Cuairt-litir

A large crowd of wellwishers gathered at the Scotland Office, Dover House, Whitehall, on 24 April to welcome our former Chief, John Angus MacLeod, and his family to London for the award of Duais Chomunn Gàidhlig Lunnainn. We were all delighted to see John Angus so well and to get some of his news.

In presenting the award, for an outstanding contribution to Gaelic, the President paid tribute to John Angus' work over many years as writer, tutor and ambassador for the language, much of which continues, and all of which he has carried out with great generosity, dedication and enthusiasm. She also conveyed the warm wishes of absent friends - Calum Graham, former President and Chief of the Society, and Professor Ken MacKinnon, a fellow tutor of John Angus' for many years at weekend courses at Wansfell College, Essex. Alexandra Jones delivered a message of congratulation on behalf of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

John Angus replied in his own inimitable style, with memories of visits to London and the Gaelic Society, some of it in highly amusing verse. The evening concluded with songs, including John Angus' own compositions, from Kathy Kennedy. Anna McCrae, Alexandra Jones and Eòghann Pinkerton.

We wish John Angus well. He has enriched the experience of Gaels and Gaelic students alike, he inspires great affection and is held in very high regard. The events of the evening reminded us very clearly of this.

We are very grateful to Christina MacDonald for making the detailed arrangements for this very successful and enjoyable evening. Thanks also to Donald Stewart for welcoming the guests with music on the fiddle.

Chief's Evening

We returned to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street, for the Chief's Evening on 31 May with our special guest, Michael Buchanan of Barra, journalist with the BBC World Service. Michael took a thought-provoking and, at times, humorous look back at his experiences around the world, ranging from meetings of Comhairle nan Eilean to the aftermath of Chernobyl. This prompted some lively discussion, which was continued over a supper of sausage and mash, followed by apple crumble and custard - our Hon Secretary's choice, and voted a great success!

Anna McCrae of Barra led a Gaelic song workshop during the afternoon and after supper she and the students gave us a taste of what they had learnt. Just before Michael had to leave us, Anna also sang one of her own favourite songs, 'Fàgail Bharraidh'. Thanks to Anna for working so hard for us and helping to make the day and evening such a success.

Cèilidh, 21 June

We were very pleased to welcome Calum Alex MacMillan of Point, Lewis, double Mod Medallist, back to London on 21 June. Calum Alex is not only a very talented but also a busy young man, sustaining a solo career and membership of the group 'Dàimh' alongside his work with Fèisean nan Gàidheal. It was easy to see why he is in such demand.

Someone else who has been busy, winning even more medals for her dancing, is Natalie MacKinnon, and the audience showed great appreciation of her performance, particularly her Highland Fling to 'port a beul' by Anna McCrae. We also had with us, on his first visit to the Society, Duncan Grant, who played the pipes. Kathy Kennedy, Sandy Jones and Eòghann Pinkerton sang for us. We are most grateful to them and to all the performers for an evening of great enjoyment and variety.

Gaelic Conversation Competition

Our Chief, Joyce Seymour-Chalk, writes:

"The competition this year had one hundred and forty eight entrants, which is excellent considering that four of the schools which regularly enter were unable to do so.

A welcome newcomer to the competition was Greenfaulds High School. Their teacher, Donald MacKay, himself twice a winner in the past, entered four pupils in the Learners group, with one of them gaining a merit prize. We look forward to hearing them in future competitions.

Mary MacPhee, Norman MacKenzie and Norman MacLeod helped me judge the entries again this year. This took four days in all, two for the juniors and two for the seniors. My sincere thanks to them for the time and trouble they took to arrive at sometimes difficult decisions.

I would also like to thank all the teachers for preparing and entering their pupils. We have listened to an interesting variety of conversations, some serious, some amusing. Well done to all the entrants and congratulations to the winners."

Donald Smith Memorial Award

The competition for the Donald Smith Memorial Award for young pipers, in memory of our late Chief, was held for the first time in the islands on July 24, at Sgoil Lionacleit, as part of the North and South Uist Games. Previously it had been held in London. The Smith family was represented by John Angus Smith, as one of the judges, and Mrs Morag Smith presenting the prizes. The winner receives a copy of the Kilberry Book of Ceòl Mòr and a place on a piping tuition course.

Dates for Your Diary

Dates for the remainder of 2008 are 4 October, 22 November (AGM) and 13 December, all at Crown Court Church of Scotland, Covent Garden. Further details will be circulated in due course.

Good Wishes

Christina MacDonald, our Publicity Officer, has been in our thoughts during her recent period of ill health. We send all good wishes for her recovery and hope she is soon back with us.

Best wishes to Sandy Jones on her move to Uist. Sandy is a steadfast supporter of the Society and she has sung for us on many occasions. We are not saying goodbye, however, as she will be visiting London regularly and so we hope to see her again before too long.

Kindred Societies and Events

Còisir Lunnainn is holding a pre-Mod cèilidh on 20 September at Crown Court Church of Scotland, Covent Garden. For further details keep an eye on the Choir's website at www.coisirlunnainn.org.uk

There will be a Gaelic service on 14 September at Crown Court Church at 3.30pm.

Obituary

We were saddened to hear of the death of Cyril Wood in May. Cyril joined the Society in 1965. He was a Life Member and later was made an Honorary Vice-President. In 1967 he joined the Council as a loyal and hard-working member.

For many years Cyril was one of the Society's representatives on the committee of the Festival of Scotland - London which ran the annual Highland Games. Cyril was a familiar figure at the 'Clachan' run by the Society as part of the Games. Wearing a white naval-style cap and with pipe in hand he supervised the events at the 'Clachan' - the 'Festival Lass' competition, the Tug o' War and the Yard of Ale.

Though Cyril had not attended Society events for some time, many members and friends will remember his quiet and reliable presence whenever help was needed.

Finally, we wish you all a very enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you again in the autumn.

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This page last updated 04/08/08