day in the life of Syb's

Good Morning, Today is January 25th traditionally Burns Day to many Scots people throughout the world. There are Burns suppers by the 1000 I expect. Burns suppers are particularily popular in Russia where Robert Burns is well regarded. I actually had a burns meal with the family on Saturday evening as we had a freidn who had never tasted haggis so we all met together to encourage her !! she did enjoy it and actually had seconds ....If you do not know how a traditional Burns supper goes I will add what would be done and said at a trad. dinner.
If you have never tried haggis and can get your hands on one I would say go ongive it a try...it is delicious...





Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalised haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day.




The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the haggis.



THE FORMAT FOR A BURNS SUPPER

Chairperson's opening address A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk GraceThe company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. A piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife.It's customary for the company to applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky. The company will then dine. A typical Bill o' Fare would be:
Cock-a-leekie soup*Haggis warm reeking, rich wi' Champit Tatties,Bashed Neeps*Tyspy Laird (sherry trifle)*A Tassie o' Coffee (Mashed potato, mashed swede)
The Immortal MemoryOne of the central features of the evening. An invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today.Toast To The LassesThe main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in Burns' life. The tone should be witty, but never offensive, and should always end on a concilliatory note.ResponseThe turn of the lasses to detail men's foibles. Again, should be humorous but not insulting.Poem and SongsOnce the speeches are complete the evening continues with songs and poems. These should be a good variety to fully show the different moods of Burns muse. Favourites for recitations are Tam O' Shanter, Address to the Unco Guid, To A Mouse and Holy Willie's Prayer.The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme

Friends enjoy the day. I have a very busy one ahead as I am just about to go food shopping as my friend and I are catering at shurch for the funeral of one of our members...it is only 7.50am.
I sure am up before I know it this morning

LOVE ONE ANOTHER