WAIPU CELTIC BARN GRAND OPENING

On Friday the 3rd of July, Bruce McGechan President of Clan Donald Auckland and his wife Halina and Murdock McDonald, represented Clan Donald at a Formal Dinner and Opening Ceremony of the Celtic Barn in the Caledonian Grounds at Waipu.

 

From the left, Murdock McDonald, and Halina and Bruce McGechan.

 
This function was an opportunity for the Waipu Joint Venture to gather together all those whose substantial contributions had enabled the successful completion of the project.

The Celtic barn comprises a main hall, which has the most up-to-date acoustic features. A large entrance hall, which has already been booked for several weddings, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, plus changing rooms and shower and toilet facilities. The Celtic Barn is only a half an hour from Whangarei and around one and a half hours from Auckland.

 

A view of the main hall.

 
At 7pm around 400 guests sat down for the Formal Buffet Dinner, which was preceded by the Haggis Ceremony.

 

 

Some of the guests who were seated at 40 tables in the main hall.

 
Following the dinner, the building was officially opened by the HON Bill English, the Minister of Finance. There were also many tributes by the Chairman Richie Guy, to the many people who were responsible for the planning, raising the finance and completing the fantastic facility.

During the evening there was music supplied by the well-known ceilidh band Twisty Willow.