Indeed, once a much looked forward to occasion on the social calendar, it is now sixteen years since a traditional Burns Supper was held in the village.
For long enough they were organised by the local branch of the Scottish Women's Rural Institute
until, after a lapse of around six years, the Heritage Society broke new ground by taking over responsibility in 1991, the year following its formation, and what a huge success that supper turned out to be. A full house of just under 100 was welcomed in the Village Hall by President, Mr Alec Wallace, who said how delighted – and relieved – he was that the Society's initiative had been so well rewarded. On that occasion the haggis was addressed by Mrs Georgina Davidson, the Immortality Memory given by the late Mr Andrew Milne from Inverbervie, the Toast to the Lasses proposed by Mr John Gavin from St Cyrus and replied to by Mrs Davidson.
The Heritage Society went on to hold another three Burns Suppers, all equally well attended. There was a company of 90 present in 1994 when Mrs Davidson again addressed the haggis and Torquil Macleod delivered the Immortal Memory, while the Toast to the Lasses and the reply were exchanged by husband and wife, Andrew and Margaret McKenzie from Drumlithie. It , therefore, came as a great surprise when, due to lack of support, it was not possible to hold a Burns Supper in 1995.
So Rabbie again faded from the collective consciousness until 2002 when the Anchor Hotel held an "alternative" Burns Supper featuring Tony McCann and ceilidh band, Tipsy Laird, but, although enjoyed by all who attended, this venture was not followed up. Still, last year, the Ship Hotel did make an effort to "Remember Rabbie" with an evening of songs, tunes and poems at which those who went along either performed or sat listening happily to others who did.
This year, however, nothing - although, no doubt lots of haggis, neeps and tatties will have graced many a table and Rabbie made the excuse for an extra dram or two. It cannot be denied that while the full Burns Supper has it unwavering devotees, it is not necessarily to everyone's liking. Yet it has been shown that a variation on the theme can work quite well so hopefully next year someone, or some group, will come up with a format inviting enough to entertain while at the same time doing justice to the popular poet.
Mearns Coastal Guild
It was a Scottish afternoon at the Guild's leisure hour in the Church Hall on Monday afternoon. Neither needing any introduction, Willie Beattie from Inverbervie read poems and sang solos while John Gove from Gourdon accompanied him and also sang to his own accompaniment. Guild member, Peg Hall, gave recitations. The company then enjoyed traditional Scottish fare at the tea break after which Convener, Mrs Jean Cook, thanked Willie and John for providing such an entertaining afternoon.
Oh, and the Guild did remember Burns, toasting Scotland's national bard with – Scotland's other national drink?
The next meeting of the Guild will be in the Church Hall on Monday, February 8 when the speaker will be Mr C. Easton, Curator of the Arbroath Museum, who will speak on "Old Arbroath.".
Bowling Club
The Bowling Club made a great start to the second half of their season in the Kincardineshire Indoor League at Stonehaven last Tuesday night with a convincing victory by 20 shots to 11 against Marykirk B.C. The regular rink of Ann Aitken, Alan Robbie, Alan Black and Bryan Duff were all in good form and a run of 4,1,4 culminating in a devastating count of six in the middle of the game, formed the basis of their success.
The Club were due to play Laurencekirk B.C. on Tuesday night in a match which had been cancelled in December due to adverse weather conditions and their next scheduled outing will be against Auchenblae B.C. on Tuesday, February 2.
Mearns Coastal Parish
Preaching in Johnshaven Church on Sunday morning from the Book of Revelations ,and referring to the role of Herod Antipas in the executions of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazarth, locum minister, Mr Gordon Anderson, urged the congregation to reflect on what it has cost them to be followers of Christ. The organist was Robin Beattie. Earlier, Mr Anderson had issued a reminder that Bible study sessions were continuing at 38 Invergarry Park, St Cyrus, the home of Tom and Marje Dalziel, every Monday evening at 7 p.m. to which all are welcome to attend.
This Sunday, January 31, services will be held at the usual times of 10 a.m. in St Cyrus Church and 11.30 a.m. in Johnshaven Church.
Fireworks Spectacular
The annual Fireworks Spectacular, postponed earlier in the month because of icy conditions around the harbour, will take place this Sunday, January 31. There will be entertainment from 6.30 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. when the fireworks proper begin. Refreshments will, as always, be available and a collection will be taken to help cover the cost of the event which is almost entirely self-financing.
Beach Clean-up
An early warning that the next clean-up of the beach will take place on Sunday, February 21 at 11.30 a.m. Full details later.
Memories
Twenty years ago as a result of a public meeting held in the Village Hall hopes of forming a local heritage society took a step closer to fulfilment. The previous year a working party comprising community councillors and members of the public had had held two heritage exhibitions and so successful were they that the working party decided that the next step forward should be the formation of an independent Heritage Society, entirely divorced from the Community Council.
The meeting at the end of January 1990 was chaired by David Brown, Secretary of the Community Council, and the late David Adams, the then well-known Brechin historian displayed and spoke about some of his publications and also suggested how a village society might raise funds by the publication of similar works.
Those present at the meeting then spent an hour's concentrated effort producing a draft constitution which was to be checked by a lawyer for legal flaws and the Chief Inspector of Taxes with regard to charitable status.
Later in the year the Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Society was formed and is now well on the way to a successful conversion of the former Lifeboat House to a heritage centre
