The four GoodGymers: Paul, Liuba, Sevan and Kash, returned to the Hobbayne Centre for the main session of the night: serving. They were joined by Mohamed and Scotswoman Chris. The latter had received a special invite from the charity after trasforming the not-so-Scottish attempts on ceilidh dances into an authentic experience last year.

The guests arrived early, so the Address to the Haggis performance commenced ten minutes ahead of schedule. The man who delivers the act each year recited Burn's poem and fiercely cut the haggis into pieces. The GoodGymers were ready to serve the food and queued in front of the kitchen. This year, their new system worked quite well, with the more popular meaty meals going out first and veggie versions being served on demand. Only the gluten-free options caused some confusion, but everyone got fed (including the servers) in the end, and even seconds were offered - although only vegetarian ones as the carnivore version ran out.

While Chris and Kash kept an eye on the guests finishing their meals to collect the dirty dishes, Paul and Mohamed helped prepare the traditional (at least in theory) Scottish dessert, cranachan. In the meantime, Sevan and Liuba took up the joyful task of pouring the whisky. The guests' devotion to the Scottish culture was tested as the toast was raised only after quite a long, although fascinating, talk about the life and heritage of Robert Burns.

Next in the event programme was the raffle. None of the GoodGymers was as lucky as Sevan last year - the hopes to win a free team pizza at The Green didn't materialise that night.

Finally, the highlight of the night arrived: our indispensable Chris calling the Scottish dances! With the assistance from Sevan and Kash and two ceilidh-savvy ladies from the community, Chris taught the Hanwell folk the steps for Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow. With various results regarding the technique, everyone had fun and the ceilidh went even better than last year!

The GoodGymers have been already asked whether they are planning to show up at the Burns Night at Hobbayne in 2026. We think Chris is likely to become the lifelong star of the Burns Night, just like the well-respected performer addressing the haggis each year!