FROM THE CHIEF’S DESK FEBRUARY 2012

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. We will miss you.

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.

Aye

 Dave and Sandy Brown

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.

Next up on the Calendar is our VALENTINES DANCE 18^TH FEB. Usual Venue Time 6.30 for 7PM. Be part of it and dress up in red / pink and white. As usual we will serve a light meal, tea and cake. Bookings as per usual. Please contact tommy@tommystoys.co.za, sms 084 517 5454. Fax offline at the moment as this is being upgraded and we are at the mercy of Telkom. R50.00 Adults : R20.00 Children 12yrs and under

Herbert Park will be having a Fun Valentines Bowls day on the 12^th of Feb. R40.00 per person. Includes Braai Pack and Salads. Dress Red and White if you find yourself at a loose end why not join in the fun, Loan bowls for those who haven’t got. “Support the Club it is our Home”

The Dancing season starts on Saturday, 25 February 2012.Time10:00 until 17:00…

Where: Freeway Park Primary School, Elsenburg Road, Boksburg, South Africa

HIGHLAND DANCING INFORMATION

* Start time: 10h00 sharp

* Beginners, Novice, Intermediate and Premier Highland and National events

* Championship sections (under 16 years and 16 years and over)

* CLOSING DATE FOR DANCING ENTRIES: 19 FEBRUARY 2012

For more information on the Highland Dancing events please contact the convenor Reval Saaym an E-mail: elnas@execmail.co.za

Please note this is the qualifying competition for the Inter-Provincial competition. Championship dancers may dance in both Championships and Premier. Trophies will be awarded as usual for championships.

The championship and premier dancers will be chosen from the premier section for inter-provs.

“Oor wee Champion” Starts her 2012 Charity drive at this festival. Last year she raised R10000.00 for the children of St Marys Home, Can we top this? Of course we can. Let’s get behind Skylahs Charity Challenge and Sponsor or donate to this amazing Girl.

Contact Linda linda.guest@hotmail.com or W 011 680 2390 to find out how to contribute or Facebook link http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Skylahs-Charity-Challenge-2012/192982364064315

“Let’s show them the only mean in a “Scot”, is that we mean to show our support”  

Following that we go into St Patricks Night which this year is on our function date 17^th March so let’s see all those little Leprechauns, and we still have lots of time to come up with smart outfits, a little stitch here and a little stitch there and we are A for away.

All for this month

Slainte

Tommy Soutar (Chief)

Don’t forget the “Early Bird special for “Congress 2012” ends at the end of February So an Ideal gift for Valentine’s Day would be a Ticket to Congress. 12^th – 14^th October: Cedar Park Hotel. Woodmead Sandton.

A Day at the Races “Intercontinental Day” and “Presidents Cup” Fun for the whole Family 28^th April 9am till 5.30pm Come along and support your Societies and the Charity Day.

Website and Facebook links 

Federation website www.scotlandsa.co.za

Chief Tommy Soutar http://www.facebook.com/tommy.soutar?ref=tn_tnmn

St Andrews 

http://www.facebook.com/tommy.soutar?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/St-Andrews-Scottish-Society-Johannesburg/111579715577118

St Andrews History http://www.facebook.com/tommy.soutar?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/St-Andrews-Scottish-Society-Scottish-History/127713897340454

Federated Caledonian Society

http://www.facebook.com/tommy.soutar?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Federated-Caledonian-Society-of-South-Africa/239226126092527

Federated Caledonian Society Congress 2012

http://www.facebook.com/tommy.soutar?ref=tn_tnmn#!/SA.Federation

Randfontein Caledonian Society

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Randfontein-Caledonain-Society/269079473133421

Eastern Johannesburg Caledonial Society

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/305238306164262/

East London Caledonian Society

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/ELCalSoc/

Cape Town Caledonian Society

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cape-Town-Caledonian-Society/207973342602092

Bloemfontein Caledonian Society

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bloemfontein-Caledonian-Society/165244253567598

Goldfields Caledonian Society

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100003046275724

Pipe Band Association of South Africa

http://www.facebook.com/#!/PBASouthAfrica

If your Society has a facebook page that is not above please let us know.

Dear Callies,

Welcome back to all the Happy Travellers, hope that your Christmas and New Year were as good as ours spent with family and friends. May 2012 be a good year for all especially health wise.

Previous Function

St Andrew’s in November was a great success and sincere thanks to Ronni Bruce for her talk on their trip to Israel much enjoyed!

For those who attended Hogmanay at the Browns a good braai was had and thanks to neighbours we had our own firework display.

Next Function

Date:…………………………………. Sunday 5^th Feb.

Menu…………………………………. Cold Buffet

Time………………………………….. 12 for 12.30

Venue………………………………… Tennis Club

RSVP………………………………… 1^st Feb to Mary 0538614980

Cost………………………………….. R50 members

Bring own drinks or make use of the cash bar

The committee decided it would be nice to just have a social get together and catch up on all the news!

Next Function

We are planning a St Patrick’s celebration on or near the 17^th March, date to be decided.

Birthday:

Mike Emery…………………………………………… 24/1/12

Pat Crossley……………………………………………. 6/2/12

Round & About

1. Karl recently had a spell of ill health, hopefully recovered by now.
2. Joy Barrie back from her visiting to the UK. other than a fall on the ice which has left her hobbling around, she had a good time.
3. John & I are very heartsore as Andrea and grandson Rory have gone back to the UK.
4. Elizabeth McKerrow passed matric and is off to Aur Pair in Holland. Makes one feel old as she was one of the last of our Caledonian babies. Now grown up!
5. Pat Crossley has had family visiting who are moving to the States.

Joke of the Day

Seems an elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years.

He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, “Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased you can hear again.”

To which the gentleman said, “Oh, I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I’ve changed my will five times

Yours Aye,

Mary

Dear Members
I hope that you all had a Blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.  It is hoped  that  you  are  all  looking  forward  to  doing  something  exciting  or different in 2012, and that the New Year’s resolutions that were made, will be kept. The huge blight on our festivities was the awful death toll on our roads, despite all the extra precautions taken by our traffic authorities. I think it is high time that we all realize the huge responsibility we have when we get behind the wheel of a car. We, in our own small way can make a difference by ensuring that we do not drink and drive, or drive unroadworthy vehicles or exceed the various speed limits. If only that could be a major resolution of all South Africans this year!

NEWS FROM SCOTLAND

The following articles are taken from The Herald on Monday 9th January:
Drink-driver numbers rise in crackdown
The number of people reported for drink-driving during an annual police crackdown has risen by 12% in a year. A total of 478 people were reported for getting behind the wheel while over the limit during the four-week festive campaign, up from 426 the previous year. There were36 reports for drug- driving, up from 25 last year. As well as receiving a criminal record, a substantial fine and an automatic twelve-month ban, some of the drivers may also have their vehicle taken away for good. A 46-year old woman with her daughter in the car was arrested on New Year’s Day in Portree, Skye, when she refused to be tested. She now faces losing her Landrover Freelander. Police in Edinburgh found a man hiding in a loft after he was spotted driving a Ford Transit without a seatbelt. He drove off and ran into a house, where he was pulled from the loft and jailed for drink-driving. He had a pending case for a similar offence and now faces losing his van.

Well, they also have a problem, but it does not seem as bad as ours. Notice the stiff penalties for drink-driving, though.

Charging hubs plan for city car parks
Hundreds  of  company  car  parks  in  Scotland’s  biggest  cities  could  be converted into electric vehicle charging “hubs” in order to accelerate uptake of the new technology and provide extra residential parking space. Scottish Power, one of the firms spearheading development of electric vehicles north of the Border, believes there is a huge potential for residents to charge their cars in spaces that lie deserted overnight. It is planning to develop the concept over the next decade in collaboration with councils and employers. The Scottish Government has so far announced £8.5 million funding for electric  vehicles  to  subsidise  the  higher purchase  cost,  and  pay  for  a network of public charging points. Scottish Power’s plans were welcomed by environmental charity ‘WWF Scotland’, which has previously claimed that 290,000 electric vehicles will be needed on Scotland’s roads by 2020 to meet the Scottish Government’s climate change targets.

We have a long way to go!

Scots left reeling after gales batter country
Published on 4th January.
Scots once again faced hurricane-force winds as 100 mph gales battered the country yesterday, causing widespread damage and disruption. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue received 572 calls between midnight and 1 p.m. and attended a total of 488 incidents. Five people were injured as high winds overturned caravans at a site in Dunoon shortly after 8am, and 15 people had to be rescued from a boat that was blown away while being repaired in an Inverclyde shipyard. In Glasgow, the roof of a block of flats was ripped from the building and strewn across Broadholm Street in the Possilpark area. In Crookston, the wind tore off the gable end of a home, while in Partick, a house’s chimney blew off, onto a parked car. Elsewhere, falling masonry proved to be hazardous in Edinburgh, with Great Junction Street in Leith closed due damage to the old Co-op building.

Motorists were faced with fallen trees in Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, while flooding closed routes in Dunbartonshire. The Scottish Borders was also badly hit, with 70 trees reported to have fallen on roads throughout the area. Glasgow Housing Association said that it received more than 1000 calls between midnight and 5pm. Murray Park, the training ground of Rangers FC at Milngavie, also suffered damage to its roof causing rain-water to leak onto one of the indoor pitches. Well, we thought that our South-Easter has been blowing strongly!
TIME FOR A LAUGH
How do you get a Highlander onto the roof?
Tell him that the drinks are on the house.

“I’ve  kissed  every  woman  in  this  tenement  block  except  one,”  said  an amorous Glaswegian to his friend, just as one of the male residents of the block was passing. The
man immediately turned back, went upstairs and reported this to his wife. “I wonder who the woman is that this rascal hasn’t kissed?” he said. “Oh,” said his wife, I suppose it’ll be that stuck-up Mary Mackintosh on the third floor.”

Two men were sitting drinking side by side at a bar in Glasgow. After Jack the barman had served them several whiskies, one suddenly turned to the other and said, “Where are you from?” “From the Isle of Mull,” replied the other. “Is that so? So am I. This deserves a drink.” And he ordered two large ones. “Whereabouts on Mull?” “From Tobermory.” “Tobermory? Me too.” “Well, that calls for a dram’” And the other ordered two large ones. “What street did you live on?” “Harbour Street.” “This is amazing. I grew up on Harbour Street.” “Fancy, after all that, us meeting like this in the middle of Glasgow.” One of the regulars wandered into the pub. “How are things, Jack?” he asked the barman. “Och, the same as usual. The wife’s giving trouble, the landlord’s mean as ever. Oh, and the Maclean twins are plastered again.”

The jokes were all taken from Scottish Jokes: edited by Chris Findlater, Lomond,1998

MEMBERS’ NEWS
1. We wish Peter McLeod all the best as he recovers from his recent knee operation, and hope that he will soon be walking as well as he was at the age of twenty!
2. We welcome the following new members who have recently joined our Society, and are pleased to have them as members: Phillip and Patricia Marwick, Alison Skirving and her father, Andrew Robert. We look forward to meeting you at our next function.
3. Congratulations  to  Jacinta  Munro  and  Gloria  McWalter,  who  will both, respectively, be celebrating big “0” birthdays. Knowing that ladies do not like others to know their age, I have refrained from saying how old each one will be on their respective birthdays.
4. Great news of  Peter  and  Nicky Ross’s  sons  Alistair  and  Craig. Alistair applied for a 6 month inter-office transfer to Ireland with his employer Grant Thornton (an audit company). He left South Africa on 1st  January 2012 and is now based in their Dublin office. The family ancestry is mostly Scottish but while he’s in Dublin he’s quite keen to do some research on the family’s Irish ancestry. Go for it Alistair! Craig recently went on holiday to Namibia with his girlfriend, Carla Swemmer, and they returned to Cape Town engaged to be married. We’ve been told by the proud parents that she’s a lovely girl. Both Craig and Carla work in Ogilvy’s advertising agency in Cape Town. Plans are currently being made for a May wedding.

FOR SALE – KILTS AND SCOTS REGALIA
1) 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.
2) In the East London Caledonian Society newsletter they are advertising the following:   HeatherDunn has the following for sale:
a) 7 kilts, all made in Scotland of pure new wool. Most with matching shirts and jerseys and some matching scarves.
b) Three size 10 kilts: Maroon and navy plaid- with matching scarf and shirts.
c) One cream and blue kilt- with matching shirts.
d) One Douglas tartan with matching shirts and jerseys- navy, red and yellow.
e) Four size12 kilts:
f)  A longer length Lady Di tartan- navy and dark green, with matching jersey and scarf and
optional frilly white blouse.
g) McDonald tartan kilt- navy and red.
h) Tartan – sky-blue with a brownish checks and thin yellow and cream
stripes, with optional matching sky blue jersey.

i)  Plaid- Green and pale blue, with white thin stripe and optional white jersey.
j)  2 McDonald kilt pins.
Please contact Heather Dunn – 08331428 or 041-5813584.

BIRTHDAYS
We hope that those who have already celebrated their birthdays, had an enjoyable time, and we wish the others, many happy returns on their special day.

Jan.                                                                   Feb.
1st    Beth Odendaal                                           10th Will Carter
5th    Vidius Archer                                             12th Tony Reis
8th     Audrey Smith                                            16th Gloria McWalter
14th Narina Gilder                                               21st Chelsea MacMillan
22nd Alfred Husband                                          21st Danie Steyn
23rd Jacinta Munro

THE CAPE TOWN CALEDONIAN SOCIETY RECIPE BOOK
The members of the sub-committee tasked with putting this together wish to thank all members who contributed their recipes and managed to acquire some sponsorships and/or advertisements.

The recipe books will be sold at R50 each, and will make ideal gifts. They are still in the production process, and we will inform you as soon as they are ready to go on sale. We would like to get an idea of how many booklets to make, and ask you, kindly, to phone Colleen at 0795348389 or 021 7623253 or our Secretary, Jacinta (See above for her telephone numbers) within a week of receiving this newsletter, to place your orders.

PAST EVENTS
CHIEF’S AT HOME
This was a great occasion where we had lunch at the Mossop Hall. The afternoon was relaxed, giving us a chance to chat to each other. Thank you, Stuart and Jacinta for all the hard work you put into organizing and preparing the good food which we all enjoyed. Thank you, too, Myra for the lovely chocolate cakes you made for dessert.

St   ANDREW’S   NICHT   AND   THE   CELEBRATION   OF   OUR   130th
ANNIVERSARY
The food and venue were stunning, and the whole occasion was a fitting tribute to our Society’s 130 years. The evening was so enjoyable that no one wanted to leave, and I believe that there was more dancing and partying, way after the function had ended. Stuart and Jacinta did a great job in organizing and running the function, and our heartfelt thanks must go to each of them. Thank you, too, to all the other members who assisted in the smooth running of the evening. It was good to see some of our newer members involved.

FUTURE EVENTS
BURNS’ NICHT Function will be held on Saturday 28th  January 2012, at South African Legion, Rosedale Service Centre, Lower Nursery Road, Rosebank, at 19:00 for 19:30. This special occasion, at which we celebrate the Bard’s birth, will have all the usual tributes, as well as good food and most importantly, Haggis will also be served. An economical, cash bar will be available for liquid refreshments. Tickets cost R110 for paid-up members and R130 for non-members.  We urge you to invite your friends, and to book through Stuart or Jacinta as soon as possible. Seating is again limited, so it will be a case of first come first served as far as booking goes. The final date for booking, however, will be Wednesday 25th January.

Here are directions to Rosedale: From: Liesbeeck Parkway (sometimes called Campground Road), Rosebank – turn into Alma Road (at traffic lights) towards the mountain – drive to the T junction at the end of Alma Road (the railway line will be immediately in front of you). Turn left into Lower Nursery Road (alongside the railway line and past Rosebank Railway Station). You will soon see ‘Cul de Sac’ road signs – drive into the Cul de Sac (still alongside the railway line). Soon afterwards, on the left, you will see a tall building (the S A Legion Rosedale Centre) turn left into the driveway through the boom into the secure parking area on the left. Walk to the main entrance of the building and you will be directed to the function venue. See satellite picture below – the curved dual carriage way is Liesbeeck Parkway – the crossroad near the top is Alma Road – Rosebank Railway Station is shown and the yellow marker is Rosedale.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Here’s wishing you all a really great 2012 with much fun and laughter as well as much love and support when things don’t go quite the way you would like them to. I must say that 2011 ended with a big ‘bang’ with the celebration on 3rd December of St Andrews Nicht combined with the 130th  Anniversary of the Society. There was certainly much fun and laughter as well as much love and support for Jacinta and myself when things didn’t go the way we had planned – both before and during the function. Our grateful thanks to everyone that came to enjoy themselves – and did!
Here are some pictures of this memorable occasion:

 A montage of pictures from the past to remember those who have gone before us over the latter part of the 130 years since the Society was founded.

 Stuart and Jacinta Munro presenting one of their gifts to the Society – a brief history of the Society and listing the names of Past Chiefs, Lady Presidents, Provincial Chieftains and Federation Chiefs that were Members of the Society from 1881 to 2011.

Left:  Some of  the  nearly 100  guests being  addressed by  the  Master  of  Ceremonies, Danie Steyn.
Right: Highland Dancing before the sun goes down – the venue “Villa on the Beach” was overlooking Table Bay at Sunset Beach and the fun carried on until midnight.

Left: The sun sets over the sea and Past Chief Stuart Rennie was admiring the sight of Table Mountain and the lights of Cape Town in the gathering dusk. Right: And the Pipe Band plays on.

Far Left: The Society’s 130th  Anniversary cake – chocolate of course! Left: Brogan Reis, the youngest Member of the Society cuts the cake with the Chief and Lady President, Stuart and Jacinta Munro, and Right: Declares it was all worth the wait!

And we ate and we danced and we ate and we played and we ate and we danced ‘till late into the night

Of course it wasn’t just the 130th  Anniversary we were celebrating, it was St Andrew’s Nicht as well, the first function to be held by the Society in 1881. We were entertained by Leonard McLeod’s “Toast to St Andrew” as well as Jacinta’s “Toast to Scotland” when she presented the Society with a bottle of scotch specially named, “The Famous Cape Town Caledonian Society” (instead of “The Famous Grouse”) and invited anyone to join her in “a wee dram”. The bottle was empty in double quick time!!!

The next day Jacinta and I enjoyed Christmas lunch with the Pinelands Caledonian Society then went on the St Luke’s Hospice in Kenilworth to support the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band and witness the very special event of the “Lighting of the Tree”. It’s a most moving public ceremony and it gives you the opportunity for personal introspection and a time to remember all those friends and family that have gone before us. The Band had been invited to play during the ceremony and they added a very special pull to the heart strings and a different ambience to the evening.

Left: The Band plays all-time favourite tunes for those who have come to remember. Middle: Emotions let loose when we look up as the lights go on. Right: Singing Carols as it grows dark allowing the brilliantly lit tree to illuminate all around us.

On Christmas Day, Jacinta and I have our own little tradition and that is to only give small presents and forgo an expensive dinner and celebration and rather spend that money on giving to children. I conducted a Christmas Service at a church in Llandudno in the morning and then we went home and I changed into Father Christmas! Magic! Over the year we gather soft toys, some toiletries and sweeties to make up goodie bags. We rely on donations from whoever feels like they would like to give. A group of ladies actually  knit  teddy  bears  for  us  –  each  has a  name  and  its  own  birth certificate! This year we visited Victoria Hospital Children’s Ward, and two homes looking after abandoned and abused babies and children, some who have HIV or AIDS. Throughout Christmas Day we were able to share some gifts with over 100 children aged between 1 and 10 years old. It was hot and tiring but oh so worth it when you see the smiles.

If anyone would like to donate cash or kind during the year we would be grateful – maybe this year we could give the children Christmas in July as well.

Until the next time, “May you have lots of happiness and lots of luck too. May your blessings be many, and your troubles few”.  Stuart

AULD LANG SYNE
The following article appeared on IOL on January 1st 2012:

The common assumption is that Scottish poet Robert Burns composed the ballad. The truth seems less straightforward. The first recorded reference comes from Burns, who in 1788 wrote to a female friend. Commenting on the theme of old friendship, Burns mentions in his letter, the old Scot’s phrase, “Auld Lang Syne,” which translates as “old time’s sake.” Then he tells his friend: “There is an old song and tune which has often thrilled thro’ my soul.”

Right there, the seeds of the world’s favourite, nostalgic song appear to have been planted. However, another half decade passed before Burns set the words on paper and sent them to a publisher – and even then, it seems, almost as an afterthought. A celebrated poet, Burns was dedicating what would be his last decade, before dying at 37, to the collection of traditional Scottish folk songs. Dozens of songs are discussed in a long 1793 letter to the publisher George Thompson.

Then Burns mentions: “One song more and I have done – auld lang syne.” Claiming he” took it down from an old man’s singing”, Burns says the song has “never been in print, nor even in manuscript.” He then presents the whole thing,  starting  with  the  famous  lines,  “Should  auld  acquaintance be forgot/And never brought to mind?” and continuing for a total of six verses, most of which tend to be left out by modern revelers.

“My sense is that Burns rewrote most of it, because it really does have that ring of Burns’ poetry,” Nelson told AFP. Thompson, himself, thought that there was: ”evidence of our Bard himself being the author.” The tune took its own tortuous path. The words were first set to entirely different music, while the tune known today as “Auld Lang Syne,” was originally matched to other lyrics, such as the uncatchy sounding ditty “O Can Ye Labor Lea Young Man.”

In 1799, when Burns was already dead, words and music were combined in their final form.

NEWS FROM KINDRED SOCIETIES
1. Pinelands  Caledonian  Society  will  be  having  their  Burns’  Nicht Function on Saturday 21st January at the Catholic Church Hall, 19:00 for 19:30. Cost R120:00, and to book, ‘phone Jean Girvan at 021 5574474 or 0727695536. They will also be having a Video Evening where they will be showing the Edinburgh Tattoo at the Catholic Church  hall  on Saturday  25th February  at  19:00  for  19:30.  Cost R65:00, and to book ‘phone Anne at 021 5540302.
2. Congratulations to the Welsh who celebrate their 130th  Anniversary this year.
3. Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band Functions:
January 28th – Burns’ Nicht – Cape Town Caledonian Society
February  5th – Opera in a Convent Garden, Wynberg, and Border Patrol Moths Parade in Bergvliet
April 7th – E.C. Highland Gathering
May 5th –South Coast Highland Gathering
June – Pretoria Boys’ Highland Gathering
July 23rd – Durban Tattoo
July 29th – Benoni Highland Gathering

Be aye the thing ye would be ca’d.
Yours Aye,
Your Scribe

JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER

Dear Fellow Caledonians

Welcome to a bright NEW YEAR! May you enjoy good health, happy days and many pleasant surprises throughout 2012.  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.  Burn’s Supper is upon us and this will also be the official visit of the Chieftain and Lady President of the Cape Province, our very own Elliot and Cynthia Murray.  Please book as soon as possible for Saturday 21^st January 2012 at 7 pm.  We will meet in the Oakroom, Parklands 74 Jarvis Road, Berea for a delicious meal and fine entertainment.  Tickets are R80.00 per person (children under 10 R40.00).  Phone Sandra (043 726 1500) before Wednesday 18^th January.  Remember to bring your own drinks and glasses!

Stirling Presbyterian Church has invited the Caledonians to attend early morning worship on Sunday 22^nd January at 7.30 am.  A piper or two will be in attendance and the Provincial Chieftain will receive a special blessing in his home church.  Your support would be much appreciated.   A Valentine’s Tea is scheduled for Saturday 18^th February at 10.00 am.  St Andrew’s Club has been a popular venue in the past and we will confirm this in the next newsletter.  In the meantime, please make up your tables by inviting your friends to join you at R30.00 a head.  Tea and entertainment will be provided plus lucky draws and lots of fun.  Profits will go to the Eastern Cape Highland Gathering to be held in East London on the 7^th April this year.  Sandra looks forward to receiving your bookings.  Phone 043 726 1500.

NEWS OF MEMBERS A number of members have enjoyed travelling both near and far during the festive season and reports are that the MacDonell kids have built their first snowman whilst visiting in Scotland with parents Andrew and Claude!  During their visit to Cape Town, Elliot and Cynthia Murray were able to perform their duties as Provincial Officials, attend Elliot’s ‘varsity reunion and spend some quality time with their family.

PIPE BAND will meet for practise on Monday 16^th January after a short recess.  They will be in attendance at Burn’s Supper, the service at Stirling Presbyterian and at the Cathcart Country Expo on Saturday 11 February.  In addition they will play for the Valentine’s Tea on 18^th February and Music in the Park on 18^th March.  All this whilst preparing to compete at the Highland Gathering in April.  Practice takes place each Monday evening at the Drill Hall at 7.30 pm – learners at 6.30 pm. Contact Rob – 082 8978 571.

S.C.D.C will resume on the first Tuesday of February at 7.20 pm at Hamilton Club.  In preparation, John and Evelyn Stoddard will be showing a video of Scottish Country Dances at their home, 6 Ivy Place, Vincent Heights, on Tuesday 31^st January at 7.30 pm.  Please bring your dancing shoes!  Contact Merylees (043 721 0375)

LADIES GROUP John and Lorna Thompson again hosted our end-of-year luncheon at their beautiful home in a manner fit for Royalty.  Their continued love and support and friendship is very special and greatly appreciated.  The next meeting will take place at the home of Sandra Rankin, 102 Parklands, Jarvis Road, Berea at 9.30 am on Tuesday 7^th February. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Rose on 043 726 3114.

EASTERN CAPE HIGHLAND GATHERING 2012 The Band Prospectus is out and preparations are gaining momentum as the 7^th April rushes toward us.  Fundraising is ongoing and there is much work to be done.  The next meeting is on Thursday 19^th January at 7 pm at the home of Dave and Maureen Rankin, 9 Nelson Avenue, Cambridge.  You are welcome to attend.  If you would like to offer your help in any way, please phone Dave 043 726 3074 or 082 9000 948.

HIGHLAND AND IRISH DANCERS Emily Frauenstein delighted the audience with her dancing at Hogmanay.  In February dancers will travel to Cathcart to dance at their County Expo on Saturday 11th February.   Contact Roxanne (082 455 8661).

Congress 2012 will be held at the Cedar Park Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg from Friday 12^th to Sunday 14^th October.  A discount is offered for payments received by 29^th February.  Booking forms are available from our secretary, Maureen (043 726 3074).  Full package R1750 sharing.

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.

BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY              6 Marrian Mathieson                       6 Dee Rich

09 Myrtle Fleming                           28 Andrew MacDonell

FEBRUARY           10 Derek Farmer                            12 John Fyfe

20 Kim Mathieson                          29 Maureen Illingworth

COMMITTEE

The next meeting will be on Thursday 9^th February 2012 at 7.30 pm at the home of Dave Rankin, 9 Nelson Avenue, Cambridge.

Yours aye

Sandra Rankin (Chief)

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Consort                          Bruce Strang                  041 373 6311

Hon Secretary                Frances Dickson            041 360 8263

Hon Treasurer               Frances Dickson            041 360 8263

Newsletter February 2012

Dear Members

‘Cynthia & I have thoroughly enjoyed our “Official” visit to PE. Were impressed with the venue and the standard of entertainment’. These were the words written in our Shire Book by Provincial Chieftain, Dr Elliot Murray on his visit to our Society for Burns’ Nicht.

I would like to thank all the people who took the time to email, phone or send messages to say how much they had enjoyed the evening. Your feedback is so important to us.

The PE Women’s Club went out of their way to make our evening a success with a delicious meal, elegantly served.

On my part, I must give special thanks to various people, who, in my opinion, made the evening such a success.

Jim Carpy who so kindly agreed to be Master of Ceremonies, who with his skill as an MC and Scottish sense of humour kept the evening flowing nicely.

The Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Derek Soutter, who always look so smart and entertain us well.

Ray Gate, a very talented lady, who recited the humorous poem by Robert Burns ‘To a Louse’.

Dr Elliot & his wife Cynthia who did the ‘Toast to the Lassies’ and the ‘Response’, both done with tongue in cheek and a sense of humour.

Bob Thatcher who sang (as he has done for a few years now) The Star O’Robbie Burns and this evening led everyone (especially those not too familiar) with Auld Lang Syne.

My Husband & Consort, Bruce, for his Immortal Memory (with a difference). There have been requests for a copy of his poem, which was part of his Immortal Memory and this is attached at the end of this newsletter.

PESA Committee for organising and putting the whole function together.

Pipe Major Derek Soutter & Haggis Bearer Ivan Dickson. Piping in of the Haggis                                                      

Provincial Chieftain 2011/12 Dr Elliot Murray & Provincial Lady President Cynthia Murray

My apologies to the people who left booking to the last minute. I am sorry, but we cannot accept late bookings. The last date for bookings is given is newsletters and we cannot make exceptions, so please, in future, diarise the cut-off dates.

MEMBERS NEWS

Ill members                                                                                                                                                                          

Willie Mew had an eye operation on 14 February. He said that the operation went well and he has to go back again in two weeks for another check-up. At the moment he is seeing everything in double vision, but he can see more than he has been able to for a long time. When I spoke to him he told me that his wife, Elsie, had been in hospital last week with heart problems. Willie, our thoughts and prayers go with you and Elsie and hope that you both recover soon.

Agnes Bean. Agnes insists she is not ill, just a little bit incapacitated! She had a fall at the 6^th Avenue Shopping Centre and managed to break her humorous bone. Those of you who know Agnes will appreciate how frustrating this can be for someone who is always ‘on the go’. She is not letting this stop her doing what she wants to do and even came to the braai on Sunday with her normal delicious ‘pud’. Agnes we all hope you soon get your ‘complete’ mobility back.

To anyone not feeling too well, we hope you recover soon.

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to:

Jan van der Mey          9 February

Molly Trumpp             10 February

Agnes Bean                 6 March (Agnes will be celebrating 80 years. Congratulations!)

Cathy Stewart             16 March (not saying!!!)

To anyone else having a birthday in February & March ‘Happy Birthday’.

Please let me know when your birthday is (you don’t have to give me the year!!) and I can include you in our ‘Birthday’ list.

Ceilidh Dancers

Don’t forget the Ceilidh Dancing on the first and third Tuesdays, time 2.30, at Aldersgate. If you feel you need a bit of exercise in good company come along. I can vouch for it! Great fun also.

For more information please contact either Jill (041 368 5239) or Jannette (041 368 4520)

FUTURE FUNCTIONS

Monthly Braais :

                                    11 March (see below)

                                    April – no Braai due to Easter

                                    13 May

                                    10 June

8 July – Annual General Meeting followed by Braai

Should it be raining, obviously the braais will be cancelled.

11 March : Friendly Bowling Match with PESA and Victoria Park Bowling Club. The cost will be R20 for Green Fees and the odd R2’s for ‘fun fines’. This is not a Bowling Match purely for Bowlers, but a game for anyone who is interested in having a fun game followed by a bring and braai.

I am useless at Bowls – they never go where I want them to, but I am prepared to give it a go, so come along and join in. We will be meeting at 10.00am at the Victoria Park Bowling Club. I would appreciate it if you could let me know if you will be coming along, so that I can inform the Club. Apparently the Club have spare sets of Woods, so don’t be put off if you haven’t got any.

Please phone me if you are interested so I can liase with the VPBC (041 373 6311)

17 March : St Patrick’s Day Ceilidh at the Victoria Park Bowling Club – time 6.30 for 7.00pm. The supper will be fish & chips, salad, dessert, tea and coffee. Glenys Bannister, Harpist, will be there to entertain us with the Harp and Cello. The cost for the evening is R50 per person. Dress casual, and if possible, something green. For bookings please email bruce_sandra@telkomsa.net or phone 041 373 6311. Please note bookings close on Wednesday, 14 March.

7 April :  Eastern Cape Highland Gathering, East London. For more information please phone 041 373 6311 or email bruce_sandra@telkomsa.net.

21 April : Garden Party: Venue 9 Summerwood Village, Summerstrand. Cost R20 for tea and cake. Bookings please phone 041 373 6311.

5 May :  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 is a bring and share picnic evening with your team. The VPBC bar will be open for drinks, or you can bring your own and pay corkage. Booking essential. For more information please contact me on 041 373 6311.

2011 Edinburgh Tattoo – keep watching the newsletter

8 July : Annual General Meeting & Braai

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.

Please keep an eye out in your newsletters for details.

Regards

Sandra

This poem was written as part of The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns at a Burns’ Supper held at Port Elizabeth Women’s Club for the Port Elizabeth Scottish Association on Saturday, 28 January 2012.

In 2011, I visited St Michael’s Church, Dumfries, the Church where Robert Burns and Jean Armour worshipped and are buried. As I left the Church a mortally wounded bird fell at my feet and I used this incident for the opening lines of this poem.

The Dream after a meal of Haggis

by Bruce A Strang

Dove of Peace, Dove of Love,

Why did you fall from above?

Why this time? Why this hour?

Did you fall from St Michael’s Tower?

Here you lie at my feet

When Rob & Jean their friends did meet.

No more will you grace the sky

When over fields and towns you fly

That day and night you were in my head,

I ate some Haggis  then went to bed.

I tossed and turned, I could not sleep,

Remembered ‘Poor Malie’ so counted sheep.

Suddenly there were flames and crashes,

And all was still and you rose from the ashes,

No more suffering, no more pain,

Like the Phoenix you would fly again.

You took me on your maiden flight,

Oh! What  a wonderful and glorious sight.

Over the fields and towns we flew,

All over Scotia – what a wonderful view.

Up in the blue we did twists and turns

In the sky we wrote ‘Robert Burns’.

Wow! There goes Maggie at a canter

And on her back rides ‘Tam O’ Shanter’,

I see Meg has a brand new tail,

Tam probably bought it at a car boot sale.

I must say it looks a bit ‘wonky’,

Probably belonged to some old donkey.

There is a field mouse looking so forlorn,

No place to hide from the winter storm.

There stands Rob at his plough,

He lifts his hand and wipes his brow.

The work is hard, to plough is slow,

But he must plant for seeds to grow.

The seed is bad, the soil is poor,

Poverty will soon be knocking at his door.

Robert said in a fit of despair,

‘I’ll go to Jamaica, but I’ll need the fare.

I’ll leave my Scotland, so close to my heart,

Sell my poems and make a new start.’

‘Print my poems, this I beg,

Please let it not cost an arm and leg.’

The cover was plain and not embossed,

Only three shillings was all it cost,

Six hundred & twelve copies were quickly sold,

Or that was what I was told.

Now I hear that Rob’s gone all posh,

Since he sold his poems and made some dosh.

Across the sky we zoom,

Off to Edinburgh, I presume.

Now you hear his name on every street,

And in the homes of the elite.

Ladies swoon when they see his face,

And fall in love. What a disgrace!

And then there’s a Dandy,

Who says his love poems come in handy,

When wooing a lady

In lanes that are shady.

His fame has spread all over the land,

Even to the Women’s Club in Summerstrand!

I knew that my flight had ended,

When spiraling down to ground descended.

Then I felt a hand upon my head,

And heard a voice saying ‘get out of bed’.

Do you know the time? Do you know the hour?

You’ve only time to have a shower!

If we are late we will miss our flight,

I thought to myself ‘I’ve done that all night!

If you’ve eaten Haggis and cannot sleep,

It does not help counting sheep.

You won’t believe, it’s quite absurd,

I think Haggis is a type of bird.

To get a good night’s rest,

It has to be ‘Addressed’,

With Robert Burns’ Grace,

Starting with Great Chieftain of the Puddin’ Race!

FOUNDED 1882                  FEDERATED 1922

Chief Mike Jackson 031-701 5944; Scribe: Betty Cruise – 031 261 3271

P.O. Box 51164, Musgrave Road 4062; email: cruisedavide@hotmail.co.uk

FROM THE CHIEF, LADY PRESIDENT AND COMMITTEE

 ST ANDREWS DAY & CHRISTMAS LUNCH

This was as very enjoyable day although only 35 people attended.  The lunch was superb with beautifully prepared turkey, gammon and beef and a choice of scrumptious salads made by our committee members.  Our Pipe Band was in attendance with 7 players and they really did us proud along with our ever popular and willing singer, Ian Lamb.  Margaret Gardner gave the St. Andrews toast whilst Alistair gave the toast to Our Country.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

BURNS LUNCH:   -  Sunday 5^th February 2012 at 12.00 for 12.30

Don’t miss this important function on the Scottish Calendar.  The only time of the year when you get to eat Haggis at a Callies function…..  Once again it is imperative that you let Julia know that you will be coming by 27^th January, for catering purposes.  In the past we have also tried to estimate our numbers for example the St. Andrews/Christmas day lunch we based our numbers on the previous year and last year we catered for 50 people and only had a turnout of 35, of which only 27 were paying guests. As you can see by this we ended up losing money yet again.  When one considers the cost of the venue is R480 each time we use it, it will be seen that there is no way we can continue losing money each function and end up in a similar position as last year when we had to ask for donations from our members to keep us functioning.  The cost of the lunch will be R60 as usual.  Julia’s phone Number is 031-7015944

FUNCTIONS FOR THE YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:

QUIZ:

January quiz will be hosted by the BCHA

More quiz dates to follow

This year as usual we will be hosting the Provincial and Federation Chief’s visits. More information later in the year as the dates are confirmed

The South Coast Gathering will be held on the 27^th April at Amanzimtoti for all those who wish to go.

MEMBERS NEWS:

Keith Steyn has been admitted to Entabeni Hospital. Sheila Mackenzie, Vi Crowther and Pat Attree  are all on the sick list and we wish them all a speedy return to good health.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all those celebrating Birthdays

FEBRUARY

10^th Graham Dawber  & Kate de Beer   12^th Lyn Chasomeris  14^th George Chasomeris   22^nd Robert Stuart-Saunders   24^th Beverley Dickson

MARCH

1st  Pat Attree  7^th Joan Wilson  9^th Jayne Moir  19^th Elsbeth Gray  21^st Quentin Sinclair  25^th Cecil Ritson

APRIL

1^st Carol Allan  4^th Mihalis Chasomeris    24^th Victor Auld    25^th Nancy Dunsmore

Congratulations to those celebrating anniversaries

FEBRUARY

22nd Doreen & Robert Stuart-Saunders

MARCH

6th Greta & Victor Auld   

APRIL

9^TH Betty & David Cruise   29^th Norma & Mike Muir

BRITISH PASSPORTS

The BCHA are now issuing forms & using a courier service for people requiring British Passport applications or renewals.  They are situated in the Berea Bowling Club grounds in Brand Rd, Durban

FEBRUARY 2012  NEWSLETTER

Dear Members

Did you all suffer from that terrible heat (and very little wind) over the past three weeks??  I hope none of you got ill (other than Mary Douglas who got heat-stroke on the golf course and wasn’t well for six days).  Anyway, as I write this (11^th Feb) more normal summer weather seems to be back with us (although we still badly need some rain).

We look forward to our usual good turnout of members and friends at our annual DVD showing of the previous year’s Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2011 + plus of course fish & chips and a short 20 minute showing of Celtic Woman).

You may have noticed that there has been no Seniors Afternoon. This was an AGM decision last July to save the expense as our funds are getting less and less. Pity – but we have to be realistic!

FUTURE EVENTS:

PAYMENTS

Either (a) cheques payable “Pinelands Caledonian Society” and posted to Anne Stevenson, 2 Peach Tree Cres, Sunningdale 7441

or (b) direct & internet banking to: Pinelands Caledonian Society; ABSA N1 City Goodwood; Branch Code 420410; Account 0712761849 (add your surname/function as reference).

or (c) cheque payable “Pinelands Caledonian Society” and handed in at the door on arrival at a function (please – no cash)

EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO VIDEO EVENING, SATURDAY 25^th FEBRUARY 2012.CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL – 7.00 FOR 7.30 P M. COST R65 (including fish & chips)  Dress Smart/Casual

Bring own drinks and glasses (we provide the fish & chips).

A very popular evening viewing the 1½ hour 2011 Tattoo DVD.  After fish & chips, we will show 25 min from another entertaining DVD (Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart).  We remind you that the DVD is easy to see and hear from all parts of the hall.  Bring your friends – I’m sure they enjoy the evening.  Raffle as usual + tea/coffee

BOOK WITH ANNE (021.554.0302)

SATURDAY MARCH 31^ST – AN IRISH EVENING AT CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL

7.00 FOR 7.30 P M

Full details and cost in March Newsletter.  We will have Irish Dancers, the young fiddler Connor, dancing by us, Irish Joke competition (we had this last time).  We must all wear something green.  Bring own drinks, glasses and snacks

 APRIL

We are possibly having a fun evening at a pub with a pub quiz, prizes and pub food.  A Friday or Saturday evening.  Details later.

PAST EVENTS:

Burns Supper – Saturday, 21^st January

Although numbers attending were, unfortunately, less than normal, the evening was very good.  Excellent meal (plenty of it) plus lovely haggis by Jean Girvan.  Speakers all good – Ken Hundermark on Immortal Memory – Gordon Wallace on Address to Haggis – and Rev David Gray and his wife Rosemary doing Toast to Lassies and Reply.  M C Aileen de Groot was excellent.

NEW MEMBERS:

None this month

NEWS OF MEMBERS:

We send our best wishes to Melvyn Deacon and ask all of you to remember Melvyn (and Joan) in your prayers.  Margaret Tonner had a mini-stroke in December, but is recovering well (she and Lawrie will be at the Tattoo Evening).  We also remember Fred McQuarrie and Tommy Cruikshanks and hope for better health for both of them.  Doug Lockett and Dolly Watson are not doing well these days.  Joe & Janie send their regards and say Happy New Year to all of us.

COUNTRY DANCING:

Still a bit too hot to “trip the light fantastic”

BIRTHDAYS

 February                                             March (up to 7^th)

12  Tony Reis                                      7  Jeanette Moulder

22  Anne Harris

23  Dolly Watson/Jacinta Munro

25  Norma Ferguson

GENERAL:

Special Appeal.  The C D we normally use for our favourite dance – Pinelands Promenade – has gone missing.  Does anyone have a C D that could be a substitute? – tunes are “I love to go a wandering along a mountain track” and “It’s a long way to Tipperary” and “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile” etc.  If you have, please phone Eddie Stevenson at 021.554.0302. We must find a C D that gives us the right “beat” for this very popular dance.

 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

 The “Greening” of the Environment”

At the local Supermarket, the young cashier suggested to the older lady customer that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The lady apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this “green thing” back in my earlier days”.The cashier responded, “That’s the problem for us nowadays. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations”.

She was right – our generation didn’t have the “green thing” in its day.  We didn’t need it!!

Back then, we returned milk bottles, lemonade bottles and beer bottles to the shop.  The shop sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over.  So they really were recycled.

We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

Back then, we washed the baby’s nappies because we didn’t have the throw-away kind.  We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days.  Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.  But that young lady is right.  We didn’t have the “green thing” back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV (or radio) in the house – not a TV in every room.  In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not styro foam plastic bubble wrap.  We didn’t start up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn – we used a push mower that ran on human power.  We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

We drank from a water fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.We replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

Back then, people took a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.  We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.  And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest fish & chips shop.  She was right – we didn’t have the “green thing”.

But isn’t it sad the current generation of “smart-ass” young persons laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the “green thing” back then?!!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

YOURS AYE

BRAVEHEART

Dear Members and Friends

Jacinta and I wish you all a very Happy New Year 2012 and hope that you’ve had a wonderful time during the Christmas season and over Hogmanay.

This is a little late in coming to you but, like a lot of folk at this time of year, we’ve been on leave and are trying to catch up. 

Our next major function is, of course, Burn’s Nicht. This special occasion will have all the usual tributes to the Bard as well as good food with, of course, Haggis! We don’t want it to be a dour evening but a celebration of a special life, after all we’re commemorating Robbie Burn’s birth not his death so it should be a birthday party. We’re going to do our best to make it just that but include everything that you’re used to during the evening.

Just like St Andrews Nicht when we celebrated the 130^th Anniversary of the Society, seating is limited so we urge you to book now to ensure you will be able to enjoy this celebration of Burns life. To give you an idea of the bookings for St Andrews Nicht, over three quarters of the available seating was booked up during the first week of advertising and, in the end, we were over-subscribed. So don’t delay, BOOK NOW for Burn’s Nicht!

The Date:           January 28^th 2012

Venue:                South African Legion ROSEDALE SERVICE CENTRE

                             Lower Nursery Road, ROSEBANK

                             (Details of how to get there will be in the Newsletter due out soon)

Time:                   7pm for 7.30pm

Tickets:              R110 for paid up Callies Members

                             R130 for non-Members

Bookings:                   Jacinta  or myself – contact details above

Sláinte

Stuart

PS: Don’t forget to check out our new website: www.capetowncaledoniansociety.org.za

(ctrl and left click to follow the link)

Let us know how you like it.

We still have some things to add in but it’s looking really great.

Happy New year to all our Members and Friends as can be seen from the pictures that we have managed to load on facebook we had a whale of a time, with Big Ben chiming the countdown then the “indoor fireworks”, the piper playing “Auld Lang Syne”, the popping of champagne corks and the balloons falling from the ceiling all at the same time. It truly was amazing, what a finish to a fantastic party. Pictures have been posted to facebook but we’re having a problem loading more than 4 at a time. Never mind we will get there. Great to see so many new people at the function, I’m sure they will all be back. Everything ran so smoothly thanks to Fred and Heather who stood in at the last minute as Helen was at hospital with Lorna who I’m happy to say has fully recovered and is at home again. Big Jimmy Weir  phoned from Scotland to wish us all the best for 2012, it really made the night. To Bernie and all the Staff at Herbert Park a big thank you.

Our Next Function Is “BURNS NICHT” on the 21^st of January 6.30 for 7pm. Again not an ordinary stuffy function. We are there to celebrate his Birthday and although we go through all the traditional aspects of the night we will still make time for dancing. Stuart Third will be our piper for the evening and “Oor Wee Champion” Skylah Guest will be doing a few dances for us. The rest of the Programme you will have to wait and see. We will serving a meal, plus shortbread, tea and cake. Of course No Burns Night would be complete without “The Great Highland Haggis” which will be suitably addressed.

Cost R65.00 Adults and R30.00 Children 12 or under.

The Following are provisional dates for your 2012 diary

Valentine Dance 18^th Feb                        6.30 for 7pm   Herbert Park

St Patricks Function  17^th March          6.30 for 7pm   Herbert Park

Easter Parade 21^st  April                           6.30 for 7pm   Herbert Park

Federation Welcome 19^th May                6.30 for 7pm   Herbert Park

Bowls Day 16^th June  (Saturday)                                 9am Herbert Park

and/or

Fund Raiser for Congress 25^th June                     T.B.A   Herbert Park

Christmas in July 21st July                   6.30pm for 7pm Herbert Park

A.G.M. 29^th  July                                                        2.30pm Herbert Park

Chiefs Night 18^th  August                     6.30pm for 7pm Herbert Park

September Spring Dance                     6.30pm for 7pm Herbert Park

Halloween Party 20^th  October         6.30pm for 7pm Herbert Park

St Andrews Night 17^th November     6.30pm for 7pm Herbert Park

Children’s Christmas Party 6^th December    2.30pm Herbert Park

Hogmanay Party 31^st December       7.30pm for 8pm Herbert Park 

All functions will be held in the Top Hall at Herbert Park.

Congress will be held at the Cedar Park Hotel Woodmead Sandton

12^th to 14^th October. All are Welcome Booking form Attached.  

Click  Booking Form Congress 2012  to download Booking Form

            The following Gatherings and Competitions have been announced by the PBASA  for 2012,

http://www.pbasa.co.za/     http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/PBASouthAfrica

• 2012
  • 25/02/2012 : Sandy Mallen (Solo Piping Competition)
  • 31/03/2012 : 100 Guineas (Solo Piping Competition)
  • 07/4/2012 : Eastern cape Highland Gathering,
  • 14/04/2012 : Lyttelton Manor (Regional)
  • 28/04/2012 : South Coast (Championship)
  • 12/05/2012 : Celtic Fest (Regional)
  • 26/05/2012 : De La Salle (Regional)
  • 16/06/2012 : Pretoria Boys (Championship)
  • 23/06/2012 : Natal Scottish Gathering
  • 30/06/2012 : Gathering to be advised
  • 14/07/2012 : St Benedict’s (Regional Final)
  • 28/07/2012 : Benoni (Championship Final and S A Champs)
  • 06/10/2012 : George Ackroyd (Solo Piping)
    

    That’s all we have time for this month.
    

  • Cheers
    

  • Tommy Soutar (Chief)