Caledonian Society of Otago

The Midwinter dinner was held at the Edgar Centre in July and was enjoyed by many members and their spouses/friends. The Edgar Centre is a pleasant venue for such a function with a brilliant outlook over the Harbour. With the date being midwinter and its associated inclement weather we unfortunately lost the attendance of a dancer and the singer this year (Mary Phillips was stranded in Central Otago). We did however have the company of Amy Little, the recipient of a $500 Caledonian Society grant, who outlined her studies in Hospitality Management at the Otago Polytechnic and who was very grateful for the grant which was used to reduce the costs for books/equipment which students have to pay for themselves. Our resident Piper, Ray Goodfellow, led the Haggis Ceremony procession in his usual capable manner. The Haggis was suitably and flamboyantly addressed by Ian Seatter. Great show!

Scottish Heritage Day. On Saturday 21st October 2017 a special day in the Port Chalmers Town Hall was on the agenda as part of Scottish Heritage Week. Some of our Society members went down there for the day armed with publicity material, copies of our book “Cabers and Ceilidhs” and our Shield. Port Chalmers and the Town Hall surely saw a lot of visitors that day especially after lunch when the weather warmed up.

Paape Cup. This trophy, donated by Mr. Albert Paape (1878 – 1948), a Dunedin business man, is being competed for annually at the Caledonian Ground by Athletic club members of the Otago Children’s athletics com’tee. The Caledonian Society traditionally provide morning and afternoon tea for the officials, soft drinks for the participating children and part-fund the rental for the ground for that day. Winners are given Certificates. As an extra opportunity for publicity our Society this year gave all children ,who took part, a laminated bookmark, depicting the Scottish Lion flag and listing the activities the Society is involved in, as well as the website/facebook address.

South Otago A & P show held 25th November 2017 at Balclutha. At events such as these the Caledonian Society hook up the trailer with all the gear and decorated with Caber tosser etc., to one of our members’ cars and off we go hoping for good weather so we can demonstrate Highland Games and get the public involved in taking part and try some of the Scottish activities. It is an all day effort but usually enjoyed by all.

St. Andrews Day. Sunday 26th November 2017 in the Octagon. Fine weather this year and lots of activities going on. The lawn part of the Octagon was used for demonstrating Highland Games again for children (with children’s size equipment) and for them to take part and learn “How to Do” the various activities. Tossing the Caber was popular and very satisfying to see children getting the “hang” of it quickly. The music provided by various artists, singers, bands, choirs was of top quality.

St. Andrews day Lunch on 30th November (St. Andrew’s actual birthday, patron saint of Scotland). Some members of our Society attended this luncheon, but felt it was not a particularly outgoing, inviting group of people over-all and hope to see some improvement in that field in the future.

Kirk ‘n of the Tartan 3rd December 2017 at Knox Church 9.45 am. A few of our members attended this service (first time for some) and found the service inspiring and meaningful. We had expected more clans to be represented. However it has become clear since then that not all clans possess a banner or shield. Something that can perhaps be rectified in future.

Caledonian Society of Otago Directors Dinner was held on 10th December at Robbies. In attendance was Piper Ray Goodfellow as our guest to show our appreciation for his services. President Morgan Hewland thanked everyone for their contributions during the year.

Upcoming events are the Oceania Games at the Caledonian Ground, Logan Park, 20 – 27 January 2018. We have managed to secure  Piper (Dougall Mackay) for them and for members of the Caledonian Society in Highland dress to carry our Shield and 2 flags, the Scottish Lion and the flag of St. Andrews, for the opening of the Games, leading the athletes in the Parade around the 400m track on 20th January 2018 at 12.00 noon.

Then the Taieri A & P show in Mosgiel on 27th January 2018 where we will be present and ready to demonstrate Highland Games and hold the annual Otago Competitions for the Games for adults as well as fun games for the children. But most important we will welcome any offers of help and support that come our way.

The Masters Games at the Caledonian Ground February 3rd – 8th is another occasion where the Caledonian Society’s present is felt as we have 2 trophies that are competed for (Heavy Weights).

Next event is the invitation issued to us to attend the Otago Cavalcade in Owaka on March 3rd 2018. Again volunteer helpers would be most welcome.