27 January 2007
Prague, Czech Republic


Join us for a Burns Night
with a difference!

Celebrate Scotland's famous poet and 18th c. songwriter Robert Burns in a night of Scottish revelry, Culture and great company

Some comments from 2006:
"Magic"

"Fantastic night"
"Witches & goblins won't stop us from coming back next year"


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Programme in Brief

27.1.07 1800
until the wee hours
Hotel Palace, Panska 12
Praha 1


1800 The Gathering
1900 Welcome

Reception of the Haggis
Dinner
The Immortal Memory
Recitations/Performances
Scottish Dance demonstrations
Charity Auction
Music & Dancing


Full programme
· The Venue

Photo galleries: 2006, 2005

Here's tae us wha's like us!

 
     

Poem of the moment

This is the first ever Czech translation of "Address to a Haggis" first performed at Burns Night Prague 22.1.05 & commissioned by Friends of Scotland.

Tvá oblá tvář je čarovná.
je tváří vůdce, chuti tvé
se maso, drůbky nerovná
a co jich jest!
Ty králem jsi všem pokrmům
na věky čest!

Tou horou zadků přeplněn
trám v lavici povzdychne jen.
Lze páskem haggis utáhnout
bude-li nutno.
Na čele se všem perlí pot
jak drahý klenot.

A sedlák zručně otře nůž
pak krájí bachor. Náhle už
zříš vnitřek, páru, jas a růž
do hloubky řez
A pak ten pohled na tu skruž
manu z nebes.

Pak cinkot lžic, jak dychtili
teď každý rychle popílí
žaludky plné za chvíli
jak buben břich.
Teď sedlák dechu popadá
mumlá svůj dík.

Radš žužláš ragú z Francie
jíš mišmaš jako pomeje
či frikasé ti dobré je?
Pak není divem,
že se šklebíc pohoršuješ
nad tímto jídlem.

Ti chudáci se hnusem cpou
jsou neschopní jak vlhký troud
a lýtka maj jak hůlčičky
pak nohu malou
Po poli projít, vodou plout
nejde jim skoro.

Však venkované haggis jí
pak mocným krokem kráčejí.
Cep v ruce když otáčejí
tak to jen hvízdá.
Ty svaly, ta houževnatost
jak skotský bodlák.

Ty živiteli lidí všech
kdo rozhoduješ o jídlech.
Nás Skoty prosím tě vynech
pachutí šlichty.
Spíš poslyš skotské duše dech
Po haggis dychtí.

Translated by Stanslav Kostiha, Alipas s.r.o.
 

see poem archive

 

News & Announcements

28.1.06 2006 Photo Gallery!
Relive the memories! Apart from our own shots, an extensive collection of professional photographs are now available from photographer Ivan Maly of eventphotos.cz. head table

22.1.06 The Party's over!

If you missed the 2006 Burns Night held 21.1 at the Kampa Hotel, you missed one of the most magical nights of the year! Exactly 100 people attended the event, which had too many highlights to mention in this short space!

After the procession of our patron and guest of Honour, the British Ambassador Rt Hon Linda Duffield CMG; priest Jaroslav Kratka blessed the company in Czech and then in the traditional Scots Selkirk Grace. Guest speaker Andrew Fox of the London Burns Club (pictured) recited the Address to the Haggis and an unforgettable Tam O Shanter. World famous piper Roddy MacLeod piped in the guests, the Haggis, the dancers, and provided some thrilling virtuoso solos. Stanislav Kostiha read his sublime Czech translation of the Address to the Haggis (see left) and Jana Hrstková recited the Czech version of To a Fieldmouse. Master of Ceremonies Gordon Howell delivered a touching speech to the immortal memory of Robert Burns, and he and co-organiser Vaclav Rout delivered a eulogy and dedication to the memory of Desmond Mullen, and initiated an annual charity donation in his name. Our guest whisky expert Lenka Whyles from the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre (pictured) provided an unforgettable tasting experience. The evening was rounded out with a superb celidh provided by the band Czeltic and able instruction and demonstrations from the adroit Caledonian Club dancers. And finally a big thanks to the Kampa Hotel for great food & service in the perfect venue!

Nearly 33,000 Kč was raised in our auction for the charity Adopce na dálku. Many thanks to donors Friends of Scotland, Kilt sro, Glenfiddich, Chateau Mcely, EC1 Ventures, Pole Position Travel, The Single Malt Whisky Club, Kampa Hotel, and Crombies of Edinburgh (for the super Haggis!)

More photos to come, but see the initial 2006 gallery!

Anderw Fox recites Tam O'Shanter
piping in the haggis
Lenka Whyles extolling the virtues of whisky
21.1.06 Single Malt Whisky Club launched at Burns Night

The Single Malt Whisky Club of Czech Republic was launched and took its first founding members on the night. Thanks again to Lenka and the Scotch Malt Whisky Heritage Centre for the professional introduction!

To become a founding member, please see www.smwc.cz

 

Scotch Whisky Heritage centre
scotch malt whisky club CZ
   

Desmond Mullen, 25 June 2005

Desmond MullenIt is with profound grief that we offer our condolences to the family of the late Desmond Mullen, addressor to the Haggis and friend. A true Scot from Glasgow, he was not only one of those people genuinely "larger than life" and a joy to be around, he was a staunch supporter of Friends of Scotland and, of course as Managing Director of Volvo CZ, a main contributor to the Burns Night. Above all he will be remembered for having rendered the best recitation of Burns' Address to a Haggis in our long experience.

His death was a tragically ironic reflection of his lust for life: on his last day in the Czech Republic prior to taking a new position in Moscow, he was determined to finish his final round at Konopiště golf course. As a thunderstorm rolled in, he was playing the 18th hole when he was struck by lightning.

He leaves behind his wife Helen and three children. Desmond, where your footsteps fell in the world you left behind a happier place. We will meet again at the great Celidh in the sky, where Aboon them a' yet tak your place.

       
This is a not-for-profit project produced by the Friends of Scotland (Czech Republic) .
We do this because we love Scotland, Burns and a great night!
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and the quality of the experience high!
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