WAIPU HIGHLAND GAMES

New Years Day dawned bright and clear. Heavy rain over night but a beautiful fine day for the first day of 2015.

As usual, the start of the Games had the Waipu Pipe Band leading the Clans March from the Monument into the Caledonian Grounds to the Avenue of Clans for the flag raising.

The crowds arrived early and the clans were soon answering queries from prospective members. The Clan Donald Pavilion had many members and friends calling in for a chat and refreshments. Committee members chatted with many interested people and also signed up the first new members for 2015.

 

1

Vice-President & Historian Carl Bradley and Murdock McDonald chatting with a prospective new member.

 
At 11.30am Clan Donald had the Haggis Ceremony and as the Haggis Party of Guard Carl Bradley, Haggis Bearer Murdock McDonald and Bard Tom McDonald led by Piper Bruce McGechan marched from the gate to the Clan Donald Pavilion the spectators were already crowding in front of the Pavilion. Tom McDonald gave a great rendition of the Robbie Burns address to the Haggis, and at the conclusion of the ceremony the spectators were able to try a sample.

 
2

The Haggis Party arriving at the Clan Donald Pavilion.

3

The Haggis Party toasting the Haggis after the Robbie Burns address. From the left Guard Carl Bradley, Bard Tom McDonald, Haggis Bearer Murdock McDonald and Piper Bruce McGechan.

 

 

4

Murdock McDonald and the North Island Commissioner Tom McDonald chatting with one of the many visitors to the Clan Donald Pavilion.

 
At 12.30pm the massed bands and clans paraded around the arena. This was followed by the massed Highland Fling which set the scene for the Official Opening.

 
5

The clan Donald Colour Party of Guards Lawrie Fear and Carl Bradley and Banner Bearer Tom McDonald before the parade.

 

 
After a long, hot, busy and successful day the clans started to pack up around 4pm. Everyone thought that it was a great Highland Games and a great start to 2015.