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Stirling Burns Night Dinner (February 2010)
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On the evening of Tuesday 9th February, Stirling House prepared for the most prestigious event on the Stirling House Calendar – Burn’s Night. Unsure of what to expect, the Lower Sixth approached the night with some anxiety, but after gathering in the Quorum for a quick glass of champagne and a House photo everyone seemed to relax. Mr Jess (Stirling House Master) arrived in full Scottish attire, although still letting everyone see his ‘true colours’ by sporting his kilt and jacket in a vivid Irish green!
We then proceeded to the Unwin Hall which had been set up immaculately for the Mess Dinner. We entered the room to the powerful tones of ‘Amazing Grace’ played by Daniel Heath, the one and only bagpipe player in College and appropriately housed in Stirling. After finishing the starter Mr Jess announced that Colonel Ross, one of the best public speakers known to him, was going to make a speech. We all paused and sat in silence eagerly awaiting the ‘Addressing of the Haggis’ - the dramatic and professional reading was thoroughly entertaining and wondrous to behold, the Colonel had clearly delivered it many times before and was no less than a master at reciting it. This speech was followed by a interesting and factual speech delivered by Stirling Head of Boys Tom Compton with an interesting attempt at a Scottish accent, much to the distaste of resident Scotsman Sean Duncan!
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This speech was followed by more of a stand up act than a speech by Callum Brick which left the whole House in stitches, ending in a Toast to the girls. Then Sarah Heptinstall, Head of Girls, stood up to rival Callum’s speech. Admittedly Sarah’s was very close and ingeniously written, however it was not quite close enough, as Callum quite clearly put across “the men always win”!
The ‘Appreciation Speech’, as it was appropriately called, was then delivered by Mr. Jess. An ingenious poem, written by the House Master himself and personal to Stirling House, was delivered in a wavering mix of Irish and Scottish accents but admirable none the less.
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The Dinner was followed by a crash course in Scottish Dancing with some of the students and staff in particular taking a real shine to this. It provided a great opportunity for everyone to let their hair down. Dancing pro that I am, myself and my partner in crime George Gordon definitely set the standard, which could only closely be followed by Sean Duncan and the Colonel himself.
A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening planned and put into action by Susanna Page, Alex Nugent and Callum Brick, without whom the evening would not have been nearly as successful.
Michael Franklin, Stirling 09E
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