Caistor Cares recently celebrated that famous institution of Scottish life — Burns Night — with a packed gathering of locals and dignitaries assembling in the Town Hall to celebrate the life and works of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns.
The many attendees were welcomed in by a traditional piper and once the host (Caistor Cares founder Chris Robey) had warmly greeted the guests, the evening’s entertainment began. The Selkirk Grace was read by Caistor’s local Scotsman Jimmy Dutch, shortly followed by the Piping in the Haggis, several toasts and the all-important Address to a Haggis, read by Mark Colebrook.
A tasty meal, prepared by many different volunteers and served up by the local Scouts, included a traditional main course of Haggis, ‘neeps & tatties’. This was followed by a selection of prepared desserts, kindly, cooked, baked and freshly supplied on the day by many who gave their time freely to help this worthwhile cause.
There was a traditional Ceilidh that inspired many of the party-goers on to their feet for a spot of traditional dancing and by the time that the carriages turned up (or taxis arrived!) to take people home, the overriding feeling was that the townsfolk had done Robbie Burns proud.
“It was a memorable evening for all concerned and and an important fundraiser for this local charity,” said Chris Robey. “I’d like to thank those involved who contributed their time, culinary skills, raffle prizes, musical skills and much more — and each and everyone who came along and supported the event of course. I’ve been told it was one of the best nights ever at the Town Hall, so this will be a hard act to follow. More importantly though, it gave us a chance to raise the profile of Caistor Cares within the wider community, which will help us moving forwards.”
For more information about this local voluntary organisation, which offers friendship and support to people over the age of 60 in Caistor and the surrounding villages, please visit www.caistorcares.orgor call Chris Robey on 01472 851189.