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Severe Water Restrictions Issued Beaver County Chronicle - Inside
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 106 Issue 22
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
RCMP respond to gunshots in Tofield
Piper Chris Warren, Tofield Legion member Chris Shaw, and Legion President Jim Warren march the haggis back to the kitchen while everyone claps along, after the reading of the 'Address to a Haggis' during the Robbie Burns celebration held at the Legion on Saturday, Jan. 27.
At approximately 3:10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, Tofield RCMP responded to a report of gunshots on Beaverhill View Crescent in the town of Tofield. Investigators attended and arrested an adult male suspect without incident. There were no reports of property damage or injuries as a result of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, however, Tofield RCMP wish to assure area residents that there is no risk to public safety.
Legion hosts Robbie Burns Night in Tofield Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Tofield Legion celebrated Robbie Burns on Saturday, Jan. 27, complete with a piper, highland dancers, and, of course, haggis. Robbie Burns, a Scottish poet born in 1759, is known for his writing of Auld Lang Syne among many other songs and poems, and is celebrated around the world for his talent. Robbie Burns Night is usually held on or around Burns’ birthday, Jan. 25. A key component of any Robbie Burns celebration includes reading aloud Burns’ Address to a Haggis. Tofield Legion president Jim Warren did the honours, reading the address with much enthusiasm.
Haggis is a Scottish dish that is made of sheep’s organs, which includes the heart, liver, and lungs. These are mixed with onions, spices, and oatmeal, which is then encased in the sheep’s stomach before being cooked. At that time, haggis was seen as an affordable and nourishing meal for the poor, as the sheep organs used were often thrown out. The Legion had the haggis brought in, and also served roast beef alongside the rest of the meal. “Robbie Burns Night is a traditional Scottish supper to pay tribute to Robbie Burns. It’s a long, long tradition,” said Warren. Burns died at the age of 37 from a suspected rheumatic heart condi-
tion. On the fifth anniversary of his death, his friends gathered to remember him and decided to do it again on his birthday, the start of the annual tradition. About 35 people came to the celebration, which was fewer than expected and less than last year. “I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed. We were expecting 60, and I don't think we got close to that,” said Warren. New to the event was Highland dancers from the McKinnon School of Highland Dance in Edmonton. “We weren't able to get Highland dancers last year. It was actually a very strange coincidence that we were able to get Rachel McKinnon dance group. At a meeting I asked if anyone knew any Highland dancers and one of our members
New to the Robbie Burns celebration at the Tofield Legion this year was highland dancing by the McKinnon School of Highland Dance in Edmonton. Pictured Back, L-R: Finn, Kate, Macalynn, Lauren; Front: Hailey, Keller, Caileigh, Harmony. RACHEL MCKINNON PHOTO
Dan (Hillyer) said, I think my daughter knows a girl who does Highland dance, and so Dan told his daughter, who told the Highland dancer, who told her instructor, who phoned me,” Warren said. Tofield Legion’s next event will be a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.