Burns250

Burns in Helensburgh

2010-02-04T12:24:00.001-08:00

The Bard and I braved the snow and freezing fog today en route to visiting Lomond School in Helensburgh, in the West of Scotland. This proved to be a modern building and a keen group of pupils, some of whom had learned more than one poem or two.... They also had some splendid paintings of the Bard around the hall as can be seen here...
They were happy to join in the singing and we even had a soloist who performed a lovely version of Ae Fond Kiss, to the delight of her classmates.
Another student was happy to recite To a Louse, after I explained about Lunardi, showing they are taking the Bard's works seriously. At the end I was given a warm, spontaneous and prolonged round of applause which was gratefully received!

A special thanks to the two soloists and to the teacher who took the photos.

Burns in Airdrie

2010-01-29T09:11:00.001-08:00

The Bard and I travelled westwards today to Plains near Airdrie. There we visited the new school of St David's Primary - in its smart premises. We spent a very pleasant hour and half with P5-7 who are very well up on their Burns!

Rantin Rovin Robin

Listening hard

In fact they had held a supper just last night performing songs and poems themselves. At the start they managed to name more than 15 songs and poems - an excellent number as most schools manage only 2 or 3.
The young folks were keen to show off their talents too. They performed the Selkirk Grace, Ae Fond Kiss and extracts from Tam O Shanter! So, well done to them all. I also managed to scare my Louse volunteer! So bravely done to him for being targeted...

Auld Lang Syne

Finally, a huge thanks to the boys who helped me set up and to load the car afterwards, and to the teacher who took the photos!

Burns in Kelty

2010-01-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Ceasar and Luath do it again!

The Bard and I made it to Kelty today - a small town in Fife near the M90 and where a room full of P5-7 listened to the life and times of Rantin Rovin Robin.

The young people were very attentive and joined in well with the songs, gaining a 7/10 on my totally arbitrary scale. ;o) As ever the Twa Dugs scored well.....with multiple 'aaahhhhss'

P6 listening well....

Thanks to the teachers for joining in and taking the photos.

Burns in Sauchie

2010-01-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

The Bard and I visited Craigbank Primary school today in Sauchie near Alloa. A lively school in the middle of a housing scheme with very enthusiastic youngsters. Over 150 packed into their hall this afternoon to listen to the bard's tale, interwoven into some other Scottish history as usual.

As ever Ceasar and Luath are a hit!

The younsgters were keen to sing and appreciative of the poems and humour. Well done to the young man who played the louse! ...and a big thanks to the teacher from NI who took the photos.

Burns in Dalgety Bay

2010-01-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Bard and I had a great trip to Dalgety Bay Primary school in Fife today. A busy morning saw 2 shows; one for p3-4 and one for p5,6 & 7 and a special guest appearance at p1-2 assembly! We are both exhausted ;o)

This is a big school and we managed to see lots of youngsters this morning. All were very enthusiastic and well behaved - a credit to the school.

some attentive listeners from p6/7!

For the first time we were asked for some more 'modern' Scots songs with p3/4 so we had some fun with Granny being shoved off the bus - or not- and three craws sitting on a wall!

Three craws sat upon a wa'

p3/4 loved the Louse and well done to the young man who heroically played the Louse's part! Although I think I sacred the living daylights out of him ;o)

I am sure Burns would have loved it! As ever a big thanks to the teachers who took photos and for the biccies and coffee....and a HUGE thanks to the young people who made it all worth while.

Burns in Glow

2010-01-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

The Bard goes high tech!

The Bard and I went online today! Something of a unique experience delivering a short version of the show using online conferencing software. We had 26 schools taking part from as far away as the Island of Lewis to Dundee to Dunoon with myself in Fife and Jennifer, the Glow expert, in Edinburgh. To my mind this is what technology is all about and what Glow should be doing much more of. We had pupils from 26 schools all singing Auld Lang Syne together although many hundreds of miles apart....cool or what! There were many questions showing how keen the young people were to take part and the whole thing has been saved for future broadcasts.
A definite success ;o)

Burns in Bo'ness

2010-01-21T04:28:00.000-08:00

The Sonic screwdriver does it again!

The Bard and I visited the delightful small town of Bo'ness on the banks of the River Forth today. We were in Kinneil Primary where an enthusiastic group of p4-7 were given the Bard's life story. They were already well informed especially p7 who are currently covering this in some detail but also the younger ones, one of whom managed to recite To a Louse in a very convincing manner! Indeed the whole class joined in with the bulk of the poem in a very enthusiastic way.... Well done to all concerned ;o)

Auld Lang Syne

As ever a big thanks to the teachers for taking the photos....

Burns in Cardenden

2010-01-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

The Bard and I visited Cardenden Primary today (currently sharing premises with Denend School) here in Fife to talk to a group of around 50 enthusiastic young people.

This town hosts the Burns Club I am currently president of - Bowhill People's Burns Club - so it was great to see the young people well informed and able to list a good range of works of the Bard. These pupils take part in the annual competition run by the Club and it was wonderful to be able to give them some new ideas for songs and poems.

As ever the Mouse and Twa Dugs were a hit....

....but Lousey caused many laughs this time too!

A classic Burns piece and one well worth the learning for any budding competitors.
The pupils were especially enthusiastic during the singing so well done to them all for that! Finally, a big thanks to the teachers who took the photos for me too.

Burns in Blairgowrie

2010-01-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

The Bard and I visited Rattray Primary in Blairgowrie today to talk to around 100 very interested youngsters and some interested teachers too! The pupils were very well behaved and sat on a hard floor for well over an hour listening most attentively and joining in where invited.
P5 at the front were especially vocal during the singing and their enthusiasm was well appreciated by yours truly!

Keen to answer questions and fairly knowledgeable these young people did the school proud.
Hopefully we have given them some enthusiasm for the bard and they will go onto some further study of RB's life and works. Thanks to John for the photos and to the canteen staff for lunch!
As ever the mousey and the Twa Dugs elicited a BIG awwwwww and were well received by young and old.

His hair, his size, his mouth, his lugs, Shew'd he was nane o' Scotland's dogs
But whalpit some place far abroad, Whare sailors gang to fish for cod.

Burns in Wormit

2009-12-04T06:38:00.001-08:00

Wormit Primary: P6 & 7

The Bard and I were delighted to visit the charming village of Wormit in Fife, today.

With a delightful view over the River Tay, this school seems a wonderful place to learn. The children were very well behaved and the staff very friendly. We spent a very pleasant hour and a half talking about Scotland's Bard. The youngsters - from P6 & 7 - proved quite knowledgable and very enthusiastic. They also sang well and scored a 7/10 on my totally arbitary scale.

Moosey proves a hit again...as did the Twa Dugs and even the cuddly louse!
The cup of coffee after was very welcome too.....and a huge thanks to the teacher who took the photos for me.

Auld Lang Syne

Burns in Donibristle: Fife

2009-12-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

The Bard and I travelled to Doibristle Primary school today to deliver a show in front of a large crowd! Over 200 youngsters enthusiastically listened to RB's story with off-shoots into the Jacobites and Bannockburn..

The Twa Dugs steal the show

The youngsters were well informed about Bannockburn having re-enacted it last year! Their knowledge of Burns was a little patchy but they showed much enthusiasm joining in songs with gusto. The behaviour in such a large group was superb and they are a credit to themselves and the school. Well done all!...and a special thanks to the teacher who took the photos for me...

Burns in Abernethy...again!

2009-12-01T09:54:00.001-08:00

The Bard and I were delighted to return to the village of Abernethy. This time to visit the primary school.

P6 & 7 were an attentive audience in this new (2002) school.

The Twa Dugs steal the show (again)

Although needing some prompting to join in the singing(!) their knowledge of some of Burns work was not bad at all: especially Tam O Shanter, the story of which they managed to tell me in detail.

Auld Lang Syne with enthusiasm!

A big thanks to Ian and Abernethy Burns Club for sponsoring this event and also for taking the photos....

Burns in Carnock: St Andrew's Day

2009-12-01T01:11:00.000-08:00

The Bard and I spent St Andrew's Day at the lovely village school in Carnock, Fife, after some initial problems finding the way into the school car-park ("Go back OUT of the village and turn into the housing estate....."). In a well decorated hall, with many pupils sporting some tartan for the day, Burns story once again entertained and educated.

The pupils listened well and joined in with the singing enthusiastically. Several in particular were keen to answer questions, with P4/5 doing especially well about the Jacobite period.

It was great to see all the tartan for St Andrew's day and always a pleasure to work with an enthusiastic group of young people, who also asked some interesting questions at the end. With special thanks to the teacher who took the photos.

Burns in Abernethy

2009-11-14T03:53:00.000-08:00

The bard and I travelled to Abernethy recently (famous for its Pictish Tower - shown above ) to visit Abernethy Burns club for an evening show for a change! The locals turned out in force and we had a great evening enjoyed by all. Thanks to the ladies who provided tea and baking and to Ian for organising it all. As often before I ran over time but no-one complained! The audience joined in the singing enthusiastically and many compliments were received after the show.

Burns in Biggar

2009-11-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Bard and I visited Tinto Primary, just outside Biggar, recently and on the way stopped to shoot this wonderful sunrise...

After a good run down, despite some heavy traffic, the pupils were raring to go....and they know their bard too! Well some of them do. They explained the story of Tam O Shanter beautifully but hadn't met Ceasar and Luath of Twa Dugs fame...so we addressed that!

They sang well and listened attentively to lots more. Many searching questions at the end showed they had paid attention and were up to learn more. Hopefully some photos and drawings to come ...

Thnx to the teacher who took the photos for me......

Burns at Brodie Castle

2009-09-07T08:05:00.001-07:00

The bard and I were in Moray recently visiting the fabulous Brodie Castle. A very enthusiastic audience were full of praise for the show. It is a great venue for anything of an historic nature and Burns fitted the bill perfectly. A big thanks to Andy Ross for all his help making it happen and to the staff of the castle for their hospitality. Well done too, to the duo Pur who used the event to launch their own CD of Gaelic and Scots singing.

Burns in Irvine

2009-08-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Bard and I were in Irvine recently at the invitation of the Irvine Lassies Burns Club to help them celebrate the Homecoming year. When last there, Burns had an illuminating experience as the workshop he was using for flax dressing burnt down at New Year!

The Bard & the club piano - a story in itself!

What a fantastic night we had in the music room of "Wellwood" - the club house for the prestigious Irvine Burns Clubs. There is so much history in that club it would need a whole day to view all the artefacts alone. More information can be read here on the club website http://www.irvineayrshire.org/burns/

We had a full house of 70 plus who sung their hearts out and seemed to thoroughly enjoy my interpretation of the Bard's story.

One of the stain glass windows in the club

The ladies put on a splendid spread at half time and the whole night flew by. We finished off with a small gathering into the small hours, at the house of Margaret & Davie Cook , who also accommodated Fiona and I. A HUGE thanks to them for their very warm hospitality.

Burns in Edinburgh

2009-07-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

Taylor's Hall Hotel - Cowgate - Edinburgh

The Bard and I had a busy weekend! After the Globe in on Saturday we had two gigs lined up in Edinburgh on the Sunday. The first was a short guest spot in Taylors Hall Hotel. This was a charity night for Children of Chernobyl - a very worthy cause which I was delighted to support. Fellow Fencible David Purdie started the night off with his slide show of Burns Edinburgh. This was followed by a group of children who were all Burns Competition winners and were simply superb.....well done all! The first half was finished with a short spot from yours truly encouraging some audience participation (from the 200 strong crowd) for the first time in the evening. Well done to Mike for arranging all this for a very worthy cause.

Robert Louis Stevenson's House - Edinburgh

A quick dash up the road then, for David and myself, to Robert Louis Stevenson's house which was the venue for a dinner of the Atlanta Burns Club - currently touring Scotland. A very enthusiastic audience of around 30 joined in some of the Bard's well known works with gusto and were left wanting more...... Good luck to them on their up-coming tour of Scotland in the capable hands of Ian MacMillan, President, Wester Ross Burns Club and a friend of the Bard from a previous tour......

Burns in Dumfries

2009-07-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Some of the audience with the 'Bard' in the Howff Club room

The Bard and I were delighted to return to Dumfries this weekend as guests of the Howff Burns club. The show which was originally planned for the Theatre was rescheduled into the Club room in the Globe Inn due to small numbers. This was a double edge sword....unfortunate because the numbers were small but exciting in that it meant the show would take place in the very building Burns frequented.

Rantin Rovin Robin

However, those that were there had a great time and joined in the songs with much enthusiasm. A special mention to the lady from Australia who found her way to join us. It was a long way to come for a gig but hopefully worth the trip!

As an additional bonus I got to sleep in the room RB shared with Anna Park - how cool is that?! (A big thanks to Jane, Manager in the Globe, for making that happen).

The Burns Room in the Globe Inn - the room RB used to meet Anna Park

Of course the love song Burns wrote for Anna - Yestre'en I had a Pint o Wine - went down very well and it was quite an emotional event singing it in the very place where it all happened! Thanks to the Howff Club members who showed up to support the show - and for their fine hospitality.

Burns in Poolewe

2009-07-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

Laide Caravan Park

The Bard and I visited lovely Wester Ross this weekend at the invitation of Wester Ross Burns Club. Poolewe village hall echoed to the Burns' story with club members, locals and some holiday makers attending.

Poolewe Hall

Thanks to the ladies who put on a great spread at the interval and a BIG thanks to Ian and Jean to who set the whole thing up and accommodated us in their lovely house over the weekend.

We also managed to visit Inverewe gardens and take in the fantastic array of plant-life there.

Burns and the Ulster Scots: Aughnacloy

2009-06-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

The second night of the mini-tour was near Aughnacloy. This time for a wonderful little community, many of whom are farmers. A big thanks to Bertie Graham for setting this up and showing me his farm up on the hill.

The support this time was provided by the local Pipe Band who put on a creditable show, and also some local Country Dancers, who even let RB join them for a Virginia Reel! Then an audience of some 70 or so, listened to the Bard's tale. We had a great evening and stayed on quite late....with all the crowd remaining to the end - always a good sign! A HUGE thanks to Lorana who put me up for the night.

Willie Wastle's wife woos the crowd

.....and that was it.....the second of our fleeting visits to NI.......a superb time, in lovely weather...and hopefully one we can repeat another time.

Burns and the Ulster Scots: Lisnaskea

2009-06-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

The Bard meets a Lambeg drum!

The Bard and I travelled to Northern Ireland recently at the invitation of the Ulster Scots Association. It is great to see such interest in the works of Burns over in that part of the world. Outside Scotland, Ireland was the first country to publish the Works of Burns back in the 18th Century.

Lisnaskea High School, in Lisnaskea near Enniskillen, was the venue for a concert including Burns story but also supported by a two local bands - the Brookeborough Flute Band and the Lisnaskea Accordion Band.

Although not huge the crowd was enthusiastic joining in where asked, and were most appreciative of Tam O' Shanter!

Some of the crowd...after the show

With a HUGE thanks to Trevor Watson for setting up the whole event.

Burns for the SNP

2009-06-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Bard and I were invited to the Sands Hotel in Burntisland recently, by the SNP to help celebrate the Year of the Homecoming. A very enthusiastic crowd of around forty, including some councillors and even an MSP, enjoyed the Bard's story and a selection of his songs and poems - some more well-known than others. They were in great voice especially with Scots Wha Hae. ...seen here.
The hotel supplied a well received Taste of Scotland at the interval, which added to the enjoyment. Many positive comments were received at the end of the evening and particular favourites mentioned were Tam O Shanter and The Gowden Locks of Anna.

Burns in Kirkcaldy

2009-04-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday saw the Bard visit Kirkcaldy Museum for a lunch time show. Fife council are currently hosting a small sub-section of the Murison Collection - a huge library of Burns books and other material - in Kirkcaldy and this prompted the show.
The Murison Collection is normally housed at Dunfermline's Carnegie Library and more can be read about it here
As to Sunday's show.......the turnout was disappointing but those that came were very enthusiastic and had an enjoyable 2 hours listening to the Bard's story and singing some of his songs. The feedback was certainly very positive from those present. Looking back perhaps 12 noon was not the best time to host such a show but we had to fit in with museum opening hours ...with special thanks to Julie for the photo ;o)

Burns in Aberdeenshire: Stuartfield

2009-03-25T01:51:00.000-07:00

The mini-tour came to an end in the village of Stuartfield where youngsters were joined by pupils from nearby Auchnagatt. We had a packed room of over 70 very enthusiastic young people who responded very well to pre-questions and took part in the proceedings with much energy.
On balance Auchnagatt were slightly ahead with speed of answers to questions - so well done to them.. I especially recommend the local butchers Beef and Ale pies too!

Well! What a packed 2 days it was but lots of new friends and hopefully the Bard has ignited some enthusiasm in the young people of Aberdeenshire.
My thanks to all schools involved and especially to the HTs for giving me a chance to evangelise in the North East.

Burns in Aberdeenshire: Longside

2009-03-25T01:48:00.001-07:00

Next day saw the Bard off to Longside - another village towards Peterhead. A HUGE thanks to Dorothy Simpson - Head Teacher here - who arranged all the visits for me. Longside is a splendid new school with many modern features and we had a large screen and a large crowd in the ultra-modern assembly hall. The youngsters were already well-informed about RB's life and works and managed some interesting responses at the start. They enthusiastically took part and hopefully had a fun morning.

Burns in Aberdeenshire: Strichen

2009-03-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

Off in a Northerly direction to the village of Strichen next, where pupils from Kinimonth joined the Bard for an afternoon of story, songs and poems, in a packed hall. Once again behaviour was excellent and the pupils and staff were very enthusiastic about RB's story with some excellent, thought provoking questions at the end.

Burns in Aberdeenshire: Mintlaw

2009-03-25T01:34:00.001-07:00

The Bard and I headed off to the North East this week with six schools in Aberdeenshire keen to hear about RB's life, loves and songs.

First up was Mintlaw Primary - based in Mintlaw - a fair size town with another primary and a secondary school - Mintlaw Academy - which serves all the surrounding area. After a warm welcome, and a cup of tea(!) the show took place in the assembly hall with around 50 youngsters. They enthusiastically joined in the singing and were well taken by the Mouse

Burns in Cramond

2009-03-25T01:30:00.001-07:00

The Bard and I visited Cramond Yacht Club last Friday. A night arranged way back last year after a chance meeting at Aberdour Festival. The night went very well with a fantastic atmosphere throughout. The crowd, although not huge, was very enthusiastic with many half-time comments and questions. The club room is also in a beautiful spot with views out to the River Forth. The organisers just sent me these comments from the club Commodore....
"
Friday evening's one-man Burns show was a really top-rate entertainment - and in best Reithian style very informative and thought provoking too! I particularly enjoyed the illustrated Tam o Shanter, and that was only a small part of a well rounded production. ......... Thanks very much,
Rob
Commodore"

Burns in Newry

2009-03-08T12:52:00.001-07:00

Address to the Haggis

The 'Bard' and I were off to Newry, County Down, on Saturday night. A fine city on the border of Northern Ireland and Eire. There was to be a 'Gala Dinner' as part of a week long celebration of Burns 250th with me as principal speaker and performer. I was billed as a 'world renowned Burns Scholar', so no pressure then! The venue was Altnaveigh House and I was made very welcome by the Chair of Altnaveigh - David Hanna - whom I met earlier in the day, along with my friend and colleague Anthony Russell, during the live radio broadcast.

The evening was to be a Burns Supper, with me as adviser, proposer of the Immortal Memory and main singer/reciter, rather than a Burns250 show, but in costume none-the-less. A local ceilidh band 'Rising Stour' were also playing.

For the Immortal memory I used many slides from the show with the addition of some special ones on local Burns connections. As so often happens at these events time was our worst enemy but we managed to get through a varied programme by midnight, although sadly Tam O Shanter had to be omitted. Feedback from the over 120 guests was very positive and it is hoped this will become an annual event.....
A big thanks from me to all the organisers for inviting them to play for them, especially David and Anthony.

Burns on Radio FM5

2009-03-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

No costume needed on radio!

Rowan Hand(DJ), myself and Anthony live in the studio

As part of the trip to Northern Ireland, we had a radio interview on the 'Bard'. I also played three songs live in the studio. Broadcasted between 9:15 and 10:00 am today - Saturday.

Burns in Crossmaglen

2009-03-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to take the 'Bard' to Northern Ireland this weekend. A huge thanks to my colleague Anthony who has been working hard to set the trip up. As part of the Altnaveigh House (in Newry) Burns Gala Festival, I had two appearances. The first was in Creggan Church of Ireland Parish Hall, in Crossmaglen. I was overwhelmed to have a full, and very responsive, house on this first trip. Only a short week of advertising produced a mixed age range of enthusiastic listeners. Indeed some had travelled an hour and a half to get there which was amazing. Hopefully I can get out to Fermanagh and take the show to them later in the year.
I also had the chance to visit the grave and cottage of Agnes Burns - Robert's sister - who moved out here with her husband some time after Robert's death. Her man - William Galt - was brought over to build Stephenstown Pond, near Dundalk in Co. Louth, making such a good job of it that he was given a good salary to stay on and manage the estate. The cottage which they stayed in - rent free - is now a tea room and has some interesting photos and copies of letters from Agnes to her (and Robert's) mother, back in Ayr.
The crowd were so keen I stayed and performed for about 3 hours delivering the old favourites such as Tam O Shanter and A Man's a Man, among many others. Lots of interest expressed in more shows so I will try to get back again.
The second show of the trip was a Gala Dinner in Altnaveigh House in Newry....more on this later!

Burns in Caskieberran - Glenrothes

2009-03-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

To a Mouse

The 'Bard' and I went to Glenrothes recently to deliver a short show to a very enthusiastic and well behaved group of 70 plus staff and pupils.

Excellent paintings of Rob and his poems

The youngsters have been working on the 'Year of the Homecoming' with a recent ceilidh, at which I was also delighted to play, as well as lots of work on Robert Burns. The art work behind the stage is superb as can be seen from some of the photos.

The Twa Dugs

Many of the songs were new to them but they had a try at joining in anyway. As usual a superb audience who have hopefully learnt some more about our Bard. There was the usual Q & A session at the end which brought some enthusiastic questions from the floor. An especial 'well done' to the young lady who bravely stood up and delivered a word-perfect version of 'Willie Wastle' - bravo!

Auld Lang Syne to finish off another show

Burns in Barassie

2009-02-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Twa Dugs entertain

The bard and I travelled to Barassie Primary today in Troon where over 100 young people and staff enthusiastically listened to the show. Sadly the arrival of lunch-time meant we had no time for the usual question and answer session but the pupils were very knowledgeable, being able to list a fair number of poems and songs and joining in with the singing where they could. They have also been using the teachertube videos which is great! Perhaps they might leave some comments there, and/or on here?

About 120 keen listeners!

The local Press also turned up and took some good looking photos so hopefully the school (and the show) will get some good publicity. It is a brand new school and looks really splendid - the pupils were well behaved and hopefully are now a little wiser about Rob Mossgiel. Lastly a big thanks to Mrs Bell for the photos.

The 'Bard' in full flow

Burns in Perth

2009-02-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

The show made it to the fair city of Perth last night, where an enthusiastic crowd of 60 plus turned out to the prestigious venue of the Salutation Hotel. The show was hosted by Perth Burns Club and they were delighted to see many visitors along especially for the evening. Although the Club normally ends at 9.30, the members were so enthralled with the story we continued until after 10pm finishing with the traditional Auld Lang Syne but, as always with the show, to the original tune Burns intended rather than the one currently in use today. My thanks to Donald and Arthur for organising the chance for me to attend.

Burns for Dalgety Bay Folk Club

2009-02-23T08:39:00.001-08:00

Last weekend the show went back to Aberdour - but to the Woodside Hotel this time - to guest for Dalgety Bay Folk Club. I delivered the full show at 2 x 1 1/4 hours and received a good response with many positive comments after. Colin Hay - the organiser - pointed out that the club wanted the show as their contribution to the year of the Homecoming - an excellent sentiment with which I concur and hope that other similar clubs may see likewise. He added that he found the show not only very entertaining but also very informative and that he had learnt much about Burns during the evening. A big thanks from me to Colin and his team for inviting me to Aberdour.

Burns in Todholm Primary

2009-01-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

Over 100 pupils listened to the Bard's story in Todholm Primary recently. The searching questions after showed how much they had enjoyed the performance and how well they had listened.

Burns in Burntisland Erskine Church

2009-01-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

The Burns250 show had a successful evening recently for the Erskine Church. Some fifty plus turned out for an evening of Burns on the day after his birthday. After an hour and a half of attentive listening, the guests were served soup and snacks.

Burns in Strathmiglo

2009-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

I appeared in the village hall for the youngsters in Strathmiglo recently. They were very enthusiastic and we had about an hour and a quarter of Burns. They have been studying him in class and I was well impressed with the quick look I managed at their pictures and stories.
The usual time for questions brought forward one or two which showed they had been listening. So well done Strathmiglo!

Burns in Bearsden

2009-01-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

I recently took the Burns250 show to Bearsden - to the Literary Society no less. What a wonderful evening was had by all!
A very appreciative audience made my part so much easier...and the CDs were in great demand afterwards.
My thanks to Roberta for organising it and to all who came along. We had only time for about an hour and half of Burns so a return visit was suggested and I would be delighted to go back and tell them some about our Bard.

Cupar Follow Up

2009-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to receive a whole batch of letters from pupils in St Columba's School telling me how much they enjoyed the show. The word 'inspired' was mentioned several times and that's what this is all about really. We are obliged to introduce the next generation to the Bard and his works, for they are the future!

A special big thanks to C and M in P7 who sent me their drawing of Robert Burns (shown here) and to A in P6 for his wonderful letter.

Burns in Cupar again

2009-01-12T04:36:00.000-08:00

Pupils from several schools got together last week for a lunchtime show in Cupar. Amongst others, Craigrothie and St Columbas were represented with over 60 p6&7 pupils present. The show was well received with Tam O Shanter being a particular request. Sadly no pic....but feedback to follow.

Burns in Aberdour

2008-12-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Setting the scene....

Another lunch time show.....this time in Aberdour. A combined group of P6 & 7 enthusiastically responded to Burns. Once again the combination of technology and audience participation worked well at delivering the message, with some excellent feedback from the staff and the young people themselves. A series of probing questions at the end, showed that young, enquiring minds, had been well at work.

...and a traditional ending....

Burns in Kinghorn

2008-11-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

Wee sleekit cow'rin tim'rous beastie

Another short school show, this time in Kinghorn Primary during their St. Andrew's Day celebrations. They had invited parents and friends in to show off their dancing skills, prior to performing at the Fife Festival next week, and I managed to fit in a short, half-hour presentation to over 100 adults and children. It will be interesting to see who learnt most! Once again the mousey and louse went well. The powerpoint is an excellent aid to telling this story and feedback was very favourable.

Auld Lang Syne

Burns in Bowhill

2008-11-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday saw a unique collaboration between myself and Cammy Goodall - another keen Burnsian. We are both members of Bowhill People's Burns Club and joined forces for a two-man show in The Bowhill Hotel, Cardenden. Again, based around Burns' life story, illustrated by Powerpoint and featuring his most loved songs and poems, the show attracted around 60 club members and guests. Cammy added poems such as Death and Dr. Hornbook, and joined in with some of the songs. A generously supported raffle raised a considerable sum for Cancer Research and feedback from those present was very favourable.
For more photos see here

Burns in Burntisland

2008-11-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Another school visit ... Burntisland Primary this time. About sixty P.7 pupils, and associated staff, enjoyed a cut down version of the lunch-time show. They managed to sing along using the Power-point prompts and were keen to interact when invited. Tam O' Shanter with accompanying audio-visuals was well received!

The Twa Dugs, the Mouse and the (cuddly) Louse were also a big hit with the youngsters.

A quick round of questions at the end showed the young folks had been listening well during the show, and we finished with a small group photo.

The variety of poems, songs and powerpoint kept the children's attention very well and there was a lot of useful information given which could be followed up in the classroom. The use of visual aids added to the enjoyment! .... it was very beneficial to children and teachers. (P7 teachers)

Burns in Cupar

2008-11-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

On Sat 15th November I delivered a charity show for DebRA - based in Cupar and elsewhere: a worthwhile group helping out children with this dreadful condition. The Lodge in Cupar raised over £600 between ticket prices and the raffle. Sadly the charity itself did little to help.....no mention on their events page on the website and only two reps who turned up.

That aside the show went very well with an audience of around 60 members and guests. Some CDs sold too which is good news! Feedback was that the show was both entertaining and informative: exactly the intention. The photo shows myself in costume next to Bill Dawson the current President of the World Burns Federation who commented :

"I thoroughly enjoyed your show, there were many songs that one does not get to hear, and with you adding the additional information it is surely a very good vehicle to broaden people's understanding of the Burns story. "

Also shown are Dougie Wilson (PM) and George Letham (SM) from the Lodge.

St Helen's Primary

2008-09-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Well today went very well! First school and a big success. I intended to combine technology with the old story and judging by the feedback it proved a good mix. Around 45 youngsters and 4 teachers all had good fun, gave some excellent feedback and learned something too!
Alice Quinn the HT subsequently sent me this list, which she thought covered some of what the children had learned..

History:

• King George 11 (1727 - 1760)
• King Edward II ( 1284 - 1327)
• Battle of Killicrankie (1689) Highland clans supporting James II
• Battle of Culloden Moor ( 1746) Highland clans supporting Charles
• Bonnie Prince Charlie
• Jacobites
• Battle of Bannockburn (1314)
• Trip back in time via ‘Tardis’
• Male dress of 18th Cent Scotland

Geography:

• Inverness
• Places above
• Highlands and Lowlands
• Ayrshire
• Mount Oliphant
• Tarbolton
• Edinburgh
• Dumfries
• Map of Scotland
• Newfoundland
• Jamaica

Poetry and Music

• The Twa Dugs ( social subjects – rich and poor)
• Rantin Rovin Robin
• The Belles of Mauchline ( Rap)
• To a Mouse
• To a Louse
• Scots Wha Hae- tie in with Battle of Bannockburn
• Auld Lang Syne – meaning of song
• Willie Wastle’s Wife – Burns’ humour
• Tam O’ Shanter – classic tale, illustrated by slides
• Kilmarnock Edition Poems
• Edinburgh Edition Poems

Maths

• Money raised by sale of both editions (above) – old coinage
• Distances
• Ages
• Shillings / value

Language

Numerous opportunities for discussion and questions. Some of the children’s questions were:

• Was King George II ‘Mad King George?
• What was Burns’ most famous poem? (Debate – give opinion)
• Why did Burns Doctor’s treatment lead to his death rather than a cure?
• How long did Jean Armour live after Burns died?
• How did you ( the presenter) start off in your interest of Burns’ life and work?

Some opportunities for further development:

Research / discussion / writing / Activities

• What is an old clay Biggin?
• What is a ‘keystone’? ( Tam O’ Shanter)
• Why did Meg have to run for the keystone?
• Why was Bonnie Prince Charlie not on the throne?
• What were his followers called and why?
• Why did Highlanders have a bad time after the Battle of Culloden?
• Why did William Burness have to leave his home in the Highlands and come to the Lowlands?
• Where is Newfoundland?
• What is the name of the River in Dumfries?
• On a map of Scotland, plot named places, measure distances.
• What was Burns’ meaning by the lines ‘a man’s a man for a’ that’
• What was Burns’ meaning by the lines ‘the best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft agley’?

This truly was ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’ and the children learned more in 90 minutes than they would have done in a year.

I would thoroughly recommend that any Primary or Secondary school buy into this tremendous resource
A.Quinn HT St Helen's Primary

How do you sell a show......

2008-09-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

....like this one?
I don't know really. There is a market for it out there. I am certain but reaching it is not easy. I have approached some agents and they simply want to add my name to hundreds of others on the books and "see what comes up". That won't work in this case. The audience has to be sought out.
So.....initial ideas are mailing of clubs, societies, and a few schools. School interest is very high but as I still work full-time I can only manage a few at this stage, using them as part of my pilot for the conference presentation (see earlier). As to the rest...I have sent a few hundred brochures out...let's wait and see. I would really love to take this abroad. I am sure it would go a storm in Russia, the USA, Canada....and a host of others but, as a one-man operation I cannot set that up. Ideas anyone?

About the show itself

2008-09-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

The show is primarily aimed at adults but there is a shorter school version too. The issue is that Burns wrote a great deal of 'adult' material which is not best suited to 10 years olds....so there has to be 2 versions. It is in full costume as can be seen here and uses Burns own songs and poems to tell his life story. I take a chronological tour from before his birth until after his death ....suggesting why he wrote some of what he did....reciting the poems and singing the songs. There are several points to this but in the main entertainment and education, which is what I have done all my days. There is an audio visual element with a Powerpoint running behind me on stage. This details various locations important to Burns, gives the words to some songs (audience participation is a must!) and illustrates some of the poems: all of which hopefully increase understanding and improve the experience of the audience.

Shows

2008-09-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

The calendar at www.burns250.co.uk shows about a dozen bookings. Most for the show but a few for other Burns bits I do. I am also booked up to present a 'panel' at the Burns conference at Glasgow University in January, talking about using technology to teach about Burns. See here. I will try and tie some bits of show into that too. I wear lots of hats really....musician, entertainer, teacher, lecturer, Burnsian, and have tried to combine many of them into this. I want to show that young people can be attracted to classics - like Burns work - if we as teachers use their language - which today is technology. So I have a few visits to schools planned and hopefully more to come.

CD too

2008-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

To go along with the show I have been working on a CD over the last few months. This pulls together a long-time love I have of Scottish music and....Burns. It contains some songs I have been singing for years and some I have just learnt. One of the issues is marketing it. It is now downloadable (see link on www.burns250.co.uk) but I have not yet worked out how best to physically sell it. Gigs will be one outlet and some of the many friends I have are also interested. In a week 30 have gone. Not exactly chart topping statistcs but reassuring at least. I might try some on E-bay (Lydia's idea). Any ideas welcome!

and so it starts....

2008-09-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late really but....you know what they say...better late than.....
Next year is Robert Burns 250th anniversary so, as a keen Burns fan I decided to write a one-man show to celebrate! It had its first pilot airing in Cupar in April and is now ready to go. All the details are on www.burns250.co.uk but I thought it would be interesting to record the journey as it continues....hopefully growing into a popular show...but ...who knows.
Cupar has an audience of approx 40 - and was for a local charity. A re-run for a different charity is now scheduled for November.