Trove Tuesday - Burns Night

It appears that Mr Geniaus'' Great-Grandfather, William Purves Gowans,  was a proud Scot and member of the Sydney Scottish Borderers' Association later the Sydney Scottish Association. I turned to Trove this morning to explore that relationship.

The first post I found mentioning William was in 1898 when he supported the founding of the group.

1898 'SCOTTISH BORDERERS.', The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), 11 February, p. 3. , viewed 25 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228429483

At the April meeting of the group William was elected as Secretary.

1898 'SCOTTISH BORDERERS.', The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), 12 April, p. 2. , viewed 25 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228442542

In March 1901 William became vice-president of the Association.

1901 'SCOTTISH BORDERERS' ASSOCIATION.', The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), 4 March, p. 3. , viewed 25 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article240130074

In 1902 William was elected as a trustee of the association. Although I have read through articles related to the association up to 1912 I can find no further mention of William.

Perhaps William's finest moment was on this day one hundred nd twenty one years ago when he sang Burns Birthday song at the associations Burns Night Celebration. 

1901 'BURNS' ANNIVERSARY.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 29 January, p. 8. , viewed 25 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14338852

Burns Anniversary celebrated downunder

"I insist that you shall write whatever comes first, - what you see, what you read, what you hear, what you admire, what you dislike; trifles, bagatelles, nonsense, or, to fill up a corner, e'en put down a laugh at full length" - Robert Burns.

Genealogy Bloggers may take note of the words quoted above. January 25th, the anniversary of his birth, is an important date for fans of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns and for Scots around the world.

Mr Geniaus' ancestor, William Purves Gowans celebrated Burns anniversary with members of The Scottish Borderers Society in Sydney in 1901.  The Sydney Morning Herald of  Tuesday 29 January 1901 reports that "Mr William P Gowans sang Burn's birthday song, '* There Was a Lad Born in Kyle," the chorus being taken up with vigour by all the company."

Robert Burns letters blog

"The Robert Burns Letters seeks to recreate the letters of Robert Burns from November 1787 onwards by printing them on the days they were originally written by Robert Burns.

It is part of the work by the National Trust for Scotland to not only celebrate Burns’ 250th anniversary and raise awareness of the man and his letters, but also the upcoming new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum."

These letters present a unique insight into the life and times of Burns in 18th century Scotland. One can subscribe to this blog at http://burnsletters.wordpress.com/feed/