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THURSDAY, <strong>25</strong>AUGUST, <strong>2022</strong> |GERALDINE NEWS |PAGE 9<br />
Clan MacKenzie<br />
Clan MacKenzie<br />
SOCIETYOFNEW ZEALANDINC.<br />
SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND INC.<br />
On the shores of Scotlands Loch Duich sits Eilean Donan Castle, the reported birthplace ofClan Mackenzie and where it all<br />
began in the late 13th century. PHOTO: clanmackenziesociety.co.uk<br />
Agathering ofClan MacKenzie<br />
John McKenzie of the Clan MacKenzie<br />
Society of New Zealand tells us therewill<br />
be agathering of Canterbury members of<br />
the clan at 2pm thisFriday,26<strong>August</strong>, at<br />
Barkers Foodstore andEatery.<br />
BasedinRolleston,John is one of two<br />
South Islandcommitteemembersofthe<br />
clan society. Johnsays,The gathering is<br />
an occasion to bring members and others<br />
who are interested up todate with the<br />
societys activities.For instance, preparations<br />
are wellunderway for highlandgames to<br />
be heldatHororataon5November.<br />
Clan activity had been put on hold<br />
because ofCovid, and while there have<br />
beenZoomhappy hours, Johnislooking<br />
forward to the face-to-face Geraldine<br />
gathering.Hesays, Anybody interested<br />
in their Scottish heritage is welcome. I<br />
will put them in touch with the Scottish<br />
Heritage Council, which can help them<br />
connect with aclan. For those interested<br />
in local history, there isresearch being<br />
carried out on JamesMackenzieand the<br />
various legends and stories associated<br />
with him.<br />
TheMacKenzies were reputed to have<br />
come from Ireland in 1262. The variations<br />
in the spelling of MacKenzie come from<br />
thetranslation of theGaelicMhicCoineach<br />
into English. Coineach is the Gaelic form<br />
of Kenneth, meaning handsome. The clan<br />
fought onthe side ofthe Jacobites at<br />
Culloden, and was dispersed following<br />
their defeat. However,itcontinues to have<br />
achief, namely John Ruaridh Grant<br />
Mackenzie, 5th Earl ofCromartie. (Clan<br />
MacKenzie Society website).<br />
HUGH MCCAFFERTY<br />
Canterbury &West Coast Branch<br />
GATHERING<br />
2pm |Friday26<strong>August</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Barker’s Food Store & Eatery<br />
If you areaMackenzie,<br />
connect to the clan or simply have<br />
an interest in Scottishheritage,<br />
please join us.<br />
d<br />
Call<br />
John McKenzie 027450 7264<br />
for more information<br />
Afun music session for parents,<br />
carers and young children<br />
9.30am Tuesdays in term-time<br />
St Andrew’s Hall<br />
ARTSONTOURNEW ZEALAND PRESENTS<br />
Aleck Smith in his vegetable garden with his ride-on train; the Briggs and Straton petrol-powered train on display<br />
at the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum. PHOTOS: Facebook/Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum<br />
Aleck Smiths ride-on train remembered<br />
Aleck Smith was afounding member of<br />
the Geraldine VintageCar and Machinery<br />
Museum(GVCMM),alocal businessman<br />
(owning GeraldineTransportbefore selling<br />
to Mt Cook Freight), andanimaginative<br />
engineer,saysarecentpost on the museums<br />
Facebook page.<br />
Aleck knew his way around vintage<br />
vehicles, restoring both aModel TFord<br />
car and Model TFord truck which had<br />
both been damaged inafire in 1979. He<br />
drove the truck in the 1989 Geraldine<br />
Christmas parade.His grandsonMarcus<br />
Harvey remembers that Aleck stuffedhis<br />
shoulder trying to crank start it!<br />
Marcus remembers another of his<br />
grandfatherscreations, the ride-on train.<br />
Aleck built atrack that had the ebony<br />
engine taking joyful journeysaroundhis<br />
vegetable garden up in the downs of<br />
Geraldine,saysMarcus.The Briggs and<br />
Stratonpetrol-powered trainchuffed its<br />
way aroundthe tracks, muchtothedelight<br />
of his grandchildren. Marcus recalls the<br />
thrill ofhaving rides and having a<br />
favourite railwaycapthat he wasfiercely<br />
committed to.<br />
AllofAleck Smiths work is on display<br />
at the GVCMM, 178 Talbot Street. Open<br />
everyday from10am-3pm. FI MCCAFFERTY<br />
Supper &Song<br />
WEDNESDAY 7SEPTEMBER<br />
ience only<br />
Art by Jamie Bottomleya<br />
7pm Barker's Foodstore &Eatery<br />
$40 includes antipasto platter toshare<br />
Dinner Menu available &Bar open<br />
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM LOUK CLOTHING<br />
CALL 03 693 9070 |CASH ONLY
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