Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary Burns Supper – with 75 members and guests in attendance.

The club was formed in 1944 as a welcome home to men returning to the village from military service and has been going strong ever since.

Barrmill JBBC’s historic 75th celebration event took place at Beith Masonic Hall on Burns Night itself, Friday, January 25.

Guests tucked into a delicious supper and enjoyed speeches, readings and musical performances.

There was also an Honorary Membership presentation to Kenneth Gibson MSP, who said he was “surprised and delighted.”

Donald L Reid thanked all the speakers and performers, describing the celebration as a “memorable event”.

He added: “The historic 75th Annual Celebration event proved to be an enormous success with all the speakers, readers and singer in top form.

“The four main toasts were really inspiring and greatly appreciated by the gathered company. All in all, it was a most enjoyable celebration which will be long recalled with a warm smile.

“Thanks also to Kenneth Gibson MSP for his support and presence at this special anniversary dinner.

“It was a marvellous night with great speeches, wonderful company, good food and fellowship. What more could one ask for?

“Thanks to all concerned for making this such a special occasion in the 75-year history of the club.”

The mains speeches were delivered by: Jim Thompson, Kilbirnie Rosebery Burns Club – Immortal Memory; Allister Anderson, Alloway Burns Club – Toast to Barrmill JBBC; Willie Clark, Garnock Burns Club – Toast to Lasses; and Jim Gibson, Kilbirnie Rosebery Burns Club – Reply on behalf of Guests.

The other participants who made their mark were: Peter Smolarek, president; Donald L Reid, master of ceremonies; Gordon Wilson, piper and singer; Archie Comrie, singer; James Waite –Toast to Haggis; David MacLeod – reading; Iain D Shaw – Tam o’ Shanter and Fraser Reid – Vote of Thanks.