by Alan Quick

IT was a celebratory occasion at the Waie Inn at Zeal Monachorum, when members of the Rotary Club of Crediton and their guests, 90 in total, sat down to a traditional Burns’ Night supper.

The event marked the 258th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns in Alloway.

The skirl of the bagpipes could be heard through the village as Ray Couch piped the guests into the Waie Inn. The guests were welcomed by the president, Rotarian Paul Evans and Mrs Marion Evans.

The Nicht’s Ongauns started with the Selkirk Grace recited by Brenda Mitchell and her grandson, Adam Mitchell-Manns.

Members sat down to a Scottish menu prepared by the Waie Inn.

The Bill O’Fare included Cullen Skin, Game Pate, Haggis with Chappit Tatties and Bashed Neeps with Whisky Cream Sauce, followed by Braised Steak in Claret with seasonal vegetables.

For dessert the choice included Cranachan, Tispy Laird, cheesecake and many others.

The food concluded with Tassie of Coffe wi Scottish Tablet.

The table decorations included red roses and heathers, complimented by red Stewart Tartan ribbon and these were presented to those who had their birthday closest to the day of the event, Friday, January 27.

The haggis was piped into the dining room by Ray Couch and addressed by Michael Boyle.

The toast to Immortal Memory was proposed by Richard Barnes.

Mr Evans gave the Toast to “The Lasses” with the reply by Kay Shillingford.

An Noo Yer Thanks and the Final Toast was by Mr Evans before everyone took part in singing "Auld Lang Syne".

The event was first held in 1999 and has been popular since, also raising many thousands of pounds for local charities.

Representatives from other Rotary clubs were represented among the guests.

Profits from the evening went to FORCE and Hospiscare.