The Provincial Grand Lodge Northern Division held a very successful fundraiser after its AGM on behalf of the Alzheimers and Dementia Association (ADASA). The evening had. burns Nicht Theme in memory of Robbie Burns, that famous, or perhaps infamous, Poet and Freemason.
Robert Burns had a tough life and didn’t find comfort in the church or society. Freemasonry was important to him, and when others abandoned him, the lodge welcomed him as a brother. His farewell to his brothers at St. James Lodge reflected his sadness at leaving Scotland for Jamaica. It’s believed that his lodge brothers’ support encouraged him to stay and create some of his best work. Freemasonry provided an alternative form of support for his work, free from aristocratic influence and restrictions. Above all, Burns valued Freemasonry’s spirit of Brotherhood. He saw it as a mix of mysticism and conviviality, which is evident in his famous work “Auld Lang Syne”. T.G. Paterson described “Auld Lang Syne” as an expression of Burns’s love for humanity and his vision of international brotherhood.
The evening was well attended and a great time was had by all in addition to raising much needed funds for a worthy cause.
One of the principles of Freemasonry is to offer charity to those less fortunate, and supporting ADASA is in line with the Grand Master’s wish to provide support to Alzheimer’s and Dementia sufferers during his term of office. ADASA promotes best practices in dementia care, a disease suffered by as many as two in every 100 people over the age of 60. Between 187000 and 250000 South Africans are estimated to suffer from Dementia.
Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns 1759 – 1796
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint stowp!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
Sin’ auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.
Chorus
And there’s a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus
