Sandra and I had our first official welcome to the Goldfields Society on Saturday 4^th February 2012. It was also their Burn’s supper and was held at their Club House.

We used the “Lady” to get us to Mick Rickman’s (Provincial Chieftain for the Free State) home in Ribeekstad, where we were staying while in Welkom. We were well received by Mick and Maria and gratefully had an ice cold beer as the temperature was in the upper thirty’s. Sandra and I then had a chance to unpack and have a shower before getting ready for the function.

The festivities were scheduled to start at 6.00pm. Billy Bell (Chief of Goldfields) escorted by Mick brought in the Haggis and dinner got under way. Luckily the lady President was kind to us men and allowed us to remove our jackets at the appropriate time. I was asked to do the toast to the Bard. John Bell did the toast to the Haggis in his usual enthusiastic way.  Mick did the toast to the Lassies and Maria, the reply.

One thing I must mention is that the Haggis was excellent. This was made by a butcher in Vereeniging. If anyone is interested in getting some, they can contact Debbie Bell and she will point you in the right direction.

After a dinner of Cold meats and salads I was asked to give a short talk, which I hope was not too boring.

It was good to see representatives from the Bloemfontein Society attending. They also brought with them a top entertainer whom we met at Congress – “Freddie” in all his glory. For those who missed his performance at Congress, you do not know what you missed.

On a sad note, Goldfields secretary/scribe, Trish, has decided to call it a day. Trish we wish you well for the future.

Sandy and I would like to say a big thank you to the Goldfields Society for a wonderful visit. I know it is visiting old friends and it is good to meet all the people that keep the Society going. Ave.

Dave and Sandy Brown

Society reports

Eastern Johannesburg Caledonian Society

From scribe, Patrick Craven

70 people attended a magnificent Burns Nicht, and welcome to our Provincial Chieftain and Lady President, Tommy and Lovey Soutar. Among the guests was our newest member, Gail Mortinson, who is researching her Scottish ancestry, and has asked us if any of you may be able to help.

“I am Gail Elizabeth Mortinson, a South African who is busy tracing my family tree on my late mother’s side of the family. I have lots of Scottish ancestry with family names such as Riddell, Grierson, Laurie family of Maxwelton House, the Fergusson clan (of Craigdonnoch), the Stewart clan, Hynd, McKnight, and the Black Douglas clan (of the Dumfries area), to mention a few. “My late mother was Ruth Stewart Hynd, and her brother (my uncle) is Alexander Fergusson Hynd. “My uncle was named after Alexander Fergusson who married Annie Laurie in the 1700s who lived at Craigdannoch in the Dumfries, Galloway area. “My uncle was deputy mayor of Springs in 1978, and mayor of Springs in 1979. Ironically Alexander Fergusson of Craigdannoch fame was a Whig, and later became a magistrate in the area! “My uncle knew the late Jean Machenie who used to submit editorial for The Advertiser, the famous local weekly rag in Springs, until her passing on.

“I know Jean was a member of the Eastern Caledonian Society, I had the privilege of meeting her and having tea and scones with her once, years ago at her little house in Springs. “My great grandmother on my mother’s maternal side was Jean Raphael Fergusson Plumb.

“My grandmother (my great grandmother’s daughter) was named Jean Elizabeth.

I am Gail Elizabeth named after my grandmother.

“From what I can gather, my grandmother’s second name was named after the daughter of Alexander Fergusson and Annie Laurie.

“This side of my family are from the Dumfries, Galloway, Redcastle, Kirkcudbright, Inverness, Edinburgh part of southern Scotland.

“My great grandmother emigrated from Inverness, Scotland to Johannesburg, South Africa in the late 1890s.

“On my late mother’s paternal side of the family, the Hynd family came from the Ayshire area, Glasgow of upper Scotland. The Hynd family are linked to the Stewart clan, hence where my late mother got her second name from.

“I would be very interested in joining the Eastern Caledonian Society to learn more about Scotland and her peoples/clans/septs, meet Scottish people, and who knows, perhaps be able to speak to people who know, or have immigrated from the areas I mentioned above, or even better may be related to the family names I have mentioned above, or be able to put me in touch with the right connections, for me to pursue tracing my family tree to completion.”

If you think you can help Gail, please contact her: Tel:  011 280-5369. Fax:  011 328-2226

E-mail:  mortinsong@avusa.co.za

From Scribe Stuart Rennie

We’ve had a call from a Mrs Tereza Harling as a result of her looking for a Caledonian Society in Cape Town on the internet. Her late husband died in August 2011 and she now has to “downsize” and move into a retirement centre.

As a result she is now forced to sell some treasured personal items, among which are two ornamental swords originally purchased at the Scottish Shop that used to be in the V&A Waterfront. One is a replica of an Officer’s sword with an ornamental ‘basket’ handle and the other is a replica cavalry sword.

Both swords were the pride and joy of Mrs Harling’s husband. If you are interested in owning these rather interesting pieces, Mrs Harling’s contact details are: 022 783 1817 or email: harling@telkomsa.net to discuss price and to arrange collection or transport.

East  London Caledonian Society

From Chief Sandra Rankin

Following a well-supported St Andrew’s Dinner and an excellent service at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church during November, the public was treated to the sound of the bagpipe and Highland dancing in front of the City Hall with the Saltire proudly flying overhead on St Andrew’s Day.

We are most grateful to the City Council for allowing us the privilege of celebrating in this way each year. Hogmanay again proved successful and was much enjoyed by all.

 

Ladies Kilts for sale. Heather Dunn has a number of kilts sizes 10 and 12 in various tartans. Some with matching scarves, jerseys and shirts. If you are interested, please contact her on 083 314 2875 or 041 581 3584 or email:

heatherd60@gmail.com

From Chief Tommy Soutar

We really did have a great “Burns Night”, lots of new faces and very good feedback. Thanks to all who contributed to the success of the evening – the caterers, the ladies who served up, Stewart, Skylah, and all who took part in the formalities. We did have time for the party dances and a few Scottish dances from Stewart our Piper for the evening.

We had quite a few new memberships on the evening, with many who were unaware of St Andrews existence at Herbert Park. We must look at our PR and work closely with the local newspapers to promote the Society to its full potential.

Unveiled on the evening were gifts from other Societies donated back to St Andrews By Elaine Sinclair, from the gifts Sandy and Elaine received while Chieftain and Lady President of the Transvaal Juniors 1988-89. We thank Elaine for the donation and hope this starts a trend that would allow us to build up a Caledonian Museum.

News from Scotland

Rangers in crisis: Craig Whyte to dodge Ibrox fury as SFA launch probe into takeover

John Ferguson, Daily Record, 18 February

Craig Whyte has ducked out of a confrontation with furious fans today.

He tried to dodge their wrath yesterday by saying he was “stepping back” from running Rangers – and would not be at today’s game at Ibrox.

But Whyte’s troubles grew as the SFA announced a probe into his takeover of the club, just a day after police revealed they were investigating a complaint by former chairman Alastair Johnston.

On another dramatic day for Rangers, Whyte continued to insist he had not been involved in any “criminal wrongdoing”.

Administrators have admitted that the £24million the club owner raised by selling the next four years of season tickets to London firm Ticketus has not been traced – and warned that players will have to be sold.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist, whose stunned players take on Kilmarnock at Ibrox today, also added his voice to the growing demand for answers.

McCoist said that he had been “surprised” by revelations concerning the club’s finances since administrators Duff and Phelps took control.

They were called in on Tuesday over an unpaid tax bill of £9million which has accrued since Whyte’s takeover last May.

Despite the mounting pressure, Whyte said he was “100per cent confident” that the administrators will prove that all money that has come in and gone out of the club during his tenure has been properly accounted for.

He blasted “endless speculation” and “attempts at character assassination”.

Whyte added: “I wish to state categorically for the record now that I personally have not taken a single penny out of Rangers since I became chairman and have paid all my expenses from my own funds.

“Today, I learned that my predecessor, Alastair Johnston, has urged the Crown Office to order an investigation into my takeover of the club.

“Again, I have absolutely nothing to fear because any fair investigation will prove that I have always acted in the best interests of Rangers and have been involved in no criminal wrongdoing whatsoever.”

Whyte then revealed that he would be playing a reduced role in the club from now on.

He added: “While the administrators get on with their work, it is only right they are given the time and space they require to complete their task.

“That is why I have decided to take a step back from events so that I do not become a distraction to that process or to Ally McCoist and the players.

“Regrettably, I will not be attending tomorrow’s match against Kilmarnock.

“Although I would dearly love to be at Ibrox for the game, my priority is, and will continue to be, to assist the administrators in any way I can to bring this process to as speedy a conclusion as possible.”

As the administrators continued to sift through the wreckage of Rangers’ accounts yesterday, the SFA announced they were launching an inquiry into the activities of Rangers.

The governing body will investigate whether there have been any potential breaches of their Articles of Association.

The SFA said last night that attempts to obtain information relating to their “fit and proper person” requirement – regarding Whyte – have been restricted by the club’s solicitors’ failure to share information.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has already been in contact with administrators Duff and Phelps and is concerned about recent revelations regarding Whyte’s takeover of the club last May.

A spokesman said: “We are concerned by the developing situation at the club and the new information that has come to light since the appointment of the club administrators.

“The chairman and his panel will be briefed by Stewart Regan next week and will consult further with Duff and Phelps as part of their inquiry.

“We have been guaranteed full co-operation by Paul Clark, representing the company.

“The Scottish FA’s previous efforts in obtaining information relevant to the fit and proper person requirement has been restricted by the club’s solicitors’ continued failure to share information in a timely or detailed manner.

“We now feel there is no option but to undertake an independent inquiry to establish the clear facts and to determine the extent of any possible rules breaches.”

Regan said: “We expect the investigation to be concluded as quickly as possible and will confirm the outcome in due course.

Daily Record, 17 February

Blizzards are set to batter parts of Scotland over the weekend, forecasters have warned.

A mixture of snow and high winds will affect the north and west coasts of Scotland, with showers moving further inland.

The Met Office has issued yellow “be aware” warnings of snow for Orkney and Shetland, the Highlands, Grampian, Strathclyde, Tayside, Fife and central Scotland.

Strathclyde, south west Scotland, the Lothians and Borders, Wales, Northern Ireland and the North West of England have also been warned of ice for tomorrow and Sunday.

Stephen Davenport, a senior meteorologist with MeteoGroup, said: “A blizzard is snow with winds of 25mph or more, and we are looking at 30mph-35mph in exposed areas and 50mph-60mph gusts. These will mainly affect Caithness and Sutherland and eastern Aberdeenshire.

“The snow will struggle to get through to Glasgow but there will be some showers.

“There will be a few centimetres in places further north at the Moray Firth and down the coast along western Galloway.

“With the cold front coming south during Saturday, wet surfaces will turn cold and then into ice. That will begin to die off on Sunday morning, with milder conditions moving in.”

QUIZ

What d’ye ken?

1. How many players are there in a shinty team?
2. Why is Scotland Yard so called?
3. Who wrote a piece of music known as Fingal’s Cave?
4. 4.    How large is a Scots pint?
5. 5.    How did the Edinburgh suburb of Portobello get its name?

What did ye ken aboot Robbie Burns?

1. By what name is John Davidson better known in Tam O’Shanter? Souter Johnnie
2. Where did Burns attend dancing lessons in 1779 and formed a debating club? Tarbolton
3. Who, or what, was John Barleycorn? Whisky, brewed from barley.
4. What role did John Murdoch play in Burns’s life? Teacher
   1. Who is Burns writing about in these lines: Jean Armour

But gang she east, or gang she west,
‘Twixt Forth and Tweed all over,
While men have eyes, or ears, or taste,
She’ll always find a lover.

Federation Congress 2012

The Convener and Committee look forward to welcoming you to the 88^th Annual Congress which this year (2012) will be held in the Up market Suburb of Sandton in the City of Gold.

The venue is situated close to all major highways which allows for easy access to the conference centre where ample parking is provided under security. It is situated on the Western Service Road in the suburb of Woodmead. Details of how to reach it will be forwarded to you on request.

We have two airports OR Tambo International near Kempton Park and Lanseria in the Krugersdorp District where flights can be met. Kindly advise us when booking for Congress of your arrival and departure times.

You will have noticed on the booking form below that we have kept our costs in line with those of the Welkom conference and have as is our custom,  in Gauteng,  offered you the early bird special for payments received by the 29^th February 2012.

We have also given you the option of paying over nine months.

Yours truly

Fred Brokenshire

 

COMBINED CALEDONIAN SOCIETIES OF THE HIGHLAND PROVINCE

Booking form for the 88^TH Annual Congress of the Federated Caledonian Societies of Southern Africa to be held at the Cedar Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Woodmead, Sandton, Friday 12 October 2012 to Sunday 14^th October 2012

 

First Name                                          ………………………………….

Surname                                             ………………………………….

Postal Address            …………………………………………………………….

…………………………………….  ……………………………….

Email Address             ……………………………………

Contact No.                 ……………………………………

Capacity (Please circle)  Delegate/Official/Observer             Delegate/Official/Observer

Society                         ……………………………………

Accommodation (please circle) Double/single

If double, name of person sharing……………………………………………………………………..

 

Booking options                                                                   No of persons                 Amount

Full congress package                        R1 750

(Per person sharing 14h00 Friday to 10h00 Sunday)            ……………          R…………..

 

Single supplement                              R2 000                         ……………         R…………..

 

Non hotel residents,                            R 600 per person         ……………        R…………..

(Includes ceilidh, business session, ball, church service; does not include Sat lunch)

 

Only attend Ceilidh (per person)        R 120                           ……………         R…………..

 

Only attend Ball (per person)             R 350                           ……………         R…………..

 

Hair appointment to be made:                        Yes / No

The following payment options are available.

1. Early bird special: R1 650 per person sharing if payment is received by 29 February 2012. May be paid in three equal installments of R 550 per month.
2. IF you do not take up early bird special offer the amount payable will be R 1 750 per person sharing – (eight payments of R 200 and a final payment of R 150) .
3. The single supplement is  R 2 000 per person  which can likewise be spread over (Eight payments of R 220 and one final payment of R 240)

1. 4.    ALL PAYMENT S MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 31 AUGUST 2012.

Banking Details

ACCOUNT – Federated Caledonian Society of Southern Africa

Standard Bank of Southern Africa

Braamfontein Branch

Bank Account Number 00 241 165 2

Branch Code  4805

Please fax deposit slip to: 011 465 1979 or email to fredb@telkomsa.net

Follow us on facebook: Congress link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/301317209894036/320089458016811/#!/SA.Federation