PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NEWSLETTER NO. 97 November, 2010

PRESIDENT: Graeme MacLennan 722 Balloong Rd., WOODSIDE 3874 TEL 5187 1291 VICE—PRES: Max McLennan 4 Fisken Street, BALLAN 3342 TEL 5368 2691 SECRETARY: Patsy McLennan 13 Lamart St., STRATHMORE 3041 TEL 9379 2425 TREASURER: Geoff McLennan 34 Hornsby St., MALDON 3463 TEL 5475 2092 EDITOR: Carol Davis P.O. Box 444, CANTERBURY 3126 TEL 9836 2298 COMMITTEE: Carol Davis, Reg Davis, Bob McLennan, Ivan McLennan, Marion McLennan, Mary

McLennan, Kath Nicholls, Heather Vickers WEBSITE: <www.clanmaclennan-worldwide.com> EMAIL: ed-au@clanmaclennan-worldwide.com

A RED CROSS MEANS you are unfinancial for the year 2009/2010. Please forward backpayment/s with your 2010/11 Membership Fee which was due on 1/5/2010. ANNUAL FEE: $22.00. LIFE MEMBERSHIP: $250.00 plus Voluntary yearly levy of $6.00.

CHIEF: RUAIRIDH DONALD GEORGE MacLENNAN OF MacLENNAN CHIEFTAIN: GREGORY SCOTT MacLENNAN PATRON: OLIVE MacLENNAN

Clan MacLennan Association Australia Melbourne Inc.

It was great to see so many of you at our Annual General Meeting held on 20th June at the Roseville Community Centre in Doncaster. Nominations were called for positions on the Committee and all but one of the positions were filled. This means we have a vacancy on the Committee still to be filled. This would be an ideal opportunity for one of our younger clan members to bring some fresh ideas to the Clan. This sort of experience would be very useful for a person who thought a trip to Scotland might be on their horizon in the future. It is not a huge commitment, with the committee meeting three times per year in Melbourne.

The Ceilidh that followed the meeting was planned by Frank Donovan and included piping, guitar playing, accordion, drumming and singing from Ross McLennan, John McLennan, George Cooper and pipers Gary King and Bruce Hocking plus Gweneth McLennan on piano. In the traditional manner the musicians sat in a circle and took turns in performing. Where appropriate, artists joined in and supported each other. Many thanks to our performers and to Frank for puting together a wonderful afternoon’s line-up of entertainment. See report page 5

A highlight of the ceilidh was the presentation of this year’s Clan MacLennan Perpetual Piping Trophy to talented piper, Clint Morris. Clint’s mother Ann and his grandparents drove Clint down from Mooroopna to receive his trophy and to entertain us, and we thank them for this.

Once again we thank Bruce and Pat McLennan for arranging the use of this fine, warm venue for our annual gathering.

The annual Kirkin ’o’ the Tartan was held at The Scots’ Church in Collins Street, Melbourne on July 4th. Our Clan was represented by Bob and Patsy McLennan, who enjoyed an inspiring service followed by lunch. See report page 5

2010 Piping Trophy winner Clint Morris &

Family

Frank Donovan

The Scottish Clans and Associations Council luncheon that was held on the 10th of October at the Karalyka Centre in East Ringwood was attended by nine of our Clan members. They enjoyed an afternoon of good food, fine company and relaxing entertainment. See report page 5

News from Scotland finds Chief Ruairidh and his sisters Kirsteen and Lorna are all in good health (see Chief’s message elsewhere in this newsletter.) Lorna celebrated her Birthday on the 17th of September and we hope she had a very happy Birthday. It’s planned that Chief Ruairidh visit Canada next year and there has been discussion that it may be time for him to again visit us in Australia,

perhaps in 2012. Clan members with thoughts along these lines can ring me on 03 5187 1291.

We had an interesting communication from Canada where the Clan Cameron has challenged the other clans, including the Clan MacLennan, to a Cattle Reiving Competition. This noble activity is based on the skill of the Highlanders at stealing cattle from the English, or perhaps from other clans. As a farming family who own cattle, we are not one hundred percent comfortable with this idea, but it does sound like an interesting activity. If our friends the Australian Cameron’s were to issue a challenge, then we may be obliged to accept!

Our last Clan Gathering for 2010 will be our Clan Picnic and Games on Sunday, November 21st to be held at Woodlands Park, Essendon (Melway 28, F1) starting with a bring-your-own food and drink barbecue or picnic lunch at 12 noon in these pleasant parkland surrounds with a children’s playground. Lunch will be followed by some piping and entertaining games. The annual petanque competition will be on during the afternoon at this pre-Christmas Clan Picnic. Petanque is a game that has Scottish and French history and can be played and enjoyed by any age. There is some debate as to whether holding a glass of wine in the left hand while playing is compulsory or optional.

The Snr. and Jnr. Petanque Championship’s will be played, so bring along your children or grand-children to participate in a fun day and perhaps win a trophy. The Snr. trophy will again be hotly contested by the adults, including Bob, Geoff and Ivan McLennan. Unfortunately the person who considered himself the hot favourite to win this year’s Snr. competition, Committee Member Reg Davis, will be away in Perth on the day. Watch out for him in 2011!

Newsletters now available in colour—If you would like to receive your newsletter with all the photos in colour, it is available now if you have a computer or if someone in your family has a computer. You can print off a colour copy from the email version by ensuring your printer is set to print in ‘colour’. To get your colour version of this newsletter emailed, just give Editor Carol Davis a ring on (03) 98362298 or contact her via email at ed-au@clanmaclennan-worldwide.com Emailing your newsletter to you will also reduce the cost of postage and help to keep your membership costs down.

Membership fees remain the same as for 2009/2010 and all members are reminded that your fees have been due for payment since 1st of May 2010.

As this is our final newsletter for 2010, on behalf of your Committee, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2011. Meanwhile, I look forward to seeing you all at our picnic in the park, on Sunday 21st of November for a shared meal and Ceilidh.

Sincerely yours, Graeme MacLennan, President.

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Annual Clan Picnic and Games

12noon Sunday the 21st of November at Woodlands Park Essendon (Melways 28, F1)

Bring-your-own food and beverages, family barbecue or picnic lunch Petanque Junior and Senior Championship play-off following lunch

Music Afternoon tea supplied by your Committee

We invite all our Members to join your Committee for a fun family day

Kath Nicholls, Max & Mary McLennan

SCAC lunch

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NEWS FROM OUR CHIEF Dear Clansfolk,

Greetings on what is a very blustery autumn day here at Loch Ness. I find myself once again in my usual spot looking out the patio windows at the loch and hills beyond, pondering the past few months and again, struggling to remember what all has happened! We have been lucky enough to have had a few lovely bright sunny days in recent weeks but the nights are now closing in and it has got a lot cooler over the past week resulting in the winter jackets being brought out of the cupboard. Tonight, the wind is bat-tering against the windows and the loch is dotted with whitecaps and spray. Evenings like this it is lovely to be inside with the fire on! With the leaves now falling off the trees, I managed to get one final cut of the grass this weekend before winter properly sets in. We are hoping to avoid the snow and endless cold weather that we got last year and as my car tyres are due to be replaced, I am considering taking the precaution of getting winter tyres to help if the snow does come in force. At least if I buy them, I can almost guarantee that there will be almost no snow!!

It has been a fairly busy summer with very few free weekends. Work has been relatively busy although the economic downturn and cost saving exercises within the public sector has taken its toll with less new instructions coming into the office in recent months. I have however been fairly constant with various trips to the Western Isles and recently, the remote Knoydart peninsula north of Mallaig on the West Coast. Access is by boat and I was fortunate enough to get a day out there valuing some properties for the Community Trust who now own the land. Later this week I will be heading south to Nottingham of all places to attend a lead agricultural valuer's conference as the Scottish representative for the Valuation Office. A never ending range of destinations!

In July I attended the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland where I piped with the 7th Bat-talion Pipes and Drums for the two week duration of the show including re-hearsals. The weather was warm in comparison to home reaching the mid 30 degrees C for part of the trip. Whilst this would normally not be an issue, the wearing of full No 1 military (pipers) uniform in the heat caused some problems and made me realise just how ridiculous it is to wear such a quantity of wool for the purposes of entertaining the public. I have never been so glad to put away the uniform and get back into shorts and t-shirt attire! That said, the event went well and it was a good experience to see somewhere different. Many an after-noon was taken up with the entire pipeband walking up the banks of the Rhine and jumping into the water and floating with the aid of flotation bags containing our personal effects, until we reached the city limits. A great way to see the city whilst cooling down at the same time.

Recently, I spent a week's holiday hiking in the Spanish Sierra Nevada hills with a friend. Again, the temperature was in excess of my comfort zone which confirmed to me my viking blood and love of cooler climates! We had some lovely warm and clear weather whilst hiking the hills and managed some sightseeing trips including a memorable trip to the Alhambra in Granada City. The return home to October weather was harsh although we have since had a few lovely days during which I managed a trip up to our bothy in Shieldaig on the West Coast which is always spectacular when the sun is shining. We man-aged a number of trips up to the bothy this summer which is always a welcome change of scenery into a world of tranquility. Kirsteen and James have been busy with the new edition to the family, young George. They are all well and not long back from a holiday in France with some of their friends and numerous children to keep them all busy! Lorna and Robin have also been away recently in Turkey, again with some friends. They too are well and keeping busy with work.

Continued

Chief Ruairidh crossing the Rhine in Basel

Switzerland

Chief Ruairidh hiking in the Spanish Sierra Nevada hills

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NEWS FROM OUR CHIEF

There have been a number of Clan visitors dropping in over the past few months from various corners of the globe. In August, our web master Bruce McLennan and wife Prue from Sydney, Australia, dropped into Dores and joined me for a lovely meal in the Dores Inn on what was a beautiful sunny evening. The last time I had seen Bruce and Prue was at their house in Sydney which I visited in 1995 whilst working at Knox Grammar School. Later in the summer Marilyn Lawlor and daughter Kristin also came to Dores for a lovely meal on route to a wedding in Pitlochry. We had seen them at the gathering in Edinburgh last summer and hope to see them again next year in Canada. Recently, my cousin Rupert Crisswell visited along with his wife and family. It was lovely to see Rupert after a long gap, in fact last time we met was at my first gathering as Chief in Tulloch Castle in 1990.

Rupert is the son of Colin and Annette Crisswell who many of you will remember from previous gather-ings. Colin and his brother Keith are related to us on my father's side and have continued to support the Clan and our family over the years. Rupert will shortly be moving up to Fife where he starts a new post as head of English in a private School in St. Andrews.

We were saddened by the news that Mairi Dale from Thurso passed away in June. Mairi, along with her husband Harry, has been a devoted and loyal Clanswomen for many years. Always smiling and cheery, Mairi will be remembered fondly by all those Clansfolk who had the privilege to know her. She was very proud of her roots and often used to remind me that not only was she a MacLennan but also a MacRae making her a true native of Kintail! Our thoughts are with Harry Dale during this difficult time.

Looking towards 2011, it is my intention to accept the kind invitation of Clan MacLennan Canada to attend either the Glengarry or Fergus Highland Games in July / August next year. Unfortunately, there is a two week gap between the two events which is likely to mean that I can only attend one of the events due to restrictions on my holiday allowance and other commitments. I am hoping to get other members of the family to join me on the trip as well which we hope will be an enjoyable and productive visit.

I will now bolt down the hatches and prepare for a Highland winter and will be in touch with you all when the days are starting to draw longer (I have recently been reading Shackleton's stories of antarctic exhibitions and have clearly got too caught up in it all)!! Wishing you all the best. Yours aye Chief Ruairidh

Chief Ruairidh and Bruce McLennan

Chief Ruairidh taking in the view of the Spanish Sierra Nevada Hills

View of Sheildaig taken by Chief Ruairidh in mid October

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AGM/CEILIDH AT ROSEVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE

We were very pleased to have around seventy members and visitors on Sunday June 20th, including our present Clan MacLennan Perpetual Piping Trophy winner from Mooroopna, Clint Morris, his mother Ann and his grandparents. Following plentiful food, soup and a short AGM, we settled down to enjoy the afternoon’s entertain-ment. After the presentation of his Clan MacLennan Perpetual Piping Trophy by our President Graeme MacLennan, Clint demonstrated on his pipes why he was the win-ner. Great playing! Our thanks and congratulations to Clint. How fortunate we are to have so many talented musicians/singers in our ranks. Frank Donovan, Ross McLennan, John McLennan, George Cooper and pipers Gary King and Bruce Hock-ing plus our latest recruit, Gweneth McLennan, who made the three hour journey from Wodonga with husband Don to play so beautifully with the band and for our singing. We were also treated to some fine solo performances and we heartily thank all our entertainers for a most enjoyable, true Ceilidh. Following the drawing of door prizes, we rounded off the day chatting over tea, coffee and delectable cakes provided by our Committee ladies. We owe all our helpers a big thank you. We are especially grateful to Pat and Bruce McLennan for kindly making available and arranging our wonderfully comfortable venue. We are so glad that many of you were able to join us on the day. Patsy McLennan

KIRKIN’O’ THE TARTAN AT THE SCOTS’ CHURCH IN JULY

The sound of the pipes echoed through the lovely old Church as colourful tartans were paraded down the aisle, to remember and celebrate the freedom for Scots to again wear their beloved tartan. “g’day, how are you?” in Gaelic was the warm welcome we received from the Right Reverend Douglas Robertson, who later in his sermon, informed us that the Scot-tish nation became known as the ‘People of the Book’ at the time of the Reformation, due to the growing belief that the message of the Scriptures was so important at worship and

in their daily lives, still he said, as relevant and helpful as ever today. During lunch in the hall with fellow Clans people, we heard the brilliant playing of former Scotch College piper and Piper for the Day, Jonathan Quay, currently a tutor at PLC and Pipe Sergeant of the Hawthorn City Pipe Band. Patsy McLennan

SCAC LUNCHEON AT KARALYKA CENTRE IN OCTOBER

Nine of our Clan joined the large group of guests at the recent Scottish Clans and Associations Council (or SCAC as it has become affectionately known) Luncheon at this pleasant Centre in Ringwood. After chatting over drinks in the foyer, we were piped into the dining area by talented piper Cameron Ely, from Haileybury College Pipes & Drums. SCAC President Doug McLaughlin welcomed all guests and introduced our MC Jeremy Graham who without further ado, ushered in the Haggis Procession led by our Piper Cameron. After apologising for the lack of a Scottish accent, Len Tresize surprised us with a highly creditable address to the beloved Haggis, which had been prepared by the House Chef. Following some pipe tunes by Cameron Ely and the saying of Grace, the eagerly anticipated Haggis was served with tatties and neeps and given a firm seal of approval at our table. A presentation was made to Roma and Ed McLaughlin, whose combined efforts produced the beautifully designed new SCAC Banner, hanging at the back of the stage for all to admire. The Clan MacThomas Trio, led by kilted saxophonist Ken McColm encouraged dancers onto the floor and following the delicious main course, Sue MacLeod sang some Scottish songs and accompanied herself on the piano. The delightful afternoon concluded with more music by the Trio and us singing along with Sue on piano, but not before we had demolished the cholesterol defying sweets and coffee during the Raffle Draw. Two circles formed for Auld Lang Syne and it was all over for another year. Why not join us next year for another enjoyable Luncheon full of Scottish flavour?! Patsy McLennan

President Graeme MacLennan & Clint

Morris

Len Tresize Address to Haggis

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FROM MOROCCO TO SPAIN AND BACK

In the last issue we left you, dear reader, at Casablanca airport, as we were about to fly out to Madrid. As the plane was descending the snow capped peaks of the Cordillera Central formed a spectacular backdrop. The most significant event on our first night was the football (soccer) match between traditional rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. On the next day, a Sunday, the dejected attitude of the locals made it clear that Madrid had lost. Three months later we saw on TV those same streets awash with colour and excitement as the Spaniards celebrated their victory in the World Cup. Our local guide, a devout Real Madrid supporter, bore her disappointment with much courage and grace and led us to some outstanding landmarks.

King Felipe V commissioned the building of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in 1734. He wanted it to be grander than all its European counterparts including Versailles in France. The tour leads through 50 of the 2800 rooms. The sumptuous Throne Room has crimson velvet wall coverings and a ceiling painted by the Italian master, Tiepolo. Many of the royal bedrooms were connected with a set of intricate passages that encouraged royal assignations. The Plaza Mayor is a rectangular city square; its elegant architecture features balconies and pinnacles, dormer windows and steep slate roofs. The first public ceremony here was the beatification of Madrid's patron saint, San Isi-

dore, in 1621. Thereafter crowds watched bullfights, executions, pageants and trials by the notorious Spanish Inquisition. These days residents and visitors keep their blood pressure down by patronising the outdoor cafes and the Sunday collectors' market. Our group was let loose at the Prado Museum with the advice, 'Be selective'. We were entranced by the works of El Greco,Velazquez and Goya, among other masters. The highlight at the Reina Sofia Museum is Picasso's Guernica, a work inspired by the 1937 mass air attack on the Basque town of Guernica by Nazi aircraft at the request of General Franco. The walled city of Toledo, to the south of Madrid, is the old capital of Spain. It was strategically sited by the Romans on a hilltop surrounded on three sides by the River Tagus which acted as a moat. The magnificent cathedral, essentially a Gothic structure dominates the skyline and is the heart of Catholic Spain. Other architectural styles are evident as it was built over three centuries. At the Church of St. Thomas we had to queue up to view El Greco's massive painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. There was a hushed, expectant air as under orders we crept forward until it was our turn to view and be informed about the masterpiece. La Rambla is a major tourist attraction in Barcelona. It's a tree lined boulevard occupying a former watercourse and sewage ditch on the edge of medieval Barcelona. As you stroll from Placa de Catalunya down to Port Vell, the old port, you pass bird sellers with their parakeets, canaries and arrogant looking ravens on display in their wire cages with tropical fish and tortoises for variety. Further along flower stands replace the birds interspersed with news stands with their plentiful supply of porno magazines. Colour and movement are supplied by buskers, pavement artists, mimes and living statues. The avenue is a pickpocket's heaven and one of our group was unfortunate enough to be relieved of his wallet. We were told that some of the ladies of the night who frequent the port end of La Rambla have a day job in pickpocketing. The adjoining Gothic Quarter is the ancient heart of the city, a labyrinth of narrow streets that wind about sections of Roman walls with imposing stone towers. In the small square Placa del Rei (Plaza of the King) King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella received Christopher Columbus upon his first return from the New World. At one end there is a temporary wooden stage used for drama and rock concerts in the summer.

Gaudi's architecture is a prominent feature of Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia (the Church of the Holy Family) is the city's most spectacular Modernista building. The Passion and Nativity Facades are awe inspiring. It is still a work in progress and the Glory Facade is still to be completed. Casa Batllo is Gaudi 'at his hallucinogenic best' (Lonely Planet Guide). Deep sea blue is the predominant colour; there are no straight lines so everything appears to swirl. The house was renovated by Gaudi for the Batllo family, but apparently it was all too much for Mrs. Batllo, who refused to live there …...

Palacio Real (Royal Palace) Madrid

La Sagrada Familia

Gothic Quarter

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FROM MOROCCO TO SPAIN AND BACK (Cont’d)

The outstanding attraction of Figueres, a town within sight of the Pyrenees Mountains which separate France and Spain, is Teatra- Museu Dali. Salvador Dali converted Figueres' former municipal theatre into an amazing theatre museum. The exterior is a striking purple- pink colour, topped by giant boiled eggs and stylised Oscar statues. The interior is full of surprises, tricks and il-lusions. On the ground floor a semicircular garden area has replaced the origi-nal theatre stalls. In its centre is a piece galled Taxi Plujos (Rainy Taxi) com-prising an early Cadillac, said to have belonged to Al Capone, and a pile of tractor tyres, both topped by statues that are in turn topped by a fishing boat. As it was school holidays children were enjoying putting a coin in the slot and watching water wash all over the inside of the taxi. From Figueres we travelled a short distance east to Roses on the Costa Brava. Even though it was the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea it was too cold for there to be any beautiful people decorating the beach. Valencia is the home of the quintessential Spanish dish, paella. Here we sampled an excellent seafood version. We were informed that originally water rats were used for the dish as there was a plentiful supply in the marshes of Valencia. Googling 'paella' does not verify this story! After serious flooding Valencia's River Turia was re-routed from flowing through the city to the equivalent of a ring road. The now dry former watercourse is used very imaginatively – for parks, sports facilities, walking and riding tracks, themed children's playgrounds and for the recently completed cultural and scientific complex. The Hemisphere and the Aquariums are outstanding buildings.

The Moors were the first to occupy Granada in the 8th century AD. Their kings built the Alhambra, a palace complex, on a hill overlooking the city and within clear view of the snow-covered heights of the Sierra Nevada. The kings created their idea of paradise on earth with beautiful palaces, gardens, fountains and courtyards. Granada fell to the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492 and the Moors were expelled. The Royal Chapel is a Gothic style Mausoleum, adjoining the Cathedral, where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried in the crypt beneath marble monuments.

Granada's gypsies formerly lived in caves honeycombing the hillside of Sacromonte. We were captivated by the energy, passion and skill of the gypsy flamenco artists at a show in one of these caves.

Reluctantly leaving Granada we travelled through the beautiful Andalucian countryside to the Costa del Sol. Again the weather wasn't warm enough for the rich and famous to be on parade. Gibraltar is a vast limestone ridge, awesome in appearance. There are picture postcard views of the Atlantic and Mediterranean from numerous vantage points, many of which bristle with British fortifications, gates and gun emplacements. The Barbary Monkeys are some of the Rock's most famous in-habitants, moving around freely and happily in the vicinity of St. Michael's Cave, a big natural grotto that was once home to the Neolithic inhabitants of the Rock. Atmospheric lighting and mood music add to the drama of a tour of the cave. Tarifa is at mainland Spain's southern most tip, just west of Gi-

braltar. Here we bade farewell to our excellent tour guide, Nicole, an English woman who chooses to live in Barcelona, and boarded the hydrofoil to sail to Tangier on Morocco's north coast. Being on such an action packed organised tour we didn't get an opportunity to make contact with the Spanish MacLennans, however I can assure you that they live in a beautiful country.

Tangier is only 22 kilometres from Tarifa and as you view the Mediterranean Sea on the port side and the Atlantic Ocean on the starboard side and see land forward and aft the connections between Spain and Morocco are reinforced. By Kath Nicholls

Teatra-Museu Dali

Alhambra, Granada

Rock of Gibraltar

Flamenco Granada

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NEWS FROM CLANSFOLK NEAR AND FAR

Email from Ray McLennan, Canada: Ray and Lorna McLennan celebrated Canada Day on 1st July 2010 with ten other Clans at the Embro Highland Games, Onatario, Canada. Ray and Lorna manned the Clan MacLennan tent and report they had many visitors dropping in on the day. Ray McLennan

Email from Sue Bailey, NT, Australia - re ‘The Sanguine Scot’: I am one of the great granddaughters of Jack McLennan (“The Sanguine Scot” in the book “We of the Never Never”). Our history tells that Jack had two children to an Aborigine (Larrakia) woman by the name of Minnie Lily. Their children were William Thomas McLennan (DOB 1909—DOD 22/12/1967) and Ada Cygnet McLennan (DOB and DOD is information that I do not have with me at present). I came by way of your email as I am writing my mother’s (Ada Ethel May Bailey nee McLennan) life story. Jack McLennan has a very large extended family the majority of whom live in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. (See article in Clan Newsletter No.79 of November 2004, available on our website)

* If anyone has information re Sue’s family connections, send them via the Editor.

Email from Hamish & Margot MacLennan, Scotland: Thank you once again for the newsletter always very interesting. I saw of Kirsteen’s latest arrival. Our daughter Helen had a second son at the same hospital and time as Kirsteen. Helen’s boy is Cameron James Brown who weighted in at 10lbs 11ozs, and 24 inches long, a big fellow. Baby Cameron is seen here with his big brother Alexander. This is our 6th grandchild. Trust you are all in good health. We have had a long winter with lots of snow and frost. Getting better but temp. dropped to 3-4 deg. last night. Hamish MacLennan

Email from Malcolm Lobban, Australia: The Lobbans are new Aussies! Greet-ings, and a hearty "G'day,mates!" To all our good friends and relations, yesterday evening (Wednesday 14 July 2010) the Lobban family in Pooraka, South Austra-

lia; namely Malcolm, May, Alan and Mairi took the oath of allegiance at a ceremony in Salisbury and became Australian citizens. Having arrived in Australia in October 2001 from our native Vale of Leven, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, and having performed all the legal requirements in our adopted country, we are now finally joined with our other children, grand children and in-laws here in Australia. The Dodds; The Moores; The Killens; The Skirrys and the Mullens……….. We now enjoy dual citizenship with UK (Scotland). We take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to all our friends and family ~ here in Australia and in UK ~ who have by their actions given their loyal support and encouragement to our venture. Whilst we now face the future primarily and by choice as "Aussies", the cherished memories of times Lang Syne in our native land will remain clear and constant for the rest of our lives. Again, many, many thanks. . .Malcolm (Malky), Mary (May), Alan, and Mairi.

"Advance Australia Fair! . . .agus Alba gu Brath!"

Editor’s Note: Dear Malcolm and Family, - CONGRATULATIONS !!!! Our very best wishes and congratulations to You, May, Alan and Mairi on becoming "fair dinkum" Scottish/Australian citizens.

Email from Melanie McLennan, Canada: We’ve had a busy summer and quite a bit on the go. We had our second grandchild, Reuben born in April. He’s the second son for our daughter Bethany and husband Daryl, and brother for Williem. They live just a few blocks away from us, so we have been busy. Our eldest son Jesson married JoAnne out in the mountains of British Co-lumbia at Radium Hot Springs where they live. We took all of our immediate family out for it, including the grand children. It was just for a week, but it was fun to have all twelve of us together again. I’ve attached a photo of the happy couple and a link to the pictures Andy took of the wedding. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cartographics/sets/72157624917729312/

Editors note: Congratulations to Melanie and Andy on the birth of their second grandson, Reuban and on the marriage of their son Jesson to JoAnne. You’ve had a very busy summer indeed!

Ray and Lorna McLennan, Canada

Jesson & JoAnne McLennan

Cameron with big brother Alexander

NEWS FROM CLANSFOLK NEAR AND FARcontinued

Email from Doug MacLennan, Kerang, Victoria: Doug writes that he has become a grandfather again to grandson Steel Jethro, born to son Stuart. “Steel Jethro is 15 months old and goes into fits of laughter when Granpa Doug talks like Donald Duck”. Doug also has a request for information on his family history and included an extensive family tree and additional family photos, which we were unable to publish in this issue due to space restrictions. Doug writes, “Our forebears came from the NW High-lands of Scotland near the Kyle of Lockalsh in Ross County. The Parish of Kintail and villages were Glen-

shiel, Dornie, Leiter & Kilillan who were all crofters. Our linage is that of Ken-neth McLennan (md. Anne McLeod of Skye) Gamekeeper of Nonach House in the village of Aultnasue , the eldest son of Ewan McLennan and Mary McCrae. The McLennan's departed for Australia from Liverpool aboard the "Arabian" on 26th October 1852 arriving in Melbourne 14 Feb. 1853. Ewan with his son's Kenneth, Alexander , John and their families were all assisted immigrants who went directly to the "Chirnside Estate” at Werribee on arrival, to be employed as agricultural labourers at 50Pounds per year and rations. Ken McLennan worked for the Chirnside family for many years and became a highly respected manager of several Chirnside properties throughout the Western District in Victoria. Ewan & Mary's first child is believed to have come to Australia 2 years before them and landed in SYDNEY. Roderick and Christopher are believed to have gone to America ????? My great grandfather Hugh took a selection at Fairbank, north of Leongatha, Victoria which is very hilly and very much the same as at "Ben Kilillan" in Scotland. Any information which will fill in some more gaps

would be appreciated. My email address is dugrambo@bigpond.com or snail mail P.O.box 649 Kerang Vic 3579 ...yes I know it’s in the Mallee, however we have a big lake in front of us. Doug MacLennan

Member Jim Nuske (brother of Clan member and Ex-Newsletter Editor, Mary Cooper) and his wife Sue, have recently become grand-parents. " Isabelle Eliza-beth Bales was born to Claire Nuske and Andrew Bales on 7th May, 2010, at Frances Perry House, Melbourne." Editors note: Congratulations Jim and Sue on becoming grandparents to baby Isabelle.

Further Email from Hamish MacLennan, Scotland: Margo, Matthew and I are back from an Accordion and Fiddle Festival in the far north Shetland Isles. There were Norwegians, Irish, Scots and Shetlanders. Some of them partied from Thursday 1pm ‘til Monday morning at approximately. 4am.! It was special for Margo and I as we had just had our 40th wedding anniversary. During the grand dance on the Saturday night, with 800 folk in the hall and 12 bands from 7.30pm to 1.30pm, there was an intimation that one of the band had his birthday. So they all sung happy birthday with the compere holding a large iced cake. He then announced that the cake was not for the birthday boy but another anniversary, Hamish and Margo’s 40th wedding anniversary. What a surprise arranged through my daughter Helen on the mainland and friends in Shetland. So after the dance, back to the self-catering for a slice of the cake, a couple ‘o drams and crawled into bed around 4.45am. Matthew has decided to go full time professional with the accordion, so if there is a Scottish Dance Band wanted Down Under I am sure he would be most happy to supply. I attended Mairi Dale’s (MacLennan’s) funeral service in Inverness. Her nephew, a MacLennan from Glasgow, spoke of his Aunt. I can picture Mairi as a very cheerful person who enjoyed a good ceilidh but had no time for fools. Happy memories. To MacLennan’s and connections Down Under, we wish you a Merry Xmas and a Good New Year. All blessings and good health. Hamish and Margo MacLennan

9

Jim Nuske & Isabelle

Stuart, Steel Jethro and proud grandpa Doug

MacLennan

Playing the Didgeridoo -

Am I doing it right Grandpa?

10

OBITUARY – MAIRI DALE

Mairi was intensely proud of her Gaelic heritage, the Gaelic language and all Gaelic traditions.

She was born on 19 January, 1918, at a place called Barr in Morven. At the age of 14 or 15 the family moved from Barr to the island of Mull, this was done because of her mother’s bad health and to be nearer medical assistance. During this time she regularly competed in the mod and on one occasion was told by the late Yehudi Menuhin that she had a very fine voice. One cannot help thinking that, but for the mother’s failing health and the war, I might only have known her as a name on a record label.

On her mother’s death from cancer in 1940 she was called up, but because of her bad eyesight she was not allowed to enter the Armed Forces so she finished up in the NAAFI ( Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes). This she subsequently made her career! A few months after the war finished, she found herself in Germany and subsequently stayed there for eight or nine years. There was very little said about her experiences during wartime, and only what I have picked up from the odd word that she dropped now and

again.

I first met her in 1952 when we were in Somerset. Subsequently, her career went one way and mine another, and we did not meet up again until 20 years later in the Shetland Isles. The year after we got married and moved to the south of England for a while, and then on to Belgium, by which time she had retired from NAAFI as she did not think she could manage a house and a job simultaneously.

On our return from Belgium we finished up here in the north of Scotland and it was here that she really began to show a serious interest in the Clan. This interest has always been there but was more dormant. It was shortly after we arrived here in Thurso that she decided she would join the Association. Naturally enough I joined with her, then about 1990 she was elected to the committee and following the death of Ellen McLennan, she took over the job of secretary, dragging me in as a gofor. doing all the jobs like typing and running around. This culminated in the organisation of the millennium Clan Gathering, which by everybody’s estimation, turned out to be an excellent occasion. After this, due to her failing health, she decided she could not go on with this job and resigned. Whatever happened to the Association we do not know; but since then all the information we receive has come from the Melbourne, Grafton or the now defunct NSW Associations.

A fall in 2003 resulted in some nasty problems with her hip, it did not break but was left in a very painful condition, with the result that she was regularly in and out of hospital for treatment. The last two years showed a steady decline in her health and she was in hospital as much as out of it. However, it never bothered her and her sense of humour was always a source of amusement and wonder to the nursing staff. She died peacefully on 24 June, 2010, and was cremated in Inverness. In accordance with her wishes her ashes were to be scattered at the place where she was born. In the company of several members of the family we took off to Barr and scattered her ashes there. She had a full and happy life and had the same effect on everybody around her.

On a personal note I would like to thank everybody who sent their good wishes and condolences and also for the more tangible support that I received.

Best wishes and kindest regards, Harry Dale

Editors note: We were all saddened to hear of Mairi’s passing and send our sincerest condolences to Harry and thank him for providing such a wonderful insight into Mairi’s full and interesting life.

Mairi Dale in NAAFI uniform, WW2

Mairi Dale 92nd Birthday

19 Jan 2010

11

IN SEARCH OF ANCESTORS

Many years ago, before they were fashionable, I was given a copy of a McLennan Family Tree, which was put away in a drawer and brought out from time to time as a talking point.

It was always of interest but in the hurly - burly of working and family life it was not truly considered until more recently, when time became available for reflection and interest in one’s roots. (Aren’t there so many things you wished you’d asked your parents when you had the chance?) In April of this year, during a visit to my wife Jo’s relatives in Edinburgh - Jo was born in Tranent East Lothian – we decided, as many readers will have done, to make a quick trip to Kyle to soak up a little of the Western Highlands, and set the ball rolling in a search for signs of McLennan ancestors.

We set off by train from Edinburgh and as those who have gone before would know, the trip to Inverness and then Kyle is one of the great railway experiences. From Perth to Inverness the countryside becomes progressively more dramatic as the Cairngorms come into view, and although mid- spring, the mountain-tops near Kingussie and Aviemore were still covered in snow.

Then, after changing at Inverness and travelling through Dingwall and Garve, lochs become the eye-opening vistas. The approach to Lochalsh along the banks of Loch Carron and the Inner Sound is spectacular with the mountains of Skye coming into view before the arrival at Kyle itself.

As time was short we booked into the excellent Broadford Hotel on Skye and spent the next day driving around that beautiful Isle with a Gaelic radio station and an old friend from Australia for company. The capital Portree, the spectacular cliffs at Kilt Rock, Flora Macdonald’s Memorial, the Old Skye village and the Museum of Island Life and Dunvegan were visited albeit briefly. Fortunately the weather was good but the wind in some places, Loch Ainort and Kilt Rock especially, was fierce. A dram and the tour of the Talisker Distillery warmed the cockles with Gambo and Salmon at Creelers in Broadford, rounding off the quick tour.

The search for ancestors commenced armed only with the family tree which begins around the late eighteenth century “somewhere in Wester-Ross-Shire: probably near Lockalsh” It was “Given to I W McCrae by his sister Isabella McCrae.” (A McLennan daughter, name unknown, had married a McCrae and came to Australia).

So we wanted to delve into the more distant past as most of the more recent ancestors had emigrated to North America or Australia. The search was for ancestors of those on the top line of the family tree. The most likely seemed to be Christina McLennan born about 1785 who married a John Murchison and lived at Lochalsh. All but one of their “issue” went to Ontario Canada, daughter Christina emigrated to Australia and settled in Geelong.

Christina’s sister Catherine was also of interest as there is no mention of her emigrating. She married Duncan Macdonald of Skye and three of their four children came to Australia. The only surviving brother Roderick, was called after his elder brother who “was taken to the wars and did not return” and is our direct link, but he too came to Australia in about 1848 after marrying a McCauley and living for some time in South Ross Shire.

We started at Kyle Library where a very helpful librarian provided the websites, scotlandspeople.gov.uk and genesreunited.com and pointed us in the direction of Kirkton and three graveyards. Along the way we stopped and approached a council worker to confirm that we were on the right track, which we were. We also asked him if his name was McLennan by any chance. “No” he replied “McCrae, but I married a McLennan”. We certainly felt at home.

The first cemetery, the “modern”, near Reraig and beside Lockalsh, contained some McLennans but all were relatively recent departures. Nevertheless it was a beautiful place in which to lie in rest.

The second was the Burial Ground of the Lochalsh Parish Church at Kirkton, which was established in 1807. This was much more promising as there were, amongst others, many McLennan headstones along with those of McCraes. Inside the church itself was a bundle of leaflets detailing “The walk to the old hilltop cemetery”. This was a revelation.

Continued

Lockalsh Parish Church

12

IN SEARCH OF ANCESTORS continued

Just a short walk from the Kirkton Church and on the opposite side of the A87 there is a National Trust sign saying “Graveyard”. The walk from here is about 400metres, the last 60 metres or so is quite steep. But the views are stunning. The leaflet which was written by the P6/7 Class of Auchtertyre Primary School (07-08) describes it thus: “On this walk you should see an amazing variety of wildlife, spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. The cemetery on top of the hill (also known locally as Angels Hill) has stood there for hundreds of years since the local Presbyterian Church was

built in 1807. There has been a church in this area since Celtic times and the cemetery itself was built on the site of an Iron Age Dun. The remains of a four foot wall have been excavated on the north side of the hill and the present iron fence which surrounds the cemetery is built on top of this. At some point the top of the hill must have been filled in to allow burials to take place and one of the prominent local families buried there are MacLennans.” It was everything they said and more, a spiritual aura surrounded this beautiful hilltop. We counted thirteen graves. Maclennans, McCraes and Murchisons were the

only legible headstones - all names synonomous with Kintail. Could any of these graves be connected directly to our line? You would have to think so although the Hilltop Cemetery may even be too modern for the resting place of Chris-tina or Catherine. Still there were some illegible head-stones amongst the banks of daffodils.. Subsequently the search has continued on the internet. But to date this has not proved a fruitful source for the ancestors of Roderick, Christina or Catherine and their five sisters, who were all born in the latter part of the eighteenth century. So this story is not yet complete. Perhaps a reader somewhere may have a clue? In the meantime I can only suggest that anyone planning a visit to the Western

Highlands, and hasn’t already experienced Kirkton, should consider adding the walk to the Old Hilltop Cemetery as part of the itinerary. By Scott McLennan

CAN YOU HELP?

Trevor Smurthwaite is currently researching Scottish Australian Heritage/History and Ancestry. He would like to build a database and develop a website concerning this. So he is very keen to have information from anyone in the community about the Scottish roots of those that came to Australia. He would like any information about their family ancestry, names/dates etc., any family stories about the places the families came from in Scotland, the ships they left on, stories from the journey and early pioneer days in Australia. It sounds an enormous task, and is worthy of our support. Trevor’s contact details are 77 Grays Lane, Cranebrook, Sydney, NSW, 2749. Phone (02) 4730 2728 email - trevor@australianscottishheritage.com web site - www.australianscottishheritage.com Editor’s Note: Trevor is a delightful gentleman who has a very proud Scottish heritage and wishes to document as much history of our brave Scots pioneers to Australia before it’s lost forever.

Email from Daisy Antoniou: I found your site on the internet and wonder if you can help me with an enquiry. I am living in Gardenvale in Victoria in a house that was originally owned by a man named Duncan McLennan. The house was built in 1915 and has undergone a number of changes. I was wondering if there is anyone in your group that may be a descendent or relative of this man and possibly have some old photos to help me see what the house looked liked. I know this is a long shot, but I would like to know what the veranda looked like before it was updated in the 70’s (I think), by the previous owners, the Pugliese’s. The Pugliese’s still live in the area but cannot help me with photos or information. Hoping to hear from you soon. Email garth@iprimus.com.au Daisy Antoniou

Approaching hilltop cemetery

Scott at hilltop cemetery, Kirkton

Jo McLennan

Another view from hill-top cemetery

13

HOLIDAY OR ADVENTURE?

Marion and I planned a restful 10 day holiday in the South Island of New Zealand from Sunday 5th September. As we had booked an early morning flight, we decided to stay Saturday night at our daughter’s place in Melbourne to be nearer the airport. We awoke on Saturday morning to the news that Christchurch had suffered severe earthquakes during the night. What to do, do we go or not? Being Saturday, the travel agent was closed but they had a number to call in an emergency .. this was an emergency! The agent told us he was going into the office and would get back to us. Our cat was booked into a cattery situated in a bush setting, so off we set to drop puss off, only to find a creek crossing on the way was in flood. We managed to get through, but the power of the water dislodged the front number plate, which floated away, never to be seen again. The travel agent rang back at noon to say the airport in Christchurch was open but he could not make contact with our hotel and to leave it with him. At 2pm he rang back to say the hotel was open but they did not know how we would get to it as the City area was cordoned off. Decision time .. Yes .. we would go! We arrived safely at Christchurch Airport. The taxi driver was not sure how close to the ho-

tel he could get us because of the cordon, but assured us he would do his best. The police refused him access at the first point so he went further afield and was eventually let in, managing to get us to within a couple of hundred metres of our hotel. As we approached the hotel on foot we were challenged by a policeman asking what we were doing. We replied “ trying to get into the hotel.” He said there was broken glass around the front door and we had to use the tradesman’s entrance up a lane. The city had a curfew so we could not leave the hotel until the morning, and the only food they had to offer us was leftovers.

Next morning, after several aftershocks, we were going down to breakfast only to find the lifts weren’t working, and we were on the 6th floor. Down and up 6 flights of stairs, then down again later with our luggage. We had a car booked from a firm located in the next street, but they were closed, so it was back to the airport again to eventually get on the road. Every day there were more after shocks and the news gave a grim picture of Christchurch. We had booked for another 2 nights and then planned to go touring. When we got back to Christchurch, things had settled down and most services were active. We thought all the fun & games were over when we arrived back at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne. We were wrong. We were about to leave the plane when an announcement came over the intercom asking us to resume our seats. A passenger was ill and the quarantine officers were coming aboard. Everyone was hoping it was not a contagious disease as it would mean we would all be quarantined. After an anxious 35 minute wait we were cleared and able to leave the plane. It was good to be back home. By Geoff McLennan

THE FIRST MACLENNAN ?

At St. Clement’s Church in Dingwall, Ross-shire, I discovered this elaborate memo-rial to a Captain Donald Maclennan. It turned out Captain Donald had a most adventurous life – including some time trading in the South Seas. He visited Port Jackson (Sydney) in the very early days. It got me wondering: Was Capt Donald the first MacLennan in Australia? Donald was the younger of the two sons of Colin Maclennan, a burgess of Dingwall and long-time member of the Dingwall Council. In the 1790s Donald’s older brother, Roderick, had started work in London as a clerk with Hamilton & Company, East India ship-owners and Donald was later invited to join him. Although office work did not suit Donald, it gave him a chance to go to sea. By August 1796, aged only 18, he had returned from his first voyage. His second voyage, on the Bellona – ended unexpectedly at Madras when he took the step of leaving the ship “on account of ill usage received from the chief mate”. He joined a Nabob’s ship and then, by August 1797, found his way to Penang. Back in England in early 1799 he took a po-sition on the Britannia and set out on a trading voyage for the South Seas under Cap-tain Mortlock (brother of the naval officer by the same name). While near Rio de Ja-neiro they captured the 150 ton Spanish bark Penismento and Capt Mortlock …….

News image of the damage in Christchurch CBD

Memorial Capt. Donald Maclennan

14

THE FIRST MACLENNAN? continued

entrusted Donald to command this vessel and to sail for the Cape. Following this he was assigned to the main cabin of the Britannia, and off the coast of South America, after a three hour battle, Donald and the rest of the crew were captured by a Spanish ship of war, and taken to Lima. In time they managed to escape and found their way back to London. In 1802, he was appointed to command the brig Dart of London – owned by “Mr Mackenzie of Bishopgate and other Scottish gentlemen” – on another trading voyage to the South Seas to exchange goods for “bullion and specie”. On 23 October 1803 he wrote to his father from Port Jackson: “Since I wrote by the Seringaptam (in India), I have traversed the Pacific in my little vessel, touching at Otaheite [now Tahiti] and Society Isles.” From contemporary reports I found he also stopped in French Polyne-sia, the Friendly Islands [Tonga] and New Zealand. He wrote that, in New Zealand, he obtained a “carved box containing ...fishing hooks and lines which I obtained from ferocious cannibals of New Zealand, off which place I cruised three months. Two stone weapons, called by the natives Patoo-Patoo, are used in close action in their wars.” We know from reports in The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser in early October 1803 that the Dart, under Capt MacLennan, had sailed into Sydney from Otaheite [Tahiti] in only 25 days via Norfolk Island. “She brought on board from Norfolk Island His Honor Lieutenant Governor Foveax.” She also brought as passengers Mr. Turnbull and Captain Buyers, formerly of the ship Margaret. The newspaper announced the cargo on board: “The following is a list of the Articles of Investment imported in the Dart brig, viz Seal Skins, salt, canvas, line and twine, glass shades, men and women's shoes, pickles in cases, a spring clock, hardware, tea-trays, jewellery, soap in boxes, white lead, yellow ochre, Venetian red, and black varnish in kegs, vinegar, tongues, salted salmon, pickled herrings, linseed oil in jars, paint brushes, spirits of turpentine, and a quantity of pork from Otaheite.” The next weeks The Sydney Gazette announced that “on Thursday most of the uncasked pork from Otaheite [had been] ... landed at the wharf and removed to the house occupied by Messrs Turnbull and Buyer”. Given the early date of this voyage, it is possible Donald was the first MacLennan to come to Australia. I would be interested to hear of any earlier MacLennans. On 30 October 1803 the same paper’s ‘Ship News’ reported “On Monday morning sailed also for Hobart the Dart Brig, with provisions and twenty sows; also an Officer, six Soldiers, [and] thirty Prison-ers.” Hobart had only been established on 12 September 1803 - at Risdon Cove - when Lieutenant John Bowen landed with about 50 settlers, crew, soldiers and convicts. (It wasn’t until February 1804 that the settlement was moved to the present location of Hobart at Sullivan’s Cove.) It therefore seems quite likely that Donald Maclennan of Dingwall was, at least, the first MacLennan to visit Tasmania. In 1804 his brother Roderick accompanied him on a voyage to Peru when they were attacked - with pistols and daggers - by a “treacherous band of Spaniards” and Roderick was killed. The Captain was left for dead with seventeen wounds and a number of shot balls into his body. However, on 26 October 1806 The Sydney Gazette reported Capt. Maclennan had been permitted to depart for Europe. Upon returning to Falmouth he had the sad duty to advise his parents that his brother had been killed. Later that year he was to sail as second captain of the ship L’Invetion. The next account of him was from St. Helena in March 1808 and Rio de Janeiro in June by which time he was in “full command of the ship”. In August 1817, while in command of the ship Colonel Allan near South America he wrote home to his father “I intend, if it please God, that I may return from this voyage, not to go to sea any more ; and it may, perhaps, be my lot to build a castle in Dingwall, as I have often contemplated when far awa’ ”. Indeed he purchased the old castle in Dingwall (an ancient feudal stronghold) and built himself a castle in its grounds. In the garden he built a monument to his brother, Roderick. Donald’s father, Colin, died in 1819 (aged 82 years) and their mother (nee Isabella Kemp) in 1825 (aged 85 years). Donald himself died at Dingwall in 1848 and a profile appeared in the Inverness Courier in 1851 after the memorial was erected by his sisters. Further papers and photos about Captain Donald Maclennan are available on the Clan Website’s - www.clanmaclennan-worldwide.com - “Discussion Pages” – under the “Files” tab. A discussion about who was the first MacLennan in Australia is under the “Messages” area. By Bruce A McLennan

(I would be interested to hear from anyone who has researched Captain Donald and his family connec-tions, please email bamclennan at optusnet dot com dot au , he may be connected to my own family.)

Capt. Maclennan’s castle house, Dingwall

15

DID YOU KNOW - THE HISTORY OF PETANQUE

Petanque is a form of boules where the goal is, while standing with feet together in a small circle, to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (little pig).The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel, but can also be played on grass or other surfaces. The current form of the game originated in 1907 in Provence, Southern France invented by Jules Le-noir, whom rheumatism prevented from running before he threw the ball, as in other similar games like bocce. The ground played on is called “a piste” and as it is often played with a glass of wine in one hand, has lead to many variations of name. The piste is usually up to 15 metres long. Petanque is played by 2, 4, or 6 people. In singles and doubles, each player has 3 boules and in triples, 2 boules. After the toss , the coch is thrown between 6 and 10 metres by the first player. The player who threw the coch then throws the first boule. A player from the opposing team then makes a throw. Play continues with the team that is not closest to the coch having to continue throwing until they either land a boule closer to the coch than their opponents or until they run out of boules. Points are scored when both teams have no more boules. The winning team receives one point for each boule that it has closer to the coch than the best placed boule of the opposition. Boules can be thrown at any height or even rolled depending on the terrain, they are thrown underarm usually with the palm of the hand downwards. By Geoff McLennan

The Gathering of the Clans A slide show is available for viewing at www.rampantscotland.com/viedo/clan_gathering_march.wmv

SMILE AWHILE

Financial Planning - Dan was a single man living at home with his ill father and working in the family business, when he discovered his father’s Will left him his entire fortune. He decided he needed to find a wife with whom to share his large fortune. One evening, at an investment meeting, he spotted the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away. “I may look just like an ordinary man” he told her, “but in a few short months my father will die and I will inherit $200 million”. Impressed, the woman asked for his business card and three weeks later .. became his stepmother. Which only goes to show … women are so much better at financial planning than men!

Scottish Wedding - Two Scots, Archie and Jock, are sitting in the pub discussing Jock’s forthcoming wedding. “Och, it’s all going to be grand” says Jock. “I’ve everything organised already, the flowers, the church, the cards, the reception, the rings, the minister, even ma stag night”. Archie nods approvingly. “Havens, I’ve even bought a kilt to be married in” continued Jock. “A kilt?” exclaims Archie, “That’s braw, you’ll look pure deed smart in that!” ... a pause … “And what’s the tartan?” “Och” says Jock, “I’d imagine she’ll be in white … “

A Yorkshire Grandad chats to his grandson about the good old days:

“When I were a lad, me mother would send me down t’corner shop wi’ a shilling, an I’d come back wi’ five pounds o’ potatoes, two loaves o’ bread, three pints o’ milk, a turkey, a pound o’ cheese, a packet o’ tea, an’ ‘alf a dozen eggs. Yer can’t do that now.

…. Too many bloody security cameras.”

Did You Know? “Inside Golf Magazine Issue 60 2010” - In the early days, as the Church frowned on golfers having a hit on the traditional ‘day of rest’, many eager golfers are said to have carried “Sunday Sticks” (aka Sabbath Sticks). Cleverly disguised as simple walking sticks—with the clubhead fitting in the palm of the golfer’s hand—the golfer simply wandered into a field or onto the links, waited until no-one was looking, then quickly reversed the stick and had a hit. Brilliant!

16

CLAN MacLENNAN GOODS AVAILABLE

Plain Ties with Crest

$ 15.00

Tartan Bow Ties

$ 29.00

Tartan Material by the metre

POA

Key Board with Crest

$10.00

Tartan Ties (Wool Blend) (Boy’s $25)

$ 35.00

Tartan Beret

$ 40.00

Tartan Caps (Mens) $ 45.00 Tartan Scarf or Square $ 40.00

Tartan Evening Sash $ 65.00 Tartan Shawl $120.00

Clan MacLennan Post Card $ 2.00 MacIain Post Card (Logan) $ 1.50

Men’s Handkerchief with Crest $ 3.50 Ladies Handkerchief with Crest $ 3.50

Tea Spoon with Crest $ 6.50 Sugar Spoon with Crest $ 6.50

Small Lapel Crest Badge $ 6.50 Pewter Crest Brooch $ 45.00

Key Tags with Crest $ 5.50 Book Mark with Crest $ 5.00

Clan MacLennan Kilt Pin (Pewter) $ 45.00 Polo Shirts with Crest - short sleeve $ 25.00

Fridge Magnet $ 6.00 Crest Stickers $ 6.00

Crest Coasters (Set of Two) $ 15.00 Polo Shirt - long sleeve $ 25.00

Windcheaters – Grey Marle with Navy Crest $ 26.00 T-Shirts – Grey Marle with Navy Crest $ 10.00

Books and Music

“In Search of Clan MacLennan” by Malcolm Lobban and James McLennan on CD/Pdf . $14.00 “Return to Kintail” words and music by Ross McLennan on CD $15.00

Please add Postage/Packing: Within Australia: under 500g A$4.00 for one item plus A$1.00 for each additional item, over 500g A$10 flat. Overseas Surface Mail - triple the rates for “Within Australia” Supply subject to availability of stock and variation in price. Cheques payable to “Clan MacLennan Association” Orders with payment to Bob McLennan, 13 Lamart St., STRATHMORE, VIC., 3041. Tel: 03) 9379 2425

DATES TO REMEMBER

(You always find the most recent Events Calendar on our Website: www.clanmaclennan-worldwide.com )

OURS 21 Nov. 2010 Christmas Picnic Gathering, Woodlands Park, Essendon. (Mel.28 F1) 28 Nov. 2010 Tarrangower Scots’ St. Andrews Day Dinner & Ceilidh, Maldon (03-5475 2092) 10 Apl. 2011 Ringwood Highland Gathering & Games, Jubilee Park, Ringwood (Mel.49 J10/11) 8 May 2011 North East Victoria Gathering, 2 Moodemere St, Rutherglen(12noon) (02-6032 8328) 19 June 2011 AGM&Ceilidh, Roseville Community C’tre, 110 King St.E.Doncaster (Mel.34 B 9/10) OTHERS 5-7 Nov 2010 Beechworth Celtic Festival (03-5728 2225) 7-12 Nov 2010 Celtic Pilgrimage Walk, Bright to Beechworth (03-5728 2835) 7 Nov 2010 141st Annual Highland Gathering, Castle Hill Showground, NSW (02-9871 3593) 21 Nov 2010 Scots’ of Victoria AGM/Seminar, Canterbury St. Stables, Flemington (03-8361 0282) 25 Nov 2010 St.Andrews Day Dinner, Ascot House, Ascot Vale (Royal Cal.Soc.) (03-9803 9678) 28 Nov 2010 SAHC Scottish Family Day, Hyde Park, Sydney, NSW (02-9654 2494) (Kirkin ’o’ the Tartan (St. Stephens), March of Clans/fun/food/entmnt.) 4 Dec 2010 Daylesford Highland Gathering, Victoria Park (03-5348 1793) 1-2 Jan 2011 150th Anniversary Maryborough Highland Gathering, Princes Park (03-5461 1904) 12 Feb 2011 Berwick Highland Gathering, Arkoonah Park Reserve (0400 010 686) *Mch/Apl. 2011 Geelong Highland Gathering (*Phone for Venue and Date) (03-5221 7224 7 May 2011 Scots’o’ the Murray Dinner, Tuileries Restaurant, Rutherglen, Vic. (02-6032 8328) 29 May 2011 Scottish Heritage Day, Greaves Reserve, Dandenong (03-9794 0562)

Best Wishes to You for a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous 2011