Franklin Burns Supper

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 24th January 10, 03:41 PM

Last night the Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museum once more hosted a delightful annual Burns Supper. This year the event was organized by Friends members Maureen and David Blencoe, who did a wonderful job. In addition to the ordinary schedule of toasts and recitations, we enjoyed live music by a local band, and several delightful raffle prizes.

I was pleased to see several fellow X Markers present, including David Pope and his lovely wife, who made the two-hour drive from Morganton just for the dinner.

Now some pics!

Forum member Ryan Ross and myself. I've known Ryan for many years, since he was in high school, and began volunteering with his dad to help us work the Stone Mountain Highland Games. He's become a fast friend.

Ryan and his lovely lady, Abby. Abby's family is very active in the Museum's Friends organization.

Jeannie and David Pope chatting with my assistant director at the museum, Ronan MacGregor. Regretfully, I discovered when I got home and uploaded the photos from my camera that I never did get a photo of myself with the Popes!

David and Jeannie joined my wife and I at our table and we had wonderful conversation through the evening. David is a good kilt client of mine and we've had many email and telephone conversations regarding kilts and tartan, but it was nice to be able to sit down in a relaxed environment and actually have a good conversation with one another. The Popes are truly fine folks. David, I hope you and your lovely wife can return to Franklin soon!

My wife Joannie (6 months pregnant) laughing with Jeannie. (They are probably discussing their silly husbands).

Someone caught this photo of me walking off somewhere, obviously with purpose. I do like how it shows the pleat movement in the back, though!

Lastly, myself and my beautiful bride!

Aren't we sweet?

I'm wearing a new Harris Tweed Sheriffmuir doublet I recently had made for myself, and a merino wool Victorian lace knit jabot. My wife made the Jabot for me, from a pattern adapted from an old nineteenth century Shetland shawl pattern. My new jabot drew lots of compliments. I am a very proud husband, indeed!

**Woodsheal** · 24th January 10, 03:51 PM

Nice pics! Love the grey doublet. Your lovely wife sure has the glow that goes with a forthcoming bairn. Congrats...!

**Joseph McLaren** · 24th January 10, 04:02 PM

That doublet and jabot are fantastic!

**Paul** · 24th January 10, 04:07 PM

Matt, your doublet looks greattttt! Very different
Looks like you had a great time too!

**davidlpope** · 24th January 10, 04:18 PM

Matt,

Thanks to you and the rest of the Museum's friends for the wonderful hospitality! Jeannie and I had a great time and really enjoyed getting to know you and Joannie. We hope to get back up for the "Taste of Scotland" in the summer.

For those folks who haven't visited the Museum, I highly recommend it. I was amazed by the rarity of some of their exhibits. If you're interested in highland culture, the history of tartan, and the impact of Scots in the United States you should definitely make the trip!

Cordially,

David

**cessna152towser** · 24th January 10, 04:23 PM

Super pics.

**McMurdo** · 24th January 10, 04:28 PM

Matt
What a wonderful set of photos if there was a Burns Supper I'd love to have gone to besides my own, this would have been it. The jabot which looked great on it's own really does set off your new doublet, you look fabulous, I've been thinking perhaps in investing in a Sheriffmuir Doublet as the Montrose while a classic does restrict your movements.

**Mike in Dayton** · 24th January 10, 05:03 PM

Great pictures and it looks like all had a great time. I want to get down to see the Museum in late spring or early summer.

Mike

**piperdbh** · 24th January 10, 05:16 PM

Thanks for posting these pictures. As always, it looks like the Franklin Burns Night was a rip-roaring success.
You've inspired me to make myself a jabot. I can't let your Mrs. outknit me!

davidlpope, I didn't know we were neighbors! We should get together some time.

**Mr. MacDougall** · 24th January 10, 05:20 PM

I have rarely desired to see North Carolina again (my ex-wife got the whole state in the divorce), but it usually happens right after considering pictures / articles / information about the museum or its functions.

Matt, as always, you look dashing. Your lovely wife looks, well, lovely, and it looks as if a congenial good time was had by all. What more does one wish from a Burns Night?