CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 2008
Our 2008 Conference held at the Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne saw 205 delegates in attendance. As delegates arrived, so did the rain but this did not deter the enjoyment of the weekend.
Ken Ellington, General Manager of the hotel and his team ensured a warm Northumberland welcome
There was much chatter, exchanging of family news and most of all laughter.
Friday evenings’ social saw many talented members taking part, with song, guitar and recitations.
At our AGM on Saturday morning the Convenors of each section and the Board of Directors for 2008/09 were appointed. This was followed with a presentation by the National Trust of the changes to the Burns Cottage and National Heritage Park at Alloway.
In the afternoon seminar, Dr John Cairney held a captivated audience when he chose as his subject ‘Burns and the Theatre’.
Our Inaugural Dinner on Saturday evening saw John Haining passing the Presidential Chain of Office to Bill Dawson, World President 2008/09, also installed in office were Mike Duguid, Vice President and David Baird, Junior Vice-President.
Our weekend concluded on Sunday Morning with our Service of Worship, conducted by Wilson Ogilvie and our 92 year old member Anne Donnan tinkling the keyboard, a great lady. From the collection I was able to donate £246 to the Marie Curie Cancer Fund.
My thanks to all delegates for their support also the Conference Committee for their efforts throughout the weekend.
A special thanks to the ladies who assisted at the ‘Shop’, especially with the selling of the 2009 Commemorative Medal together with the Lapel Badge.
Harry McGuffog
Conference Convenor |
