I used to look forward to January in my senior primary school days, as it was the time of the annual Burns recital, with those specially chosen representing the school at the finals in Ayr. Was always a 3 horse race with Marion Bennie, Eric Balish (he's still at it) and Robert Longmuir representing the school, but in reality it was Frankel versus the donkeys that used to appear in the summer on South Beach. Eric tried to woo the judges with his tartan kilt and Longmuir tried to mesmerise them with the sparkle of his buck teeth, but there was only ever one winner. Marion was able to transport herself back to Burns times and sing the song as it was meant to be sung with all the passion and expressions that the bard had wished to convey. The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman is my fondest memory and as a result the Bennie's awa wi' the silverware.
So many fond memories of our recently departed school friend and will always cherish the special time we all spent a couple of years ago and in particular our Eminem style Burns off on Troon beach.
Tae a mouse is one of my favourite recitals by Marion. She was fantastic and sorely missed. I was lucky enough to be in Troon about 4 years ago when she was there. LindsayLackie, Sheila Tannock,Joy Devanishand Lesley macDonald were there too. We ended up at Lindsay's house until after 3am. Marion so enjoyed that night and just didn't want it to end. I remember my Mum waiting for me on the door step when I was dropped off wondering where on earth I had been. Made me feel 15 again!
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