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NEWSLETTER OF THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF TIDEWATER Tidewater Scots Volume 19, Issue 5 Nov-Dec 2003
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| A Few Words from the President |
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Greeting Friends, Over 50 people attended the SST picnic at my house and all seemed to have a great time. Many members were excited by the visit of a hawk to the picnic site. She is still there and seems no worse from her ordeal with Hurricane Isabel. I would like to commend Genene Butler for her fantastic hard work in putting together a very successful picnic. The Society tent was filled all day long at Williamsburg. I was glad to see so many of our members come out and enjoy the event and also so many that manned the tent and took good care of our visitors. Thanks to Joyce Cowan for organizing this. Well done to all. October starts our late year program. As you may know Skip Hunter will be transferring to sea duty soon. He has been our Program Chair for this past year. Mark Allen, a relatively new member to the SST, has agreed to take over as Program Chair from Skip. He will need everyone’s help in order to put together an exciting and educational series of events for our coming year. Thank you, Mark, for agreeing to serve the Society as Program Chair. We had a wee snag in our planning for the 2004 Tartan Day Festival. As you know, the festival was to be held on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan College in April. Unfortunately, and for the second year in a row, our festival was “bumped” by VWC because of a scheduling conflict. But not all is lost. We will be going back to Khedive Hall, which was the site of the 2003 festival. We hope to have a great Tartan Day celebration in 2004, and ask for your help to pull it off. If you would like to help the Society by pitching in for a successful Tartan Day celebration, please contact me and we can discuss some possibilities. Our Christmas Celidh and Silent Auction is coming up at the December meeting. Please consider donating a Christmas and/or Scottish-themed item for auction. It is a great way for the Society to raise money, and also a WONDERFUL way to kick off the holiday season. Thank you in advance for your donations and support. Also coming up in December is the Alexandria Christmas Walk. The SST has chartered a bus for the long trip to Northern Virginia. Manny Willis is in charge of this event. Contact him if you plan to attend and also to see if he still has seats available on the bus. Should be a great time. The Portsmouth Christmas Walk is scheduled for the last Sunday of December. Come out and join us in what usually is a fun-filled afternoon of friendship and merry making. Susan Cocke is in charge of this event. See our web site events page for more info at www.tidewaterscots.org. I would like to thank all who have come out and joined us at the monthly meetings this summer. I think we had some fun times and enjoyable evenings. One item that has been mentioned was the possibility of having Scottish breakfasts similar to what the Irish Society does. This is an idea that I feel has merit. If you would like us to pursue this idea please contact a member of the Board and voice your opinion in support or opposition to this idea. Slàinte,
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| "A BHEIL GAIDHLIG AGAM?" |
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TIDEWATER SCOTTISH GAELIC STUDY GROUP OFF TO A STRONG START |
| by Marcey Burton |
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Yet for some very determined local students, the drive to learn the language of their Highland ancestors has helped them overcome the difficulty. Scottish Society member Skip Hunter was determined to start a Scottish Gaelic organization in Hampton Roads. With the encouragement of some enthusiastic friends and an inspirational trip to Nova Scotia, where Scottish Gaelic is still freely spoken by many residents of Antigonish and Cape Breton, Hunter decided to organize an informal study group of folks interested in learning the language. "I knew there were some people in the area who were interested in learning, so I thought the chances would be good that we could get this off the ground eventually," says Hunter. "But I was amazed at the response we received. On the first night of class, I was expecting three, maybe four people. I couldn’t believe it when 15 people showed up. Clearly, the desire to learn is out there."
So far, the Gaelic learners are excited about their new endeavor. "I have wanted to learn Gaelic for some time," says student Rob Lockwood. "I tried learning on my own, but didn’t really have the resources. Learning to speak a foreign language is like learning to play a musical instrument; you need proper instruction and feedback in order not to make mistakes that can be difficult to un-learn. The Tidewater Scottish Gaelic Study Group has provided the resources, instruction, and feedback I need to be successful." Many other students express the same view. "I think it is encouraging that so many in the class are under 40," says learner Lynnette Fitch. "We are already passing it on to younger generations. For example, Debbie Wong, another learner in the class, is teaching her sons Gaelic at home. And, as a teacher, I am able to expose my high school students to it. I am very excited about it!" Ian Tweed, a Scottish-born professor at Old Dominion University, has offered his expertise to the group for extra support. Though Ian only learned to speak Scottish Gaelic five years ago, he knows the language well enough to teach it to beginners, which he does in Richmond once a month. "Ian has been a big help to our group," says Hunter. "His mastery of the language is exceptional. He keeps us on the right track." The Gaelic language is at the core of the culture and history of Scotland. Its use has declined seriously over the past two centuries in Scotland as Gaelic speakers, due to the Highland Clearances and other political and economic circumstances, have been dispersed throughout the world. Pockets of Gaelic-speaking communities still exist in the Highlands, the Hebrides, in cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, and in scattered emigrant communities in Canada, especially Cape Breton. However, the number of Scottish Gaelic speakers has dwindled to fewer than 100,000 worldwide For many, the continuation of the language is critical. "The Celtic Diaspora may have robbed us of this part of our heritage," says Lynnette Fitch. "But we can reclaim it, and this study group is a big step in the right direction."
Though the language may no longer be on life support, it is in critical condition. And that’s something Hunter and others are determined to reverse. "The future of the language depends on the will of new learners," says Hunter. "If we let the language die, then the last connection we have to our identity as Gaels is gone forever. I don’t want to see that happen. Not in my lifetime, not if I can help it." The Tidewater Scottish Gaelic Study Group has stopped accepting new participants until Fall of 2004. The Study Group is free, and is open to all interested persons of any skill level. Contact Skip Hunter for details at catbadh9@yahoo.com “The Gaelic Corner” |
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| Welcome to our Newest Members |
Lynn & Debbie Cupp - Clan: Stewart
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SST Awards First Annual Richard Baird Scholarships |
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Peninsula piper Blake Sage received one of the scholarships. Blake is a student at Gildersleeve Middle School in Newport News, and is a member of the Tidewater Pipe & Drums, competing solo at the grade 4 Junior Level. Blake used his scholarship money to help fund his enrollment in “The Academy of Scottish Arts” in Sarasota, Florida last August. Blake is a very promising young piper, and we are proud to support his efforts. The second scholarship was awarded to Rayna Lawson, a student at Princess Anne High School and a member of the Scottish Dance Theatre. Rayna has been involved in Scottish dance for nearly eight years. She will use the scholarship funds to help offset expenses for further dance training. From her application, it was obvious Rayna has a deep love for Scottish culture, and we wish her much luck in her studies.
The Scholarship is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Baird, who served as the president of the Scottish Society of Tidewater from 1984-1991. Dick was very proud of his Scottish Heritage. He devoted much of his adult life to the promotion and celebration of Scottish-American culture. Applications for 2004 will be available in January. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please contact Marcey by e-mail marcey9@cox.net. You may also check the SST website for more information at www.tidewaterscots.org |
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Tartan Day 2004 to be Celebrated at Khedive Hall |
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The Khedive Hall Greenbrier will once again be the site of SST’s Tartan Day Festival. Set for Saturday, April 3, 2004, this will be the seventh annual Tartan Day event sponsored by the SST. The site was chosen after the festival was “bumped,” for the second year in a row, by Virginia Wesleyan College because of a scheduling conflict. “While we are disappointed that we could not celebrate Tartan Day at VWC - and the Board has expressed its disappointment with the college leadership - we felt the Khedive Hall was an equally good match for what we needed,” said Bill Lawler, SST President. Many attendees from last year will remember that the Khedive Hall was large enough to fit all our vendors and society tables comfortably, yet not so big that festival goers felt “lost.” The outdoor facilities are ideal for the planned rugby match, featuring the Norfolk Blues Rugby Team, and the 2nd Annual Tidewater Tartan Day Amateur Solo Piping Competition, sponsored by the Tidewater Pipes & Drums. “Nearly all the comments we heard about Tartan Day 2003 were positive, and Khedive Hall seemed to be a popular venue,” said Lawler. “Being at the same place two years in a row will add continuity to our festival.” The festival will feature Scottish music, dance, informational/educational displays, including a whisky tasting, poetry reading, weapons demonstrations, historical re-enactments, tartan weaving demonstrations, and children’s activities. Proceeds from the Tartan Day Festival are used to support the Scottish Society of Tidewater’s Richard Baird Scholarship Fund. |
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Our Own Sandy MacGregor Sworn in as the 27th Chieftain of the American Clan Gregor Society |
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Robert F. “Sandy” MacGregor, Jr. receives his title as Chieftain of the American Clan Gregor Society from the 26th Chieftain Jeffrey R. McGregor, while State clan representatives look on. The ceremony took place at the banquet of the 94th Annual Gathering of the American Clan Gregor Society in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, October 18th 2003. Prior to this appointment as Chieftain, Sandy held the position of SST Treasurer for over a decade.
Congratulations, Chief Sandy! |
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Another Successful Year For Tidewater Pipes & Drums |
| by Jim Roberts, Pipe Major |
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The band competed at six events in 2003, placing first or second four times. It finished the season tied for seventh out of 52 Grade 4 bands in the EUSPBA, making it the highest ranked pipe band between Raleigh, N.C., and Washington, D.C. The band also hosted the first-ever Tidewater Tartan Day Festival Amateur Solo Piping Competition in April and a full-length concert at The Roper Center in June. The band’s biggest accomplishment, however, was its growth. The band currently has 22 pipers and offers free lessons to more than 20 piping and drumming students. The band will field two competition units in 2004: one in Grade 4 and one in Grade 5. Other news in 2004: the band will replace its aged Royal Stewart kilts with new Ancient MacArthur kilts. The band selected Ancient MacArthur to commemorate Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who is buried in Norfolk. Although the kilts should be ready in time for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the band will officially “debut” the kilts at a special event co-hosted by the City of Norfolk on April 5 at the MacArthur Memorial. Because the TP&D is switching to the MacArthur Tartan for their competition kilts, the TP&D is selling its inventory of Royal Stewart kilts. The kilts vary in age and condition and will be priced accordingly - no kilt will be more than $200. Discounts will be considered on orders of two or more kilts. Photo at tpandd.exis.net. Direct inquiries to Jim Roberts at jamrob98@yahoo.com For more information, visit the band’s web site at tpandd.exis.net. |
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| News from the Scottish Dance Theatre of Virginia |
| by Eleanor Unger, Director |
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The dancers of the Scottish Dance Theatre of Virginia did very well at both Williamsburg and the Richmond Games, with Denise Erickson winning the Premier 17 & under section at Williamsburg once again, and the Pre-Premier dancers doing exceptionally well at Richmond.
The company will be performing with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Virginia Children's Chorus at the Christmas Concert at the Chrysler in Norfolk and Denise Erickson will dance at the Hampton Coliseum's Daily Press Concert. This will be during a special Celtic piece when the choir sings Gaelic mouth music. Norfolk concerts are Dec 19th, 20th, & 21st (a matinee) and the Hampton Concert, with Denise performing solo, will be on Dec 7th. Do you know a trained dancer who would like to |
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Clan Hamilton Takes 2nd in "Best Clan Tent" at Richmond Highland Games |
| by Rita Hamilton |
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Susan hit the flea markets and managed to find a pair of bookends that are sheep. She came up with material to dress up some pots that held flowers and some lacey looking stems of thistles. In addition to all that she had done, Susan also made a batch of awesome lemon curd. Rita tasted and announced that it was horrible and no one else should bother tasting, but she was willing to sacrifice her stomach and eat the lemon curd. (It was truly awesome.) They decorated the Hamilton tent, rivaling Martha Stewart. All Hamiltons that came in were impressed by the effort and it must have been a pretty good job 'cause they came in second place. Of course that got them nothing but the desire to go for first next year. So don't miss the Richmond games next year and don't miss the Hamilton tent. |
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| I Was Young In Strathglass |
| by Donald "Gobha" Chisholm |
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When I was young in Strathglass
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The Scottish Society Wants You! |
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It’s almost election time for the SST. Next March we will have elections for officers and board of directors. If you would like to run for President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary, or for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact John Wallace, the SST Nominating Committee Chair. You can reach John at johnrwallace@earthlink.net |
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| Call For Articles |
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Want to contribute to the newsletter? I am looking for a few good ideas. Some suggestions:
Please e-mail Marcey at marcey9@cox.net Remember: This is YOUR newsletter! |
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| Rumbledthumps |
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Serve this traditional Scottish potato recipe as a delicious change of pace at your holiday dinner. The name of this dish means “mixed together” - rumbled, and “bashed together” - thumped. 1lb Potatoes - Better to wait on the cook
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| Taste of Whisky |
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Cuideagh O' Corn O' Uisghe Beatha "Tasters of the Waters of Life" |
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Location: Stands at the Drumochter Pass at the head of Strathspey Dalwhinnie - Gaelic meaning 'the meeting place' - is a fitting name for this distillery high on the wild, windswept moors of the Grampian mountains in the Northern Highlands. Here, surrounded by the ancient forests and granite rock, cattle drovers of long ago rested their herd. Since 1898, the distillery has stood on this ravaged moorland, isolated and buffeted by the weather, over 1000 feet above sea level and higher than any other distillery. Yet it is from this most hostile of environments that the gentlest and purest Highland Malt is produced. Only the pure, cold water from the nearby abundant spring at Lochan and Doire-uaine is used, which flows underground before bubbling forth into the distillery burn, the Allt an t'sluic.
The distillery was originally named Strathspey when it was established during the whisky boom of the late 1890s by two men from Kingussie. They chose the site for its access to a supply of clear spring water from Lochan-Doire-Uaine, above the snow line, and abundant peat from the surrounding moors. The business was not a great success, however, and in 1905 Dalwhinnie was sold to the largest distilling company in America, Cook & Bernheimer. This gave rise to a great concern within the whisky industry in Scotland, which feared that the Americans might attempt to take over the market. Worries were dispelled by the introduction of prohibition in 1922, and in 1926 the distillery passed into the ownership of the Distillers Company Ltd., which licensed it to James Buchanan & Co. Until 1988/89, the brand was only available locally, but it was chosen by United Distillers for their Classic Malts series, and is now much better known as a result. You can order Dalwhinnie through your neighborhood Virginia ABC Store. The price is $52.45, plus tax. Such pureness of water imparts a soft, whispery Slàinte! |
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September has been a busy month with the picnic and the Williamsburg Festival.
As anyone who has ever tried to learn Scottish Gaelic has realized, it’s not easy, especially if the effort is self-taught. The letter and word combinations seem so unfamiliar to English speakers that one may have an easier time learning Yiddish or a native American language.
Though a learner himself and not a fluent speaker, Hunter realized that the best way to learn the language is to band together with other interested people, and converse in Gaelic as much as possible. Learners meet each Monday evening in Norfolk for a couple of hours. They study from the text and video series, "Speaking Our Language," which was originally broadcast on BBC Scotland, and is geared toward the absolute beginner.
Only a decade ago, linguists were sounding the death knell for Scottish Gaelic. But it seems to be making a bit of a comeback. For example, Scottish Gaelic websites, geared to both learners and native speakers, are popping up every day; more schools in Scotland and Nova Scotia are teaching Gaelic to young students; performances by Gaelic singers like Mary Jane Lamond and others are selling out; and the University of Richmond is moving toward the establishment of a Gaelic Studies Program, the first ever in the United States.
The Scottish Society of Tidewater has awarded its First Annual Richard Baird Scholarship to two local students.
The purpose of the Richard Baird Scholarship is to provide financial support toward the study of an element of Scottish culture. This includes, but is not limited to, Scottish music, dance, language, literature, history, genealogy, politics and religion. Preference is given to residents of Hampton Roads, however interested persons from outside the area are also encouraged to apply. Scholarships are awarded up to $500. Applicants must be at least 10 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
Tidewater Pipes & Drums is putting the finishing touches on 2003, one of its most successful years ever.
The company were again examined by the British Association of Dance Teachers in October and all dancers scored exceptionally well. Congratulations to Denise Erickson on receiving a highly commended passing grade on her Associate Teacher's exam with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing. This makes the ninth teacher Eleanor Unger has trained for membership with this prestigious body.
Rita and Susan Hamilton decided last year to go for a better Clan Tent. The Friday before the Richmond games they unloaded two moving vans of "stuff," and proceeded to decorate the Hamilton tent space. They threw out three quarters of what had been brought, came up with a list of "decorative items" to be purchased and then took everything down and put it away.
Want be more engaged in the SST? Want to make a difference in the direction of our organization? Want to meet new people? Then now is the time to GET INVOLVED!
DALWHINNIE: STRATHSPEY, HIGHLAND
Such pureness of water imparts a soft, whispery finish to Dalwhinnie Single Malt. It is an ideal alternative to liqueurs with its heathery delicate finish. The taste is light with a fruity, sweet aroma. An aromatic malt, Dalwhinnie is very easy to drink.