2010 Robertson-Donnachaidh Clan News

2010 Clan Donnachaidh Annual Banquet

34 members and friends of the Northeast Branch made their annual sojourn to the Wachusett Inn just off Route 2 in Westminster, Massachusetts. Although the group was considerably smaller than the record attendance last year, the camaraderie was no less spirited! After a year hiatus due to a packed schedule last year and back by popular demand, Guy Sheldon regaled us with his recitation of Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis.” Thanks, Guy! After all the participants in the procession were properly paid for their efforts with a wee (or not so wee in some cases) dram of single malt, the excellent haggis was placed on the banquet table and all partook of the usual excellent fare provided by the Inn.

After dinner, David Duncan performed with his usual aplomb in conducting the annual auction. Thanks Dave! There were a number of very exciting bidding wars. However, it is worth noting that no one over paid for any item as they were all, in the words of an oft seen television commercial “priceless.” By the end of the sale over $500 was raised. Thanks to all who donated the wonderful items again this year in support of the treasury.

Following the lively auction, the Dram Boys entertained the audience with many old Scottish favorites. Sitting in the back of the room one could not help but notice the toe tapping, head nodding and knee slapping of our clan members as they obviously enjoyed the evening’s musical presentation.

Many of the regular attendees at the event were either unable to attend due to illness or for some other reason absent. Beverly Duncan, who we first thought would not be in attendance because of an important trip to Scotland with her family, was at the last minute, able to attend. Unfortunately, due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland and the cancelled flights to Europe, Beverly was unable to travel as planned. Her disappointing situation became our good fortune. We were able to present her with a life-time membership certificate in recognition of her many years of service to the Branch and the added bonus was that her delicious rounds of shortbread were again popular items at the auction. Thanks Beverly.

We hope that our many old friends will return for next year. And to those of you have not ventured to the event yet, please consider giving it a try. You will have a grand time. Mark April 2, 2011 at the same time and location on your calendars now! Until we all meet again, PEACE and good health.

SCHOLARSHIP POISED FOR SECOND YEAR

As has been reported in previous issues of Donnachaidh Doings, the Clan Donnachaidh Northeast Branch scholarship program was established last year. A total of $500 was divided amongst seven highland dance competitors at the New Hampshire Highland Games held at Loon Mountain in September, 2009. The new idea was well received by the Games organizers with the hope that other clan organizations would follow our lead.

Feedback from our Branch membership about the scholarship program was extremely favorable. So positive, in fact, that during the recent membership renewal period two members (Dale Pinchbeck and Peter Smith) saw fit to support the effort by sending in an additional donation specifically for scholarships. Thank you all!

For the coming games season, the Council voted to support the piping competitors, again at Loon Mountain for another $500 in scholarship money. In addition, it was decided to award an additional $100 scholarship for piping to be awarded at another Scottish Festival event within our membership region. The specific event will be decided at a later date.

Because the response from the membership has been so positive, the council decided to add a line, both on the membership renewal form and the first time application which will allow people to donate. Any one wishing to support young people studying Scottish arts may do so by making an additional contribution when renewing or when joining. Thank you for all your support. We are extremely pleased with the results last year and with your help, have made support for continuing our heritage-one of our stated by-laws goals a priority. For the 2011 games season, drummers are slated for scholarship support.

Links

Donnachaidh International - To disseminate current news to the branches and members. Created by Cheryl and Bill Robertson

Eyes Of Garnet - A great novel by our Clan member, Mary Duncan.

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2010 Clan Donnachaidh Annual Banquet 34 members and friends of the Northeast Branch made their annual sojourn to the Wachusett Inn just off Route 2 in Westminster, Massachusetts. Although the group was considerably smaller than the record attendance last year, the camaraderie was no less spirited! After a year hiatus due to a packed schedule last year and back by popular demand, Guy Sheldon regaled us with his recitation of Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis.” Thanks, Guy! After all the participants in the procession were properly paid for their efforts with a wee (or not so wee in some cases) dram of single malt, the excellent haggis was placed on the banquet table and all partook of the usual excellent fare provided by the Inn. After dinner, David Duncan performed with his usual aplomb in conducting the annual auction. Thanks Dave! There were a number of very exciting bidding wars. However, it is worth noting that no one over paid for any item as they were all, in the words of an oft seen television commercial “priceless.” By the end of the sale over $500 was raised. Thanks to all who donated the wonderful items again this year in support of the treasury. Following the lively auction, the Dram Boys entertained the audience with many old Scottish favorites. Sitting in the back of the room one could not help but notice the toe tapping, head nodding and knee slapping of our clan members as they obviously enjoyed the evening’s musical presentation. Many of the regular attendees at the event were either unable to attend due to illness or for some other reason absent. Beverly Duncan, who we first thought would not be in attendance because of an important trip to Scotland with her family, was at the last minute, able to attend. Unfortunately, due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland and the cancelled flights to Europe, Beverly was unable to travel as planned. Her disappointing situation became our good fortune. We were able to present her with a life-time membership certificate in recognition of her many years of service to the Branch and the added bonus was that her delicious rounds of shortbread were again popular items at the auction. Thanks Beverly. We hope that our many old friends will return for next year. And to those of you have not ventured to the event yet, please consider giving it a try. You will have a grand time. Mark April 2, 2011 at the same time and location on your calendars now! Until we all meet again, PEACE and good health. SCHOLARSHIP POISED FOR SECOND YEAR As has been reported in previous issues of Donnachaidh Doings, the Clan Donnachaidh Northeast Branch scholarship program was established last year. A total of $500 was divided amongst seven highland dance competitors at the New Hampshire Highland Games held at Loon Mountain in September, 2009. The new idea was well received by the Games organizers with the hope that other clan organizations would follow our lead. Feedback from our Branch membership about the scholarship program was extremely favorable. So positive, in fact, that during the recent membership renewal period two members (Dale Pinchbeck and Peter Smith) saw fit to support the effort by sending in an additional donation specifically for scholarships. Thank you all! For the coming games season, the Council voted to support the piping competitors, again at Loon Mountain for another $500 in scholarship money. In addition, it was decided to award an additional $100 scholarship for piping to be awarded at another Scottish Festival event within our membership region. The specific event will be decided at a later date. Because the response from the membership has been so positive, the council decided to add a line, both on the membership renewal form and the first time application which will allow people to donate. Any one wishing to support young people studying Scottish arts may do so by making an additional contribution when renewing or when joining. Thank you for all your support. We are extremely pleased with the results last year and with your help, have made support for continuing our heritage-one of our stated by-laws goals a priority. For the 2011 games season, drummers are slated for scholarship support. Links Donnachaidh International - To disseminate current news to the branches and members. Created by Cheryl and Bill Robertson Eyes Of Garnet - A great novel by our Clan member, Mary Duncan. HOME