Auckland Pre-Christmas Lunch 2018
Sunday the 9th of December was a beautiful sunny day for the Clan Donald Pre-Christmas lunch. This was the 6th year that the lunch has been held at the Northcote Tavern, which is well known for its fantastic menu including the famous Sunday Roast.
Around 30 Clan Donald Auckland members and their families arrived in the Highlander Bar of the Northcote Tavern. This bar has a Scottish decor with tartan carpet and shields of the various clans on the walls, and swords and pictures from Scotland. And has a great atmosphere for the lunch.
The Signals Pipe Band arrived early and entertained the guests as they played in the garden of the tavern. The band also played several times during the afternoon, which really gave the lunch a great Scottish atmosphere.
The Signals Pipe Band playing in the garden of the tavern.
The gathering was welcomed by the President Barrie Paterson, followed by a presentation of a Life Membership Certificate, to Eileen Clark. Eileen is a long-term member of Clan Donald Auckland, and was the organiser for themed luncheons and dinners. She is also the hostess for the regular monthly committee meetings.
The President Barrie Paterson presenting Eileen Clark with her Life Membership Certificate.
Murdock McDonald also spoke about Eileen’s early career as the Drum Major of the Auckland Ladies Pipe Band, which also attended the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge on the 30th of May 1959.
Murdock McDonald after his speech about Eileen Clark. Pictured behind Murdock is a new Scottish decoration of a targe and swords.
After such a fantastic lunch and presentation, members spent the rest of the afternoon chatting over a few drinks.
Eileen Clarke with a couple of her ex Auckland Ladies Pipe Band members.
From the left: Jeanette McFarland, Eileen Clark and friend, and Dorothy Beall.
Members enjoying a chat after lunch. From the left: Jon Winder, Mary McIsaac, Diane Winder and Lois McDonald.
Geoff Parry with his mother Margaret enjoying a few drinks.
Mary Bray enjoying her lunch.
From the left: Barrie Paterson, Albert Kinnell, Laurie Mathews, Lynnette McDonald, Marlene Mathews and Annette Paterson.
A couple of the girls doing the Highland Fling accompanied by Andrew Wilkie.