Newark and District Caledonian Society hold Burns Night and society centenary celebrations at Newark Showground
There was joy, pride and more than a wee dram of whiskey as a group celebrated Burns Night for the first time in three years.
Hosted by Newark and District Caledonian Society, the traditional Scottish holiday returned with speeches, Scottish dancing, bagpipes, a four course feast, and a haggis as the star of the show.
Burns Night is a celebration of the life and poetry of the influential Scottish poet Robert Burns, usually held on or near to the poet's birthday of January 25.
The evening was held at Newark Showground's Cedric Ford Pavilion and was well attended by those with scotch heritage and their guests from across the area.
It was also a chance to mark the centenary of the society's foundation in 1923.
Former society president and current committee member John Mackenzie said: "It was wonderful to see so many returning to the fold after an enforced absence of three years and also, with the presence of so many younger guests, our future seems assured.
"The ‘Provost,’ Mayor of Newark Laurence Goff, resplendent in Highland attire, replied to Society President Robert Thomson’s welcome and endeared himself to all with kind words and humour.
"After a delicious meal, a glass or two and some singing, poetry and speeches, the band set off, the dance floor filled and revellers carried on till Auld Lang Syne brought proceedings to an end at 1am.
"Roll on the next hundred years."
In his role as Provost, Laurence Goff gave a short speech, saying: "The most famous Newark connection to the Scots is at the end of the English Civil War.
"King Charles came towards Newark and surrendered to the Scots at its base nearby. Nine months later, they sold him to the English army for £100,000.
"No-one has tried to sell me. I wonder how much they would get if they tried.
"The leader of the Scots army when Charles surrendered was Davie Leslie. He fought with the Swedish army, the Russian Army and again with the Swedish Army, then her against Charles and finally for his son King Charles II of Scotland against the English Parliament.
"After Charles became King of England, Davie ended up as Lord Newark. I am not Lord Mayor, but I am humbled to be Newark's Mayor.
"I came to Newark 26 years ago. It has been my home for longer than anywhere else.
"I was first elected to Newark Town Council 19 years ago. I never thought that I would become Mayor and I never thought I would be a Provost.
"My message tonight to everyone is this: your dreams can become true. Mine has and I hope yours do too."
