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2005 News ArchivesJump to:
A Note from the Chief
Although her title “The First Secretary for
Scotland” was unofficial, Susan Stewart was the
first! And for the past several years, she defined the job,
and fulfilled it beautifully, helping New Yorkers and Scots
interface successfully. She’s moving on to a new post
at the University of Glasgow, but she remains an honorary
member of our Club. We’ll miss her thorough
professionalism, keen and cheerful work on our behalf. We
wish her well. NYCC - Halloween Party Oct. 29th 7pm The New York Caledonian Club Cordially Invites You To Our Halloween Party at Connolly's 14 E. 47th Street
NY Scottish Pipes and Drums: Edinburgh Pipefest & Marie Curie Cancer Care
While Pipefest 2005 will be a great opportunity to assemble together more pipers and drummers in one parade than most people see over a lifetime, it is also a fundraising event for the UK charity Marie Curie Cancer Care. Marie Curie Cancer Care provides free care to cancer patients and their families, including home and hospice care. In addition, Marie Curie Cancer Care engages in research into treatments for cancer. In the spirit of the event, the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums is soliciting donations on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Currently, we have received pledges from the New York Caledonian Club, the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums, as well as individual band members. We also wanted to offer individual Caledonian Club members a simple and easy opportunity to contribute as well. If you would like to contribute, the band has a fundraising web-page sponsored by Marie Curie through which donations may be made online via credit card. The address of our fundraising page is http://www.justgiving.com/nyscottish Feel free to share this web address with others if you can. Note that contributions via this website should be submitted by Friday, October 21, 2005. Further information about Marie Curie Cancer Care can be found at http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/about/ Best regards and thanks for your consideration, Patrick Duffy - Pipe Major Faye Buckalew - Marie Curie Fundraising Chair
NYCC Member Dr. George Chall in the NY Times Seeking a Little Respect for a Long-Suffering Monument
Now a movement is afoot to overhaul the monument, led by George Chall, a silver-haired World War II veteran who lives around the corner. As head of the Citizens Memorial Committee, Dr. Chall has revived a long tradition of holding Memorial Day ceremonies at the monument. More of this story can be found here at the NY Times Online. Additonal photos of the monument and its connection to the NYCC can be found in the Photo Gallery A Message from the Chief Greetings:
Today we are writing to you on upcoming events this summer and to extend an invitation to a special event for our members. Please reserve Wednesday, July 13th, 6:00 p.m., on your
calendar for an evening Garden Party in the Close at the
General Theological Seminary, located on 9th Avenue and
20th Street. The “Three Saints Societies” St. George's Society, We urge you to attend this delightful gathering in a beautiful setting. We would also like to remind you all about the Round Hill Games in Norwalk, Connecticut, which will be held on Saturday, July 2nd. We will have hospitality tents and we invite you to stop by and visit. The Round Hill Games are easily accessible by public transportation by taking Metro North to Norwalk. Cranbury Park, where the Games are held is only a short cab ride from the station. If you are traveling from New York City by car, it is best to take the Merritt Parkway, not I-95. On August 27th, the Club will running a bus from New York City to the Long Island Highland Games at Old Westbury Gardens. You will be able to travel to and from the Games in air-conditioned comfort. Seating is limited, so reserve early! The Club will have hospitality tents at Westbury as well. We hope that you will be able to attend either one or both of the Games this year. Come and make a day of it. Brian MacDonald will be on the field in his familiar pith helmet and camouflage kilt, in charge of athletic events and you will not be disappointed in the competition. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events. Yours aye, The Bus is Back!
Seating is Limited so reserve early. Tickets for the bus ride on sale now. From the Board Room: The NYCC Movie
Tartan TV can now be seen on WLIW 21 Saturdays at 7:30pm and Tuesdays at 11:30pm in New York City.
See the Tartan TV website, to find it in your area and enjoy! From the Board - New web site features.
The New York Caledonian Club will be holding elections at the AGM on Saturday, June 11th.
The terms of all of the officers expire in June as do
the terms of eight board members. Your vote counts, and you
will determine what direction the club will take next year,
so come to the AGM and vote. If you can’t come to the
AGM, send your ballot in by mail or appoint a proxy to
represent you at the AGM. We need
you!! From the Board Room: Enter the Haggis at the Knitting Factory- A review
Read on for Ken Pierce's full rundown of the show! NYCC Hospitality Tent Tour 2005
See the Pic's in Photo Gallery. Message from the Chief: Spring 2005
I hope everyone will respond, either by sending in a proxy ballot or attending the meeting in person. Our continuing growth is an essential signal to our sister and brother Scottish organizations, and the city at large, that the New York Caledonian Club intends to be a force. This is your Club. You elect the leadership, so please take the time to vote. Once again the forces of nature took aim at the Caledonian’s efforts, but the monsoon rains during New York’s Tartan Week didn’t prevent us from having a great turnout for the pre-parade Concert and Ceilidh. It was a joyously diverse evening of Scots music, singing, dancing, a dash of history, a children’s participation area, and many raffle prizes, all combining to give attendees their money’s worth. The next day’s parade was damp but not drowned. Our concluding event, featuring the group, Enter the Haggis, lured a large crowd of 200 to the Village despite the downpours. The New York Scottish Pipes and Drums bolstered by several players from Mount Kisco were outstanding in their contribution at the British Memorial Gardens dedication mid-week on April 6th—so much so that the sun actually came out! Everyone who contributed to our efforts, and there are too many to name here, can share in the satisfaction. WELL DONE! When the current leadership took office last June, the Club’s records were in complete disarray and the membership was in decline, having lost nearly 100 members. We didn’t really know what the actual membership numbers were. However, through the tremendous efforts of George Campbell, Jim Campbell and others, the records have been totally reconstructed. We were determined to practice the policy of transparency that had been promised. As a result, we can report confidently that our membership now totals 233 members in good standing. In the past year we have attracted 69 new members, and re-signed many former Caledonians who had let their memberships lapse. Thus, the membership of the Club is now greater than at any time since 2000. Also, we proudly report to you that the Scottish Studies Program has quietly become a profit center with students in Gaelic and Piping. We are preparing, with your help, for a 150th Birthday celebration befitting an organization that has been “Open to the World” since 1856. Thanks for being with us and supporting our efforts. Together we can make it happen! Andrew Macmillan, 75th Chief
April 1st: - First The New York Caledonian Club kicks off National
Tartan week in grand style with our Pre-Parade
Ceilidh on April 1st. This event will
feature a concert of the internationally acclaimed,
'Scotland's Heroes' starring Emmy award winning actor,
Andrew Macmillan and Americas best loved Scottish
Balladeer, Charlie Zahm. After the hour-long concert, the
evening rocks with lots of piping, ceilidh April 2nd: - In the morning the NYCC will start the day off with a Kirkin O The Tartan - For the afternoon we invite you to march with us in the Tartan Day Parade. Form up is on 45th Street and 6th Avenue no later than 1:00 pm. The parade steps off at 2:00 pm (sharp) and marches north on 6th Avenue ending at 58th Street. - After the parade we will Party at the Knitting Factory with Enter the Haggis starting at 6pm. Enter the Haggis's explosive Celtic rock combines the traditional sounds of the highland bagpipe and fiddle with a powerhouse rhythm section and strong vocals to create an infectious, danceable hybrid of old and new. - And to round out the night we will head over to Mundial to hang with our friends in the NY Tartan Army.
Come to a special Tartan Day Early Show on CBS 4/6/05 at 7 AM We will be gathering at 5th Ave and 58th Street - Wear your best Tartan ! From the Archives: A Brief History of Tartan Day
In 1982, under 61st Chief Margaret Beaton Krause, the New York Caledonian Club successfully petitioned New York City’s Mayor Edward Koch to designate July 1st of that year, the 200th anniversary of the Repeal of the Act of Parliament that had forbidden the wearing of tartan, as “Tartan Day”. The New York Caledonian Club is proud to have in its possession a citation dated June 30th, 1982, signed by Governor Hugh Carey, from the Executive Chamber of the State of New York. It reads: State of New York “Throughout the history of New York State, emigrants have played pivotal roles in the development of our great state. July 1, 1982, marks the 200th anniversary of an important milestone in the Scottish people’s search for dignity and freedom, the Repeal of the act of 12 August 1747, forbidding Scots to wear the tartan. During the 35 years the ban was in effect, waves of Scottish emigrants came to our shores and helped shape the ideals of our young Nation. The New York Caledonian Club has earned richly deserved commendation for its efforts to honor those men and women of Scottish descent and origin who helped shape the destiny of American citizenship and its inherent ideals of freedom and dignity. As its members celebrate Tartan Day, July 1, 1982, it is fitting that the efforts of the Club be given commendation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Hugh L. Carey, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby cite THE NEW YORK CALEDONIAN CLUB and send greetings and congratulations to its officers and membership. Hugh L. Carey, The Club also has in its possession a proclamation dated July 1st, 1982signed by the Mayor of New York, Edward I. Koch. The proclamation reads: Office of the Mayor The history of our city has been influenced and enriched by the contributions of Scottish emigrants. Their participation in our economic, social and cultural life has benefited all our citizens. July 1, 1982, is the 200th anniversary of an important milestone in the Scottish people’s search for dignity and freedom. It marks the date of the repeal of the act of 12 August, 1747, which forbade Scots to wear the tartan, a symbol of Scottish clan and spirit. Now, therefore, I, Edward I. Koch, Mayor of the City of
New York, do hereby proclaim July 1, 1982, as In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of New York to be affixed. Edward I. Koch
Mid-Winter Chief's Message
Two factors made it so. An extraordinary effort by Kitty Lunn-Macmillan, this year’s Burns Supper Chairperson, and her committee to shrug off the weather and keep the excitement building. The remarkable telephone work was notable. Almost every Board member took an active part in the effort. The other factor of note was this; through the example of the New York Tartan Day Committee, the city’s other Scottish organizations were encouraged to participate. Old rivalries were put aside. Backbiting, suspicions and jealousies were also put aside. Speakers from every group participated. In an historic advance, The American Scottish Foundation bought a table. Past Presidents of the St. Andrew’s and St. David’s Societies were in attendance and gave the Toasts to the Queen and President. The New York Scottish Pipes and Drums were in fine form, as was the Caledonian Piper to the Chief, Jerry Dixon. The colors were proudly on display by a color guard of six. The 72nd Chief, George Campbell, started the supper off on the right foot with Burns’ “Selkirk Grace,” and the glorious Haggis had two arms bearers devotedly assuring its safe arrival to the table. Dr. James Winchester from The American Scottish Foundation delivered a wonderful Toast to the Lassies, but our Chieftain, Faye Buckalew, met him straight on with the best Response to the Laddies I’ve ever heard. Our own Tom Laurenson gave a masterful Immortal Memory complete with a rap version of “My Love is like a Red, Red, Rose”! Many thanks go to John MacDonald for his effort in securing the raffle prizes and Christy MacPhedran for running the raffle. Thanks to the efforts of Tommy Ciccone and Jerry Dixon, attendees took photos home to press in their memory books. Much is owed to Mary Abdil and Alice Backer who provided the lively Ceilidh music and to our Ceilidh Dance Caller, Jack Cole. The dancing continued till nearly Midnight, when we all joined hands for the final singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” From John Anderson’s leading of “Flower of Scotland” to the last set of “Strip the Willow,” it was a grand night indeed. THANKS EVERYONE May that spirit carry us onward to the next events scheduled for National Tartan Week April 1-10th. The pride we may feel in participating can be even greater when we realize how much we have to gain by working together. The recent visit of the Lord Lyon is an example. Societies, Clubs and Clans came together to make the event a sell out, and it was very gratifying to see so many NYCC members in attendance. Tartan week can be even better. We’ll be staging a Pre-Parade Concert and Ceilidh at the Armory once again on April 1st. To kick off National Tartan week in grand style, Celtic Balladeer, Charlie Zahm headlines the internationally acclaimed Scotland’s Heroes celebrating Scottish history in music, song and verse. This hour-long concert received rave reviews when it played in Glasgow several years back. It’s not to be missed. After the concert, there will be lots of Piping, Ceilidh dancing, and perhaps a surprise or two. On Saturday, April 2nd, the Tartan Day Parade steps off up 6th Avenue with Grand Marshal, Randall Wallace in the lead. As Parade organizers, the St. Andrew’s Society, the American Scottish Foundation and the NYCC will march together. After the Parade, we will be hosting a post-march bash at the Tribeca venue, The Knitting Factory featuring music by the wildly popular band everybody is clamoring for, ENTER THE HAGGIS, from 6-9pm. For complete details of all the events being offered during National Tartan Week, please visit our website at www.nycaledonian.org. I strongly encourage everyone to come out and support
our events during National Tartan Week. We are reminded of
the moment in Randall Wallace’s film, Braveheart,
when Mel Gibson, as William Wallace, begs the future King,
Robert the Bruce, to take the lead and “…UNITE
THE CLANS”! Burns Supper Pictures
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In the upcoming issue of the newsletter you’ll
find the complete election results achieved at our Annual
General Meeting. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve
as your Chief as we approach our 150th anniversary. We
appreciate too, the careful work done by Faye Buckalew and
her Elections Committee, whose task ran up to five
re-counts before it was over! We now have a full compliment
of Directors, new and returning, veterans and fresh faces,
for the year ahead. The Board of Directors is committed to
continuing to foster positive relationships with the other
Scottish organizations in New York City. We look forward to
working closely with the National Tartan Day Committee to
produce events befitting our 150th anniversary. Now our
need is for members to step up and volunteer for Committee
jobs whose contributions make our schedule of events
possible. Why not pick out an area of interest, or contact
a Committee Chairman you’d like to work with and join
in?
Come dressed as your favorite Scottish character
Costumes will be judged and prizes awarded!!
On Sunday, August 21st, the New York Scottish Pipes and
Drums will be joining thousands of pipers and drummers from
around the world in Edinburgh, Scotland to participate in
Pipefest 2005. The main event on that day will be a parade
that has a grand finale near the Palace of Holyroodhouse in
the grounds of Holyrood Park with approximately 10,000
marchers. Needless to say, the band is extremely excited to
participate in what promises to be an unforgettable
event.
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at 89th Street in
Riverside Park is still majestic from afar, with its 12
soaring Corinthian columns and surrounding terraces. But up
close the dilapidation is clearly visible. Pave-stones,
many damaged by skateboarding and soccer playing, need
replacing. The paint covering the many splotches of
graffiti is tacky. And the tomblike interior, which is
leaking, has long been closed to the public. Major work
last took place in 1962.
Thanks to Harlan Whatley we are proud to present a
Join us in watching this wonderful television with Fiona
Kennedy and Robert Sproul-Cran.
The NYCC tent is on the road again, Jerry Dixon and
Thomas Ciccone, kicked off the Summer Games Tent Tour with
a stop at Celebration of Celts. While we where there we
picked up two new members. Members and guests who stopped
at the tent where treated to shady seating and good
conversation.
Join us
Tartan Day Morning
The 6th of April is recognized here in America as Tartan
Day, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of
Abroath. The Declaration of Abroath was a letter sent to
Pope John XXII asserting Scotland’s independence, but
it was not until 1328 when the Treaty of Northampton was
signed between Robert the Bruce and Edward II of England
that the independence Scotland had won on The 24th of June
1314 was finally recognized.
The pictures from the Burns Supper are up in the
Photo Gallery. You can email us with your
address if you want a printed copy (please include the
picture number) of any of the pictures or you can download
them directly from the gallery. Don't forget to leave us a
comment on our members forum.