I look forward to welcoming everyone to the Summer Barbeque next month, see below and I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all members and their families a very good summer break. The hot and dry weather we have experienced these last few weeks should certainly have prepared us for what lies ahead! Then we can all look forward to getting together again for the new H&T session starting in September.
The June meeting saw a delightful presentation of Texas folklore and storytelling by Dr. Donna Ingham, retired professor of the University of Texas at Austin. Donna made links to Scotland via Big Foot Wallace and the Scots present at the Alamo while giving spellbinding renditions of intriguing stories. Her piece de resistance however was a reprise of her award-winning performance as Austin's biggest liar five years out of the past six with a hilarious story about a huge watermelon's journey to Lubbock. Audience members were enthralled and were keen to purchase Donna Ingham's books after the show. Thanks to Sgt.-at-Arms Mark A. Monroe for organizing and sponsoring Dr. Ingham's presentation. Arthur Down gave a moving farewell speech at what was his last H&T meeting. On a less positive note, the size of the audience was extremely disappointing once again, and over the summer we really have to re-think what we can do to attract more interest, especially among younger people. Ideas are welcome, please come to the BBQ ready to talk about this.
The Past Chieftains' Committee is delighted with the great response to the invitation to the barbeque in July - over fifty people have signed up to attend. 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 dedicate the BBQ in honor of their thirty years' service to the Society.
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.
Robert Boyd
Chieftain