Issue 2015 No 3 ISSN 0822-2401 September, 2015

s I write this, I am looking out the window of the second storey of an old hunting lodge near Tongue in north Sutherland. Te scene is breathtakingly beautiful, consisting of a view A Oct. 15 Meeting of Members Nov. 28 Charity Ball through 100-year-old mature pines and sycamores that surround the lodge on to rugged rocky outcrops Oct. 18 West End Get Together Jan. 22 Burns Dinner with heather, bracken, and gorse that all sweep up Oct. 24 Voices of Peace, Dreams of Jan. 25 Burns at the Statue (St. Andrew’s Church) together towards spare, bare crags of raw granite Home Nov. 22 Church Parade which rise to royal heights above. Oct. 25 East End Get Together Feb. 18 AGM Mary and I arrived here today after having spent the last 10 days in , homeland of Clan Tis whole experience has been so wonderful on Sinclair. Te frst seven days were spent with about From the so many levels: the unbridled joy of playing music 100 Sinclairs from around the world exploring our for people who not only invented it but listen to it President mutual patrimony in the land that is Caithness: the with passion; the daily sight of the landscape that majestic ruin that is on Mary describes as achingly beautiful; hearing jokes Sinclair Bay on the North Sea; the neolithic standing that are 10 times funnier in that inimitable accent, stones in ; a joint dinner with our long-time and the camaraderie of my de-racinated kin fnding rivals, , at which no lives were lost and solace in each other and in meeting our Scottish Castle Mey, latterly the home of Elizabeth the cousins. Queen Mother but historically the home of the Earls of Caithness, hereditary Chiefs of . Tese have all reminded me – in spades – why the Indeed the whole Sinclair Gathering was organized St. Andrew’s Society is such an important point and hosted by the present earl, the Rt. Hon. Malcolm of support and strength for the Scottish diaspora Sinclair, PC who will be our guest of honour at this in general and for us expatriate Scots here in year’s St. Andrew’s Ball. Toronto in particular. And this is true no matter how long it has been since our emigrant ancestors Te last three days in Caithness were spent with my left ’s shores – be it a year ago or six band, Caledon County (fddle, guitar, and pipes) Rory in John o’ Groats generations ago. as we played several venues: special guests of the weekly Wick Pipe Band Scottish Music Show, and To that end, your Society continues to promote three pubs in Turso and Wick. Tis was especially Scottish culture in the city as well as mount events gratifying to the three of us as we were so warmly of interest not just to Scottish expats, but to the received playing traditional Scottish music, albeit wider community as well. Your Ball Committee with a Canadian accent. We had completed our CD under the steady hand of Ball Chair, Glenda just in time for the tour and were pleased with brisk Vergos, is already hard at work putting together the sales that told us our music was being heard and 2015 edition of the St. Andrew’s Ball. appreciated. continued on page 2 Tis of course is our premier event of the year but I hope your summer was as good as mine and here’s From the there are more events of a more casual nature that are to a great Fall and and a grand Ball. in the works as well, thanks to the ever fertile mind of With best wishes, President our Programme Chair Darren Purse. You can see the (continued) details elsewhere in this issue. Rory Sinclair, President

Te Newsletter of the St. Andrew’s Society of Te Society website is www.standrews-society.ca Contact Toronto appears three times a year. Te mailing address is Te President of the Society is Rory Sinclair. St. Andrew’s Society (or Charitable Foundation) points Te Editor of the Newsletter is Ian McHafe, who PO Box 94024, may be reached at [email protected], by phone 3409 Yonge Street, at 905-846-0567, or by fax at 905-846-1783. Ian has Toronto, ON M4N 2M8. two assistants at present: Rachel Pennington-Little, Email to the Society may be sent either through the who is in the process of succeding Ian as Editor; and “Contact” form on the website or to Susan Paterson, who is chiefy responsible for style [email protected] and proofreading.

West End Get Together at East End Get Together at St. James’s Gate Dora Keogh 5140 Dundas St. W., 141 Danforth Ave., Etobicoke, ON M9A 1C2 Toronto, ON M4K 1N2 Phone: 647-350-5140 Sunday, October 25, 2015 @ 4 pm Sunday, October 18, 2015 @ 2 pm Come and join members, friends Come and join members, friends and family to say hello. and family to say hello. Tis is a casual get-together: bring friends Tis is a casual get-together: bring friends who would like to know more about us. who would like to know more about us. Cash bar & menu available Cash bar & menu available Musical Performance by Caledon County

Te October Meeting of Members Te Annual Church Parade

will be held on October 15, 2015 in the Ofcers’ Mess, will take place at St. Andrew’s 48th Highlanders of Canada, Moss Park Armoury Presbyterian Church Queen and Jarvis Sts, Toronto King and Simcoe Sts, Toronto ON Sunday, November 22, 2015 Cash Bar from 7:30 pm; meeting at 8 pm Te service will start at 10:30 am After a brief business meeting, Past President Doug Gibson Members are asked to meet will present material from his new book (see page 5). at 10 am in the Great Hall.

2 he St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto and the CHUM Christmas Wish program, distributing toys The Charity 48th Highlanders of Canada are looking to children in need in the Greater Toronto Area. forward once again to hosting the 2015 Tis year a donation box (for cheques only please, Ball TSt. Andrew’s Society Charity Ball on Saturday, payable to CHUM Charitable Foundation) will also November November 28, 2015 at the Fairmont Royal York be available. Hotel. Our Guest of Honour this year will be Te Rt. Te price of tickets this year has not changed and 28, 2015 Hon. Malcolm Sinclair PC, and remains $125 for members of the St. Andrew’s Hereditary Chief of Clan Sinclair. Society, 48th Highlanders, and RSCDS, and $150 by Glenda Vergos, Ball Committee Te St. Andrew’s Annual Charity Ball benefts the for non-members, and includes attendance at any of Co-chair Society’s and Regiment’s charitable work in Toronto the four practice dances. and annual cultural events. Since its founding, the annual St. Andrew’s Charity Guests attending the St. Andrew’s Charity Ball will Ball has been a signifcant event in the city’s social enjoy cocktails, a formal sit-down dinner, including calendar. haggis, traditional ceilidh dancing, and a presentation It has attracted participation and support from Ball Tickets of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ Address to the Governor Generals, Governors-General, Lieutenant Haggis, by W/O Chris Reesor. Te Ball concludes Governors, Cabinet Ministers, senior members of the will be on sale with the customary Beating Retreat by the Pipes and Canadian Armed Forces, media personalities and the in late Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. who’s who in Toronto’s vibrant and active Scottish September Te St. Andrew’s Society and 48th Highlanders are community. once again collecting unwrapped toys at the practice Stay tuned – hope to see you there again this year! dances and the Ball, in support of the annual CP24 Te Guest of Honour at this year’s Ball is Te Rt. member of a European sub-committee considering Hon. Malcolm Sinclair, Earl of Caithness and legislation from Brussels on agricultural and Hereditary Chief of Clan Sinclair. environmental matters. Active in both business and politics, he served in In addition to his many public and other activities, he several senior positions in the Tatcher government, is the Hereditary Chief of the Clan Sinclairs and is being the only hereditary peer in the past century to therefore the Clan Chief for another Malcolm (who have served in the three great Departments of State is better known to us) and Rory, our President. (Foreign and Home Ofce and Treasury). We are delighted to welcome him as our Guest of Since 1994 he has been doing consultancy work Honour. as well as participating in political activity. He is a As of the end of July we had 114 Life Members and by making a (tax-deductible) donation to the St. Report on 181 Regular Members – of which 58 have not yet Andrew’s Charitable Foundation. Membership made a donation in 2015! Reminder: Membership in donations for the year 2016 are due as of Membership the St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto is accomplished September 1, 2015.

We welcome the following 24 new members who have joined in the past year:

Austin Wong Kenneth McBey John Mackie Fleming Margaret McCann Gordon Skerratt David Mhango Brenna McGibney Dave McCann Stewart Bennett Neil Coyle Deborah Bell Harold Shepherd Kimberlee McKinnon Cheryl Forth Christine March William Sayers Anthony Spellacy Bruce Forth Michelle MacAleese Chantal MacPherson Rebecca Spellacy Andrea Diamond Colleen Bell Dan Robertson We record with sadness the passing of the following Life Members. Te condolences of the Society are Flowers of passed to the families. the Forest Sheila P. McGillivray Jean N.C. Rodger Fred Sayers

3 As usual, we shall be celebrating Robert Burns’ certainly have a fascinating perspective on Burns and Burns in birthday with two functions. his times. On the actual day, January 25, a hardy group of For our post-dinner entertainment we have been January stalwarts will meet at the statue on Burns in Allan most fortunate to engage Christopher Tait to Gardens at 11:00 am for a toast to Te Bard. Tey perform his one-man theatre show “Robert Burns will then adjourn to a warmer place for lunch. More Live.” We heard that Christopher was to be in details in the January Newsletter. Toronto for another performance; he has been able On Friday, January 29, 2016, our Annual Burns to ft Te St. Andrew’s Society into his schedule to Dinner will be held at the University Club of give us a rendition as well. Christopher’s portrayal Toronto. Tis year’s event promises to be an of Burns and his recitation of his much-loved poetry especially memorable evening. has been compared to the great John Cairney of former years. High praise indeed! Te toast to the Immortal Memory will be proposed by David Wilson, Professor of History at University When tickets go on sale later in the year, be sure of Toronto and former head of the Centre for to get your application in speedily. Te University Celtic Studies at St. Michael’s College. David is a Club has limited space and several members were highly entertaining speaker and, as a historian, will disappointed last year.

A few years ago while sitting in a beginner Gaelic the Year Award as well as the Spirit Awards) she A new Board class, Glenda Vergos decided to dig deeper into her brings a wealth of knowledge in organizing and Scottish heritage. executing events and hopes to make this year’s Ball a member and She joined the St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto resounding success. Ball Committee after enrolling in this class and subsequently found When she is not listening to “A Little Breath of herself at her frst-ever Burns Dinner. She couldn’t Scotland” on the radio, she can be found baking up a co-Chair have known then that the next year she would be storm for staf at the ofce or visiting the ROM with catapulted out of her comfort zone, to give the her three-year-old granddaughter. “Toast to the Laddies”! Glenda has a love of travel and has visited her three Shortly thereafter she was invited to join the Ball daughters around the world wherever they happened Committee. She is honoured this year to have been to be living/working – most recently to Kenya and asked to now act as Chair of that committee. Australia. Tankfully two of them will be at the Ball From her years of experience in management with this year with their husbands – Glenda can’t wait to the City of Toronto and her past work as co-chair see you there as well!! for Toronto Public Health United Way Campaign, Please feel free to contact Glenda at (where she received both the Co-ordinator of [email protected].

If you have not yet come across the novels of of appearance, each novel is self-contained and they Alexander Alexander McCall Smith, you have a treat in can be enjoyed in any order. store. Although he is best known for his No. 1 Te easiest way to decide McCall Ladies’ Detective Agency series (set in Botswana), whether they are for you is Smith those interested in things Scottish will especially to visit the website www. enjoy his 44 Scotland Street series of novels and the alexandermccallsmith. Isabel Dalhousie novels, both of which are set in com, which gives one the . opportunity to go to the Te frst 44 Scotland Street novel appeared originally U.S. or U.K. sites. in daily serial form in Te Scotsman. Although the Both give generous daily serial has stopped now, the story (and its vivid extracts of each of the characters) have been continued in nine more novels books – probably enough to date. Tough best read in order, so you get to to decide whether the know the dozens of characters in their original order novels are for you! 4 Across Canada by Story: A Coast-to-Coast Alice Munro, and adds lively portraits of Al Purdy, Two new Literary Adventure by Douglas Gibson Marshall McLuhan, Margaret Laurence, Guy Vanderhaeghe, Margaret Atwood, Wayne Johnston, books for Canada is a country rich in stories, and few take Linwood Barclay, Michael Ondaatje, and many, as much joy as Douglas Gibson in discovering many others. Whether fy fshing in Haida Gwaii September them. As one of the country’s leading editors and or sailing of Labrador, Douglas Gibson is a frst- publishers for 40 years, he coaxed modern classics reading rate ambassador for Canada and the power of great out of some of Canada’s fnest minds, and then stories. took to telling his own stories in his frst memoir, Stories About Storytellers. Douglas Gibson was an Come and hear Doug at our Meeting of Members on editor and publisher from 1968 until he retired from October 15. McClelland & Stewart in 2007. Celtic Lightning: How the Scots and the Irish Doug turned his memoir into a one-man stage Created a Canadian Nation by Ken McGoogan show that eventually played almost 100 times, in Ken McGoogan, who has also spoken to the Society, all ten provinces (and including the St. Andrew’s is the bestselling author of a dozen books, among Society!) from coast to coast. As a literary tourist, he them 50 Canadians Who Changed the World, and How discovered even more about the land and its writers the Scots Invented Canada. and harvested many more stories, from distant past Celtic Lightning will be published in September by and recent memory, to share. Patrick Crean Editions/HarperCollins Canada. Now in Across Canada by Story: A Coast-to-Coast Te book plunges into the perpetual debate about Literary Adventure (published by ECW Press), he Canadian roots and identity: who do we think brings new stories about Robertson Davies, Jack we are? In the words of the publisher: Ken argues Hodgins, W.O. Mitchell, Alistair MacLeod, and that Canadians have wrongly neglected “cultural genealogy,” and has great fun showing why the crucial fgures of Scottish and Irish history – heroes, rebels, poets, inventors, explorers, pirate queens – belong equally to Canada and Canadian history. He has won many awards for both his journalism and his books. He teaches creative nonfction writing through the University of Toronto and in the MFA program at King’s College in Halifax. You will fnd more information on his website www.kenmcgoogan.com. In addition to the books mentioned above, he has also published four nonfction narratives about Arctic exploration, among them Fatal Passage and Lady Franklin’s Revenge, both dealing with various aspects of the Franklin Expedition.

If this is the year to get started on Scottish Country is Chester. Te Church is located at Danforth and Late News Dancing, a good way to make the start is by taking Jackman. a class. Tere will be an introductory Class, taught by Vicky from the Classes begin on Tursday, September 3, from 7:30 Zeltins, and a Level 3 Class, taught by Keith Bark. RSCDS to 9:30 pm, at Eastminster United Church: More information from the RSCDS (Toronto) 310 Danforth Avenue. Te nearest subway station website www.dancescottish.ca

5 Te Ofcers, Board and Committees keep in touch It contains information about Society programs and Communi- with members in a variety of ways. Tese activities activities, but as it appears only three times a year, are coordinated by the Communications Committee, it is of limited value in keeping members current cations which, like all standing committees, is chaired by a about other things that are going on. Te Editor of Board Member: Jenna Little is the Communications the Newsletter since its establishment has been Ian Chair. McHafe, who is in the process of passing his duties We have a website (www.standrews-society.ca) on to Rachel Pennington-Little. Te Assistant Editor which provides information for members and others is Susan Paterson, who will retain that position after about upcoming events and information about the the change. Society for non-members. Jenna is Web Chieftain in To keep those members with email informed about addition to her chairing duties. activities between Newsletter editions, the Society We have a Newsletter which appears about a month runs an email service, coordinated by 2nd Vice- before each of the Society’s “Meetings of Members.” President Bill Sayers. Communications are sent out periodically to those members with email. St. Andrew’s Church marks the 70th anniversary historical insights. Lenny Graf and his Orchestra Voices of of the end of WWII on Saturday, October 24 with will perform the evocative music of the era. Tickets Voices of Peace, Dreams of Home. Te 7:30 pm are $25 each, or $20 each for groups of four or more. Peace, event will follow a similar program as last fall’s well- Advance tickets are available at Eventbrite: attended WWI commemoration at St. Andrew’s. http://bit.ly/1GqvvVo Dreams Voices of Peace, Dreams of Home will feature a big- Tickets will also be available at the door (cash or of Home – screen show with archival photos and a soundtrack credit card). You are encouraged to bring your with church members recalling their experiences as children and grandchildren. Tis evening will ofer October 24 children and young adults during WWII. Te event a unique learning opportunity for young people. at St. will also include dramatic readings of the letters of A reception with refreshments will follow the Major George W. Beal, MC of the 48th Highlanders presentation and the 48th Highlanders Museum Andrew’s of Canada and pay tribute to the church’s fallen (located on-site) will be open for tours. St. Andrew’s soldiers. Foreign correspondent Brian Stewart and Church is located at King West and Simcoe Streets, Church broadcaster/speaker Rick Phillips will ofer their opposite Roy Tomson Hall.

Audited fnancial statements for the Society and the $190,000, consistent with the previous year. Report of Foundation for the fscal year ended August 31, 2014, Membership donations for fscal 2014 were were presented to the Annual General Meeting. Tey approximately $19,000, consistent with the previous the Hon. are available to members on request. year. Net income for the Charity Ball (November Treasurer, Te Society has investments with an approximate 2013) was approximately $13,000 compared with value of $693,000, an increase of $96,000 over the $11,000 the previous year. Te Foundation made Ann prior year. Investment income for the year was grants to 12 charities during the year totalling approximately $20,000 and a loss of approximately $44,400, compared with $41,500 in the previous year. Pennington $5,000 was incurred in connection with the Bannockburn celebrations. Expenses for the year, Year ended August 31, 2015 notably Scottish culture grants, website development Although it will be several weeks before audited costs and investment management fees, were fnancial statements are available, the preliminary approximately $15,000 compared with $21,000 the fnancial picture refects satisfactory investment previous year. Te Society donated $5,000 to the performance as well as maintenance of membership Foundation in the year compared with $4,500 the donation levels and Charity Ball income. With previous year. approximately $22,000 received through our recently Te Foundation has investments of approximately established relationship with the Hendrie Trust, $571,000, an increase of $50,000 over the prior year. grants made by the Foundation for the year will be in Investment income for the year was approximately excess of $70,000.

6 ndrew Beveridge was born in Zambia and in hotels, owning a restaurant and being the GM A new Board moved to Canada as a toddler, via the U.K. of a manufacturing plant, Andrew found his calling His grandfather, and many before him, in residential real estate, where he has been in the member Alived in . After WWII service with the Gordon business full time for seven years. and Chair of Highlanders his father and the family settled in Volunteering plays a large part in Andrew’s life. Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He has mentored eight troubled men over the last the Grants Andrew has a passion for new cultures and his travels ten years and guided them into a new way of living. have taken him around the world and to places such Over the years Andrew has volunteered at the Scott Committee as Hong Kong and Australia. He had the pleasure of Mission serving meals to the homeless, which he says serving the Black Watch Regiment during one of his is “life-altering.” Andrew believes the key to a happy stints working in a pub during a summer vacation. and healthy life is to serve others with kindness. He witnessed the 1997 handover of Hong Kong back Andrew is honoured to join the Board and to serve to the Chinese, which was quite an historic event to as the new Grants Committee Chair. He knows be part of. that this committee flls one of the key functions of After a career which has included helicopter fying, the Society – helping others – while ensuring, with driving 18-wheeler trucks, working the front desk Scottish prudence, that any money is well-spent.

One of the agencies supported by the Society is Success” clothing bank. Industry consultants are The Native the Native Women’s Resource Centre (NWRC). brought in for one-on-one career consultations and Founded some 30 years ago, the Centre provides a business start-up. Women’s welcoming atmosphere for all Aboriginal women and Programs ofered by the IWF program include Resource their children in the Greater Toronto Area. beading, life-skills training, and self-employment It ofers programs which fall into fve broad workshops. We also partner with post-secondary Centre, categories: Housing and Advocacy, Youth, Families, institutions to run bridging programs, which help Employment & Education, and Culture & Spirit. women without secondary school diplomas gain the Toronto Te work and direction of the Centre are guided qualifcations needed to enter college or university. by the Seven Sacred teachings: Wisdom, Love, Nbaakaawin Kwe (Wisdom Woman) Learning Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. Program ofers one-on-one and group instruction Its teachings, traditions and cultures inform all of in English, math, workforce upgrading, and basic their activities. It is very easy for Native People to computer skills. Individual learning plans and fexible lose these elements when they are living in a city, too hours enable clients to work at their own pace. Our often in poverty. Learning Centre provides computers, a quiet study It will be of particular interest to members of the area, and tutoring space. Group activities include Society that the support for NWRC is made possible book and flm circles, visits to educational facilities through the Hendrie Trust, an organization that was and storytelling. described in the last issue of this Newsletter. We meet new clients one-on-one to help them From the website: “Our Investing in Women’s on their learning path. Our staf can assess your Further information Future (IWF) program helps Aboriginal women fnd needs, design a training plan, and help upgrade visit the NWRC employment or start their own business. We help clients’ academic qualifcations through NWRC, or website women build their resume, fnd work placements, through referrals to GED and adult credit programs, http://www.nwrct.ca conduct job searches and access our “Dress for apprenticeships, or post-secondary institutions.” Te Scottish Studies Program Fall Colloquium Seanchaidh na Coille / Te Memory-Keeper of the News from will be held on September 26, 2015 in the Robert Forest), Ewen Cameron (the Jill McKenzie Memorial Whitelaw Room (Room 246) of the University of Lecture) and Allan Kennedy (the Frank Watson Guelph Guelph Library. Te speakers will be Debra Nash- Book Prize winner for his book Governing Gaeldom: Chambers (speaking on John McCrae), Michael Te and the Restoration State, 1660- Newton (speaking on Scottish-Gaelic literature in 1688). Te Colloquium will run from 9:30 am to Canada as part of a tour to launch his newest book, 4:30 pm. Registration opens at 9:00 am. 7 Scottish News in Brief – with thanks to “Scottie” and “rampantscotland.com”

Edinburgh Rock Te Youngest Westminster MP News from Te Royal and Ancient Tere was nearly a crisis in recent months Shortly after winning a seat (before her Golfers have probably been keeping at least for Scots with a sweet tooth. Graham 21st birthday) as SNP member for Paisley half an eye (the other half being on the Ross, the great-grandson of the Edinburgh and Renfrewshire South, Mhairi Black PanAm Games) on Scotland for the 144th Rock company founder, retired in April; sat her fnal exam at University Open Championship in July, 2015. production stopped. in Scottish Politics. She earned frst-class honours. Ms. Black became the youngest MP, at least since 1832, elected to Westminster.

However, the factory, which has the only machine in the world capable of Te Scottish weather, never one of producing the popular candy, has been Scotland’s great attractions, was even worse restarted and is in full production under a than usual. new owner. Rain and heavy winds forced postponement of play at the Old Course at St. Andrews, Tunnock’s Teacakes with the result that the Championship Also for the sweet of tooth! Te opening Her maiden speech is on YouTube: fnished two days later than planned. of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow https://www.youtube.com/ Power-boom or Eco-bust? last year saw life-size Tunnock’s teacakes watch?v=lZAmhB55_-k playing a crucial role. Since then sales have sky-rocketed. Rolling Of Into the Sunset? Scots are losing one of the most distinctive elements of their accent, the rolling “R,” according to experts. In the skies around Scotland, including the Highlands, wind farms, praised by some as a source of cheap, renewable power, may well be having an adverse efect on Scotland’s ecotourism business. Canadians MAY have shopping luck at Although some have suggested that Walmart! the change could be attributed to softer Highland Titles Scots accents on television, experts at the It has been drawn to the Editor’s attention Harrassment Can Work Both Ways! University of Glasgow and Queen Margaret that an organization, Highland Titles, is Male staf at an Inverness ceilidh bar have University in Edinburgh have found that it ofering for sale 1 square foot of land in stopped wearing because they claim is a more natural occurrence. the Glencoe area for £29.99. As part of the some female customers have been molesting “It’s not media or TV, it’s more boring sale a certifcate is issued indicating that them while they worked and checking on than that,” say the researchers. “It’s just a the owner of the land can call himself (or what – if anything – they wear under their natural sound change. It seems to happen herself) Lord (or Lady) of Glencoe. Apart . Te staf in languages all over the world over time, from possible legal aspects of the sale (e.g. wore traditional particularly at the end of words.” has conveyancing been properly handled?), to give the validity of the “title” (either to the land the venue more Tough generalization from one sample or to the usage) is questionable. Such titles of a Scottish is dangerous, Mhairi Black’s maiden have no validity within Scotland and are ambience. speech shows one example of a young not recognised by the Standing Council of contemporary Scot speaking. Scottish Chiefs or the Lyon Court. 8