Celebrating Robbie Burns for 20 years in Bowden

BOWDEN - "O my love's like a red, red rose, that's newly sprung in June: O my love's like the melody, that's sweetly played in tune."

Those are the opening lines of Robert Burns' poem A Red, Red Rose - one of two recited by Bill Whitehead's Grade 4 class at Bowden Grandview School as part of the 20th annual Burns in Bowden event on Jan 13.

The class took part in the annual celebration of the renowned Scottish poet and lyricist, a celebration that included music, dancing, tartans, treats and of course, the traditional haggis.

"It's just amazing to me that they embrace something and get right into it," said Whitehead. "In the days leading up to (Burns in Bowden), they don't know about haggis, they've never seen it before and they've never done anything like this before."

The students in Whitehead's Grade 4 class said they enjoyed learning about Burns, his poetry and the Scottish culture.

"I like all the poetry and all the different colours and patterns of the tartan," said Rebecca Scott, noting her first taste of haggis. "It tasted like oatmeal and chicken. I like the unique taste."

The hour-long event included a toast to the lads and lasses, a bit of Scottish history -- as read by Whitehead, Scottish Highland dancing, bagpipe music, and a display of Scottish heritage. It also included the piping in of the haggis and the address to the traditional Scottish dish, as given by Innisfail piper Michael McLetchie.

Address to a Haggis is a poem written by Burns to show his appreciation for haggis.

Whitehead spoke of the connection between Scotland and Canada with many Canadians, like himself, having Scottish roots.

"The subjects of his poetry are love, nature, nationalism, patriotism and the essential brotherhood of man," said Whitehead. "It's a natural, fitting thing that we celebrate the greatest poet Scotland ever produced, Robert Burns."