The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve will be holding its Burns Supper at the Ponte Romana restaurant in Silves on Saturday, January 25 – actually on the Bard’s birthday! Starting at 7pm, guests will be greeted at the entrance by the lusty playing of our piper Malcolm MacGillivray.
We will start off with a bubbly reception before sitting down to enjoy dinner. After soup, MacSween’s haggis (after the Beast has been formally addressed and slain) will be served with tatties and neeps as the main course. For non-believers, vegetarian haggis or grilled chicken will be available, but must be ordered in advance. The meal will be accompanied by wine and perhaps even some amber mead!
After supper, we will have the traditional “Immortal Memory” speech about the life and times of Robert Burns, followed by the humorous toasts to the Lassies and Laddies. Then it will be time for what most people come for – the Scottish country dancing. This is aimed to include beginners with each dance being walked through beforehand. We will end the evening with “Auld Lang Syne”.
And if in the meantime you would like to practise your Scottish country dancing skills, or even give it a try beforehand, give Mardie Cunningham a call (282 356 029) about the sessions at the Nobel School in Porches on Monday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30pm.
Tickets are available from Treasurer Kathy Prentice on 919 635 246 at €27.50 for Society members and €30 for non-members. Please tell Kathy if you wish to order an alternative to haggis. DOUG McADAM, Chieftain
