Caledonian Society of Otago

 

Newsletter No 24 February 2017

Welcome to the first Caledonian Society Newsletter for 2017. There is a lot happening for the Society over the early weeks and months of the year and the Directors are hopeful that their endeavours will be fully supported by all Members along with fellow Scottish Clubs,Societies and Clans. The latter half of 2016 has provided increased opportunities for get togethers and productive discussions involving the Dunedin Scottish Community which will hopefully achieve some practical results in 2017.

Paape Cup Children’s Athletics Competition Sunday November 20^th 2016

The Caledonian Society once again assisted at the annual Paape Cup Children’s Athletics Day at the Caledonian Ground organised by the Athletics Otago Children’s Committee. The day was marred by a strong nor’easterly wind but the day went well and all the children seemed to enjoy their competition. The Caledonian Society presided over the gate admission charge and provided both Morning and Afternoon Tea for the Officials who are always quick to express their appreciation for this service. The presentation of the Paape Cup was made by Caledonian Society President Kieran Columb to the winning Hill City University Club. Special thanks to Ian and Avis McDonald for organising the Paape Cup Certificates always a time consuming task. The Paape Cup recognises the contribution to Otago Sport made by Mr. A.A. Paape a former President and Life Director of the Caledonian Society of Otago. A prominent Hotelier Mr. Paape owned the Grand Hotel in Dunedin from 1924 until his death in 1948.A passionate sports follower there were few sporting bodies in Otago that failed to benefit from his support. He was a member of the Boxing Association,Rowing Association and Swimming Centre as well as being keenly interested in Harriers and Surf Lifesaving. He was also on the Executive of the NZ Brass Bands Association. It is also worth recording that in 1930 Mr. Paape hosted the Antarctic Explorer Richard Byrd and organised a considerable amount of entertainment for members of the expedition.

South Otago 150th A and P Show Balclutha Saturday November 26^th 2017

The Caledonian Society provided a demonstration of traditional Scottish events at the South Otago 150^th Centennial A and P Show held at the Balclutha Showgrounds. The day was marred by a particularly strong and gusty wind which created difficulties in setting up the equipment and keeping everything together during the Afternoon. The Events on offer included Tossing The Caber, Tossing the Sheave,Carrying the Stones and Carrying the Heavy Weights. Participation from members of the Public improved as the day went on with the Sheave competition in particular attracting popular support. The A and P Shows are now the bread and butter for the Caledonian Society both financially and also in attracting a base of new members to ensure a viable future for the Society.

St. Andrews Day Luncheon

The Annual St.Andrews Day Luncheon organised the Taieri Scottish Society was held at Robbies Bar and Bistro South Dunedin on Wednesday November 30^th. During the course of a most pleasant Luncheon the Caledonian Society was presented with the Edinburgh Challenge Trophy (known as the Quaiche) awarded annually to the Scottish organisation who has made the major contribution to Dunedin Scottish activities over the preceding year.

Directors Christmas Function

The annual Caledonian Society Directors Christmas Function was held on Sunday December 18^th at Robbies Bar and Bistro.The Function proved a great success with the Hotel providing a lovely carvery meal leading to a relaxed and happy atmosphere throughout the Evening. Special thanks to Wayne Allen our Chief Function Organiser and to Official Piper Ray Goodfellow for his various items and cheerful repartee.

Otago Scottish Heritage Council

The Otago Scottish Heritage Council has taken a new lease of life in the latter part of 2016 with a firm intention of once again establishing increased public awareness of Dunedin’s rich Scottish Heritage and planned events. Under the Chairmanship of Dr. Royden Somerville the Council has come together well with all the major Scottish organisations well represented.

A Meeting has been planned for the early part of the Year with representatives from the DCC and the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum to get them on board with the OSHC and discuss what form the years events should take. There has already been general agreement towards renewing a full Dunedin Scottish Week in 2017 leading up to St.Andrews Day with a variety of events planned.

Burns Club Dinner

Around 110 people attended the annual Burns Club Dinner held at the Toitu Otago Early Settlers Museum on Wednesday January 25^th Robert Burns Birthday organised by the Dunedin Burns Club. The theme for this years Dinner was based around Burns attitudes to War and Peace. During the Evening a further presentation was made of the Edinburgh Challenge Trophy to the Caledonian Society. Life Director Wayne Allen in accepting the Trophy delivered a short address highlighting some of the early History of the Caledonian Society particularly in the field of Education.

Otago Taieri A and P Show

On Saturday January 28^th the Caledonian Society presented a number of Highland Events at the annual Otago Taieri A and P Show held at Five Roads Mosgiel. The Events on offer were Tossing the Caber,Tossing the Sheave, The Farmers Walk and Carrying the Stones. These Events doubled as the Otago Championships for Highland Events. Participation was good throughout the day and it was great to have involvement from members of the Mosgiel Volunteer Fire Brigade. The Male Overall Winner was Dwain Morrissey,The Female Overall Winner was Kate Vandermeer while Adam Eketone was the Winner of Carrying the Stones.

 

 

 

 

 

Brighton Gala Day

On the Sunday following the Otago Taieri Show the Caledonian Society joined a number of Otago Clans displaying Scottish memoribilia and sale items at the popular Brighton Gala Day held on the Brighton Domain. With a large crowd attending throughout the day it was a great promotional opportunity for showing off Dunedin’s rich Scottish Heritage. Thanks to Netty Lastovicka and Morgan Hewland who organised the Caledonian Society’s participation for the day.

Laughter Is STILL The Best Medicine

In a Night Club a fellow pointed out a girl wearing a daringly low cut gown .”That girl” he said to a companion is wearing a $1000 gown”. “True “ was the reply but her heart isn’t in it”.