THE MAYOR of a North-East town is teaming up with the world’s oldest Burns club to stage a fundraising event in honour of Scotland’s famous national poet.

Darlington’s Mayor, Councillor Chris McEwan, was born in Greenock, on the Scottish coast, on Christmas Day, in 1965, and although he left the town when he was only six-weeks-old, he has always retained an affinity with the town.

Now Councillor McEwan has forged an innovative link with Greenock Burns Club – known as The Mother Club – to raise money for charities close to his heart.

He will be staging a virtual Burns Supper event on Saturday, January 23, with speeches, poems, singing, and the piping in of the haggis, all being relayed by Zoom from Greenock 200 miles away.

The event also features a four-course meal, supplied by the Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel, and delivered within a six-mile radius by 1AB taxis. The meal, which can be reheated later, will come with miniature bottles of whisky and wine.

Teesside International Airport is event sponsor and it will be compered by Peter Barron, former editor of The Northern Echo. Games will be hosted by Steve Rose, Assistant District Governor of Rotary North East, and a raffle will be held at the end of the night.

The meal costs £35 and the link to watch the Burns Supper entertainment is £12, with proceeds going to St Teresa’s Hospice and the Mayor’s charities: The Lullaby Trust; Dementia Friendly Communities; and grass roots schemes supporting youth unemployment, and health and wellbeing.

“I’ve always had a romantic bond with the place where I was born, and love to go back to visit whenever I can,” said Councillor McEwan.

“Due to the pandemic, I’ve had to come up with innovative ways to support my charities and this is another example. I wanted to pay homage to Greenock during my Mayoral year and it seemed a nice way to link my birthplace with the town where I live now.”

Jane Bradshaw, Chief Executive of St Teresa’s Hospice: “We’re delighted that the Mayor of Darlington has taken the initiative with the virtual Burns Night event. It’s such a great idea, and at such a difficult time for all charities we’re incredibly grateful that Councillor McEwan has chosen to support St Teresa’s Hospice.”

Christine Currie, President of Greenock Burns Club, added: “As the oldest Burns club in the world, we are delighted to share our appreciation of Burns with the people of Darlington, as well as having a good night in support of a worthy cause.”

  • If you would like to book tickets, or require further information please contact events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk