Clan Donald Australia 

Newsletter:

Lamb Dhearg Clann Domhnuil

May, 2007

Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a' that,)
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That Man to Man, the world o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that.

Robert Burns (25^th January,1759 – 21^st July,1796)

Report

It has been a while since my last newsletter, but I have not been idle.     I have again included a verse from one of the many Robert Burns poems.   A man I admire for his views on life.

It has been an interesting term of office, with several trips to

New South Wales, Queensland, most of Victoria, one trip to Tasmania , and another across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.   During my time in office, I have enjoyed meeting Clansfolk of all stations in life, and exchanged ideas.   We are currently in negotiations with Donald Macdonald in South Australia re the formation of a group in Adelaide, South Australia, sponsored by the MacLean Society of South Australia.   We have also been approached by a group in Traralgon, Victoriato form Clan Donald Society there, but are still making enquiries.

New Arrival

Personally, in the last year and a portion, my daughter Catherine Macdonald married in March 2006, to Anthony William Jones.   Instead of losing her surname, both Catherine and Anthony have merged their surnames to Macdonald Jones.   The result of their union has resulted in the birth of my first grandson, Alexander William Macdonald Jones, born on 30^th March, 2007 at 9.12 a.m., a weight of 8lb 8 oz., at a length of 23 inches.   Mother, child, and father all doing well.   The proud Grandparents also are doing well, having conducted a vigil at the hospital.   We have already shown the new arrival off at Clan Donald of Victoria Peninsula Division.

Clan Donald/Macdonald of  Victoria

As far as Clan Donald is concerned, I have continued to regularly, with few exceptions, visit each of the Victorian societies for socials, Annual General Meetings, Tartan Balls, and Burns Nights.   Recently, in March, on a side issue, I was installed into the Chair of the Scottish Rite (18°) and am involved in visiting other Scottish Rites throughout Victoria.

The Clan Tent has been erected, and staffed at the majority of the “Highland Gatherings” and Celtic Festivals within Victoria.   All the Clan Donald/Macdonald groups in Victoria have contributed in some way to the books, furnishings, and staffing.   Due to the long drought, there has been some doubt, at times as to whether some of the events would be held as most of Australia having Level 4 Water Restrictions, many parks and grounds are not being watered.   Ironically, the Maryborough Highland Gathering was washed out halfway through the day with 61 mm of rain dropping within a 24 hour period of New Years Eve and Day.   There was some doubt as to whether the Highland Dancing and the athletic events should have been replaced with competitive swimming.

Clan Macdonald of Victoria has taken a significant role in the Victorian Scottish Union, with the President being Bart Grant, the husband of the President of Clan Macdonald of Victoria June Macdonald (Grant).   Bart Grant is a member of the Clan Grant Society of Victoria, and the treasurer of the Scottish Clans and Associations Council (Formerly known as the Council of Clans).   The Senior Vice President, due to take over the position of President this year, is Christina Milne the Vice President of Clan Macdonald of Yarraville, and regular attendee at other Clan Donald Societies in Victoria.

The first female secretary of the Victorian Scottish Union, in its 101 year history is, and should continue to be until someone more adventurous or willing is found, is my wife Jan Macdonald.   Although travelling around to support my wife in her Secretarial role, I have continued in only taking the position of an Executive Member.   June Macdonald, the President of Clan Macdonald of Victoria, although willing to put herself forward as Junior Vice President, was unfortunately opposed by a young member of the Glen Brae Highland Dancers.   There was also some reservation amongst some of the Victorian Scottish Union that the entire executive should not be from one clan/society only.   If she is willing, I am sure June Macdonald will put herself forward again in the future.

A surprising revelation at the Centennial of the Victorian Scottish Union held at Rushworth was to observe the inclusion of my Paternal Great Grandfather Alexander Macdonald in a photo of the first Committee of the Union.

Clan Macdonald of Queenland

On February 17^th, 2007, I attended in Brisbane , at the beautifully restored home of Sue and Sam Brkich, for the appointment of the new Commissioner for Clan Donald Queensland, Cameron Macdonald.   Malcolm McDonald (Castle Dunaverty) retired from the position, but will be continuing in his role in the Council of Finlaggan.

Queensland has recorded the event more eloquently than I, so I have included their report of this event.

Clan Macdonald within New South Wales

Due to work and family restrictions, I was not able to attend the Bundanoon Highland Gathering, this year, but believe it too received a reasonable amount of welcome rain.   From reports received, the Clan Donald tent was erected and staffed by James McConnell, the New South Wales Commissioner for Clan Donald, assisted by his wife Margaret McConnell.    James McConnell is still not in good health, and his dedication to duty is an inspiration.

Clan Donald Celtic Society of New England

In early May this year, I was invited, and attended the New England area of northern New South Wales for the festivities at the Standing Stones in the town of Glen Innes.   It was a joint invitation by the Clan Donald Celtic Society of New England, and the Clan Donald Society of Queensland.

The Standing Stones are a recreation of the stone circles throughout Britain.   They are partially responsible to the efforts of a member of the Clan Donald Celtic Society of New England, Ian Macdonald, who once served as town clerk of Glen Innes, but although remaining a member, is now residing in the oceanside city of Coffs Harbour practising Commercial and Criminal Law.  

On the way, via the New England Highway, after crossing the Macdonald River , Jan and I drove on, climbed the hills to stop at the Red Lion Tavern in Glencoe, for a satisfying lunch.   The establishment has an excellent atmosphere, food, and wine from the nearby wineries.   Glen Innes is a further 20 or so kilometres further on.   

The festivities in Glen Innes commenced on the Thursday night, with the Calling of the Clans at the Standing Stones.   The atmosphere was inspiring, with the full moon rising in a clear starlit sky over the stones.   The clans all gathered.   First the Roman soldiers attempted to light a bonfire using catapult with burning bolts, but fell short.   In retaliation, the Celts ran in to light the bonfire throwing their torches to ignite the pyre.   Torches were then lit around the inner circle of the stones, mystically highlighting the granite monoliths, in a haunting glow.   We were called, each to present our clan and banner, being led by burning torchlight.   Entertainment was further provided by fire dancers, and drums.   On adjourning from the Stones to the Town Hall, all were entertained by Paul Anderson the Scottish Violinist, the Waimatuku Highland Band (N. Z.) accompanied by Highland Dancers from the South Island of New Zealand.

The whole of the next day saw us with the other Clan Commissioners and dignitaries, at further ceremonies in the main street, meeting the mayor for lunch, followed by more ceremony.   The day culminated in a dinner with the Committee of the Clan Donald Celtic Society of New England.

The Saturday morning we were joined by the Clan Donald Society of Queensland, with a march in the Main Street of Glen Innes.   The Clan Donald Celtic Society of England having the largest contingent of all the Clans and Societies participating.   Afternoon saw us back at the Standing Stones, frequenting the Clan Tent.   Cameron Macdonald, the Commissioner for Queensland dedicated two stones brought back from Scotland, which had been set in the Memorial Wall, ending with the Christening of the Stones, with the obligatory Toast (An aged Glenlivet).   I will leave Cameron Macdonald to report more on this.

Ceremonies continued for the remainder of the weekend, with the exception of an excellent Saturday night at a rural property in an Australian Bush setting, consuming traditional foods, and home made bread, all cooked in Dutch Ovens, in the ashes.

My wife and I wish to personally thank Sean Macdonald Sheridan, and his wife Nora Sheridan, as well as the membership of the Clan Donald Celtic Society of England for making our stay so memorable.   We apologise for the lack of photos of the New England group but hope they will distribute a journal of the event themselves.            

Clan Donald Tasmania 

Since visiting Jill Hart, and the Clan Donald Society of Tasmania, last year, they have been suffering some setbacks.   Several of their members are becoming increasingly infirm, and reducing numbers at functions.   Although I did not report in our last visit in a newsletter, I have mentioned the event in a report to the High Chiefs.

Jan and I were made welcome in Tasmania, and I must admit, I found their state, even though we did not see their wilderness region, extremely beautiful. With the appetising produce of Tasmania around every twist of the road, accompanied by the inviting history in revival, we both required substantial exercise to reduce our waistlines again on returning to Melbourne.

A matter I failed to report in a newsletter, in the past, but have to the Chiefs, was the inclusion of Jill Hart, the President of Clan Donald Tasmania, as one of the runners in Hobart, Tasmania, 2006 for the Torch Relay throughout Australia for the Commonwealth Games.   I believe her inclusion was as a result of her long association with Competition Equestrian Events throughout Australia , as well as her involvement in teaching the handicapped to ride.   On our visit last year, the torch had a proud position in Jill’s lounge room.I hope to catch up with Jill soon, when she visitsWerribee Mansion for the Equestrian Competition, to discuss the future of Clan Donald in Tasmania.

Margaret Macdonald Clan Donald of Victoria Peninsula Branch Honoured with an Order of Australia Medal.

This is something else I have not previously reported on, which occurred in 2006.   For those unaware, these Honours are bestowed in Australia on Australia Day (January 26^th),  in similar manner, and standing to the Queens Birthday Honours later in the year.  

Article Courtesy of Leader Newspaper,

Mornington Peninsula

Editions

Epilogue

Who am I???

In the following, I do not preach anarchy, nor disrespect.   My personal philosophy and attitude to those I meet, including those I intercept in my role as a police officer can be explained by an excerpt from Freemasonry:-

“…we are all sprung from the same stock, are partakers of the same nature, and sharers in the same hope; and although distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet ought no eminence of station make us forget that we are brothers, for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune’s wheel is equally entitled to our regard, as a time will come, and the wisest of us knows not how soon – when death the great leveller of all human greatness, shall reduce us to the same state.”

Burns, himself a freemason supports this with his line;

“The rank is but the guinea's stamp, the Man's the gowd for a' that. “

As I sit down to write this report, I am reminded of two quotes, one by Daniel Defoe in 1706, and another by Edward Tapham in 1775, both highlighting the outsider’s view of the Scot’s pride, even though of low birth.   Both were observations of the Scot holding his head high as he walked down the street, but dressed in rags.   There is another old saying that a man is the sum of his parts.

As an amateur genealogist, I believe that a man is the sum of his past.      How many times have we been at the Highland Gatherings to hear someone say “We are descended from Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie.”   I do not enter that debate, as I find too many people overly passionate in their beliefs.  I instead try to steer them to more research, with the supportive, mandatory paperwork, and then ask they look for the aspects that made their ancestors unique.   I try to teach them to be proud of their ancestors, irrespective of station, or birth.   Consider that it is not only the generals, or statesmen who win wars, but the also the many common people, the cannon fodder.

Too many times today, people are looking for their 5 minutes of fame and notoriety.   In policing circles it is considered this is what is contributing to such a violent new society;   Unknowns trying to display their face or their names at least in print, or on the television, no matter the cost to life, or community safety.   Others tie themselves to a name of an alleged famous ancestor, more often than not of noble birth.   Now in a modern reverse trend, many claim to be ancestors of infamous or unsavoury characters.

We as genealogists should be asking ourselves, what has happened to put us where we are.   What accidents of birth, what events have occurred, what tragedies.   Whether we realise it, or not, we are all influenced in the present by what has occurred in the lives of our ancestors.   I believe there is some form of ancestral memory, passed on from generation to generation.

Consider not only those of high or noble birth, but also the commoners, those with talents of their own, their own eccentricities.   My maternal Great Grandfather, Edward Kelso comes to my mind, whom it was said had the “Gift.”   He was not wealthy, nor famous, but a commoner riding his bicycle to work at “Skipping Girl Vinegar”, surviving 2 wives until he died at the age of 86 years.   However, people listened to him, for his advice.   He claimed he was talking to his dearly loved, but departed first wife, and was able to accurately predict events within his own family and environs.   Nowadays, many would consider him with some form of psychiatric disorder.    My grandfather Robert Elso, a son of Edward Kelso, also said to have received the “gift” but refused to listen after he correctly predicted the death of a close friend within a week, believing it a curse instead.   I also remember my paternal grandfather Angus Macdonald, a man who had his own faults, and problems, but still became a councillor, and now has two streets, and a park named after him.   All men of insignificant birth, but made their own mark on their world   

Consider the poem “Jock” by Banjo Patterson, the author of many well known Australian poems.   I once sent this poem to Sydney as I believe, a mark of respect, and a fitting poem for Jim McConnell, the NSW Commissioner of Clan Donald, and previous High Commissioner when he received an impressive NSW / Scottish Award.   Patterson was astounded by these men.   Here were men who were normally engineers, labourers, etcetera, but when the going got difficult, and no headway could be made by any other group of men, in went the jocks.   Patterson admits in the poem that he found their music loud, and their appearance less than handsome, but he admired them, as they got the job done.   They did the impossible.

These are the stories we should research.   Those people with the ability to achieve much, with little to start with.   There will always be one who stands out, one who was a leader, but remember those little stories, as they may also define us and influence the present.

HOW IS YOUR LIFE GOING TO INFLUENCE YOUR DESCENDANTS ?

LATE MINUTE ARRIVAL FROM SCOTLAND

The Gathering 2009

2 day International Gathering of the Clans in Holyrood Park. To be held over the weekend of July 25^th, 2009.

The Gathering will take the form of a traditional Highland Games.

The Gathering will be hosted by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. It is hoped that the Chief of the Games will be a member of the Royal family.

The Clans are the primary focus of the gathering, and the key activities will be designed for their benefit. These will include a clan parade, and a special commemorative event to be held on the Castle Esplanade in the Tattoo infrastructure.

It is estimated that there will be over 100 Clan tents, with around 7500 clan members.

The Gathering also aims to attract members of Caledonian and St Andrew’s societies from around the world.

The Gathering should attract a further 25,000 people from

Edinburgh and central Scotland. Depending on the weather this figure could easily double.

The Highland games, especially the “heavy” athletes, are, however, the main attraction to the general public, and therefore will be heavily promoted. It is hoped that the occasion will draw the world’s top competitors, and should prove an ideal opportunity for them to show case the various disciplines and sports to a largely novice audience.

The Gathering is one of the main events of the Homecoming Scotland  2009 initiative, and has the full support of Visit Scotland. A company has been set up to run the event. The directors have considerable experience in marketing and managing special events, and have good access to the international clan network. The company will actively promote the Gathering in Highland games and festivals in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  The objectives of the Gathering are all about attracting people with an affinity to Scotland and promoting Scottish culture. The event will act as a hook to draw in visitors, many of whom will then travel elsewhere in Scotland.

It is not intended to run the Edinburgh Gathering on an annual basis. It is very much a celebration of one of our greatest traditions, and an opportunity to thank the clan associations and Scottish societies from around the world for their role in keeping these traditions alive.