Tynte Lodge, Burns Night social event 27th January 2023
On 27th January 2023 Tynte lodge hosted a social evening celebrating Burns night, the evening was well supported by members of Tynte Lodge and other Bridgwater Freemasons, their partners, guests and friends.
The evening started in traditional manor with the piper Mr Mathew Bartlett escorting the Haggis into the dining room and around to the tables where Chris Marchmont duly dealt with it, humanely with his sgian-dubh ( or black blade to us foreigners ), whilst reciting the address to the Haggis in a very convincing Scottish accent. Before everyone got down to their Haggis an enthusiastic (and occasionally tuneful) rendition of the Flower of Scotland was sung by the newly formed Tynte Lodge Tartanistas. The serious business of eating and drinking was then addressed.
Many of those assembled wore kilts some of Irish origin, as Burns had a strong connection with Ireland and In 1786 Burns wrote for the Belfast News and his other link was that his eldest sister Agnes moved to Ireland and married into a wealthy family, although it has never been confirmed or disproved if Burns went to Ireland or not, Burns night is always a good excuse for the Irish contingent to celebrate. When his sister died she was buried in the Cemetery of St. Nicholas Presbyterian Church in Dundalk and a monument was erected to Robert Burns nearby.
 
After everyone had had their fill Alan Chambers, the master of Tynte Lodge made the Toast to the Lassies and informed everyone of Robert Burns affinity with the lassies and the many liaisons he had. Mrs Sue Chambers then responded for the Lassies in due form.
Everyone agreed it was a wonderful evening. Then everyone drifted back home, saying goodbye to friends old and new with the anticipation that the celebration will be repeated next year on January 26th.
Martin Poynter-Smith Lodge Communications officer
Photos courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer)