| When we lived in England, first of all in
Sawston in Cambridgeshire and then Purley in South London, we did our best to
introduce the neighbours to Scottish Customs. Our first attempts were invite everyone in at New Year time. In both houses we also had Burns Nights, not the traditional Burns Suppers but parties. with plenty to drink and Haggis, Tatties and Neeps to eat. In order to get everyone in the mood the invitations were sent out as a poem and the replies had to be in the same style. We were delighted that everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion and the Invitation and a selection of the replies are copied below. Enjoy the read |
| The Invitation | |||
| Tae a' ye neebars and freens as
weel, Pat and Jim are askin ye a' inside, to come and j'in us for a jig and a reel, and maybe e'en a sang or twa besides We'll a hae a wee dram or twa, aye an a drap o' ale to please, while we mind o' the lad frae Alloway, Wha later lived in braw Dumfries. Noo, Rabbie Burns wis the lad, an' so we ne'er forget his rhyme, his sangs an a' his sayings glad, let us hae a richt guid time. An when we've a' tipped oor glasses, we'll hae a bit o' Scottish fare, some bashed neeps wi' chappit tatties, an a haggis sent doon frae Ayr. Noo then a ye scholars guid an braw, just sit doon wi paper an pen, an scribble an anserin line or twa, to say ye'll come (in rhymin verse ye ken). Ao look oot thae auld dancin shean, an tak a carfae note o' this date, makin shair it's never hidden. It's on the 23rd at half past eight. |
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| The Replies | |||
| Sawston replies | |||
| Purley replies | |||
| Other replies | |||
| Further Reading | |||
| All about Rabbie | www.robertburns.org | ||
| The Great Haggis hunt | haggishunt.scotsman.com | ||
| Haggis Tales | www.wilsonjo.demon.co.uk/haggis.htm | ||
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