AUCKLAND SCOTTISH CLANS ASSOCIATION 10TH ANNUAL DINNER

On a beautiful evening on Saturday the 12th of September, ninety eight guests attended the tenth Annual Dinner of the Auckland Scottish Clans Association, in the Hobson Room at Alexandra Park in Auckland.

Clan Donald Auckland was well represented with around twenty members at the dinner. The Guest Clan for the Dinner was Clan Davidson represented by their new Chief Grant Davidson and his wife Brenda.

 

From the left Michele, daughter of Ian Hill and Ian Hill retired Piper for Clan Donald, and Trevor Pollard a member of Clan Donald, and Committee Member Eileen Clark.

 
There were two pipers present for the evening. Piper Anton Hodson and the Official Piper for Clan Davidson Piper Malcolm Campbell.

The Welcome Address to the Guests of Honour was given by the Vice President Trevor Stewart.

Entertainment throughout the evening was by the Highland Dancer Tessa Hiam, and Accordionist Lionel Reekie.

The Dinner started with Scotch Broth and Baps. And the Entrée of Haggis Tatties & Neeps, followed the Haggis Ceremony, where the Ode to the Haggis, was given by George Mutch from Waipu.

Following the main course the Guest Speaker Max Rawnsley, from Clan Davidson, addressed the guests with an entertaining speech on the history of Clan Davidson.

 

Enjoying the evening were Jon Winder of Clan Donald, and the Secretary and North Island Commissioner Tom McDonald.

 
The Toasts followed the delicious dessert of apple pie and cream, and tea and coffee.

The Toast to Scotland, was given by Donald Matheson of Clan Matheson.

The Toast to Clan Davidson by Alan Ferguson of Clan Fergusson, and the reply was given by Alex Davidson, the President of Clan Davidson.

The Toast to the Auckland Scottish Clans Association by Bruce McGechan, the President of Clan Donald, and the reply by the President Murdock McDonald.

The Toast to Absent Friends by Andrew Wilkie of Clan Donald, and the reply and farewell address by the President Murdock McDonald.

Following the traditional Auld Lang Syne the Guests of Honour from Clan Davidson were piped out by Piper Malcolm Campbell. And the piping out by the President Murdock McDonald and his wife Lois, by Piper Anton Hodson.

This brought an exciting flourish to the end of a great evening.