Burns Weekend 2026

Northern Ireland group (Burns Rally) Jan. 23rd-26th January and a rather ominous weather forecast was apparently justified as evidenced by the incessant rain bouncing off the Glenshane Pass as Ruth and I neared our venue, Cookstown Primary school. “Why does it always rain when we go to Cookstown” ?, I enquired of the Minister of Home Affairs, ”don’t know” she replied with the additional information “The hosts are going to get very wet”, and so it seemed. However, just as we were entering the approach to the school divine intervention (or something akin to it) caused the rain to stop and our hosts : Selma and Elmer assisted by Mervyn and Maud were able to “book-In” and park-up 52 motorhomes in much more pleasant conditions, I say - isn’t God good to his own ?.Friday night and most patrons assembled in the school where we had a projector display of some historic rallies prepared by Sam and Andy, time to reminisce whilst background music organised by Robbie Hewitt soothed the soul, it had been intimated that bingo maybe played later, however, such was the extent of verbal discourse it was decided to abort that aspect of the plan, so no bingo in deference to the many more important discussions and “righting” of all the anomalies of life, the outcomes of which may take some time to be realized. . Cakes were unearthed for the members having one more / one less Birthdays there or thereabouts, Ruth Ross, Irene Hewitt and Audrey Brodison, congratulations ladies and hope for more. We were unaware at that stage that Bob Warwick has also celebrated another milestone, sorry Bob, nevertheless please accept our good wishes for many more too. 

     Sat : The ladies devoted much of the morning planning Craft submissions for the MCC National rally being held in  May. Others visited the easily accessed town, window shopping,viewing the street market stalls, have you noticed ? : they’ll soon be a thing of the past, I can recall when both sides of that long wide street would have been lined with stalls with varied wares, now they barely manage double figures, evolution I suppose, ebay instead.

     Late evening we assembled in the school once more to pay reverence to the memory of the Bard, Rabbie Burns and indulge in some of his poetry etc.. The event kicked off with the sounds of the bagpipes being played with great aplomb by our very own Eric Bingham as he wound his way up and down the applauding masses and closely followed by one of our hosts, Mervyn Ross who was carefully carrying the “Beastie” which seemed quite determined to escape from the platter and thus avoid the terrible fate awaiting at the hands of our chairman Sam who was also in close attendance. Indeed it was successfully transported to the table and suitably addressed by Sam who had very obviously rehearsed the eulogy, it was a magnificent effort almost rendered totally void as the Haggis made one last desperate effort to escape before being deftly grappled back onto the platter for the inevitable dissection. The piper thrilled us with a few more renditions whilst Ruth,Selma, Gus, Maud and Geralyn, our indispensable catering staff prepared the Haggis and accompaniments, these servings were followed by dessert, ‘twas a very fine fayre indeed.The usual toasts were made, humorous as always and not all entirely complimentary to the Bard. On behalf of the Laddies Stephen Glenn began with a toast to the Lassies and raised quite a number of laughs and a few eye brows. Equally humourous was the reply on behalf of the Lassies delivered by Jacqueline Hutchison, both had done their homework, it was a masterful delivery. As the night progressed we reverted to type, ably entertained by Niall Patterson who had the floor invariably full with his mainly Scottish themed music, well done Niall.

     Sunday morning and the Chairman's address, some matters explained as were future plans,an appeal for Hosts to assist at the Ballycastle rally, if you can assist do get in touch. New members : Irene and Colin Bell together with Caroline and Marty Patton were warmly welcomed to the good ship MCCNI, trust you enjoyed and will grace our company again with your presence. Three lucky members, including one of our newcomers, won the entry number draws. David and Dawn kindly prepared and served the refreshments. Following on from this was ancillary meeting attended by those considering attendance at the MCC National rally.In summary, an excellent rally very obviously the subject of much dedicated preparation,even the weather seemed to enter into the spirit and remained dry, many thanks to our Hosts and the others who contributed to it’s success. Well done indeed. Dessie