MARCH 2008 Caledonian Pages 5 and 6.pub - The Royal ...

The Caledonian
March
2008
Intimate Burns Night Enjoyed by All
S
ome 60 or so Society members and their friends
celebrated the annual Rabbie Burns Night held at
the Illingworth Hall, Goodwood on Saturday 2 February.
The evening was specially notable as it included the
handing over of the Office of Chief’s Banner Bearer from
Tom Hunter who had been Banner Bearer for about 15 or 20
years to Ian Anderson the new Banner Bearer. An Assistant
Banner Bearer in the person of Adam Gifford, who is the
Chief’s grandson, has also been appointed and was invested
with his Badge of Office. A picture of the ceremony appears
on page 4.
Traditionally, on Burns Night, the Haggis is piped in and addressed.
On this occasion, Pipe Major Dan Meehan piped in
the beast accompanied by Robin Pawson as Poosey Nancy.
Left to right — Pipe Major Dan Meehan, Geoff Holden,
Chief Anne Miller and Poosey Nancy played by Robin
Pawson give the essential toast before the Address
The Address was given by well known
member Geoff Holden. A first aid kit was
available had it been needed, but Geoff
has been a bit more careful since having to
be stitched up after his over exuberance a
few years ago.
It was great to have four Band members
and their partners with us and everyone
appreciated them staying for most of the
evening. For their part, it was reported that
they, too, had a good time.
The Immortal Memory was to have been
given by Isobelle Greig but, regrettably, at
the last minute she was unable to attend
due to her health. PC David Porteous, who had recently given the Immortal Memory at the Burns Statue
on North Terrace, accepted the invitation to stand in for Isobelle.
MC for the evening, Hamy Marcelin,
managed to keep things flowing and
pretty much on time.
Grant Andrews proposed the Toast
to the Lassies which was ably responded
to by Christina Cockerill.
During the evening entertainment was
provided by Highland Dancers from
the Garrick Burgess School of
Highland Dancing, the Burnside
Country Dancers and two young
dancers from the Torquil Studio of
Highland Dancing, Lara Emery and
Emma Dunlevey, each of whom is
working to raise funds to go to Cham-
pionships in Newcastle.
Assistant Banner Bearer, Adam Gifford
receives his Badge of Office from Worthy
Chief Anne Miller
Pipe Major Dan Meehan Piping in the Haggis
“The Caledonian” is the official journal of The Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia Incorporated
ABN 67 103 096 385
PATRON: His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR Governor of South Australia
For a full-colour version of The Caledonian visit www.rcs.org.au

2
From the Chief.
ince our last Newsletter, I have
S been installed as Chief of our Society.
The annual St. Andrew’s Day commemoration
service was again held at St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church at North Adelaide,
and was conducted by our new
Honorary Chaplain, Rev. Chris. ten
Broeke. Many members of our Society
were present, together with members of
Kindred Societies and Clans. St. Andrew’s
Day is an auspicious day in the Scottish calendar — it
enables us to experience once again the joy of meeting with
one’s ain folk.
I am very pleased to advise that, during our St. Andrew’s night
celebration, Honorary Life Membership was granted to two of
our members, viz:
Mrs. Robin Pawson for the many years of dedicated work she
has given to the Dance Association, her support for PC Lennox
Pawson during his 5 years as Chief, and many other areas of
activity within the Society.
Mr. Tom Hunter for his long years of service as Banner Bearer
for our Society. Tom has carried the banner proudly for over 10
years. The Banner was passed by him to his successor, Mr.
Ian. Anderson, at our celebration of Robert Burns, on 2 February
in a small handover ceremony. Mr. Adam Gifford, who has
been appointed as Assistant Banner Bearer, was also present
at the ceremony.
As Chief, I thank the members of Council for their stewardship.
I see, now, more fully, how much we are indebted to them.
They strive constantly, without self-glorification or ambition, to
further the interests of our members, and to assist us all to experience
the joy of membership of the Royal Caledonian Society.
Anne Miller.
CHIEF
Between Ourselves
ife Member Kaye Gifford has been promoted to Deputy
L Principal at Airdale Primary School, Port Pirie, which has
30% Aborigine children. This appointment will be eminently
suited to her because her Advanced Diplomas. were for Counselling
and Aboriginal Studies respectively. Her last appointment
as Counsellor for Upper North required her to drive approximately
300 kms per day from school to school. Airdale is
just 3 kms along the road. What will she do with all this free
time?
Daphne Fairbanks, wife of the late Harry Fairbanks passed
away 16 January. Daphne was a sister to John and Alex
Fleetwood. Harry, along with Daphne’s brothers, were all
pipers and involved with the Royal Caledonian Society for many
years. Harry was also the Bairns’ piper. Sincere condolences
are extended to the family.
The Chief of the Society was represented at the funeral by Past
Chief Lennox Pawson.
Mary Buckley has been recovering at home after a nasty fall
that resulted in her breaking her hip and later having a hip replacement.
Mary was the elder daughter of the late John Ogg.
We wish Mary a speedy recovery.
Nice to see Grant Andrews at the December Council meeting.
Grant has been on leave due to ill health over the past 18
months and is now well and keen to be back at meetings.
Congratulations to Roger Scott the new Chief for Mt Barker
Caledonian Society and his good lady, Ann. Roger will be
Chief for the Mt Barker Highland Gathering on 17 February. A
great day for all to attend.
Isabelle Greig’s father in law has died in Scotland aged 104.
Some of our older members will remember when he came out
to Australia and attended Society functions in the 1980’s. Isabelle
has told us of him playing the bagpipes at the age of 100
years over the telephone for her to hear here in Australia.
We are very sad to report the death at age 49 from cancer of
member Chris Budd. His funeral was held on 30 January.
Chris’ sister Mrs Jenny Delaine, said Chris' special friend,
Ann Mitchell, is now in the Kingswood Hostel, Cambridge Terrace,
Kingswood. Jenny is sure Ann, who suffers from both
MS and Menier’s Disease would welcome friends and acquaintances
who may wish to visit her. Chris and Ann both attended
the Annual General Meeting in September last year.
On her way to attend the January Council meeting PC Anne
Calver slipped in a supermarket and hurt her back.
Heather Sayers our Haggis maker, last November had a
wound to her right leg which became badly infected. Heather
was sent to Modbury Hospital for two weeks. This happened at
the time of our St Andrews celebrations. With no time to warn
us we did not have our usual source of haggis, neeps and tatties
for the supper dance, and we had no opportunity to get
another supply. It was decided to mime the piping in of the invisible
Haggis complete with invisible whisky and glasses although
PC David Porteous gave the Address verbally. Judging
by the applause, the charade was thoroughly enjoyed by the
members and guests.
It is with great sadness that we extend condolences to the Chief
of the Port Lincoln Caledonian Society, Roger Inglis, who recently
lost his wife, Margaret. Roger and Margaret made several
visits to Adelaide to attend various Caledonian functions.
Long-time member, Greg Gordon a former Director and currently
President of the Australian Pipe Band Association, had a
foot operation in December. Greg has been able to follow the
sport on TV resting his foot as prescribed by the surgeon.
Our most sincere, albeit belated, condolences to Greg and
Christine Gordon and their families on the passing of Greg’s
mother last year.
The Gordon family, in years past, were very involved with the
Royal Caledonian Society, socially, with Highland dancing, and
with the Band where Greg was Pipe Sergeant.
Des Ross recently had surgery for an uncomfortable ailment.
Speaking of Des Ross, he and PC David Porteous represented
the Society at the recent 70th birthday celebrations of
well known Scottish Radio personality, Jim Hay at Jim’s home
at Belleview Heights. Amongst the many hats he wears, Jim is
President of Scottish Radio.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was shown on TV recently. The
Royal Caledonian Band Drum with its logo stood out for all to
see. If you were quick you could see a few familiar faces from
Adelaide. I am sure that it was enjoyed by all who watched it.
Congratulations to the Band people who went to the Tattoo.
Eulogy for Miss Lorna Marshall
By Lennox Pawson.
t is my privilege to speak on behalf of the Royal Caledonian
I Society about Miss Lorna Marshall who died on 26 November
2007, aged 93 years. Her involvement with the Society
was almost life long. In recognition of her considerable contribution,
particularly the field of highland dancing, Miss Marshall
was made an Honorary Life member.
But let me take you back to 1928 when as a young school girl
she was awarded, by the then SA Caledonian Society (Royal
from 1946) the first Society Scholarship to Presbyterian Girls
College, now Seymour College.
Highland dancing was certainly a great part of her life and in
conjunction with Mr John Ogg the Society’s principle Instructor
for 50 years. Many happy times were had at the functions arranged
by them for members and friends.
In the late 60’s, Miss Marshall was appointed the Bairns Class
instructress and no finer teacher could the Society have asked
for.
It was at this time the Society commenced the so-called
“improvements” to the Hall at 379 King William St, so, along
with Director John Fleetwood (John used to pipe for the
Bairns), the class moved to Parkside. Now this was not as
convenient as the Hall, so I offered to meet Miss Marshall in
the city and take her to Parkside. (You will note that it was
Miss Marshall and not Lorna and I was always Mr Pawson
not Lennox, in all our years of involvement. In her own independent
manner I was told this would NOT be necessary.
However she did relent and allow me to bring her back to the
city to catch a bus home.
Underneath her stern manner, a kind lady was to be found,
with a twinkle in her eye when something caught her fancy.
For those of you who attended Pops Ogg’s funeral earlier in
the year, you may recall part of quotation I took from Catherine
Marshall’s Book “A Man called Peter’ where she wrote of the
character of a Scot and I feel it equally appropriate to Miss
Marshall. She wrote in part and I quote, “A sturdy independence
that scorns hardship, a tenacity of purpose that the world
sometimes calls stubbornness” is a reasonable summation of
Miss Marshall.
To us, Highland dancing was her life and she was the
“Matriarch”. My regret is that for her many years of Contribution
to the Art of Highland Dancing she was not recognized
with an Australian Award which I had applied for as Worthy
Chief of this Society. This application was supported by many
favorable references.
We all have our own memories of Miss Marshall and her association
with the Society will be long remembered.
Lennox then invited Marna Tredra (Rooney) Vice President of
the State Committee of Highland Dancing to come forward and
speak. Marna is an internationally recognized Highland Dancing
Adjudicator and a long standing friend of Miss Marshall.
Piper Craig Dawson Scales Heights on Longlook
Edited from an article by Andrew Stackpool.
olunteering for Exercise Longlook recently allowed Sgt
V Craig “Scotty” Dawson to fulfill a longtime dream to play
his pipes on Mt Tumbledown in the Falkland Islands.
Sgt Dawson was born in Scotland and, until he emigrated with
his parents 15 years ago, had always dreamed of enlisting in
the UK’s elite Scots Guards.
He learned to play the bagpipes with an Adelaide based Army
reserves unit, (most of whom now play for the SA Pipes and
Drums Band). He then played for the Royal Caledonian Pipes
and Drums and the Williamstown RSL Pipe Band in Melbourne,
ultimately joining the City of Elizabeth Pipes and Drums
after taking up his current posting with 10Sqn. A favorite piece
of that band is Crags of Tumbledown Mountains, composed by
Scots Guards Pipe Major James Riddell to commemorate the
2nd Battalion Scots Guardsman killed in the Falkland War.
Sgt. Dawson had hoped to attend the 25th anniversary celebrations
in the islands in June, but was unable to do so, “I decided
to pay my own special tribute to the Guards to recognize their
courage and fighting spirit” Sgt Dawson said.
He decided to play Crags of Tumbledown Mountains on the
mountain’s summit, where
there is a cross and a small
memorial plaque to the battle.
Flt Lt Ritchie (his host office)
arranged for Sgt Dawson to
be flown by helicopter to
Stanley, where he picked up
two veterans of the Falklands
conflict. The chopper
dropped them very close to
the top of Mount Tumbledown.
Flt Lt Ritchie had invited
about 12 other men to
come as well. As Dawson
(pictured left) was playing ,
they were over-flown at lowlevel
by a 1321Flt C-130 that
Flt Lt Ritchie had also arranged.”
By way of thanks, his lament completed, Sgt Dawson played
Waltzing Matilda to thank the veterans, 905 Expeditionary Air
Wing at Mt Pleasant, 78Sqn heli-tasking and his colleagues at
1312Flt., who made the event possible.
“To be able to take my bagpipes to Mount Pleasant and then to
play this fantastic tune on top of Mount Tumbledown has been a
dream for me for a very long time and to accomplish it is as
amazing achievement,” he said.
PS A little trivia - Whilst Craig Dawson was a member of our
society Christina Cockerill taught him and his then fiancée to
dance for their wedding day.
RCS Web Site
f you wondered what happened to our website for a couple of
I days at the end of January, it turns out that our web host was
doing some major upgrades. The good news is that it is back
again.
3

4
Pipes And Drums Notes
by Ian Richardson and James McKenna
t the time of writing, A the excitement of the
Edinburgh Military Tattoo is
now a strong but distant
memory. The Band returned
with many memories
and mementos including a
substantial model of Edinburgh
Castle (right) presented
to the international
bands in appreciation of
their contribution.
Performing next to the Black Watch,
we made some good contacts particularly
with their Pipe Major. One of
the legacies, with which we left Edinburgh,
was a shield (left) presented to
us by the Black Watch due in no
small part to Dan Meehan’s ‘creation’
of a manometer (a contraption that
assists pipers in controlling the airflow
though the pipes) which he gave to
them.
It took some weeks before the Band was back together again as
many members went walkabout in the UK after the Tattoo, however,
the period leading up to Christmas became very busy with
a number of engagements;
X Ethnic Schools Parade
X Savings and Loans Christmas Pageant
X Salisbury Christmas Pageant
X Launch of the new Rolls Royce at Adelaide Motors
X Norwood Christmas Pageant
X Glenelg Christmas Pageant
X Wedding at Middlebrook Winery
X Community Christmas at the Plympton Uniting Church
X Society St Andrews Day function
No wonder we couldn’t find a time prior to Christmas for the
Band break up. That was eventually arranged in early January
2008 and it is with thanks to the Pennell’s for offering their
home as the venue. It was a positive start to the year with impromptu
playing in the evening which stirred up the neighbours
leading to a few requests.
We should not let Andrew Wilson’s wedding to Sally in December
pass without congratulations.
The Band AGM was held in August resulting in a number of
office changes.
X Pipe Major: Dan Meehan
X Drum Major: Kym Atwell
X Drum Sergeant: Bill Kierns
X Band Manager: Alf Payne
X Secretary: Heather Pennell
X Treasurer: Ian Richardson
X APBA Representative: James McKenna
X Band Liaison: Cathy McKenna
The Band, with about 18 members able to participate and Ber-
nard Kierns doing a sterling job on the Bass Drum and William
Butterfield-Rossi who joined us for the first time along with
Helen Coulls who has rejoined after a number of years absence
lead representatives of the South Australian Scottish
community in the Australia Day Parade and had a great time
despite a few of us tripping on our flags. It was an enjoyable
march but reasonably demanding with the heat making an adjournment
to the London Tavern welcome although it did not
take much encouragement a few refreshments to play for another
hour whilst we proceeded to entertain the patrons and
ourselves.
The Band now finds itself in a whirlwind of preparation for the
February competitions; where we hope to unveil both a new
march set and a new musical selection.
The Band offers its best wishes to Luke Albrecht who moves
on to a new band although he and his mother, Jamieanne, are
r e m a i n i n g
members of the
Society. A big
welcome to all
our new learners.
Saturday 2
February, saw
a smaller more
intimate gathering
of pipers to
play for the
Society’s Burns
Night that also
included the
installation of a
new Banner
Bearer. Ian
Left to right — Adam Gifford Assistant Banner
Bearer, Malcolm Orchard, Ian Anderson Banner
Bearer, Chief Anne Miller and Tom Hunter
Past Banner Bearer
Anderson (pictured right). Four pipers Pipe Major Dan Meehan,
Ian Richardson, James McKenna and Heather Pennell
(pictured from left to right below) piped the Chief and official
guests in and
provided music
for dancing, as
well as playing
briefly for their
own amusement.
One of them got
to experience
haggis for the first
time and to the
amusement of the
others, went
nearly as green
as some of the tartans on display. It could be concluded that it
is best they stick with piping as the contribution on the dance
floor was somewhat less than exemplary!
The Band continues to grow and will be instituting a second
night of practice each week to better cater for our learners.
The next main event, for which the Band is preparing, is the
competition at Mt Barker on Sunday 17 February. Two minibands,
a full band (music selection and marches) a march
across the oval and two massed band performances will make
for a full day.

Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia Inc — Programme for 2008
Date Function
(A full list of functions appears in the Date Book available from the Chief)
Every Friday — Term 1—
to Friday 11 April, except Good
Friday, 21 March
Family Scottish Dancing at Tusmore Park Uniting Church, corner Barr Smith and
Kennaway Streets, Tusmore — 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm.
Sunday 24 February 2.00pm — “A Touch of Oldies” at the PACS Hall. Cost 30+ $5.00; Under 30 $10.00. All proceeds
to Champion of Champions 2016
Saturday 1 March RCS Pipe Band at the Clarendon Music Festival —
Details from Band Manager, Alf Payne, 0413 319 738
Sunday 2 March 12.00 for 12.30am “Autumn Highland Smorgasbord Luncheon” at the Feathers Hotel,
Glynburn Road, Burnside — Dress Highland. — Cost $27.50pp plus drinks
(10% discount for Seniors but excluding drinks)
Monday 17 March 5.30pm — Commonwealth Day Reception at Pulteney Grammar School, South Terrace in the
presence of the Governor. $25.00pp. Dress Highland. Bring Society and Clan Banners.
Saturday 19 April 4.00pm for 4.30 — Scottish film afternoon and high tea to be held at the Tusmore Park
Uniting Church, corner of Barr Smith and Kennaway Streets Tusmore.
. Please bring a basket supper to share — A—M please bring sweets; N—Z please bring
savouries.
March Every Friday — Term 1—
2 May to Friday 4 July inclusive
Family Scottish Dancing at Tusmore Park Uniting Church, corner Barr Smith and
Kennaway Streets, Tusmore — 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm.
Friday 2 May Whisky Tasting Night — 7.00pm at the Pawson’s 10a Holton Street Glenside. Cost
$30.00pp. Strictly limited numbers. Please advise Lennox on 8379 1949 by 30 April.
Sunday 4 May 12.00pm — Family Barbecue and Picnic in Levi Park on the lower Portrush Road, Walkerville.
Bring your own meat and a salad or sweets to share. (Surnames commencing with
A — M please bring a salad; Surnames N — Z please bring a sweet) barbecues and a few
tables and bench seating provided. No charge. Come and enjoy the company of other
members and the ambience of the Torrens Linear Park. Please advise Christina Cockerill
8276 4160 of your intention to attend.
Sunday 25 May 8.00am — Highland Dancing Competition, Illingworth Hall, Hampton St South, Goodwood
Saturday 28 June 10.30am for 11.00 sharp start — Tartan Day March
Every Friday — Term 3 — 25
July to Friday 26 Sept inclusive
Family Scottish Dancing at Tusmore Park Uniting Church, corner Barr Smith and
Kennaway Streets, Tusmore — 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm.
Friday 4 July Munno Para Caledonia Society — Mayoral Pioneer Highland Ball at Elizabeth Civic Centre
Sunday 6 July 10.30am — Kirkin’ the Tartan at St Andrews Church, Archer Street North Adelaide
July 27 2.00pm to 4.00pm Concert at the Tusmore Park Uniting Church Hall — corner of Barr
Smith and Kennaway Streets Tusmore
Saturday 16 August 12.00pm Family Lunch at the Tonsley Hotel, 1274 South Road, Clovelly Park — Dress —
Highland — A la carte menu.
Monday 15 September 7.30pm for 8.00pm — Annual General Meeting. Please bring a basket supper to share
Every Friday — Term 4 — 17
Oct to Friday 12 Dec Inclusive
X Royal Caledonian Society events are shown in Bold. Band events in Bold Italics
X Other Society’s and Clan’s events that we are told about are shown thus in italics.
Sunday 6 April 2.00pm John McDouall Stuart Ceremony at his statue NE corner Victoria Square
Family Scottish Dancing at Tusmore Park Uniting Church, corner Barr Smith and
Kennaway Streets, Tusmore — 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm.
Saturday 25 October Halloween and Reunion Dinner with the Band — Further details next Caledonian
Saturday 15 November Dinner and Film Evening at Norwood Cinema Complex
Saturday 6 December St Andrews Day Function
5

6
Family Scottish Dance Break-up Party
amily night breakup was held as a BBQ and Pizza tea at
F Tusmore Park and with the children enjoying a paddle in
the pool as the evening was warm.
Leonie their instructress presented all the children with medals
for their years work.
Amongst the adults were Chief Anne Miller and her partner
Malcolm Orchard, Heather and Alec McLachlan, Christina
Cockerill, Ann and Wally Wickham, Darren and Rachel Hewitt,
Lennox and Robin Pawson, David Porteous, Leonie Burgess
and Wade Cloosterman, alias Father Christmas, Emma
Larsen and Lisa Will-
Leonie and Santa
mott.
It was a night enjoyed
by all.
Father Christmas arrived
ringing a large
bell and distributed
lollies to the children
and each child had a
turn at talking to Father
Christmas.
Burns Museum to Miss 250th Anniversary
t's not as if the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns
I has crept up suddenly, but the National Trust for Scotland,
which took over the museum beside Burns’ cottage where he
was born, has warned that the much-needed refurbishment of
the museum in Alloway, Ayrshire, will not be completed in time
for the anniversary on 25 January 2009. Indeed it may not be
completed until 2010. After the usual delays in obtaining financial
support for the project from the previous Scottish Executive
(£5.5 million) and from the National Lottery Fund (£5.8 million),
funding for a new museum was formally announced a year ago.
Even so, further finance still has to be organised. The intention
had been to have everything ready for a grand opening in January
2009, kick starting the much-vaunted Year of Homecoming,
a Scottish Government-backed initiative to encourage foreignbased
Scots back to the country.
Council Visits
ince our last newsletter, Council members have attended
S the following events on behalf of members:—
The Chief
Pt. Adelaide Society St. Andrew’s Night
St. Andrew’s Nth Adel. St. Andrew’s Service
Victoria League Christmas Party
Scotch College Speech Day
Family Dance Class Christmas Party
Pt. Adelaide Society Christmas Party
Robert Burns Celebration Ceilidh
Pt. Adelaide Society 125th. Anniversary
Funeral Chris Budd
Pt. Adelaide Society Robert Burns Night
IPC Porteous
St Andrew’s Nth. Adelaide St. Andrew’s Service
Family Dance Class Christmas Party
Robert Burns Statue Immortal Memory
Australia Day Parade Banner Bearer
Pt. Adelaide Society 125th. Anniversary
Funeral Chris Budd
PC Pawson
Munno Para Society St. Andrew’s Night
St. Andrew’s Nth. Adel. St. Andrew’s Service
Funeral Lorna Marshall
Scotch College Thankyou Reception
Family Dance Class Christmas Party
Robert Burns Statue representing Chief
Funeral Daphne Fairbank
Pt. Adelaide Society. 125th. Anniversary
Funeral Chris Budd
Port Adelaide Society Robert Burns Night
Chieftain Cockerill
Seymour College Valedictory Service
Robert Burns Statue North Tce
Robert Burns Celebration Ceilidh
Pt. Adelaide 125th. Anniversary
Funeral Chris Budd
Director Wickham
Family Dance Class Christmas Party
Robert Burns Statue North Tce
Port Adelaide Society 125th. Anniversary
Port Adelaide Society Robert Burns Night
Director Calcraft
Pt. Adelaide Society 125th. Anniversary
Pt. Adelaide Society Robert Burns Night
Burn’s Cottage in Alloway

Family Dance Classes
he Society T resumed
the Family Scottish
Dance
Classes under
the guidance of
Leonie Garrick-
Burgess, at Tusmore
Uniting
Church Hall on
the 1 February.
Some members of the Friday night Dances
Numbers are
down a little, but the older children who have been attending for
nearly two years now are gaining confidence with the Highland
Fling and the Sword Dance.
The younger children are mainly concentrating on the basic Pas
de Basques and all enjoy the set dances.
If you have children or grand children between 5 to 12 years old
who would like to learn some Scottish Country, Ballroom and
Highland Dancing please bring them along. The first term is
free, and the fees are very reasonable for families – only $20
per term for members – and that is for the whole family.
It is a great way to make new friends.
St Andrews Day Celebration
he Society’s St Andrews Night Celebration was also the
T night for the formal installation of Chief Lady Anne Miller.
It was a hot night but, notwithstanding, a most enjoyable time
was had by the many who attended including a large contingent
from our Pipe Band. It is always a pleasure to see them.
The evening commenced with the Installation of Lady Anne
conducted by her predecessor, PC David Porteous who later
addressed an imaginary haggis — imaginary because of the
sickness of Heather Sayers, our regular haggis maker who was
in hospital and unable to make the haggis for us on this occasion.
From all reports, everyone enjoyed he joke.
Our guest speaker, Dr Suzanne Miller, gave us a most interesting
talk finishing up with a toast to St Andrew.
Pictures from our St Andrews show appear below and opposite.
Chief Lady Anne Miller and her partner, Malcolm Orchard
with her guests from left to right — Pauline and Trevor Powell
of the Port Adelaide Caledonian Society, and Roger and Ann
Scott of the Mt Barker Caledonian Society.
Dr Suzanne Miller accompanied by the Society’s Honorary
Chaplain, Rev Chris ten Broeke is piped in by Luke Albrecht.
who also piped in the imaginary haggis and imaginary whisky.
Lady Anne Miller (seated)
but with foot on the Installation
Stone is installed by PC
David Porteous with Secretary
Darren Hewitt (also
seated) looking on
The young dancers who
entertained us.
Foreground — Kynon and
Katica Hewitt
Background—
Amy and Lachlan McDonald
The finale of the Grand March
7
Our Guest Speaker —
Dr Suzanne Miller
(left) Director of the SA
Museum who has only
recently come from
Scotland

8
Golden Wedding
ormer member Jean Guckel and her
F husband Carl, who were married in
Scotland, celebrated their Golden Wedding
Anniversary on January 9. Jean often
helped Rosemary McKay in the kitchen at
the Wednesday night dances at the Calys
Hall.
Jim Hamilton Remembered
im Hamilton whom many would remember from past years,
J is now 96 years old.
Jim wishes to be remembered to all who new him before his
return to Scotland in the late 80’s. Jim was a former Banner
Bearer and a Director of the Society. Members would also remember
his entertaining “Address to the Haggis” delivered in
his inimitable manner. Both Tom Hunter and PC Lennox Pawson
keep contact with Jim several times each year.
Jim wrote the following poem before he left Australia to go back
home to Scotland in 1988.
ON PARTING
The mountain mist o’ Scotland
Around my heart did twine
And lures me back yet one more time
Tae days O’Auld Lang Syne.
To tread the paths I knew of old
With mem’ries filled each step will joys unfold
And yet a sadness lingers as I say farewell
As part of me for always will, 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
Hon. Chaplain’s First Official Society Function
sla Elizabeth Visser, 4 I weeks old, was christened
by the Society’s
Honorary Chaplain, Chris
ten Broeke at the Botanic
Gardens Restaurant on
17 January. Her parents,
Rebecca and Jon Visser
where married that morning
and Isla was christened
mid-afternoon.
Bec nee Marshall, the daughter of Director Ann Wickham was
a bairn of our Society for several years.
The family is moving to Italy to live for the next 12 months and
will later settle in Capetown, South Africa.
Community Service Award to Lennox Pawson
ongratulations are extended to PC Lennox Pawson on his
C being awarded the City of Burnside’s community Award for
“Dedicated Service to the Community”. The award was presented
by the Mayor of Burnside, Wendy Greiner, at a ceremony
held in Hazelwood Park to mark Australia Day.
Lennox has been involved for many years in assisting the Cancer
Foundation as a driver, fundraising for the Freemason’s
Foundation. He has also been involved in various capacities
over the years in National Servicemen's Association, the RSL,
Australian and State Committee of Highland Dancing and the
Joint Commonwealth Societies Council, not to mention the
Royal Caledonian Society. To name but a few.
The Society wishes Lennox all the best in his future endeavours
in this regard.
First SNP Budget
ollowing the in-
F credible way the
first Scottish National
Party Budget was
passed by the Scottish
Parliament recently
when all but one member
of the Opposition
party abstained from voting, motorists had hoped to have a
clear run over the several bridges where tolls were extant prior
to the budget. One of the items approved in the Budget was the
removal of all bridge tolls across Scotland.
However, commuters who hoped to sail over the bridge without
stopping to pay were met with two-mile tailbacks because of
road works to remove tollbooths on the Forth Road Bridge.
Drivers, who had expected a clear run, suffered queues of up to
40 minutes on some northbound approach roads.
To make matters worse, officials warned motorists the disruption
would continue for several weeks while the bridge's toll
plaza on its northbound carriageway was redesigned.
Stewart Stevenson, the transport minister, also admitted removing
tolls from the bridge would increase the length of the morning
and evening peak periods for traffic.
The first t o suffer were bridge-bound drivers from West Lothian,
who faced two-mile queues on the A904 as far west as Newton.
They were delayed on a slip road to the toll plaza by having to
give way to traffic from Edinburgh.
Economics!

Greetings from our Chaplain — Chris ten Broeke
to thank Chief Anne Miller and all of
you for accepting and welcoming me so
I wish
warmly as your Honorary Chaplain.
Just a little bit about myself, not too much! I
grew up in the Riverina of NSW milking cows
with my Mum, and was born with a hockey
stick attached to my arms. I went on to University
doing a double degree in Clinical Psychology and History
and Philosophy of Science.
I was privileged to work in a trauma and rehabilitation unit of an
orthopaedic ward of the Prince of Wales Hospital, assisting folk
in their recovery from trauma; this was the main area of my
work other than organisational psychology as the chairman of
Presbyterian Social Services.
I trained as an Anglican but ended up a Presbyterian, planting
churches in Sydney and the Central Coast before serving as
minister of the largest Presbyterian Church in Victoria in
Warrnambool for almost a decade. I love being in Adelaide and
the people of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Scottish
community, generally, have warmly welcomed me, and I always
look forward to my children arriving from Interstate.
Chris ten Broeke
Hon. Chaplain
M.A (Hons), BSc(Psych) mobile ph. 0417 678 737
Angus & Dundee Ancestral Tourism Initiative
irstly, a very Happy New Year from everybody involved
F with the Angus & Dundee Ancestral Tourism Initiative!
2008 promises to be a very exciting year for us as we look forward
to the first ever Angus & Dundee Roots Festival. We hope
that some of your members may be able to join us for this week
-long celebration from 6 to 13 September. For more information
including how to book, go to www.tayroots.com
Gillian Harrower
Angus & Dundee Ancestral Tourism Project Manager
If you do not have access to the web, you can contact the Project
Manager at:
Tourism and Leisure Solutions
4 Fingask Place, St Madoes
Perth Scotland PH2 7TX
A Forth Road Bridge Wire Snaps Every Month
coustic monitor- A ing instruments
monitoring the Forth
Road Bridge are revealing
that more than
one wire a month is
snapping. Some 22
wires have broken since August 2006, on top of the 86 wires
that were found to have snapped during an inspection four
years ago. Officials claim that the wire breaks were within
"expectations" and that with a total of 11,618 wires, the bridge is
still safe. The monitoring should reveal if there is any change in
the pattern of the breakages in the future. A system to dry out
the rusting wires is due to be installed by October 2009.
Picts Battle Scots for Caledonia
Lower Terraces at Dunadd
9
unadd was a
D formidable
Celtic hillfort set upon
a rocky outcrop surrounded
by bogland.
It was the main power
base of Dalriada, the
region of northwest
Scotland ruled by the
Scots from the 5th
century. Confusingly
to many who are first
studying Scottish history, the Scots were not natives of Scotland,
but were in fact Irish Celts who sailed across the Irish Sea
to raid the western coasts of Scotland and the rest of Britain.
They were called ‘Scotti’, a name perhaps derived from the Irish
verb ‘to plunder’. They had fought against the Romans, and now
that that empire was in decline, they decided to settle in Britain,
choosing the land of the Picts in what is now Scotland for their
main settlement.
Dunadd, in mid-Argyll, is
but one of many power
bases for the old kingdom
of Dalriada, but perhaps
the most important. The
site consists of a series of
defended terraces, surmounted
by a summit fort.
It has been excavated
three times in the 20th
century. Finds, dated
from the sixth to the ninth
century, include fine metalworking,
with many
brooches and tools.
The Picts, seen below,
Map of Scotland showing Dalriada,
Pictland and areas of Britons and
Angles
watching the Scots at Dunadd, and the Scots fought for centuries
for the control of northwest Scotland. In 740, the Irish Annals
of Ulster recorded a major campaign by the Picts against
Scottish Dalriada. Led by Angus MacFergus, they captured
several strongholds,
and an unnamed Scots
warlord was savagely
drowned, forcing the
other to flee back to
Ireland for a time. The
Angles took advantage
of this incessant conflict
and invaded the eastern
highlands, but the Picts,
who seem to have had
an informant, met them at the battle of Dunnichen (sometimes
called Nechtansmere) in 685 and soundly defeated them, ensuring
Celtic independence in Scotland. In the end, however,
the Scots triumphed over the Picts in the mid-9th century, and a
Scots king (MacAlpin) succeeded to the Pictish throne around
843 AD, in what some call “The Treachery of Scone”. As a result,
the highlands now bear the name of the Scots rather than
being known as Pictland.

10
Save the Clipper — City of Adelaide.
A major project for South Australia’s 175th Birthday has
been proposed – to save the historic ship “City Of Adelaide”
and returning it to Pt. Adelaide for preservation and display.
An Adelaide naval architect Peter Roberts, a leading person
in Save the Clipper group, said the ship could be saved,
brought to Adelaide to be a centre piece of a seaport museum
at Port Adelaide in time for the 2011 celebrations.
As there will be a major maritime focus in Australia that year, it
would be tremendous if a major ships event could be staged in
Port Adelaide as part of the Jubilee.
The ship is the oldest timber-hulled, iron-framed clipper in the
world- even older than its cousin, the Cutty Sark. It is at present
on a slipway in Scotland where it is under deconstruction order
due to the slipway being needed and bills being left unpaid.
The maritime museum there can not afford its restoration.
The City of Adelaide was built in 1864 and made 23 voyages to
South Australia, bringing with it migrants from the UK and taking
back states early exports, helping to get the SA economy on its
feet.
The year 2011 is also the Royal Australian Navy’s 100th birthday.
With the Governor Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce as our patron
says Mr Roberts, there are nautical synergies between the
two birthdays.
At a recent meeting and following coverage in the newspaper,
the Society Council has approved that, if the clipper “City of
Adelaide” does come to Adelaide, the Society will make a donation
to help with the restoration.
For those interested, details of the ship can be seen
at http://www.cityofadelaide.org.au/.
Jest a Minute
Hedging Your Bets
A prospective Member of the Scottish Parliament was once
asked at an election meeting in the Western Isles about
his attitude toward whisky.
Knowing the divided views on alcohol on the islands, His reply
was: "If you mean the demon drink that poisons the mind, pollutes
the body, desecrates family life, and inflames sinners, then
I'm against it. But if you mean the elixir of Christmas cheer, the
shield against winter chill, the taxable potion that puts needed
funds into public coffers to comfort little crippled children, then
I'm for it. This is my position, and I will not compromise!"
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
Members of Council may be contacted as follows:
Chief — Lady Anne Miller Ph. 8379 2515
e-mail: chief@rcs.org.au
Treasurer — Ian Mc Donald FCA
Assistant Treasurer — Christina Cockerill and
Acting Secretary — e-mail: secretary@rcs.org.au
Chieftains and Committee Chairmen
Directors
Grant Andrews Ben Calcraft
Helen Fawcett Dan Meehan
Steve Schumacher Ann Wickham
Past Chiefs
David Porteous Ann Calver
Lennox Pawson
Band Manager
Alf Payne Mobile 0413 319 738
The Caledonian is published by the
Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia Inc.
ABN 67 103 096 385
Chief — Lady Anne Miller Editor— P.C. David Porteous
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed in The Caledonian do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the Royal Caledonian Society of South
Australia Inc. or contributors; neither does the Society accept
any responsibility for the accuracy of information contained in
any advertisements nor text supplied by other organisations or
individuals nor any typographical errors.

Book Review.
ARGYLL; THE ENDURING HEARTLAND
By Marion Campbell
or some quiet, reflective reading over the recent holiday
F period, Marion Campbell’s “Argyll” was turned to.
For, as Neal Ascherson writes in his foreword to “Argyll’s” third
edition, published in 2001, post its author’s death a year earlier:
“Argyll: The Enduring Heartland” is not a conventional history
book. It is an intense scrap-book, a richly written parade of
scenes and tales and interludes of fiction and – not infrequently
– comical, but biting diatribes. Roughly speaking, it begins with
the time of the hunter-gatherers and ends in our own times – an
old lady talking in Gaelic before the television, brooding on the
influx of townie holiday-owners who are replacing the last of her
neighbours. It is punctuated with poetry, some of it Marion’s
own and much in Gaelic and English by George Campbell May.
It is not at all an item on the long and lengthening shelf of
splashy books about Celtic mystery, for Marion Campbell,
farmer and councillor, knew far too much about the details and
privations of real Highland life.”
A wonderful, reflective evocation of Marion Campbell’s homeland.
Published by House of Lochar 2001. ISBN 1 899963 82
6. Reviewed by Dryades.
Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Scotland
he Atlantic Salmon is rightly described as the king of
T game fish. The spring run usually lasts from 11 January
until June when the summer run or grilse arrive. and represents
the best of Scottish salmon fishing. Typically, these are two or
three sea-winter fish known as Springer’s and are generally
larger than the summer runs of Salmon.
The summer run is common to most of the Scottish salmon rivers.
This run will last from June to September although the actual
timing will vary from river to river and from year to year.
The season ends in September or October depending on river
local regulations.
Scottish Salmon fishing
is highly sort after
and often it can be
difficult to place single
rods during the peak
of the season, therefore
as much prior
notice should be
given when booking a
Salmon Excursion.
The Highland School
of Fly-Fishing has access to beats on the Rivers Oykel, Cassely,
Shin, Brora, Inver, Kirkaig and other Highland,rivers.
The river Kirkaig is a West Coast Spate River with a very large
catchment area bordered by Suilven, Canisp and Breabag. The
salmon are on average, heavier than those in other rivers in this
area. The main runs of fish are in June, July and August, although
a few fish are taken earlier in the year. The Inver, below
Loch Assynt, runs southwest for 6 miles entering Loch Inver and
the sea at the fishing village of Lochinver. Like most West
Coast spate rivers in this area, a few early fish run, but the main
run arrives in June to August.
11
Hogmanay
ne small word, unfamiliar to the majority of the world's
O population, has the uncanny power to penetrate the many
cultivated layers of sophistication and worldliness of the transplanted
Scot. It conjures up a kaleidoscope of memories, of past
Hogmanay's spent in the company of family or friends and
shrouds us for a moment in its warmth and security of a place
we called HOME. On this last night of the year, we travel home
in spirit from the four corners of the earth and once again hear
our own tongue wishing loved ones "a Guid New Year!"
In this ever-changing world we live in, where global issues dominate
our daily routine and influence our lives, how comforting
and familiar it is to perform the rituals of Hogmanay! While carrying
out these traditions, we feel connected to friends and loved
ones far across the sea, knowing that they too are saying
"Goodbye" to the Auld Year.
Traditions taught as children , live on in many parts of the world,.
We dutifully clean and polish until the home and it's contents are
gleaming, thus ensuring no "old dirt" is carried into the New
Year. The back door is opened before midnight to let the old
spirits out and to put the trash in the bin. Any dirt or excess
emotional baggage in the house brings bad luck.
The table is dressed in its finest lace and offers an array of traditional
fare. Home-baked shortbread, cherry cake, gingerbread,
Madeira and black bun, compete with Scottish cheese for pride
of place. That honour is reserved for the "The Water of Life!"
The whisky is placed beside sparkling glasses that stand at attention,
awaiting their moment of glory. Before the stroke of
twelve, the glasses are filled with golden nectar and raised to
farewell Hogmanay and welcome in the New Year.
From the kitchen comes the aroma of Scotch broth and steak
pie. As Hogmanay slowly and reluctantly relinquishes her reign,
friends and family gather to reflect and ponder the last year.
This is a time to acknowledge "what is past — is past ," and to
celebrate this Festival that means a New Beginning — a New
Life. We have been given another chance - A New Year!
Although Hogmanay is a time for reminiscence and to give
thanks, it is a time set aside for thoughts of family and friends
who cannot be with us on this very special night — to join together
in spirit and to wish each one Health and Prosperity in the
coming year. This is an emotional toast: "To Absent Friends!"
Now we are ready to welcome in the New Year joyously with
faith, hope and a deeply rooted conviction that things can only
get better, secure in the knowledge that we have insured ourselves
with our traditions against hardships to come.
As clocks strike, heralding in the New Year, each soul reaches
out across the barriers of distance and time and, if only for a
second, becomes as one — Happy New Year! The New Year is
now ready to stand alone. She casts aside the ghost of Hogmanay!
We are willing to grow with her; we may stumble and fall;
our faith may wane as She progresses.
If my eyes grow misty and I am unusually quiet , its not that I
reject your customs nor am I unhappy in my life here! I am torn
between two completely different cultures. I need my traditional
Hogmanay, it is a part of me that I cannot lose. May this year be
kind to you and yours, May you never lose faith, I wish you
Health and Happiness, But most of all, I wish you Love,, To
make the rest worthwhile, A GUID NEW YEAR !

12
The Old Course at St Andrews
he Old Course at St Andrews is the oldest golf course in
T the world
The Old Course is
a public course
over common land
in St Andrews,
Fife, Scotland and
is held in trust by
The St Andrews
Links Trust under The 18th green and clubhouse of the R&A.
an act of Parliament.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A)
club house sits adjacent to the first tee and although it might be
imagined that they own the course, they are but one of many
clubs that have playing privileges on the course, along with the
general public.
There is no real knowledge of when golf was first played over
the grounds that now constitute the Old Course. The earliest
written evidence is a licence issued in 1552, which permitted the
community to rear rabbits on the links and "play at golf, futball,
schuteing ... with all other manner of pastimes". The first written
record of golf being played at the Old Course dates to 1574,
which would make the Old Course the fifth-oldest links golf site
in Scotland. However, documents from the reign of King James
IV show that he bought golf clubs at St Andrews in 1506, only
four years after his first purchase at Perth, which may indicate
that the Old Course is significantly older than the written evidence
shows. The course evolved without the help of any true
architect for many years. Originally, it was played over the
same set of fairways out and back to the same holes. As interest
in the game increased, the whins were cut back to allow for
two fairways. The greens were also increased in size and two
holes were cut.
One of the unique features of the Old Course is the huge double
greens. Seven greens are shared by two holes each. Only the
1st, 9th, 17th and 18th holes have their own greens. Another
unique feature is that the course can be played in either direction,
clockwise or anti-clockwise. The general method of play
today is anti-clockwise, although clockwise play has been permitted
on one day each year for the past few years. Originally,
the course was reversed every week in order to let the grass
recover better. One other unusual thing about the Old Course
is that it is closed on Sundays to let the course rest. On some
Sundays the course turns into a park for all the townspeople
who come out to stroll, picnic and otherwise enjoy the grounds.
As a general rule, Sunday play is allowed on the course on only
four occasions:
The final day of the Dunhill Links Championship, an annual
event on the European Tour.
The final day of The Open Championship when it is held
at the Old Course; this happens roughly once every five
years.
The final day of two top amateur events, the St Andrews
Links Trophy
And the St Rule Trophy.
Sunday play may also occur when the Old Course hosts other
major events; for example, when it hosted the Women's British
Open in 2007.
T h e O l d
Course had
12 holes, 10
of which were
played both
out and in,
making a total
of 22 holes.
As play increased,
the
first four
holes (all of
Looking up the 18th fairway towards the clubhouse
with the famous bridge over the Swilken
Burn in the middle distance.
which were played twice) were combined in 1764 to make two
holes, leaving a total of 18 holes. Over time, this became the
standard number of holes for courses all over the world. Around
1863, Old Tom Morris had the 1st green separated from the
17th green, producing the current 18-hole layout with seven
double greens.
While winning the Open Championship is a crowning achievement
for any golfer, a win at St Andrews is considered particularly
important due to the course's long tradition.
In 2005 the Old Course was ranked as the greatest golf course
in the rest of the world, i.e., outside the United States, by Golf
Digest.
Meaning of True blue
Loyal and unwavering in one's opinions or support for a cause.
The origin of 'true blue' is said to derive from the blue cloth
made in Coventry, England in the late middle ages. The town's
dyers had a reputation for producing material that didn't fade
i.e. it remained 'fast' or 'true'. The phrase 'as true as Coventry
blue' originated then and is still used (in Coventry at least). The
town's standing was recorded in 1670 by John Ray in the first
edition of A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs:
"Coventry formerly had the reputation for the dying of blues;
insomuch that true blue became a Proverb to signify one that
was always the same and like himself."
There are other theories as to the origin of 'true blue' such as
representing the Virgin Mary in blue clothing in paintings, the
pure lineage of Spanish nobility, or the blue aprons worn by
butchers. These derivations are unlikely as they are not supported
by documentary evidence that link them to 'true blue'.
The Coventry story also has the added credence of closely
matching the 'steadfast, unwavering' meaning of the phrase.
The change from the literal 'fast' coloured cloth to the allusory
'steadfast' loyal supporters came around the time that Ray was
writing his book of proverbs. The Covenanters, a group of 17th
century Scottish Presbyterians swore to uphold the National
Covenant. They wore blue as their badge and those who unequivocally
supported the cause were called 'true blue'. Samuel
Butler referred to this denomination in his poem Hudibras, 1663:
For his Religion it was Fit
To match his learning and wit;
'Twas Presbyterian true blue
The Covenanters are no longer active but conservative politics
still maintains an association with the phrase. Blue was later
adopted as the colour of the Tory Party in England (later called
the Conservative Party). Staunch Conservative supporters,
those whom Margaret Thatcher would have called 'one of us',
are known as 'true blue' Tories.