** Please help us plan future banquets by downoading and completing this survey. ** 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. CLAN DONNACHAIDH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM by Douglas Newton The second year of our scholarship program has proven to be an unprecedented success. At the Annual Meeting last April, the membership gave its unanimous approval for a second year of scholarship awards to foster and promote the study of the Scottish Arts among our young people. The program was expanded slightly to include not only the $500 in scholarships to be awarded at the New Hampshire Highland Games, but to add an another $100 scholarship to be rotated amongst the smaller Scottish festivals around our region. This year’s $100 scholarship was awarded at the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, held in Northampton, MA. Beverly Duncan, Massachusetts Representative and Tent Master for the event presented the scholarship to Madelynne "Maddie" Cable, 11, from Shelton, CT. Maddie competed in the Highland Dancing competition. Because of Clan Donnachaidh’s support, she is able to attend the Braemar Summer School of Highland Dancing in Connecticut. Our good start to the year continued at the New Hampshire Highland Games. Last year scholarships were given in the Highland Dance Competition. This year awards rotated to the Piping and Drumming Competitions. A $250 scholarship was awarded to Cameron McIntosh, 12, from Pittsburgh, PA as Junior Piper of the Games. Cameron is the son of James and Joyce McIntosh, attends the Jimmy McIntosh School of Piping and performs with the Balmoral Highlanders Pipe Band. Campbell Webster, Junior Drummer of the Games, was awarded the second $250 scholarship. Campbell is the son of Gordon and Leslie Webster and attends the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts. His drumming instructor is Bob Kells and Campbell performs with the New Hampshire Pipes and Drums. Our Branch President, Herb Dobbins, made the presentations at the closing ceremonies expressing to the audience the support of Clan Donnachaidh for the efforts of our young people. Much gratitude is extended to the membership of the Northeast Branch of Clan Donnachaidh for their enthusiastic encouragement to the young people studying Scottish Arts and particular thanks goes to the members who made a specific donation to the scholarship fund. If you would like to support this wonderful program, please note on your membership renewal form that there is a place to indicate your support. You may include your donation in your check sent with your membership renewal or you may send a check to the Branch Secretary. Thanks again for a successful games season.
Newsletters
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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