Haddington Twinning Association Bulletin Board

Photographs – Irene Higgenbotham. Keep warm & stay safe. 13th February 2021

When Haddington was covered in snow for several weeks. Today we have similar snowfall, but today I’m posting photos of Haddington in 2009/10

Photographs- Irene Higgenbotham 9th Feburary

Special thanks to all that contributed, participated and made this evening a success. Despite the current restrictions on both sides of the Channel, we are keeping the link between our two towns and countries very much alive.

Gilles Charbonnier – Chairperson Haddington Twinning.

Photographs – Gilles Charbonnier. 29th January 2021

” To a Mouse ” , on turning her up in her Nest with his Plough, November 1785.

A Poem written by Robert Burns, and was included in the Kilmarnock volume and all of the Poet’s later other editions, such as the Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect [ Edinburgh Edition ] According to legend, Burns was ploughing in the fields and accidentally destroyed a mouse’s nest, which it needed to survive the winter. In fact, Burn’s brother Gilbert claimed that the Poet composed the poem while still holding his plough.

The Original Scots { 1st Verse }

Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim’rous beastie,

O, what a pannic’s in thy breastie!

Thou need na start awa sae hasty,

Wi’ bickering brattle!

I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,

Wi’ murd’ring prattle!

English translation { 1st Verse }

Little, cunning, cowering , timourous beast,

Oh, what a panic is in your breast!

You need not start away so hasty,

With bickering prattle,

I would loath to run and chase you,

With murdering paddle.

{ 7 more verses }

Artwork – Calligraphy – Irene Higgenbotham.

I met John when he was the Haddington Twinning President , between 1987 – 90 . He came to Aubigny in March 1989 , as related in the Press cuttings . At that time, I was Secretary of Aubigny Twinning [ ATA ] Soon after that the newly elected Mayor, Yves Fromion , said he would no longer be the A.T.A President. This is how I became the first A.T.A. elected President , in June 1989. John Stewart could not attend the Bicententary Celebrations in July 1989 but he and I jointly celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the twinning in Haddington . I have quite a lot of good memories and photographs of the events in Aubigny.

By Jean- Charles Garnon. 20th January 2021.

4th June 1931 – 1st January 2021

It is with sadness that Haddington Twinning reports the passing of Past President 1980 – 90 , and sends our sympathy to all his family.

Rabbie Burns is a very popular figure with our friends in Aubigny. Aubigny Twinning Committee organise an annual Burn’s Lunch, concert and dance – it starts at noon with an aperitif, then lunch , concert and dancing until 9.00pm ! The event is a very successful fundraiser each year. It also highlights the strong links between Scotland and France and the Twinning partnership between Aubigny and Haddington.

Last year’s event on Sunday 26th January was a resounding success with an amazing 240 guests – some who had made the journey down to Aubigny from Paris!

Provost John MacMillan and his wife Mary were invited as guests of the Mayor of Aubigny, Madame Renier. John gave a reflective rendition of the Immortal Memory and in true Burns tradition Haggis, neeps and tatties were on the Menu with a fair few whiskies being supped. A great time was had by all!

Due to the pandemic the event is unable to take place this year. However, Haddington Twinning are organising a Burns Celebration this month via Zoom. They will be joined by Aubigny Twinning Committee and special guests.

More information on this Zoom online event to follow soon……….

Photos with kind permission John MacMillan.