THE CALEDONIAN

ST ANDREWS SUPPER DANCE– KENSINGTON PARK RSL – 3rd December 2011

Chief’s Piper Hamy Marcelin piping in the official guests for the evening, led by Chief of Port Adelaide Caledonian Jenny Niven partnered by Bill Haine.

The Chief Christina Forbes Cockerill opening the evening and thanking the invited guests for their presence at St Andrews Supper Dance

Newly elected Chief of Mount Barker Peter Stewart and his wife Betty, followed by Chief of Strathalbyn Lindsay and Kate Gibson.

Andrew McTier and his good lady Sheila from the Robert Burns Society followed by Caitlin Fry (far right) and her guest Mel Inglis. Andrew

addressed the Haggis, and Caitlin spoke on St Andrew. PLEASE BE ADVISED – THERE HAS BEEN A RUMOUR CIRCULATING THAT THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

HAS CEASED TO OPERATE AND THAT THE RCS PIPE BAND HAS TAKEN OVER – THIS IS IN NOT TRUE – JUST A CASE OF SOMEONE WITH AN OVERACTIVE IMAGINATION.

HOWEVER I WILL SAY THE COUNCIL AND BAND ARE WORKING VERY WELL TOGETHER.

DECEMBER

2011

“The Caledonian” is the official journal of

The Royal Caledonian Society of SA Inc.

ABN 67103 096 385

Patron of the Society: His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR

Governor of S.A.

CHIEF’S CHATTER Greetings all. Another year is almost at an end. It has been a very mixed year for me. I have been busy representing the Society at Scottish engagements, and also had my trip overseas, but with the underlying sadness that Brian was not by my side. My sister Ailsa Jupe and I enjoyed our 12 day UK tour, a week in London and then our 16 day tour of Europe. However, the most important part of the trip for me was the visit to the Edinburgh Tattoo, to watch our magnificent Royal Caledonian Society Pipes and Drums in action.

The day before the Tattoo I managed to contact Ian Richardson to make arrangements to meet with him in Edinburgh and hand over some RCS lapel badges, so that the band boys could swap these with other bands. In the busy time of them going away, this job had been forgotten about. Then on the morning that we were to go to the Tattoo we toured Edinburgh Castle with our tour group. I had done so before, but you do forget over the years.

The night of our visit to the Edinburgh Tattoo was finally here,(August 19th) and whilst sitting in the stand waiting for the performance, Sheila McKenna came up into the stand and asked me to meet with Pipe Major Dan Meehan after the Tattoo had finished. It was most unexpected and Dan, Ian Richardson and I, got to go into the VIP lounge for drinks and nibbles after the show. It really made me feel a part of their great experience and after we all took a shuttle bus to Pollock Halls where the band was billeted and I met and talked to the rest of the girls and guys. I then got a taxi back to my hotel, feeling very special. I am so glad that I went, my one and only chance to go to the Tattoo as your Chief.

The band looked great. There were a lot of red tartan kilts this year, and whilst I sort of knew where to look, it took me a while to pick out the faces. I did not get any great shots, apart from one of Drum Major Kim Atwell, with Pipe Major Dan Meehan marching along behind.

I no sooner returned to Adelaide and it was time for the A.G.M. It was disappointing that so few attended. The agenda item to change the objects of the Society in the Constitution was passed and will assist the society financially and does not alter the day to day functions of the society.

The Clan Ceilidh on the 1st October was very disappointing that no clans attended and in fact had it not been for the attendance of a good sized group from Port Adelaide Caledonian the night would have been a complete disaster. The band had only just all arrived home and did not have their kilts ready for presentation, but they still put on an excellent show and the number there was most impressive. They also showed us some pictures from their trip to Edinburgh and the Tattoo.

On Friday 21st October I attended the Munno Para Caledonian Ceilidh and was accompanied by Chieftain Ann and Wally Wickham.

On Saturday 29th October PC Lennox Pawson, Robin Pawson and I attended the Port Adelaide Caledonian Society Holloween Night.

On Sunday 30th October I attended the MacDonald/McFarlane Luncheon at the Hotel Enfield. PC Lennox Pawson and Robin, Chieftain Ann & Wally Wickham, Rosemary McKay, Hamy & Pam Marcelin, Barbara Medhurst from the Society also attended.

On Saturday 5th November I attended the SASCHDI highland dancing reunion held at Scotch College Chapel. Many RCS members attended.

On Sunday 6th November Chieftain Ann Wickham and I attended the Port Adelaide Caledonian Society Highland Dancing competition, where I presented the Premier 13-15 years trophy to Angel Marston

On Saturday evening 12th November Chieftain Ann Wickham and I attended the Mount Barker Celtic Night. Chief Peter Stuart was installed as their Chief. Peter and his wife Betty made us most welcome.

On Sunday 13th November I attended St Augustine’s Church on Unley Road for the Kirkin’ O the Tartan. My grandson Cameron McDonald did the honours of carrying in the Society banner. Other members of the

society present were Chieftain Ann Wickham, Hamy & Pam Marcelin, John & Sue Freebairn and Barbara Medhurst. A light lunch was enjoyed after the service.

Munno Para Caledonian Society held their St Andrews supper on the 25th November and Chieftain Ann & Wally Wickham attended on my behalf.

Port Adelaide Caledonian held their St Andrews on the following evening the 26th November and Chieftain Ann Wickham and Rosemary McKay stood in for me at this function.

Chieftain Roselee Bruce spoke on behalf of the society at the traditional St Andrews Day Church Service on 27th November. Hamy Marcelin played his pipes and led the parade in. Rosemary McKay carried the Society Banner, Chieftain Ann Wickham carried in the flag of St Andrew.

Our St Andrew’s Supper Dance on the 3rd December was very well attended. Caitlin Fry from Mount Barker Caledonian provided a most entertaining talk on St Andrew. Andrew McTier from Robert Burns Society addressed the Haggis in fine style, and our band performed magnificently. Everyone said it was one of our best evenings.

The Royal Commonwealth Society held their Christmas Party at Wheaton House, Pulteney Grammar on Thursday 1st December. Chieftain Ann & Wally Wickham attended on my behalf. The Victoria League held their Christmas Party also at Wheaton House, Pulteney Grammar on Tuesday 6th December and I attended along with Chieftain Ann Wickham. PC Lennox Pawson gave the toast to Christmas.

Next year we are only going to hold the two main events, Burns Supper in July and St Andrews in early December. This is mainly because some of the other functions have not been very well attended and the amount of work that goes into setting up for these makes the results very disappointing. We are going to try to encourage some of our members along to other society’s functions. We will pick one function from each of the main Adelaide region Societies, Port Adelaide, Mount Barker, Munno Para and Strathalbyn and advertise that we are making up a table or tables to these events. If some of our older members need to be transported to these functions, we will arrange for that to happen. It is important for us to support our society and the Scottish community in general.

Thanks to all my Council and Band members who have helped me during the year, your support has been really appreciated. Wishing all members a Merry Christmas, &Happy & Prosperous New Year Christina, Chief.

VALE - NORMAN MacKINNON

Of Mount Barker. Passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2011. Aged 88yrs. Dearly beloved husband of the late Shirley. Adored father and father in law of Rosemary and Malcolm, Andrew and Karen, Euan and Joylene.

Norman was a member of the Royal Caledonian Society for many years and was pictured as a 3 year old in the photo of the laying of the foundation stone for the Society Hall at 379 King William Street, October 17th 1925. (Left of picture 2nd row from front.)

He was also a Past Committee Member of the PACS and Past Chief of the Mt Barker Caledonian Society. RIP Norman.

All I want for Christmas

Just before Leonardo da Vinci began painting the Last Supper, he argued bitterly with a fellow painter. He was so angry he decided to paint the face of Judas Iscariot as the hated painter. In this way, the painter's face would be preserved for ages in the face of the disciple who betrayed Jesus. He painted quickly and was delighted that people noticed whose face it was he had created.

Da Vinci then tried to paint Jesus' face but couldn’t. Something seemed to be stopping him. In time, he saw that his hatred of the other painter was the problem - holding him back from finishing the work. Only after asking God for forgiveness, forgiving the other painter and repainting the face of Judas could he look into Jesus’ eyes and complete the face Christmas is at its core about forgiveness about God sending Jesus…into the world eventually to die upon the cross to bring about our forgiveness. Many people don't think that God’s gift of Jesus is very exciting (He is a bit like the gifts we get we are not that fussed about) but Jesus is the best possible gift anyone could ever receive. There are two reasons for this: First, what does Matthew 1:21 say about Jesus?—'He will save his people from their sins.' More than anything else we need someone to save us from our sins….if we are to get right with God, and be forgiven and know true peace. Secondly, what does Matthew 1:23 say about Jesus?—'He shall be called Emmanuel, which means, God with us.' More than anything else, we need God to be with us all the time. Jesus is the perfect gift for each one of us. Our two greatest needs are met by him: to be forgiven by God, and to know that God will always be with us, and we will be with him, forever. Blessings Rev Chris

SOCIETY SNIPPITS

Baby News: Past Chief Ann Calver and husband Rod announce the arrival of their first grandchild Izabella Mia Elizabeth Ratzmer. Born to daughter Michelle and Leigh at Women’s & Children’s on 5th November.

Lennox Pawson recently bumped into Vern Raymond at FMC. Vern has severe arthritis in the hands and is unable to play the pipes anymore. Very sad for he gave so much time to teaching the pipes to others. Thinking of you Vern.

Past Chief Lennox Pawson has by appointment of the Most Worshipful, the Grand master, been constituted an Order of Service by St Andrews Masonic Lodge. Congratulations!

Condolences are extended to Sarah Hardman who suffered the loss of her maternal Grandmother on October 1st. Her paternal Grandmother passed away in October 2010, less than a year ago.

Elaine Fay Rogers passed away on August 15th aged 72 years. Elaine was the auditor for SASCHDI (SA State Committee of Highland Dancing) for many years.

Condolences to Jan Mullighan on the sad loss of husband Ted who passed away after a long illness on 15th September. Jan is the President of Clan Campbell. Ted will be remembered as a distinguished humanitarian who was a compassionate and committed advocate for those whose voices struggled to be heard. His service to the community was selfless. Very proud father to 5 sons. R.I.P.

ADVANCE NOTICE: The Joint Commonwealth Society will host the Commonwealth Day Reception in Whyatt Hall, Pulteney Grammar School, 190 South Tce, Adelaide in March 2012. PC Lennox Pawson for details. 8379 1949.

ARCHIVES I have scanned annual reports, newsletters and old photos of the Society for the web as a resource for genealogists and society history. If you have any old articles, pictures etc. which you think may be of interest to members, please contact me by phone or email. Chief: Ph: 82764160 or email: Christina.cockerill@bigpond.com

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS Membership subscriptions were due on 1ST July 2011. If you have not paid your subscription yet, please do so by CHEQUE, DIRECT DEBIT OR IN PERSON. BY CHEQUE: Please return your subscription Notice together with your cheque to The Treasurer, Royal Caledonian Society of S.A. P O Box 6571 Halifax Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 OR DIRECT DEBIT to RCS Account 105-068 041531440 Please use name and initials as reference or membership number. OR - IN PERSON: Please pay the treasurer or his representative at a Society function or meeting. THANKS – Membership MUST be renewed by 31st December

Chief Christina Forbes Cockerill presenting trophy to .Angel Marston,.winner of Premiers 13-15 years at the Port Adelaide Caledonian Society Highland Dancing Comp on 6th November.

LENNOX’S LOONIES

A London Lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a Glasgow copper. He thinks that he is smarter than the cop because he is a lawyer from London and is certain that he has a better education than any Jock cop. He decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the Glasgow cops expense!! Glasgow cop says, “Licence and registration please” London Lawyer says, “I slowed down, and no one was coming” Glasgow cop says, “Ye still didnae come to a complete stop. Licence and registration, please.” London Lawyer says, “What’s the difference?” Glasgow cop says, “The difference is, ye huvte come to a complete stop, that’s the law, Licence and registration, please!” London Lawyer says, “If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I’ll give you my licence and registration and you give me the ticket. If not, you let me go and don’t give me a ticket.” Glasgow cop says, “Sounds fair. Exit your vehicle, sir” The London Lawyer exits his vehicle. The Glasgow cop takes out his baton and starts beating the living daylights out of the lawyer and says. “Dae ye want me to stop, or just slow doon?”

ROYAL CALEDONIAN -DATES TO REMEMBER –2012 Functions highlighted in Blue are RCS – in Yellow are RCS Pipes & Drums – no colour other societies etc

Wed 25th January 2012

Flyer below

Burns Supper at Stonyfell Winery, 62 Stonyfell Road, Stonyfell. 6.30 for 7pm

$35 ph including a taste of Haggis. Robert Burns Society of SA – Phone secretary

Molly Greig 83624763 on or before 10th January 2012 to book and other details.

Sunday 19th Feb 2012

51st Mount Barker Highland Gathering. Mount Barker Oval. Gates open at 9am.

Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing, Scottish Country Dancing, Strong Men, Tug-O-War and Caber Tossing.

Monday 19th March Joint Commonwealth Scy. Commonwealth Day Reception at Pulteney Grammar. Tickets to be ordered and paid in advance. Book – PC Lennox Pawson 8379 1949

Saturday 14-15 April 2012 Laura Folk Fair - 212km North of Adelaide, 45km East of Port Pirie.

Hughes Street in the town of Laura is closed to all vehicular traffic and is lined with craft, hobby, food and refreshment stalls, becoming a Mall in which visitors may wander. Royal Caledonian Pipes and Drums playing.

1st July TARTAN DAY BURNSIDE LIBRARY

Tartan Day will be held in Burnside Library.

Various activities and entertainment all day.

Sunday 1st July. 10.30am Kirkin’ the Tartan St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Archer Street North Adelaide

Saturday 7th July

7.00pm for 7.30pm

Burns Supper – Kensington Park RSL, 346, The Parade, Kensington Park.

BYO Drinks and Supper. Come and Celebrate Burns songs and poetry.

Entry $10 includes a taste of Haggis. Pipes & Drums of RCS and Highland Dancers

Bookings – Chief Christina 8276 4160 or Secretary Roselee 8263 7004.

Sunday 22nd July 2011 2pm John McDouall Stuart Remembrance Ceremony, Stuart’s statue, Victoria Square, Adelaide.

Monday 17th September

7.30 pm for 8.00 pm

Annual General Meeting – Rosefield Uniting Church, 2 Carlton St, Highgate. Please bring plate of supper to share.

Sunday 25th November

10.30am start

St. Andrew’s Day Church Service – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,

Archer Street, Nth Adelaide

Saturday 1st December

7.00 for 7.30pm

St Andrews Celebration – Kensington RSL 346, The Parade Kensington Park

Entry $10 - BYO Supper and drinks. Haggis ceremony and tastings.

Bookings Christina 82764160 or Roselee 8263 7004

During 2012 the Council have decided that instead of holding more society functions that are poorly attended, we will offer a service to our members to visit other societies functions.

We will name which functions once the Date Book has been finalised and distributed.

There will be one function visiting each of the Caledonian Societies at Port Adelaide, Mount Barker, Munno Para and Strathalbyn.

We will distribute them over the year and offer to pick up members who are unable to drive themselves.

We usually have a table at these functions, but it would be nice to boost the numbers even higher and support the Scottish Community.

JIMMY HAMILTON Some members may remember Jimmy Hamilton who Addressed the Haggis at many Society functions back in the 1980’s. Jimmy went back to live in Scotland in 1989 and PC Lennox Pawson and others have visited him on several occasions since that time. Young Jimmie will turn 100 on 10th December and although frail these days, is anxiously awaiting his letter from the Queen.

Congratulations Jimmy-Who said drinkis bad for you?

When Jimmy left Australia in 1989 he wrote a poem (right)

ON PARTING The mountain mists o’ Scotland Around my heart did twine And lured me back yet one more time Tae days o’ Auld Lang Syne

To tread again the paths I knew of old With mem’ries filled each step, with joys unfold And yet a sadness lingers as I say farewell For part of me will always, in Australia dwell.

With friends I’ve known and grown to love And blessings that upon me showered From that Great source above.

Farewell my friends I’ll soon be gone And as the years roll on With mem’ries softly fading.

May we still recall In spite of any ageing The pleasures we’ve enjoyed In our long association. Jim Hamilton December 1988

The MacDonald and McFarlane Luncheon was held at the Enfield Hotel on 30th October.

Michael and Eileen Murphy are the proud great grandparents of young Shannon Murphy (pictured left) who was dressed in his first kilt

L-R. Janet (McFarlane) Marsh &Ron Marsh, Piper Jason Moore, May Lobban and Malcolm Lobban,

President of Clan McFarlane & Mick, President of Cland Donald and Eileen Murphy.

The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society returned from their performances at the Edinburgh Tattoo in September.

On the 1st October we held a welcome home Ceilidh which was also for Clans to attend. The band turned up in numbers, but there was little interest by members or from Clans.

Picture : Their uniforms were still in transit.

St Augustines Unley Road, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Sunday 13th November

Pipers John Oswald, Sam Mather, Des Ross and Hamy Marcelin

During November our Pipes and Drums played in the Australian Central Credit Union Pageant in Adelaide, and also at the Norwood, Salisbury and Port Adelaide Pageants.

They also played at Government House with the SA Police Band.

Some pictures below from the Glenelg Pageant on Jetty Rd

BOOK REVIEW.

Pilgramage by John Ure A pilgrimage was the Great Adventure of the Middle Ages according to John Ure. And thus he looks at pilgrimages from that viewpoint, along with of course, the actual travellers, be they Grandees, scholars, social climbers and rogues - and bases his narrative on their own (often forgotten) accounts: those of Erasmus, John of Gaunt, Marjory Kempe, Sir John Mandeville to name but a few. He brings to life the hazards of the roots: robbery, sale into slavery, alpine blizzards, parched desert, plagues and even tiresomely mystic companions. He recounts glory tales of military expeditions described as pilgrimages – from the Albignsian Crusade to the Pilgrimage of Grace – when piety was a cover for violence and cruelty. He considers the literary and allegorical implications of this most lively feature of medieval life. Finally John Ure uses his skills as a travel writer to give vignettes of these pilgrim routes today, some of them accessible and popular, others as remote and haunting as in medieval times. Fascinating photographs add vividly to the picture John paints Reviewed by Dryades.

Interested in learning the

Pipes or Drums?

The Royal Caledonian Society

Pipes and Drums are always looking for persons

to swell their ranks Contact — Alf Payne Mob. 0413 319 738

Society Contacts Phone: — 8276 4160

Postal Address:

PO Box 6571, Halifax Street,

ADELAIDE S.A. 5000

Society Management may be contacted as follows: Christina Cockerill e-mail: Chief@rcs.org.au Chief Ph. 8276 4160

Roselee Bruce Chieftain, Director and Secretary e-mail: secretary@rcs.org.au Ph. 8263 7004 Ian Richardson Treasurer Ph. 8274 1827 Ann Wickham - Chieftain; Director Ph. 8379 5993 Dan Meehan — Director; Pipe Major Mob. 0421 182 793 Don McQueen – Director & Band Piper Mob. 0418 811 652 Rosemary McKay – Director Mob. 0433 101 568

Malcolm Orchard – Director Ph. 8272 0847 Steve Schumacher - Director Mob. 0488 596 541 PC Ann Calver — Past Chief Mob. 0419812621 IPC Anne Miller Immediate Past Chief Ph. 8379 2515 Jeanette Macdonald Band contact Mob 0417 867 976

MEMBERS: Cufflinks with the

Society Crest $25 a set.

Ties $25 ea PC Lennox Pawson

8379 1949

or Chief 8276 4160

The Caledonian PRINT POST APPROVED PP 53551500011 If undelivered, please return to: The Royal Caledonian Society of SA Inc. PO Box 6571 Halifax Street, ADELAIDE S.A. 5000