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Burns Night Prague History
2012 will be our 9th annual Burns Night!
17.1.2004
Held at home of Gordon Howell, Prague 1. Approximately 30 guests, poetry reading contest (Czech and English). Dangerous whisky punch. Still the best Cranachan of all...! The idea is born...
21.1.2005
120 people at the atmospheric Knights Hall of Hotel Kampa. First attendance by the British Ambassador, Haggis addressed by late Desmond Mullen. First charity auction raised 45,000 CZK. More photos...
21.1.2006
We return to the Kampa for the most packed programme ever! About 100 guests including HM Ambassador experience guest reciter Andrew Fox, one of the top 3 ranked pipers in the world Roddy MacLeod, specialist malt whisky tasting from the (Czech!) manageress of the Edinburgh Malt Whisky centre, dancing and lots more whisky! More photos...
27.1.2007
With both organisers in the throes of major business upheavals, we organise a smaller, but still wonderful event at the Palac Hotel. Approximately 60 people; the Ambassador, guest dancers and musicians, with further charity auction.
26.1.2008
Under financial pressure to bring the cost of the event down, we change to a very different format - about 250 people attend the larger, much cheaper more 'youthful' event at Vyshrad. A lot of fun but it is felt that the traditional atmosphere & magic is lost; and this format will not be repeated.
23.1.2009
About 180 people join us at the Vsebaracnicka Rychta for another celebration of the Bard. Not up to the top market standards of 2005-06; but the lower cost enables us to bring in more people for a great night of poetry, dancing music and whisky!
28.1.2010
A great night again at Vsebaracnicka Rychta, about 110 take part (including 2yr old patriotic Alex attending his 3rd Burns night!) Endless whisky helped the dancing get to frantic levels! Alistair (on right) did another bodice-ripping address to the Haggis!
29.1.2011
This year we head to the 4* Diplomat Hotel for another great evening which featured a new version of the Czech address to the haggis! Just 64 people; but a great time was had by all!
See more photos
Old news....
28.1.06 2006 Photo Gallery! |
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| Relive the memories! Apart from our own shots, an extensive collection of professional photographs are now available from photographer Ivan Maly of eventphotos.cz. |  |
22.1.06 The Party's over! |
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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! |
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21.1.06 Single Malt Whisky Club launched at Burns Night |
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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
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Desmond Mullen, 25 June 2005
It 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! We would like to thank our sponsors who have helped keep the costs down and the quality of the experience high! Please contact us if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities. |
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