Clan Donald Auckland 22nd Anniversary Dinner
The Annual Dinner of Clan Donald Auckland was held on Saturday the 11th of May 2019 at the Quality Hotel in Parnell, Auckland.
The Officiating Piper for the evening was our Clan Piper Anton Hodson, who was in fine form throughout the evening.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the ever-humorous Andrew Wilkie, who was also in good form for the occasion.
The M C Andrew Wilkie.
The evening was started off with the piping of guests to their tables to the pipe tune “Bannocks o’ Barley Meal”.
This was followed by the piping in of the “Great Sword of Isla”, carried by Jim Donald, and the President Barrie Paterson and his wife Annette, to the pipe tune “At Long Last”, a very stirring tune for the occasion.
The President Barrie Paterson welcomed the guests to the dinner and wished them all a fine evening..
Everyone then sang the “Flower of Scotland” which was followed by the Selkirk Grace, given by Murdock McDonald. The first course of the dinner “Cock-o-Leekie Soup” was then served to the guests.
There was the traditional Haggis Ceremony with the address, the Robbie Burns “Ode to the Haggis” given by Tom McDonald in his usual humorous form.
The Haggis Party consisted of Piper Anton Hodson, Guards Glen McPhee and Doug McIsaac, Haggis Bearer the Hotel Chef, Bard Tom McDonald and Whisky Bearer Andrew Wilkie.
The guests were also entertained by the Balmoral Dancers, who are very good friends of Clan Donald Auckland and have entertained at all our Annual Dinners.
The Balmoral Dancers were accompanied by Piper Andrew Wilkie.
At the conclusion of the main course of the dinner, came the presentation of a Life Membership Certificate to foundation Member and first Secretary, John Hawthorn. John had served Clan Donald Auckland very well in many ways over the intervening years since its inception, especially more recently with his musical ability, on his piano accordion. The presentation was made by President Barrie Paterson who thanked John for his services to Clan Donald Auckland, and wished him well.
John Hawthorn with his wife Barbara, receiving his Life Membership Certificate from President Barrie Paterson.
Following the presentation were the usual Toasts. For Scotland by Douglas McIsaac, Clan Donald by Bryan Haggitt from Clan Cameron, and for Absent friends by Andrew Wilkie.
Douglas McIsaac giving the Toast for Scotland.
Bryan Haggitt giving the Toast for Clan Donald.
After the dinner came the Guest Speaker Bruce Macdonald, whose subject was the new Sky City Centre building. Bruce gave a very good outline on the progress and some of the delays in the construction. The salient point of interest in the building, is that the main auditorium is able to seat 3,500 people.
The Guest Speaker Bruce Macdonald.
Ella and Jim Donald with Jennifer Gosse
Heather Higgins, Geoff Parry and Eileen Clark.
Jennifer Gosse and Ian Alexander.
The evening concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the Recessional, the piping out of “The Great Sword of Isla” and the President and his wife Annette.
Piper Anton then returned into the Dining Room and played out the guests to the tunes, “We are no awa to bide awa” and the “The Black Bear”.
A Great Night was had by all the Guests.