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Robert Burns - where it began.
It is fairly safe to say that, had it not been for
the market fair held in
Maybole High
Street
in 1756 where William Burnes met and fell in love with Agnes Broun,
Scotland’s National Bard might never have existed. William and Agnes married in
Maybole on 15th December 1757 and just over a year later,
on 25th January 1759, Robert was born in nearby Alloway.
Maybole celebrated
the local connections and history associated with our
National Bard with many events during 2007. It has provided a lasting memorial
to Burns’ parents and the bard himself in Maybole and
will point to the start of the Burns’ trail in the
centre of Maybole. |
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A limited edition book,
charting the global celebration of Robert
Burns’ 250th birthday has been presented to
four local schools in Maybole by Provost
Winifred Sloan on behalf of the organisers
of the 2009 Year of Homecoming
events.Published by the Robert Burns World
Federation, a special 250th anniversary
limited edition of the Burns Chronicle has
over 700 pages and contains entries from
many contributors including clubs,
communities, academics and individuals, from
all over the world.
more |
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Maybole’s “Robert Burns…where it
began” project officially came to an end
June 2008 with a special
evening in Maybole Town Hall. All the events last year were
recorded for inclusion on a DVD and in a book of photographs and the
organising committee had invited representatives from local
voluntary groups, schools, and others who were involved or took part
in the year long celebrations to be the first to see these.
more |
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Group left to right: Peter
Mason, chair of Maybole Community Council
Susan Whiteman, who played the part of
Burns’ mother Agnes Broun last year Angus
Middleton, President of the Ayrshire
Association of Burns Clubs and Immediate
Past President of the Robert Burns World
Federation Jean Dunn, who played Burns’
mother at the time of his death in the DVD
Provost Winifred Sloan June Dunlop, winner
of the Matt Dunnachie Award Donald Kay, who
played Burns’ father William last year John
Haining, President of the Robert Burns World
Federation Cathy Jamieson MSP David Kiltie,
chairman of May-tag. |
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Maybole’s “Robert Burns…where it
began” project officially came to an end last week with a special
evening in Maybole Town Hall.
All the events last year were
recorded for inclusion on a DVD and in a book of photographs and the
organising committee had invited representatives from local
voluntary groups, schools, and others who were involved or took part
in the year long celebrations to be the first to see these.
Young piper Scott Barrie started
the evening off by playing “A man’s a man for a’ that” and everyone
was welcomed by Peter Mason, chair of Maybole Community Council. He
had also chaired the organising committee for the many events held
last year to mark the first meeting of Agnes Broun and William
Burnes in Maybole and to commemorate what would have been the 250th
anniversary of their wedding in a Maybole church.
He handed over to David Kiltie who
explained that two DVDs had been produced, a heritage edition and a
souvenir edition. The 30 minute long heritage edition would be sent
to the funders and local schools. The souvenir edition of the DVD
contains extra footage which includes the two concerts in the town
hall on the weekend of the wedding re-enactment and the closing
service when hymns were sung to Burns’ tunes.
It was the shortened heritage
version of the DVD which was shown last week with the main “star”
Jean Dunn as Agnes just after her son Robert died in 1796. Agnes
thinks on how death will affect his children, her grandchildren, and
she realises that she cannot answer all the questions they will have
for her.
One thing she can do, however, is
tell them is “where it began” – Maybole – and she starts to
reminisce on how she and the children’s grandfather met and married
in the town. Agnes’ part in the DVD was played by Susan Whiteman and
William by Donald Kay.
Denis Reid is the narrator and
fills in the background to the re-enactment of the market fair when
the couple first met in 1756, their attendance at an 18th
century Maybole Gala, and the re-enactment of the marriage of Agnes
and William by Rev James MacKnight on December 15, 1757 in the
parish church at the foot of the Kirkwynd.
After the DVD finished, South
Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan presented scrolls to over 50
people who had been involved in the events and congratulated
everyone involved. Roses were also presented to the ladies by
“William” aka Donald Kay. Provost Sloan said, ““It is very true that
without William Burnes and Agnes Broun, our National Bard would not
have existed, so celebrating the 250th anniversary of
their marriage was a superb idea.
“I would like to congratulate the
people of Maybole on the outstanding way in which they promoted and
celebrated the couple during 2007. They met at the bottom of Maybole
High Street so it was only right that the launch of ‘Robert
Burns…where it began’ took place in Maybole Town Hall.
“From the beginning of the project
I was impressed with the enthusiasm and innovative ideas that the
people of Maybole thought of, and more importantly, they brought to
fruition. “People readily dressed in clothes that would have been
worn around the time that the couple met and married and these
costumes were worn at school presentations, at the market fair,
during gala week, the enactment of the couples’ wedding, at concerts
and many other events.
Provost Sloan continued, “I feel
honoured to have been able to take part in many of the events during
2007 and they gave me memories that I will treasure for years to
come. Creating a book and a DVD that capture the spirit and
enthusiasm of the events was a superb idea and I would like to
congratulate everyone who created these. 2007 may be over but I know
that people will be talking about the celebrations for many years to
come.
“I am sure that many people have
found a new interest in Burns, or rekindled their previous interest
thanks to the people of Maybole. This just shows what can be
achieved and I am sure that there will be more celebrations in 2009,
the Year of the Homecoming, that will see Scottish people the world
over visit South Ayrshire to celebrate the 250th
anniversary of the birth of Burns.”
Cathy Jamieson MSP said, "
Everyone who was involved in the ‘Robert Burns…where it began’
events must be really delighted with the souvenir book and DVD.
“Looking through the book, you can see how local people and visitors
enjoyed themselves, and the DVD is a superb collection of historical
information mixed with images from present day Maybole as the town
celebrated 'where it all began'.
“There is an amazing amount of
local talent showcased on the DVD, with material from all the major
events, including concerts and the street fair - definitely not to
be missed! I was delighted to join Peter Mason and David Kiltie at
the Town Hall as commemorative scrolls were presented to all those
who took part. The Community Council, Community Association and
Historical Society worked together to make everything a real
success.
“I'm already looking forward to
what comes next....2009 is going to be a big year for everyone in
Ayrshire, and I'm sure Maybole will once again be up there in the
headlines." Angus Middleton, President of the Ayrshire Association
of Burns Clubs and Immediate Past President of the Robert Burns
World Federation, said, “I was delighted and honoured to have been
part of Maybole’s ‘Robert Burns...where it began’.
“I wish to thank everyone for
making me so welcome in the town, and to have played a part in the
celebrations is a memory I will treasure forever. “It was an added
pleasure to see the re-constitution of Maybole St Crispin Burns Club
and I wish all concerned every success for the future. You can count
on my continued support.
“The launch of the Souvenir DVD
and book is a perfect ending to a memorable year, the atmosphere at
the various events are captured and are a wonderful record of the
town’s heritage. I heartily commend their purchase.” John Haining,
President of the Robert Burns World Federation, said, “During the
summer of 2007 I took part in the annual Gala Day celebrations at
Maybole.
“What struck me instantly was the
enthusiasm of the organisers whose organising efficiency was
obvious. There were people of all ages present, many dressed in
period costume, and there was a ‘buzz’ about the town. I had a
wonderful day. “On 15 December, 2007 I was invited to take part in
the weekend re-enactment wedding ceremony between William Burnes and
Agnes Broun, a local lassie, whose actual wedding took place at
Maybole on 15 December 1757.
“Again great effort had gone into
the organising and many people again were dressed in period costumes
which added to the ‘ambience’ of the town. “Friday 14 December 2007
evening was taken up with a children's concert and on Saturday 15
December 2007 the wedding ceremony took place followed in the
evening in the Town Hall by a concert watched by an adult audience.
“These were wonderful events and
sure to live long in the memories of the townspeople. “David Kiltie
and his organising group have much to be thanked for, for all their
imaginative and enthusiastic work in bringing their plans to
fruition.
“The main planks of those events
were education - educating the younger children, and I wager some
adults, of the history of the town - and the enjoyment seen in the
faces of the all participants. I look forward to learning what
Maybole has planned for the Homecoming in 2009.”
Peter Mason
added, “It was a great experience being part of the group that led
this from the start to the finish, and what a finish.
“The book is
excellent, as is the DVD, which in my opinion will now be part of
the history of Maybole. “Scrolls were given out to people who played
a major part in the events, but every person who helped in the
smallest way should have received one as they are the real stars of
‘Robert Burns…where it began’”. There was a surprise ending to the
evening with the presentation of the Matt Dunnachie Award.
This is a
trophy which was presented to Carrick Sports Club in memory of
founder member Matt Dunnachie. Matt’s wife May and her family felt
this would mark Matt’s long association with the club and the
community. The trophy is to be awarded annually in recognition of
service to the community of Maybole in any capacity and the Sports
Club set up a sub committee to nominate the winner each year.
Club secretary
Bill McCubbin announced this winner was June Dunlop and he presented
her with the trophy and a certificate. As well as her many
contributions to the community over a long number of years, June had
played a key role in the Burns events in 2007 which made it
appropriate to present the award that evening.
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Weekend of 14th, 15th
and 16th Dec.- the 250th
anniversary of the marriage of Robert Burns’ parents,
Agnes Broun and William Burnes. |
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‘Robert Burns – where it began’
During the weekend of 14th, 15th
and 16th December, the community of Maybole
will be caught up in events celebrating the 250th
anniversary of the marriage of Robert Burns’ parents,
Agnes Broun and William Burnes.
Preparations have been going on for some
time to ensure that the weekend will be a memorable one,
with as many people taking part as possible. The project
was launched at the beginning of the year by a
partnership between Maybole Community Council, the
Community Association, the Historical Society and
May-Tag Ltd.
The weekend kicks off with a children’s
concert on Friday 14th December at 7pm in the
Town Hall. Cairn primary are performing a Burns style X
factor, Gardenrose pupils will perform highlights from
the Poet’s life and St Cuthbert’s pupils are going to
re-enact the wedding. Maybole pupils from Queen Margaret
Academy will be singing from Burns, while Carrick
Academy will be reminding their audience of the legend
of the Countess and the Gypsy. The programme also
includes young musicians, the young members of Maybole
Pipe Band and the popular three primary schools choir.
Each young performer has been allocated one free ticket.
Tickets are on sale at £1.50 per adult and 50p per child
from “Access” in the High Street. Primary school
children have been drawing pictures of Burns, and one
will be judged by a local expert to be the front page of
the weekend programme.
Saturday 15th is even busier
as the community meet at 12.20pm in the Collegiate
Church, at the bottom of Kirkwynd to re-enact the actual
wedding ceremony. Bride and groom, with wedding
attendants, will be “married” by “minister”, Denis Reid,
a local actor who often portrays Burns characters.
Historic Scotland has given permission for the site to
be used, and members of Carrick 800 in period costume
will lend a hand to authenticity. After the “ceremony”,
the wedding party will be piped to Maybole Castle for
some wedding festivities.
Saturday evening is the grand finale
cabaret concert, with a wealth of local talent including
the Maybole Pipe Band and the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra.
The programme includes many of Burns songs, poems and
sketches of life in the latter half of the eighteenth
century in Maybole. Invited guests include local MP and
MSP, the Provost Mrs Winifred Sloan and the past and
current President of the World Federation of Burns
Clubs. Other town worthies, including some from the
recently re-constituted St. Crispin’s Burns Club will
grace the occasion with their presence. The Round Table
are taking care of the bar and proceeds go to local
charities. Tickets for the Cabaret Concert are on sale
from Monday 3rd Dcember at “Access” in
Maybole High Street, priced £3.
An ecumenical service finishes off events
on Sunday 16th at 2.30pm in the
Town Hall. Led by Rev. David Whjitemand, hymns will be
sung to Burns tunes and an address given by Mr Angus
Middleton, past President of the World Federation of
Burns Clubs.
The programme is funded by Heritage
Lottery and is aimed at raising awareness of the rich
heritage of the town. All events will be recorded for a
future DVD and book illustrating the town’s 250th
anniversary celebrations.
Mrs Ellen Hawkes, Project Co-ordinator,
stated that 2007 has presented unique opportunities to
mark the 250th anniversary of Burns’ parents’
marriage. The success of the Jean Falconer Burns theme,
the Market Fair, the Gala and the Burns quiz earlier in
the year deserved a significant range of events to draw
the project to a close. The re-enactment of the wedding
and the two concerts will provide a platform for the
whole community to re-engage with its heritage.
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Press Release for
Burns Festival Celebrations week of June 9th - June 16th |
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The Burns Festival
Committee is making final preparations for a week-long
celebrations of local heritage connected with Robert
Burns. Celebrations begin with a Market Fair on Saturday
June 9th from 12 noon until 4pm.
The Fair begins with a
re-enactment of the meeting of Burns’ father, William
Burnes and his mother, Agnes Broun in Maybole High
Street. The re-enactment will take place in the grounds
of Maybole Castle, for safety reasons, as the exact spot
where they met is now part of the A77. Then the couple
will be piped up the High Street to the Town Hall area
where there will be recitals of Burns’ poems and songs
by local groups and singers.
Shops in the town will
be joining in the heritage spirit by dressing in period
costume and having window displays to attract customers
inside. There will be additional goods on offer in the
Town Hall and Greenside from stalls and tables, selling
a variety of home made goods and crafts, mostly
available at markets in Burns’ time.
In addition, there
will be traditional displays of spinning, lace making,
quilting, calligraphy and wood burning. Maybole
Historical Society will be dressing up and walking
around with stories of the town’s rich heritage and
there will be an opportunity to meet Rabbie himself on
walkabout.
There will also be
plenty for the children to do with chances to take part
in traditional children’s games, to learn to make kites,
join in an 18th century school room, play
chess, have faces painted or be entertained by the
walkabout magician. A smuggling scene will be enacted
during the Fair by the talented Carrick 800 players.
Music has not been
forgotten and throughout the day there will be a
programme of singing, and dancing, including local
children dancing around the maypole and Scottish Country
dancing as well as strolling minstrels and buskers!
Carrick Round table will be supplying a BBQ and
delicious and tempting offers will be available for
eating from local traders.
 The Market Fair will
be followed by an ecumenical service at Crossraguel
Abbey on Sunday 10th June at 3.30pm when
hymns will be sung to Burns most famous airs. During the
week there will be a quiz on Monday June 11th
and on Thursday June 14th there will be a pet
show with special prizes for the pets from Burns’ poems.
The week of celebration’s finale will be the annual gala
parade which this year will have a Burns theme.
As events are being
funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, groups taking part
can get funding support for costumes and floats by
calling in to the “Access” centre opposite June Dunlop’s
Florist’s.
The Gala kicks off at
1pm from Carrick Academy and will be led by the Gala
King and Queen of Carrick with attendants in their open
landau carriage to the Glebe where all the usual fun and
events await participants.
The Burns Festival
Committee’s chairperson, Mr Peter Mason extends a hearty
welcome to all at what promises to be an exciting week
of celebration of the local community’s rich heritage. |
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“Robert Burns – Where it began”
Market
Fair 9th June 2007
Funded by Heritage Lottery |
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Meeting held with local businesses
participating in Market Fair of June 9th 2007
Ellen Hawkes, Project
Co-ordinator, and David Kiltie MBE, representing the Burns Festival
Committee addressed local businesses at a cheese and wine evening on
Monday 16th April in the Town Hall. The evening was to
inform and consult with local businesses about the proposed heritage
event re-enacting the market fair at Maybole where Robert Burns’
parents first met in 1756. Business owners were given an overview of
“Robert Burns – Where it began” by Mr. Kiltie and Mrs Hawkes
spoke about the information pack available to businesses. Feedback
on ideas for the event was excellent with 100% backing from the
businesses present, all of whom will wear period dress and dress
their shop windows to reflect the event.
Information requested on dress,
food and customs of the second half of the 18th century
will be made available to business owners to enable them to get into
the period and pass on their knowledge and leaflets to customers.
Maybole Historical Society and local experts will be supporting the
research into the period, as will historical librarians from
Carnegie Library in Ayr. A note of the evening’s discussions with
posters for display in shop windows will be distributed to all the
town’s businesses. Posters are being sent to Post offices in Carrick
and local caravan sites.
Stalls will be available for
farmers/traders e.g. honey, home made sweets, fish, ice cream and
some for local arts and craft people to display, demonstrate and
sell their wares.
Heritage events will include a
maypole dancing, Scottish country dancing displays, and a
performance by Carrick 800 of local smuggling at the time.
The children will be able to enjoy
face painting, watch a magician perform, experiment with 18th
century games and see how schools were conducted then.
There will be street jugglers, a
town baillie, people dressed as local historical characters giving
out verbal and written information to the community and tourists.
Burns Festival banners at either
end of the High Street, and Burns posters on the lampposts will help
the general festive atmosphere.
The event will begin with William
Burnes being piped down the High Street by a local young piper, to
meet Agnes Broun who will be standing at a cross we hope to erect
temporarily in the High Street. We hope to attract some talented
Carrick Academy pupils to be Agnes and William and engage in a short
scenario before being marched back up the street to the Town Hall
area.
The Fair will cover the Town
Hall, car park and grounds, the School Vennel and the Greenside. The
grounds of Maybole Castle will also be available for the event and
inside the Historical Society will mount a heritage display.
Programmes outlining local
heritage, and more detailed leaflets will be available to the
general public and visitors.
The event will start at 12 noon
and close at 4pm. |
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If William Burnes had not attended a fair held in
Maybole High Street in 1756, it is very possible that Robert Burns,
our National Poet, may never have existed.
Agnes Broun was living in Maybole, Carrick’s Capital,
and they met, courted and were married in a church at the foot of
the Kirkwynd on 15th December 1757. Just over a year later, on 25th
January 1759, Robert was born in nearby Alloway.
It is the Maybole and Carrick connections that we
would like to celebrate this year which marks the 250th anniversary
of the marriage of William and Agnes.
Agnes Broun was born a few miles from Maybole in
1732. She was the eldest of her family, and only 10 years old when
her mother died. Two years later, when her father remarried, she was
sent to live in Maybole with her grandmother. Agnes is widely known
to have entertained Robert, her eldest son, with legends from local
oral traditions, and folk songs.
According to one of her daughters, Agnes “was
naturally cheerful; her manner, easy and collected; her address
simple and unpresuming; and her judgement uncommonly sound and good.
She possessed a fine musical ear, and sang well.”
Mark Twain wrote of her in Innocents Abroad, “It
reminds me of what Robert Burns’ mother said when they erected a
stately monument to his memory: ‘Ah, Robbie, ye asked them for bread
and they hae gi'en ye a stane.’”
There is a monument to her, called Burns' Mother's
Well, near Bolton on the roadside from Haddington, East Lothian.
William Burnes (1721-84) was born in the north east
of Scotland in Kincardineshire and trained as a gardener. He moved
south obtaining work as he travelled.
In many ways, the couple appeared to be exact
opposites. He was tall, dour, serious and shy, she was lively, fun
loving and gregarious. He had a sharp intelligence, she was all but
illiterate. He was the thinker, she had the songs.
Maybole and Carrick have many other connections with
Burns in his later life including a few friends and acquaintances
close to his heart as depicted in his poems. It is felt that the
Burns’ trail rightfully begins in Maybole.
Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £46,800 to May-Tag
Ltd in partnership with Maybole Community Council, Maybole Community
Association and Maybole Historical Society. The project will to
replicate the original Maybole Fair where William and Agnes met,
with stalls, a farmers’ market, dance displays and other activities
of the period.
Concurrently there will be displays of Burns-related
exhibits and archives in Maybole Castle and Town Hall. Local schools
will be involved in the re-enactment of both Burns’ parents’ life
and his relevant poems. Activities will continue throughout the
year, culminating in December.
Throughout a large part of the year Maybole
Historical Society, in conjunction with other historical and
heritage groups, the local archives and museums services, Culzean &
Cassillis Estates and the National Trust for Scotland will have a
large variety of displays of the life and works of Burns, and the
life and times in Maybole in the 1750s. Many local groups will be
involved in events over the course of the year.
All events during the year will be professionally
recorded and made available to everyone involved, future visitors
and future generations.
This celebration of the 250th anniversary of the
marriage of William and Agnes will be the focal point of events
which will promote and preserve the local connections and history
associated with Robert Burns and Carrick. |
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Press Release (below).
Leaflet: Robert
Burns - where it all began
£46,800. to Robert Burns Maybole
Celebrations.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
has awarded a grant of £46,800 to May-Tag Ltd in partnership with
Maybole Community Council, Maybole Community Association and Maybole
Historical Society. The funds granted make up 85% of the total
project costs of over £55,000 to organise events over the next year
to celebrate the meeting and marriage of Robert Burns’ parents in
Maybole, Ayrshire.
It is fairly safe to say that, had it not been for
the market fair held in
Maybole High
Street
in 1756 where William Burnes met and fell in love with Agnes Broun,
Scotland’s National Bard might never have existed.
William and Agnes married in Maybole on 15th December 1757 and just
over a year later, on 25th January 1759, Robert was born in nearby
Alloway.
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Cheque for £46,800 presented by Annabel
Bath of the Heritage Lottery Fund for "Robert Burns -
where it began" project L-R Denis Reid, Helen McAdam
(Maybole Historical Society), Councillor Alan
Murray, Provost Sloan, Annabel Bath, Angus Middleton
(President of the Robert Burns World Federation),
Susan Whiteman (Maybole Community Association), David
Kiltie (Maybole Community Council and May-Tag),
Peter Mason (Maybole Community Council). Click on
the image to view full
size. |
The year’s events are titled
Robert Burns - where it began.
This funding will allow celebrations to promote and
preserve the local connections and history associated with Robert
Burns and encourages everyone to learn more about our National
Bard. It will provide a lasting memorial to Burns’ parents and the
bard himself in Maybole and will point to the start of the Burns’
trail in the centre of Maybole.
The year long events include a Robert Burns
competition for schools; in June a replication of the market fair
with Robert Burns parents meeting each other; Maybole gala day will
re-enact other events of the period; in December there will be
concerts featuring the music and poetry of Burns, and a re-enactment
of the wedding of William and Agnes.
A major launch is planned for March when all the
events will be fully publicised.
Colin McLean, Heritage Lottery
Fund Manager for Scotland, said: “Burns has left us a rich literary
heritage that is recognised throughout the world. Helping a whole
new generation to explore the famous bard's work and life story is a
great way to ensure he remains part of our national memory."
Peter Walker, general manager of May-Tag, said, “We
are pleased to assist local voluntary groups with this innovative
and far-reaching project to promote the Bard’s parents and put
Maybole at the start of the Burns’ trail.”
Angus Middleton, President of the Robert Burns World
Federation, had been told of the application to Heritage Lottery
Fund when he visited Maybole recently and pledged his, and his
colleagues’, full support for everything that Maybole planned to do.
David Kiltie, chair of Maybole Community Council,
said, “This is a great opportunity to pass on our heritage to local
people, especially our children and grandchildren. With modern
technology we will also be able to let the world know that the
chance meeting of William Burnes, of Alloway, and Agnes Broun, of
Maybole, in the High Street was the real beginning of the immortal
story of Robert Burns.”
He added, “We are very grateful to
the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support and look forward to a
very exciting project.”
Community Councillor Peter Mason,
who chairs the joint committee organising the events, said, "I am
delighted that we will be able to go ahead with this tribute to
Robert Burns and his parents. We anticipate a wonderful year ahead
for Maybole and would like to thank all who helped get funding, and
the Heritage Lottery Fund."
Susan Whiteman, chair of Maybole
Community Association, commented, "Absolutely fantastic! It's a
great day for Maybole!"
Helen McAdam, chair of Maybole
Historical Society, added, "This is absolutely great news! Every one
in the Historical Society is excited and pleased because it will be
so good for Maybole."
For further information contact
Peter Walker May-Tag Ltd on 01655 883765 E mail
peter.walker@may-tag.com
Editors notes
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The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to
celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse
heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to
local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating
traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s
heritage for everyone to enjoy. To date it has invested over
£450million in Scotland’s heritage.
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The Heritage Lottery Fund has supported other Burns related
projects including support for the creation of a museum and
visitor attraction dedicated to Robert Burns, in his hometown of
Alloway in Ayrshire.
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Burns
Service. Angus Middleton, President of the Robert Burns World
Federation, was a special visitor at Maybole Parish Church’s service
on Sunday morning. Mr Middleton is also President of the Ayrshire
Association of Burns Clubs and he was accompanied by several
colleagues at what was undoubtedly unique worship – all the hymns
were sung to Burns tunes!
Rev Dave Whiteman welcomed Mr
Middleton and his colleagues as well as representatives from several
local organisations. He also showed to the congregation a Bible
which had been presented to Maybole Parish Church in 1796, the year
Robert Burns died. His parents had been married in that church at
the bottom of Kirkwynd on December 15, 1757.
The service got off to a beautiful
start with the choir singing “We cannot measure” to the tune “Ye
banks and braes”. This was followed by “The Lord’s my Shepherd” to
the tune “My love is like a red, red rose”. Four young members of
the King’s Club sang “Bonnie wee thing” followed by the congregation
singing “O Jesus I have promised” to the tune of “Flow Gently sweet
Afton”.
In his talk to the children Mr
Whiteman explained that William Burnes had met Maybole’s Agnes Broun
at a fair in the High Street and started courting before being
married in 1757. “Isn’t it exciting to know that the story of Robert
Burns really started her in our wee town,” he said. The choir then
sang “I heard the voice of Jesus say” to “Rowan tree” and Mr
Middleton read the Beatitudes from Mark chapter 5. “Scots wha hae”
was the tune for “Gracious Spirit” and “Auld Lang Syne” for “The
Lord will come”. The service ended with the Doxology “May the God of
peace go with us” to the tune “Ae fond kiss.”
Afterwards the visitors were taken
to the Welltrees Inn for a light buffet. Mr Whiteman presented a
bouquet of flowers to Margaret Skilling, of the Ayrshire Association
of Burns Clubs, for her work in putting together arrangements for
the visit. David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community Council,
presented Mr Middleton with a medallion embossed with the Maybole
coat-of-arms and a copy of the town’s history written by James T
Gray.
Each year the Ayrshire Association of Burns Club
members attend a church Service on the Sunday nearest the birth of
the Bard. When they learned that Maybole wanted to commemorate the
250th anniversary of the marriage of William and Agnes,
members of the association felt they would like to support the town
and its aims to involve the whole community in Maybole.
Mr Kiltie
outlined the details of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund by
May-Tag in partnership with the community council, Maybole Community
Association and Maybole Historical Society. If successful, funds
will be available to organise a series of events which the four
groups feel would provide the opportunity to pass on this important
part of the town’s heritage. Mr Kiltie concluded his presentation,
“We feel that the chance meeting of William Burnes and Agnes Broun
at the foot of Maybole High Street in 1756 was the real beginning of
the immortal story of Robert Burns.”
Mr Middleton
thanked everyone involved in the arrangements for his visit and
pledged his and his colleagues’ full support for everything that
Maybole planned to do.
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