What to Wear By SuitsMen

Brief History

Many may not have heard of Burns Night, that takes place around the 25th January, generally in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Burns Night is based around the Romantic Poet, Robert Burns.

It is a celebration of the life and work of Robbie Burns, who was the author of many Scot Poems.

The first Burns Night Supper was held in Ayrshire at the end of the 18th Century by Robert’s friends on the anniversary of his death. 21st July, they have been a regular occurrence since.

The first Burns Suppers was held on what was thought to be Robert’s Birthday, 29th January 1802. However in 1803 it was discovered in the Ayr Parish records that his birthday was actually on 25th and therefore Burns Night moved.

Even though they are most popular in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Burns Night Suppers can be held anywhere where there are Burns Clubs.

They may be formal, or informal. The informal suppers generally include haggis, Scotch Whisky and the recitation of Burns’ poetry.

The formal dinners are hosted by organisations, and occasionally end with dancing when ladies are present. However all formal dinners follow a general standard format….

Order of the Supper

1) The host says a few welcoming words and the event is declared open.

2) After the guests are seated, grace is said. It is usually the Selkirk Grace. This is a well-known thanksgiving said before meals using the Scots language. ( A link to the Grace is below)

3) The supper is then started with the soup course.

4) When the Haggis is brought in everyone stands. It is always on a large dish and is brought in by the cook. Generally a piper plays bagpipes and leads the way to the host’s table.

5) The host (or guest with talent) then recites the Address to a Haggis. (A link to the poem is below)

6) At the end of the poem a scotch whiskey toast is made and everyone goes on the enjoy the meal which is generally served with neeps (mashed swede) and tatties (mashed potatoes).

7) After the desert, cheese and coffee/whisky courses more core speeches and toasts are made.

8 ) A host gives a short speech, remembering some of Burns poetry or aspects of his life.

9) There is a Toast to the Lassies – thanking the women who prepared the meal.

10) Then the Toast to the Laddies – a reply to the Lassies toast.

11) After the speeches the work of Burns may be sung, and poems read out. This goes on for as long as the guests wish.

12) At the end of the evening (to which the host calls halt) everyone stands, joins hands and sings Auld Lang Syne.

Selkirk Grace 

Address to a Haggis

What to wear to this event…

Many would opt for the traditional Scottish Dress, which is the equivalent of the formal black tie.
Here at Suitsmen we offer a tradition Scottish Formal Outfit, as well as some well needed essentials, such as kilt socks.

We have got to have you looking your best.

To see our Scottish outfits or to learn more about the Scottish Formal/Highland Dress, please click on the link below.

Suitsmen, Scottish Highland/Formal Dress.

For more information don’t forget to visit our Facebook page, call on 01335 361287 or email support@suitsmen.co.uk

                                                HAVE A GREAT BURNS NIGHT!!!

Our office does not need much in the way of power, in that it is not large, is well insulated, and well lit, but what we do need, is all during the day. That was why we decided to have Solar panels fitted this year.

All these decisions take time to make correctly, as there is a massive explosion of new products about at the moment, from energy monitors to different solar panels, and inverters (They make the electricity from the photovoltaic panels into a usable form for the lights and computers to use. )

We had 6 quotes in all, and eventually decided to go with SPS  Solar Panels as they impressed us with their knowledge and honest approach.  As a a young company, (lets face it, they all are in this game)  Chris was interested to learn about other offers, and see how he could improve his.  Jason, who commissioned the panels, is what I would call a Geek, meaning it in the nicest possible way. He has been building solar units, and “playing ” with inverters for many years, so finds himself as a man in demand, as the interest in PV panels grows.

I will put up some pictures of them later, but the important part, is to let you know that we are doing what we can.  Another key point, is that we save our energy bills, therefore reducing our costs, and so your prices.

I know you will all like the sound of that!

Deep vein thrombosis and compression socks

I am not a medical expert, but thought it might be of interest to explain to some of our customers the point of compression socks.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a clot forms in veins that are deep within the body. It can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in the legs. This is an extremely dangerous condition, because clots that form through DVT can break off, be carried off in the bloodstream, and end up in the heart or lungs, where they can block blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.

DVT is most common in adults over 60. Obesity, smoking, cancer, recent surgery, and childbirth all increase the risk for DVT. So do long periods of immobility, such as sitting in a car or airplane, or lying in bed. It is possible for DVT to strike without any symptoms, but the disease is frequently accompained by pain, swelling, and redness in the leg, as well as dilation of the surface veins. Varicose veins and spider veins are also signs of possible DVT.

If your doctor detects DVT, he or she will likely prescribe the use of blood thinners such as heparin or warfarin, and may also recommend that you wear compression socks. These are stockings, usually knee-high, that are designed to provide variable pressure along the leg — tighter at the ankle, looser at the knee. These socks provide support to the muscles of your leg, which squeeze blood through your leg as you move, and help ensure that blood does not pool and possibly clot. compression socks are available in a variety of styles today, and look no different from regular hosiery.

While compression socks can reduce the risk of DVT, they are no substitute for losing weight, quitting smoking, and being sure to get up and move around periodically. If you are concerned that you may be at risk for DVT, your doctor will be able to help you with more information.

Style and Safety: The Douglas Pinstripe Novonic Men’s Suit

Try to imagine a day without your mobile phone? Or better yet, an hour? Mobile phones are a vital part of everyday life, and without them some feel helpless. This would change if more people were aware of the health complications associated with the radiation emitted by mobile phones. This radiation, also known as electrosmog, can affect our brain and cell metabolism. This can be a problem of the past with the Douglas Pinstripe Novonic Men’s Suit.

As technology advances, your wardrobe should do the same. The Douglas Pinstripe Novonic Men’s Suit has pockets that are lined with novonic E-blocker. E-Blocker is an exceptional fabric that protects the body from electrosmog. Although very strong, this fabric looks and feels great! E-Blocker can withstand the usual wash, and can also be dry-cleaned without causing any damage to the fabric’s properties. More importantly, the fabric has been skillfully embroidered on only one side of the pocket, so the normal operation of your mobile phone will not be affected.

Making the Douglas Pinstripe Novonic Men’s Suit the next addition to your closet would be the best health decision and fashion decision you have ever made. Who says you can’t mix style with safety?