild, the Rotary Club of Gourock, Greenock Wanderers RFC, Lodge Firth of Clyde Gourock No 626 and Lodge Shalom No 1600. Numerous other lodges were represented.

The Burns Supper in 2013 will be on Saturday, 23 February. I'm told tables are filling up fast.

The evening was rounded off by the company singing the Star of Rabbie Burns and Auld Lang Syne.

The accompanying photograph shows, back row from left: Rev David Young and Bros Alan Beck, Fraser Gray, Paul Galbraith and Alasdair Beaton. Front: Bros Iain Gordon, Iain White, Ian Ross, Bob Bain and Alasdair Hendry.