All 170 tickets were sold for a Magical Burns Supper held in the Golden Lion Hotel on 25 January. Guests were welcomed by bagpiper Cameron Weatherburn in full regalia, and he also piped in the haggis which was addressed passionately by June Fowler.
The magical element of the evening was close-up table magic by members of the Middlesbrough Magic Circle, followed by a performance of stunning deception by all the magicians, as a dramatic finale to the proceedings. A rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne led by June concluded a highly enjoyable night.
The fund-raising event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Northallerton, in aid of the Friends of the Friarage Eye Campaign. It was generously sponsored by John Prest Lettings, Stevenson Forecourts, S&K Windows, and Beau Cocoa, who provided table chocolates. Volunteers from the Friends of the Friarage assisted during the evening.
Lyn Proud, Rotary Club organiser and Trustee of the Friends of the Friarage, said: “We are delighted to have raised £3,100 from this event, and are very grateful to all guests and sponsors for their generosity. Provision of enhanced eye treatment facilities at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton will make a huge difference to patients in our local area.”
Photo: June Fowler addressing the haggis, to the amusement of piper Cameron Weatherburn.