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History of the Burns Club

Bolton Burns Club started life in 1881 by the then minister of St. Andrew's Church, Bowkers Row, Bolton. The original purpose was as a Club for the younger members of the congregation, a youth club. Its aims were to promote Scottish Culture, Music, Art, Poetry and Country Dancing etc. The club quickly opened its doors to all ages and a Senior Members section was soon formed. Membership of the Burns Federation was sought and Burns Federation Number 95 was granted in 1895.

Unfortunately all the written records from that period were destroyed by fire in the house of the keeper of the records; however we know the club eventually closed down.

The present club (an offshoot of the much older Bolton Caledonian Society) was reformed in 1953 by Mrs Brooks and whilst maintaining the former aims, to promote Scottish Culture, Music, Art, Poetry and Country Dancing etc. today the Bolton Burns Clubs' main function is Scottish Country Dancing.

It retains the membership of the "Lancashire and Cheshire Federation of Scottish Societies" and membership of the "Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust".

It is open to, and welcomes, members of all cultures and backgrounds.

As burns' himself wrote, "There's Threesome Reels, there's Foursome Reels, there's Hornpipes and Strathspeys Man".