We had to call off the April meeting at the last minute because of extremely heavy rain on the west side of town. As it turns out St. Thomas Episcopal School had lost power, but five members and the program presenters did show up as we were unable to contact them. Apologies to all those who were inconvenienced. We do hope to have the Building the Flag presentation later in the year.
Thanks to all members and friends who manned our booth at the recent Highland Games. Mark Monroe and Ardeth Brodie in particular worked way beyond the call of duty, not leaving until after 7:00 PM on the Sunday - thanks so much! We had a steady flow of folks through the booth and there was a lot of interest in the Al Campbell Piping Competition sponsored by H&T and held on Saturday this year.
Louisiana-based Rickey Pittman gave a delightful program of stories and Scots songs to about 25 members and friends. We met Rickey at the Highland Games where he had been story-telling for the children; for us his stories focused on the Civil War and Clan Macleod. He presented H&T with a signed copy of his book The Scottish Alphabet which we will use as a door prize at a forthcoming event.
The program at the next meeting will be a presentation about folklore and storytelling to be given by Dr. Donna Ingham of the University of Texas at Austin. We look forward to another interesting evening. Thanks to Sgt.-at-Arms Mark Monroe for organizing and sponsoring Dr. Ingham's presentation.
We have filled our program through the June meeting, but we do need ideas for after the summer break. Our Program Chair Dr. Gordon Macleod has reluctantly had to give up this position because of his heavy work commitment at present. We thank him and look forward to seeing him at our meetings. Until a volunteer steps forward, hopefully soon, I will fill in for Gordon.
Jack Hume's recent presentation about the Society's history suggested that in recent years we have lost the family aspect in our regular meetings. To remedy that the Past Chieftains' Committee will sponsor a barbeque in July to which all members and their families are invited. Irene and I will host this event in our backyard. We now have an additional reason to have this event with the news that Past Chieftain Arthur Down and his wife Joan will be moving to California at the end of July, so we are delighted to hold the BBQ in their honor. Your invitation is included with this Newsletter and we hope to have a good attendance.
Arthur and Joan Down wear the Kerr, so in their honor and to wish them well in their new life in California, Kerr is the Tartan of the Month for June.
Robert Boyd
Chieftain