Burns Supper at Corinthia Palace
The annual Burns Supper hosted by the local branch of the St Andrew Society was held recently at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard. Members and guests were welcomed by the skirl of the pipes played by John van Dyke before taking their seats for a...
The annual Burns Supper hosted by the local branch of the St Andrew Society was held recently at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard. Members and guests were welcomed by the skirl of the pipes played by John van Dyke before taking their seats for a sumptuous meal, ably prepared by the Corinthia kitchen.
The Great Chieftain was piped in by Mario Farrugia. John Lejman addressed the haggis and did so in great style. He was clearly enjoying the moment and it showed.
Toasts to President Eddie Fenech Adami and to the Queen were proposed by Helen MacLachlan and Prof. J.J. Cremona respectively before the main speeches began.
Dr Andrew Welsh gave a stirring speech focusing on Robert Burns the man, Burns the breadwinner and Burns the poet and song-writer. It was justly well received.
Tae the Lassies and the reply were left to the husband and wife duo of Wylie Cunningham and his 'better half' Margo. Wylie's reminiscences and ease of presentation made this easy listening, but his wife gave no quarter when her turn came and Wylie wasn't the only man in the house with a red face by the time she was finished.
Mrs Cunningham rounded off her reply with a rendition of Girls when you're young and her singing was a joy. The songs of Burns were aired by Joe Huber (always a welcome guest), ably accompanied by Prof. J. Vella, who brought the evening to a close with Auld Lang Syne.
The society's president thanked all those involved as well as the Corinthia and sponsors for the evening, Wands Ltd for the Famous Grouse and Emm. Delicata Ltd for the fine wines that accompanied the dinner.