CONFERENCE REPORT

Ayr 2005
September 9th, 10th,11th.

At this year’s conference on the Friday there was the option to attend the Scottish Youth Choir Concert or a social evening in the hotel where many delegates entertained us with song or recitations during a break from dancing. 
This proved very successful thus allowing those attending to move freely and join with others.

On Saturday morning at our Annual General Meeting there were twenty five overseas delegates in attendance from as far afield as Australia, U.S.A., Canada and Hungary.
We also had a visit from Mrs Patricia Ferguson,  Member of the Scottish Parliament. (see independent report).  The afternoon seminar introduced the highlights of Alloway also works of our ‘Bard.

The Inaugural Dinner at the Princess Royal Suite, Ayr Racecourse was a grand occasion. 
When entering the candle lit suite delegates were welcomed to a wine reception the compliments of Provost Gordon McKenzie and South Ayrshire Council. 
Retiring World President Walter Watson installed John Paterson as World President for 2005/06; Angus Middleton was duly installed as Senior Vice-President and John Haining as Junior Vice President. 
Our guest speaker was MSP Adam Ingram. 
This year our delegates and guests appreciated a choice of dinner menu  and later enjoyed dancing to the Callum Wilson Scottish Dance Band.

Alloway Parish Church service was well attended on Sunday morning followed by lunch, courtesy of Alloway Burns Club.
Options were then given of guided tours to visit the Auld Kirk, Brig o’ Doon, Burns Cottage.  

Harry McGuffog,
Conference Convenor
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