-Copy of letter sent to members 28/11/2020-

But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men,
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
On prospects drear!
An’ forward, tho’ I canna see,
I guess an’ fear!

Dear Member,

I hope this letter finds you and loved ones well and keeping safe.

While you might be expecting this letter to contain information on the club’s next annual Burns Supper event, it is my sad duty to inform you that the next club supper has been cancelled due to the public meeting restrictions imposed to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the good news and optimism surrounding the development and deployment of vaccines it is very unlikely that public meeting restrictions will be lifted in time for an event in early 2021.

The good news ‘looking forward’ is that Drew Ireland has agreed to remain as club President for another year. The club also remains in contact with the High School of Glasgow in preparation for arranging an evening of good food, camaraderie and entertainment for January 2022. Keep a lookout for further information on the club website www.ThePartickBurnsClub.org. I will also send out emails and letters to club members as soon as restrictions are lifted and the date for the next supper is confirmed.

To you and yours I send my best wishes for a merry Christmas (such as the current restrictions will allow) and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Yours sincerely,

Malcolm Sharp

Secretary