The Clishmaclaver Newsletter of the Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest

February 2013

Inside this issue:

Spring Council 1

Burns Supper 2

Pres Message 4

Clan Flower Patch 5

New Website Tips 6

Spring Council Meeting Called for March 9th

To Set Highland Games Dates and AGM

By James Robertson Ward

President Russ Read will bring

the gavel down at 3 p.m. on Saturday,

March 9th at the Annual Council meet-

ing which establishes the program for

the Society’s participation in the array of

Highland Games being held. Each year

the Council works on the distribution of

volunteer members who travel through-

out our multi-state area to tell the story

of Clan Donnachaidh and display the

tartans, banners and records of our Clan

History.

Also due for review, will be the plans for the Annual General Meeting. Last

year this event was held in conjunction with the celebration of our Branch’s founding

twenty-five years ago. Other options in the past have seen the AGM held in conjunc-

tion with one of our Highland Games.

Other items on the schedule will be Officer reports and a review of the new

Website and “member only” feature that has been added by Webmaster Ben Kuhl.

Hosting the event will be Bob and Mary Jane Robertson. Their address is 918

Ironwood place, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Council Members needing directions may

call at 1-847-870-1567.

A Pot Luck Supper will follow the meeting. Haggis appetizers will be served

using a recipe provided by the Executive Chef of the Illinois Food Purveyor that is

authorized to produce both the vegetarian and conventional product.

Page 2 February 2013 Clishmaclaver

A Robbie Burns Supper By Judy Hardin Harkin, Journey Home Consultant

If you attended a Robbie Burns Supper this month or will in February, you

will be taking part in a celebration that started 208 years ago in a small

cottage in Paisley Scotland. The oldest formally constituted Burns Club in

the world, it was established in 1805 with 15 founding members; its pur-

pose - to celebrate Burns’ birthday but also to cherish the poet’s memory.

During its long history, the Paisley Club has continued to follow the for-

mat that Burns set up in his Bachelors Club; membership is restricted to

males only, as is their annual Supper. Fortunately today, most Scottish

Heritage societies and organizations welcome the lassies to the Supper. As

Robbie was well-known to appreciate the lasses, I’m sure he would ap-

prove.

Did you know that Robbie Burns Suppers were originally celebrated on

January 29? It wasn’t until 1818 that R.A. Smith, a founding member of

the Paisley Club, while inspecting the parish records uncovered Robbie’s

correct birth date of January 25.

At the recent Burns Supper that

Duncan and I attended, the person who gave the “Immortal Memory” made a

point that really resounded with me. He stated that every country has its fa-

mous writer/poet: England has Shakespeare; Ireland Joyce; Wales Dylan Tho-

mas; America Hawthorne, Russia Dostoyevsky, and although they are revered

and may be celebrated within their own countries, there is only one man

whose birthday is celebrated around the globe: Scotland’s own Robbie Burns.

Whether a formal affair, or a more casual gathering, a Burns Supper – and it

is always a supper, never given the fancier title of dinner -- is a chance to

celebrate the life and works of the “Ploughman Poet”. So join me now, as we attend a “Burns Supper”.

The hall is awash in Scottish dress, the men handsome in their kilts, the ladies in their tartan sashes. The Master of

Ceremonies welcomes us all. We lift our glasses in a Toast to the Queen, and a Toast to the President (in the US).

Then the Selkirk Grace is given:

“Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it:

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

Sae let the Lord be thankit.”

The highlight of the evening is always the Presentation of the Haggis. A piper plays an appropriately rousing air as he

leads in the chef who carries the haggis on a silver platter, and the person chosen to recite the “Address to the Haggis”.

As they ceremoniously parade through the assembled guests, a sedate “handclap” accompanies them. Robbie com-

posed the address in Broad Scots and it is somewhat of a challenge even for a native-born to recite from memory, but

there’s something about hearing this poem delivered in a soft Scottish burr that makes you think you really do under-

stand the words. As the poem ends, a dram of whisky is dispensed to the piper, the chef, and the reciter.

And now it’s time for the “supper”: the traditional haggis with neeps and tatties is enjoyed, followed by the serving of

an entrée selection and a rich dessert.

The “Immortal Memory” is a chance to speak of what Robbie Burns, his poetry and songs, has meant through the

years and across all national boundaries. It is a high honor for whoever has been chosen to give this speech.

Painting of Robert Burns by Alexander

Nasmyth, 1787. (Scottish National Por-

trait Gallery)

Page 3 February 2013 Clishmaclaver

As I watch the physical strength and agility of the Scottish High-

land Dancers I am reminded that this was once the domain of

Scottish warriors. The intricate and graceful footwork of the

Scottish Country Dancers makes me wish I knew the steps.

Then a performance of some of Robbie’s songs; perhaps “O

My Luve’s Like A Red-Red Rose” or “Ae Fond Kiss”.

It’s time for the “Toast to the Lassies”. This is almost al-

ways humorous and good-natured. Then the lads all are “upstanding” and raise their glass to honor the

fair maidens present.

Perhaps we will hear more songs, “Green Grow the Rashes O” or “John Anderson, My Jo”. Or maybe a

recitation of one of Robbie’s poems.

A lone piper, a pipe and drum band, a harpist or fiddler might enter-

tain with more Scottish songs that Robbie composed, or an ancient

one that he saved from extinction.

It is now time for a lass to give a “Toast to the Laddies”. We lassies

then raise our glasses to toast our handsome companions.

The evening may hold a few more “Sangs and Clatter” before the

Master of Ceremonies thanks us again for coming and wishes us all

safe passage home.

We stand and make a circle around the outside of the room, holding

hands. Tonight we are all Scots regardless of our national heritage.

Tonight, those who were once strangers are now friends.

“Should Auld Aquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind,

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne”

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet

For auld lang syne”

************************************************************************************

* Notes: According to the Paisley Burns Club Foundation’s website (www.paisleyburnsclub.org.uk), the haggis was

originally led in by a fiddler, a practice they continue to follow today.

The Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia (www.rcs.org.au) has a side-by-side translation of “Address to a

Haggis” in the original Broad Scots and modern English.

An article in the January-February 2012 edition of “The Highlander” magazine contains an article by Dr. George

Birrell, which gives a definition of the Broad Scots words used in “Auld Lang Syne” and some background on the

song. The earliest versions are known to have existed at least from the 15th century, but it is Robbie’s verses that

we sing today. The traditional music of Robbie’s day had a sad, almost haunting, feel to it. Much different from the

boisterous version we sing today.

“Presentation of the Haggis”

Page 4 February 2013 Clishmaclaver

Presidents Message

So, how do you deal with procrastination?

One of my responsibilities a President is prepare the message for each new Clish. As our long-

suffering Editor-in-Chief will attest, getting me to sit down and write this often takes far longer than it

should. Why? It’s not that I don’t want to or am unhappy with doing so. It’s more the challenge of

keeping the message topical and ,hopefully, of interest to members. The muse sometimes dallies

long elsewhere before arriving.

I don’t know about you, but that same challenge occurs about this time every season in preparation

for lots of things, some related to Clan business and some not. The heart of winter is upon us and the

scratching of the mice in the ceiling reminds me I forgot to put out traps earlier. Putting away the last

of the Christmas decorations unveils the Clan boxes wanting sorting and re-stocking before the

Games season begins. The upcoming council meeting reminds me to finish the agenda and proposed

Games schedule. When do I need to start seedlings for the garden and can begin moving plantings

around to improve the display. I still need to plan what those new displays will be, for heaven’s sake!

And when do I work in all the programs and meetings and shows and exhibits and activities that vie

for my attention and time and money. My bonnie not-so-wee son will be graduating college in a few

months…where did that time all go and what do we need to do to help in his transition into the real

working world?

Decisions, decisions, decisions. That may be the predominant reason for procrastination. Analysis

paralysis. Or simple distraction. That’s why it’s nice to have friends help gently push you back on

track and remind you of all the fun you may be missing by not getting on with things. Like having a

chat with friends. Or getting ready for Clan fun.

Perhaps I’ll peruse that nice coffee table book about Scotland again while I think about things a bit

longer.

Slainte

Russ Read

Russ Read

Page 5 February 2013 Clishmaclaver

Clan Flower Patch Needed

For Scotland Exhibit

Editor’s Note: The following was received from the

Wild Plant Conservator who is a member of Clan

Sinclair. She’s looking for help in creating a

“Patchwork Meadow”.

By Dr. Seona Anderson, European Projects Coordinator

I work for the wild plant conservation charity, Plantlife. Currently we are coordinating a

public participation project called the “Patchwork Meadow” to create a Bayeaux Tapestry cele-

brating the role of plants and trees in British culture. We are making a special effort in Scotland

because the first exhibition of the work will be at the Wild North Festival in Caithness and

Sutherland at the end of June of 2013.

Plantlife Scotland works to conserve our wild plants in the places where they grow. We

manage nature reserves, carry out direct conservation action, provide advice to landowners, pro-

vide a range of events including plant walks, workshops and publish information for children

and families as shown on website www.plantlife.org.uk/scotland.

Specifically, I am looking for a member of Clan Donnachaidh Upper Midwest who

would enjoy contributing a 15 centimeter square based on your Clan Plant, bracken. This can be

any design and fabric you choose. A sample square for my Clan Sinclair is shown in the upper

right. Here is the to our Clan plants fact sheet: (http://wildflowereurope.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/12/Names-and-Clan-Plants.pdf) .

The deadline for submission of squares is the middle of May. You can inter information

a bout your square in the online submission form (http://wildflowereurope.org/create-your-

patch) In this case you would identify your organization and the project name “Clan Plants”.

The square and reference number would go to: Plantlife at

14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DX. The

squares will be assembled for a first exhibition at the Wild

North Festival in June 2013 and at other venues as we have

capacity to handle. A permanent home will be arranged.

To help you with your efforts, a photo of the

Bracken plant is shown in the adjoining photo. If you would

like to see some of the existing squares, you can visit the

online gallery at: www.wildflowereurope.org/patches.

Example of Clan Sinclair Patch

Made by Dr. Anderson

This is Bracken, the official

plant of Clan Donnachaidh

(close up)

Page 6 February 2013 Clishmaclaver

The Patchwork Meadow is just a part of a wider project

called Wildflower Europe. The organization’s aim is to re-inspire

interest in the culture and history of wild plants and trees. In addi-

tion to Scotland and the UK, action is taking place in Bulgaria,

Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia.

The general home page is: www.wildflowereurope.org.

You can reach me at:

patchworkmeadow@plantlife.org.uk. I check this daily, or staff

members will respond to you if I am away.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF DR. ANDERSON

Patch of Bracken in the wild

Dr. Anderson lives in the small village of St. Davids Madderty in Perthshire with her

family. She grew up in the Clyde Valley in Lanarkshire. She studied in Edinburgh, Sheffield

and London and is both an Archeobotanist and an Ethnobotanist, specializing in botanical re-

mains from early farming sites in the Middle East, and ethnobotany in Siberia. She has been

involved in plant conservation in Europe for the past ten years, working mainly with scientists,

government agencies and conservation charities to identify and protect key plant sites.

New Clan Website: Viewing Events and Pay-

ing Membership Dues

The new website is up, running, and bound with ques-

tions. One question that I seem to be repeatedly getting is: Is the

latest Highland Game’s schedule on the site? Answer: YES!

While a few of the dates may change from now, all of the 2013

information has been vetted and is current. You can check out

the event details by going to www.clandonnachaidh.org and

clicking on the “Events” link. Any other events that are open to

the public will be placed on the site as well.

Another large step forward allows members to securely

pay for membership dues online. Using PayPal allows for a

safe, secure, and efficient way to collect dues and track mem-

bers. To pay for dues online click the “Membership” link. When

taken to the membership page, select the membership option

that works best for you or your family, and click the “Pay Now”

button. This will direct you to PayPal where you can either log

into PayPal and use your existing PayPal account, or select the

“Pay with a debit or credit card, or Bill Me Later” link to pay

outside of PayPal. This payment method allows use of your personal credit card not linked to

any PayPal account. Your payment will be sent to the Clan Treasurer who will then create your

membership. Membership gives you voting rights at meetings and participation to events nor-

mally not open to the public. Dues help to pay for costs like tent fees at the regional events.

By Benjamin Kuhl

Clan Donnachaidh Society

Upper Midwest

Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest History In June 1986, at the Illinois St. Andrew Highland Games, Patricia and Gordon met Marj. Patricia and Gordon asked Marj about Clan Donnachaidh. Marj said that it had disbanded and she asked when they were going to restart it. They told her that they would think about it. In September 1986, Joanne called Patricia and Gordon to discuss starting the Clan again. Joanne told them she had got their names from Marj who told her that they were going to start the clan again and would know what to do. So they got together about 12 people and worked on starting the Clan. The first thing they did was put a table at the Scottish Fair at the Irish American Center in Chicago which was in October 1986. There they got some more people to sign up. By the end of 1986, they had written the by-laws and they were officially Clan Don-nachaidh Society Upper Midwest. Clan Donnachaidh Society, Pacific Northwest donated 3 durks which were raffled to raise funds for us. Since that time, the Clan created the Clishmaclaver for all Clan members to keep us up to date with Clan activities. Gordon and Patricia also started the Taste of Scotland at their home. This gave everyone a reason to get together and, of course, to try some Scotch. In February 1990, Gordon and Patricia hosted the North American Conference of Clan Donnachaidh Presidents in Chicago. The Fri-day before the event, Marj phoned Gordon and told him that Struan found out about the event and wanted to know if he could attend. Which he did. Struan also returned in February 1993 for a 5 branch tour in 9 days for the Kick-off to the Centenary Year. Since that time, the Clan continues to grow and our membership expand.

WWW.CLANDONNACHAIDH.ORG

CLAN OFFICERS

RUSSELL READ, PRESIDENT JESSIE READ, TREASURER MARY JANE ROBERTSON, ASSISTANT TREASURER PATRICIA WILBER, MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN KATHY HART, SECRETARY BOB ROBERTSON, V.P.-.ILLINOIS KATHY HART, V.P.- INDIANA BOB DUNCAN, V.P.– IOWA (VACANT), V.P.– MICHIGAN JON CARLSON, V.P.- MINNESOTA BILL REID, V.P.- WISCONSIN GORDON WILBER, PRES. EMERITUS

CLAN TRUSTEES

JESSIE READ TIFFANY KUHL PATRICIA WILBER

CLAN COUNCIL

CLAN OFFICERS & TRUSTEES, PLUS JIMMY DUNCAN DAN ROBERTSON DICK & BRENDA ROBERTSON MARY JANE ROBERTSON JIAMES ROBERTSON WARD

Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest James Robertson Ward, Clishmaclaver editor 893 Saddlewood Drive Glen Ellyn IL 60137

Page 7 February 2013 Clishmaclaver