On Saturday morning 6th November, 12 members of Clan Donald Canterbury visited the Ohinetahi House and Gardens at Governors Bay which is just a 20- minute drive over the Port Hills from central Christchurch.

 

Clan Donald Canterbury members pictured (left to right).
Front row. Alan MacDonald, Carolyn Alsop, Gloria Davis
Second Row. Gordon McIvor, Jill Tomlinson, Ann Smith
Back Row. Sheila Cuthbertson, Brent Tomlinson, Jan Thomas, Maggie Donald, Pauline McIvor

 

Encompassing 1.25 hectares of garden, Ohinetahi is also home to two art galleries, sculpture and woodland trails, and a significant 19th century homestead. Ohinetahi was gifted to the nation in 2012 and is now run by the Ohinetahi Charitable Trust.

 

View of an enclosed garden in front of the homestead.

 

In 1976 Sir Miles Warren, his sister Pauline and her husband John Trengrove bought the property. They restored the Grade 1-listed house, constructed in 1851, and over the years there have been a number of extensions, additions, and earthquake repairs.

 

Sheila Cuthbertson views the formal garden while the gardener’s dog keeps a close eye on the goldfish.

 

After restoring the house, the three set about establishing the gardens taking inspiration from some of the finest gardens in Britain. The formal garden consists of several separate garden rooms of differing style and character arranged about two axes running east-west and north-south.

 

Spring flowers make a bright show.

 

Brent and Jill Tomlinson relaxing in the gardens.

 

Rhododendrons in flower beside the woodland walk.

 

Pictured left to right. Jill Tomlinson, Maggie Donald, Brent Tomlinson, Ann Smith, and Sheila Cuthbertson.

 

After two hours visiting the gardens, we enjoyed a nice lunch at the historic Governors Bay hotel, Otoromiro, which overlooks Lyttleton Harbour.

 

Otoromiro Hotel, established in 1870.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Clan Donald Canterbury, we held a successful Anniversary Dinner at the Hornby Club on Saturday 22 May.

The 50 guests assembled at 5.30 pm and before dinner at 6.00 pm were entertained by local Scottish singer, Willie McArthur.

 

Willie McArthur entertained guests prior to the dinner.

 

Maggie Donald addressing the dinner guests.

 

At 6.00 pm Ann Smith, President welcomed guests which included North Island Commissioner Tom McDonald and his wife Lynnette, Barrie and Annette Paterson (Clan Donald Auckland) along with several representatives from other clans. An apology was received from our High Commissioner, Andrew Wilkie who was unable to attend due to ill health.

 

Lynnette and Tom McDonald (Clan Donald Auckland)

 

Barrie and Annette Paterson (Clan Donald Auckland).

 

Mary Clark (Clan MacLeod).

 

Maggie Donald, Secretary/Treasurer spoke about the formation of Clan Donald Canterbury, with reference to the work and dedication of our first two presidents, Ian Donald and Colin MacDonald. This was followed by two songs from Willie McArthur, “Donald Where’s Your Troosers” and “Glencoe”.

The Haggis party was led by piper Ann Smith followed by the bard Gordon McIvor, haggis bearer Elwyn Martin and whisky bearer Alan MacDonald.

 

Daniel and John Verd.

 

Before dinner, Willie McArthur led the guests in singing Flower of Scotland and Elwyn Martin gave the Selkirk Grace.

Between dinner courses, Maggie Donald provided an entertaining recollection of various past and present members and the many activities and social events the Clan has held over the years. A photo show of many of these events played on the 3 large screens in the room during the evening. Clear to see was the fun and friendship Clan Canterbury members enjoy.

 

Marlene McLennan and Dave Glover.

 

The evening finished with the cutting of the anniversary cake by two of our foundation members, Ann Smith and Maggie Donald. The cake had been baked and decorated by Christine Martin.

 

Ann Smith and Maggie Donald cut the cake.

 

Shirley and Rhonda Aitken.

 

Carolyn Alsop and Margaret Birse.

 

On Saturday 6th March, Clan Donald Canterbury members met at Ferrymead Golf to play a round of mini golf. Our intention was to hold an event that could be enjoyed by a range of members including our younger members.

In pleasant conditions we had a fun afternoon and on completion of the golf we enjoyed sitting outside with a drink for a chat and participation in the prize giving. Andrew Muskee took the honours although thanks to our organisers, Ann Smith and Maggie Donald, everyone received a prize (chocolate or Easter Egg!).

Fintan McLoughlin ready to tee off while Maggie Donald has the tough job of keeping score.

 

Brent Tomlinson, wondering where his golf ball has gone, is watched by Valerie Bright, Elwyn Martin, Andrew Muskee and Raewyn Hinton.

 

Alan MacDonald pictured with his grandson, Fintan McLoughlin.

 

It is in there somewhere, Alan!

 

Pictured (left to right); Brent Tomlinson, Margaret Donald, Sheila Cuthbertson, Fintan McLoughlin, Elwyn Martin, Christine Martin, Raewyn Hinton, Valerie Bright, Andrew Muskee, Ian Bright and (in front); Ann Smith and Alan MacDonald.

Once again, the Clan Donald pre-Christmas lunch on Sunday the 13th of December had a beautiful sunny day. This was the 8th year that the lunch has been held at the Northcote Tavern, which is famous for its fantastic menu and Sunday Roast.

There were around 25 Clan Donald Members and their families in the Highlander Bar. This bar has a Scottish décor with tartan carpet and shields of the various clans on the walls, and swords and pictures from Scotland, which gave it a great atmosphere for the lunch.

The Signals Pipe Band were also in attendance and entertained the guests as they played in the garden bar of the tavern.

After such a fantastic lunch, members spent the rest of the afternoon chatting over a few drinks. Once again it was a really great day.

 

Anne and Barbara Donaldson with Geoff Parry.

 

From the left. Barbara and Anne Donaldson, Lois McDonald, Mary McIsaac and Murdock McDonald. 

 

Doug and Janet Williamson and family with Andrew Wilkie.

 

Lynnette and Tom McDonald.  

 

The Kinnells.

 

The Signals Pipe Band playing in the garden bar.