Laughter was the main ingredient of a Burns Supper held in the Allerton Court Hotel, Northallerton, on Saturday 21 January. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Northallerton and organised by John and Lyn Proud, 106 guests enjoyed traditional “Rabbie” Burns tributes. The haggis carried by Jan Davison was piped in by bagpiper Cameron Weatherburn. June Fowler then addressed the haggis sternly before ending its misery with her dirk (or sgiandubh). Andy Brereton honoured the “lassies” with a toast, to which Emma Biggs responded with a humorous poem which she had composed for the occasion.The finale of the evening was a highly entertaining performance by local comedian and impressionist Kevin Connelly, known nationally for his appearances on radio and television. Perhaps best remembered for episodes of Dead Ringers, Kevin produced a wide spectrum of accomplished impressions which delighted the audience. His impressions were so realistic that he often appeared to forget who he was!
The recipient of all the money raised during the evening is Herriot Hospice @The Lambert, a Thirsk-based charity which provides palliative end-of-life care for people in the local area including Northallerton. At the end of the evening, Master of Ceremonies Phil Roser announced that a magnificent total of £2,200 had been raised, and took the opportunity to thank everyone for their generosity and valued support.
Photo: June Fowler with a flourish of her dirk, watched by bagpiper Cameron Weatherburn.