Jolly Beggars Banquet 2022
Jolly Beggars Banquet 2019
Jolly Beggars Banquet 2018
Jolly Beggars Banquet 2017
For those who don’t know, the Medicine Hat Burns Club established the Jolly Beggars Banquet as a special event for Burn's keeners, prospective new members and those deemed worthy. Over the years interest in this event has grown and where attendance is limited to 37, as Burns was 37 when he died, the Club is getting expressions of interest of upwards of 50 to 60 men to attend each annual event. This makes guest selection very difficult, however that being said the Club has made a firm commitment that this event remains open to only 37. Also, this event is black tie, kilt or trews. Cronies attending do not wear uniforms, medals or decorations other than Burns Club or related insignia.
So, well, the Medicine Hat gang did it again. The 2017 9th Annual Jolly Beggars Banquet in Medicine Hat is now being reported as being probably the best Jolly Beggars Banquet held to date. With respect to entertainment the Commander of the local British army training unit (BATUS) authorized the attendance of a quartet from the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers that were temporarily here from the UK. What a coup!.
The Calgary Burns Club singers were also present who proudly gave their all and sang and danced unto the wee hours. Further, there was Club piper Malcolm Sissons, who was later matched up with Club Gaird & Chaplain, Rab Cowan, also a piper who also brought his pipes.
Next, we had Club VP and RBANA Canada director Andy Harrower performing A Mans a Man and later, Tam o’ Shanter. Club president Bill Cocks did his thing and presented the Address to the Haggis. A most memorable rendition of ‘To a Mouse’ was done by Andy Cowan, and then there was the meal. Starting with salmon with cream cheese, capers and onions, this was followed by cock o’ leeky soup, then stacked haggis prepared by a chef from the British army. Next, rack o’ lamb with a special mint sauce followed by a unique Scottish pie for desert. Dinner was then finished with home made Athol Brose.
The Jolly Beggars world famous Scotch bar also offered some very fine Scotch whiskies and the Immortal Memory done by our Chieftain o’ the Nicht and RBWF President, Ian McIntyre was outstanding.
The only dilemma is that next year will be very special, as it will be the 10th anniversary of the Jolly Beggars Banquet, and it will be a real challenge to make that event better. That being said there shall be no doubt the Medicine Hat Burns Club will pull it off.
So, well, the Medicine Hat gang did it again. The 2017 9th Annual Jolly Beggars Banquet in Medicine Hat is now being reported as being probably the best Jolly Beggars Banquet held to date. With respect to entertainment the Commander of the local British army training unit (BATUS) authorized the attendance of a quartet from the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers that were temporarily here from the UK. What a coup!.
The Calgary Burns Club singers were also present who proudly gave their all and sang and danced unto the wee hours. Further, there was Club piper Malcolm Sissons, who was later matched up with Club Gaird & Chaplain, Rab Cowan, also a piper who also brought his pipes.
Next, we had Club VP and RBANA Canada director Andy Harrower performing A Mans a Man and later, Tam o’ Shanter. Club president Bill Cocks did his thing and presented the Address to the Haggis. A most memorable rendition of ‘To a Mouse’ was done by Andy Cowan, and then there was the meal. Starting with salmon with cream cheese, capers and onions, this was followed by cock o’ leeky soup, then stacked haggis prepared by a chef from the British army. Next, rack o’ lamb with a special mint sauce followed by a unique Scottish pie for desert. Dinner was then finished with home made Athol Brose.
The Jolly Beggars world famous Scotch bar also offered some very fine Scotch whiskies and the Immortal Memory done by our Chieftain o’ the Nicht and RBWF President, Ian McIntyre was outstanding.
The only dilemma is that next year will be very special, as it will be the 10th anniversary of the Jolly Beggars Banquet, and it will be a real challenge to make that event better. That being said there shall be no doubt the Medicine Hat Burns Club will pull it off.
2017 Burns Supper
The Foothills Highland Games
2016 Lethbridge Jolly Beggars Banquet
2015 Vimy Dinner
Where the Club was privileged to assist the South Alberta Light Horse (SALH) for them to make a special presentation to the City of Medicine Hat at their last Burns dinner club President Craig Elder and Secretary Ken Montgomery were honoured to be invited to the regiment's 98th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge Dinner. The photographs depict President Craig standing with lt. Col. Troy Steele CD, commanding officer of the SALH, Ken Montgomery with Medicine Hat Police Service Inspector Brent Secondiak and Craig and Ken with fellow Club members attending, Captain Don Girling CD, who acted as piper for the night and Dieter Brand who was presented with a specially engraved port decanter for his long time support of the regiment. Not included in the photograph was fellow Club member Kitt Brand.
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Burns Supper 2015
Jolly Beggars Banquet 2014
Canada Day 2014
2012 Burns Supper
Ian & Angie Cameron "Going Away" BBQ
To A Piglet
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Fair fa' your honest, soncie face Great chieftain o' the Piglet race. Aboon them a' ye take your place Paunch, tripe or thairm, Well are ye worthy o' a grace as lang's my arm. The groaning table there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill; Your spit would help t' mend a mill in time o' need, While on your hide the sauce distills like amber bead. His knife, see rustic Albert wipe, And cut ye up wi' ready slight, Trenching your groaning stuffing bright Like ony ditch; And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm-reekin', rich! Then spoon and fork They stretch and strive: Ken take the hindmost! On they drive; 'Til all their well swelled bellies, believe, Are stretched like drums, And old Guidman (Les), most like to belch, "Bethankit" hums. Is there that o'er his barbecue, Or baked potato, to stuff a sow, Or raw hamburger, would make her spew wi' perfect disgust; Looks down wi' sneering scornful view on such a dinner? |
Poor Elks and Moose! See them o'er their trash, As feckless as the withered grass. Their fez and sash, we take a pass; Through poetry and Scotch to dash, Oh how unfit! But mark the Masons, piglet fed, Trembling Manila resounds their tread; Clap in their hands a fork and knife, They'll mak' them whistle - And before y'all know it, Pork's gone like the down of a thistle. Ye Powers wha' make mankind your care, And dish us out our bill o' fare; Ian and Angie want not but a prayer - "Bring them back to us soon, They're special and rare." Gentlemen and Ladies, I offer this piece in tribute to a fine day to honour a fine couple. It is my true and sincere hope that we'll all see Ian and Angie back among us one day, at least for a visit; but until then, "Godspeed!" and may your new life in the Philippines be everything you hope it will be. Yours aye, Bill Cocks |
2nd Annual Jolly Beggars Banquet
1st Annual Jolly Beggars Banquet
Photo Gallery
