Charity Burns Supper 2024

Charity Burns Night 2024

Last Friday, 26th January, saw Penrith Rotary Club holding its annual Charity Burns Supper at the Roundthorn Hotel in Penrith. The event was the most successful for many years, with over 100 guests attending the traditional celebration of Robert Burns’ birthday with delicious food, wine, poetry, songs and dancing, just as he would have wanted!

Guests included members of Brampton and Longtown Rotary Club, Penrith Bowlers, members of the Rotary Club of Horwich, and a large contingent from Penrith Chamber of Commerce. The night was kept on track by MC John Shorter and began with the traditional piping in of the haggis by George Kinnaird on bagpipes and Rotarian David Cole making the toast to the haggis before slaying it! The evening continued with a brief insight into Rabbie Burns life and loves, followed by the tongue-in-cheek toast to the Lassies and the requisite response with the toast to the Laddies.

A splendid three course dinner was served up by the Roundthorn Hotel, including haggis, neeps and tatties, and the welcoming service was excellent as always. Following the meal, a raffle was held for the many donated prizes, as well as a silent auction for cooking and dinner experiences kindly offered by Pat Russell of the Lake District School of Food and Wine. Penrith Rotary would like to pass on enormous thanks to everyone for their generosity and are delighted to report that over £1,700 was raised in total for Rotary good causes.

Rounding off the evening in true style, guests enjoyed a raucous ceilidh with music and calling by the excellent Thrice Brewed. The dance floor was thronging with people enjoying dances such as the Dashing White Sergeant, St Bernard’s Walz and ended with Auld Lang Syne.

This event is a major highlight of the Rotary calendar, livening up a gloomy January, and plans are already in place for next year’s Burns Night Supper to be held on the 24th January 2025. Put it in your diary now and keep an eye on the Penrith Rotary website for ticket announcements to avoid disappointment.