Spring 2009
President’s Message June 28, 2009
Lads and Lassies,
If it’s hot, hazy, humid and thunderstorms every afternoon it must be Tidewater Virginia in the summer.
Let’s recap the year so far, we celebrated National Tartan Day at a “Food for Thought” with a nice presentation from Harold Maxwell. Harold shared his knowledge of history and genealogy, and he’s on my short list for making other presentations. I especially like his information on his own DNA studies. Our next expedition was up to the Northern Neck for the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans at historic Christ Church. Many thanks to our dear friend Jim Stuart, Christ Church Episcopal Church, and all the folks that helped make it a wonderful service. This year, as in the past, we were supported by Scottish Societies from Norfolk and Richmond; my personal thanks go out to each of them. If you have never been before please mark your calendar for next year, it’s well worth the trip. Lunch was much fun at Eckhard’s Restaurant with a very lively group of Scots and new friends. My thanks to both committees for a job well done.
Now we come to the 3rd Annual Family Picnic and Ceilidh. This has become an annual production from Howard & Carolyn Inc. Not only was it fun and the food selection outstanding, but my grandson (age 4) found the girl of his dreams, please no details. We started our ceilidh this year with a great Scottish Sing-a-long by our own Von Topp Family Singers with the able assistance of our friends Bill and Agnes Kump adding the harmonies. Bridget's Thistle and Shamrock Dancers performed along with the Williamsburg Pipes and Drums to get us in that highland mood. Many thanks to Howard, Carolyn, and the committee for putting on another excellent event. One note of interest, the new Society membership lapel pins and necklace charms went on sale for the first time. They will be available at all of our events for now on at a price of $10.00.
We are just about at the half way point for this year so let’s make sure we know the schedule for the next upcoming events:
We have a luncheon planned for August 16 at the King’s Arms in Colonial Williamsburg, details to follow.
Please join us at the 32nd Annual Williamsburg Scottish Festival on October 3rd at the Rockahock Campgrounds in Lanexa. Many members of your Board have been deeply involved with this Festival over the years and can state that it is one of the premiere Scottish Festivals on the East Coast. If you have never been, please mark your calendars for an excellent tour of Scotland in culture, history, entertainment and food. Make it a point to stop by “your” Society Tent on Clan Row for good food and cheer. Our Society founded the Festival over 30 years ago and we look forward to seeing you there.
A special presentation by Billy Kennedy, noted author, journalist, lecturer, historian and genealogist from County Armagh, Northern Ireland. His latest book is
Three Men of Destiny: Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston and David Crockett (Scots-Irish Chronicles) about three men of destiny in 19th century American history. This event will be held at the Windsor Forest Clubhouse on October 18th at noon. Save the date and look for an invitation in September.In November we will have our Annual General Meeting on the 1st and the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan scheduled for the 29th. Again this year we will have a Christmas Luncheon in December and our Annual Burns’ Nicht Dinner of course will be in January.
Have a happy 4th of July and great summer
Bob Davis
Clan Donnachaidh
Clan Kennedy
Clan MacFarlane
