Chief: Sandra Strang 041 373 6311
Consort Bruce Strang 041 373 6311
Hon Secretary Frances Dickson 041 360 8263
Hon Treasurer Frances Dickson 041 360 8263
Newsletter April 2012
Dear Members
A little bit late again. Please accept my apologies.
I know it’s a bit late, but I hope you all had a nice Easter Holiday and spent time with friends and family.
Port Elizabeth’s Bell’s ‘Extra Special’ Caledonian Pipe Band attended the Eastern Cape Highland Gathering in East London and this is the report back from East London Caledonian Society –
Saturday 7th April dawned bright and sunny, just perfect for a very successful Eastern Cape Highland Gathering. Four Pipe Bands competed together with lots of individual competitors, Highland and Irish dancing was well supported and Scottish Country dancing featured amongst the competitions for the first time for many years. Numerous stall holders added to the festive air and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We were honoured to have the Chief and Lady President of the Federated Caledonian Society with us for their official visit. Chief Dave Brown officially opened the Gathering while Lady President, Sandy Brown presented the awards. Many thanks to ALL who contributed to making the Gathering such a wonderful occasion and special thanks to convenor, Dave Rankin, and his committee for their dedication, organisation and hard work over many months.
Our congratulations go to East London’s ECHG Committee for the success of this function.
Federation Chief’s News
FROM THE CHIEF’S DESK MARCH 2012
It has been a while since we have put pen to paper. This has been due to not much happening and work getting in the way, but over the past two weeks things have livened up.
On the 12th March I went up to Johannesburg to attend a Central Council meeting. This was most informative. Before I say anything about it, I would like to thank Robin and Glenys for the hospitality they showed me, by accommodating and feeding me that evening. It was with a sad heart that I noted that the Boksburg Society had closed its doors. This is a sign of the times, I suppose, the accent is no longer on societies of this nature and they are fading fast. The rest of us will try keeping the flag flying as long as possible. This may inspire younger people to take an interest in things Scottish and there will be a revival.
Sandy and my second visit was our official visit to the Randfontein Society, which was celebrating their centenary.
We drove up on Saturday morning and went to Sandy’s sister where we were staying over the weekend. (Killing two birds with one stone.) On arrival we contacted Norma who informed us that they had arranged a Cocktail Party for us with the Sothern’s. I pleaded ignorance of this, but with the kind assistance of Duncan and Audrey Mac Donald, we attended and had a very good time with them. Norma and Patrick where the perfect hosts that evening and a very good spread was put on.
Sunday morning we attended Randfonteins centenary celebrations. This was our official visit to them. This was also the official visit of Tommy and Lovie. Here we met up with a number of old friends with one heritage; that all being Wilson’s. As we all know, the Wilsons, past and present have very strong ties to the Caledonian movement in Southern Africa and more so with the Randfontein Society.
Gavin and his committee treated us like kings with a brunch that could have fed the five thousand, if necessary. To the ladies and gents that did the preparation and cooking, a big THANKYOU, we enjoyed it greatly. They did not have too many speeches.
Steward Third was there and entertained us with some good piping. We all know that when a piper is needed Steward will always try his best to accommodate.
Once again, thanks to all who made this a memorable weekend.
If this is the standard of receptions we are going to have, it is going to be a great year because, thus far, it has been exceptional. To those Societies we are still to visit, we are looking forward to meeting with you.
Aye
Dave and Sandy Brown
PAST FUNCTIONS
Afternoon Tea: Saturday 21 April.
This was held at the home of Dawn and Andrew Sked and was most enjoyable. Although the usual Port Elizabeth wind decided to come up, we were well protected in their garden. Those people who attended enjoyed a nice relaxing afternoon in good company. Our thanks go to Dawn and Andrew for their hospitality.
Ill members Agnes’s arm has almost mended and she is able to drive and get around, to her relief. Although at our recent committee meeting she was not well at all with a stomach bug.
Avril Schreuder is listening to her Doctor’s advice and trying to take things easy – rather difficult for someone like Avril who is always ‘on the go’! She is still waiting for a final date for her operation.
Audrey Spence, after having a ‘flu injection was taken ill and was admitted to hospital (not as a result of the injection) with Pneumonia and was there for ten days. She is at home and getting on well, but has also been advised to take things easy.
Immediate Past Lady President, Jeanette, recently had a heart attack. Luckily Llewellyn was at home and was able to rush her to hospital where they inserted a stent. She is recuperating nicely at home, but will have to go into hospital later in the year for an operation.
Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers, and to anyone not feeling too well, we hope you recover soon.
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to:
Bessie Petzer 28 April (Bessie will be 88 years young this year Congratulations Bessie)
Eric Kirk 4 May
Marion Harning 25 May
Thelma Beveridge 29 May
To anyone else having a birthday in May ‘Happy Birthday’.
Ceilidh Dancers
Don’t forget the Ceilidh Dancing on the first and third Tuesdays, time 2.30, at Aldersgate. For more information please contact either Jill (041 368 5239) or Jannette (041 368 4520)
There will be dancing on Tuesday, 1 May at 2.30 despite it being a Public Holiday.
FUTURE FUNCTIONS
Monthly Braais : Fires will be lit at 12.00 noon.
13 May
10 June
8 July – Annual General Meeting followed by Braai
Should it be raining, or a roaring gale, obviously the braais will be cancelled.
Please note that the Bar at VPBC is not opened for our braais, therefore, please bring along your own drinks and glasses.
Saturday, 19 May : 2011 Edinburgh Tattoo. This will be shown at our home, 29 Potgieter Street, Parsons Hill. Time 6.30pm. Cost R30, which includes soup, assorted breads, tea & coffee. Bring own other drinks.
Please phone or email to book for catering purposes. Sandra 041 373 6311 or bruce_sandra@telkomsa.net
Saturday, 30 June: Musical Trivia Evening Venue Victoria Park Bowling Club, with Compare Nick Pienaar. Nick organised a very enjoyable evening two years ago and by special request we have managed to hire him again. Cost R50.00 per person and we would like teams of 6 people (we can organise this). It’s a bring and share picnic evening with your team. The VPBC bar will be open for this function. Booking essential.
For more information please contact me on 041 3736311 or email bruce_sandra@telkomsa.net
8 July : Annual General Meeting & Braai
Please try and support our functions as your committee goes to a lot of trouble to organise these.
In addition to these functions, there will be the Official Visit of the Federation Chief & Lady President Dave and Sandy Brown, but at the time of this newsletter, no date has been decided upon.
We will let you know as soon as this visit has been arranged.
Regards
Sandra
