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www.clanmacrae.org.au

Volume 32 - May, 2019 2

Message from President

The next Clan MacRae Reunion, Gathering, Dinner and AGM 2020 will take place in Bathurst over the weekend of Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February, 2020. Some members and their families have started to book already. Be sure you save the date and get your accommodation early. See full details on page 3.

We have an interesting programme for the weekend and need the support of our members to make it a success and get minimum numbers for activies.

Congratulations to Ken and Tricia MacRae who have welcomed their newest grandson. He was born in Bathurst Hospital to Suzy and Tim MacRae of O’Connell, near Bathurst on 12th September, 2018. He is a brother to Declan, Kaylee, Callum and William.

I notice that ‘World Whisky Day’ took place on 18th May for those who enjoy a drop, especially on a day of global whisky celebration. People of Scottish and other origins were invited to celebrate the water of life. Speaking of days, Monday, 1st July, 2019, is ‘ Day’, an international event celebrating the lifting of the English ban preventing the wearing of tartan from 1746 to 1782. Be sure to wear some tartan that day. Alan McRae. President oooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo

NOTICE OF MEETING

Ordinary meeting of Clan MacRae Society to be held via teleconference at 7.00pm on Wednesday 19th June, 2019. TELECONFERENCE DETAILS : at 7pm (NSW time) on that night, please: Dial: (02) 8077 0506 - When prompted enter access code: 799719 followed by the # key and wait to be greeted.

For our valued New Zealand members, you can participate by dialling: +64 6- 928 7532. oooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND CONGRATULATIONS

Welcome to our new members since our last newsletter:

Mr Ian Elliott – N.Z. - Mr. Neil MacRae – Te Kauwhata, N.Z. Stacey Bannon – Strathfield, NSW - Lionel McRae – Bonnells Bay, NSW

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CLAN MACRAE REUNION, GATHERING, DINNER & AGM AT BATHURST NSW 2020 You are invited to the Clan MacRae Reunion, Gathering, Dinner and AGM in Bathurst, NSW, on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th February 2020.

We hope lots of Clan members, family, friends, acquaintances and all interested MacRaes will join us for a weekend of all things “MacRae”. Non-members very welcome.

Weekend Itinerary

Friday 11.00am – Pioneers’ Wall, Stanley Street, bottom William Street, Bathurst. Unveiling of plaque to the Lewin family (ancestors of Alan McRae). Stay for lunch (bring own) with other McRaes.

3.00pm – 5.00pm - Genealogy Workshop, Senior Citizens Centre, near the CWA Hall, 172 Russell Street Bathurst. Hosted by Bathurst Family History Group. Includes afternoon tea. Cost: $20

7.30pm – late - Meet & Greet at “132 Piper Bistro”, Panthers Club, 132 Piper Street Bathurst. Come along and make yourself known to the other MacRaes. Enjoy a meal in the Bistro (meal from menu & drinks @ own expense)

Saturday - 9.00am – 3.30pm - Historic Bus Tour of Hill End and “History Hill” Museum & Underground Mine. Leaving in bus from rear car park of MacDonald’s, Durham Street. Cost: $70.00 pp for bus, guided tour of History Hill, morning tea, lunch and guided bus tour of Hill End

4.30pm – 5.30pm - Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand 2020 AGM. Macquarie Room, (downstairs) Panthers Bathurst 132 Piper Street Bathurst. All welcome.

7.00pm for 7.30pm – late - Gathering Dinner in Panorama Room, (upstairs has lift) Panthers 132 Piper Street Bathurst. Cost: $75 per person – 3 course meal, Scottish dancers & Pipes & Drum Band

Sunday - 12 noon – 3pm - Visit to Abercrombie House, 311 Ophir Rd, Bathurst. Includes admission, guided tour, lunch, self-guided tour afterwards. Cost $33.00 per person.

See fuller details on booking forms. For extra copies email our secretary on [email protected] or [email protected] Be sure to book early to assist in organising the event. 4

2019 – 2020 UPCOMING EVENTS – AUSTRALIA

25th May - Berry Celtic Festival , Berry, NSW. Street parade, Celtic music, pipe bands, dancers, jousting medieval knights, stalls and more at Berry Showground. A great family day out in support of Rotary Club of Berry. Further information - (02) 4403 0300 www.berryrotary.org.au/celtic-festival

25th and 26th May - The Scots School Albury Pipe Band-Young Drummer of the Year Competition and Pipe Band Reunion , Albury, NSW. The Scots School Albury Pipe band is celebrating 65 years in 2019 and will be hosting a Reunion and Young Drummer of the Year at the Scots School Albury. The event will also be live streamed. Information - 02 6022 0000.

26th May – 2nd June – Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival - Wingham, NSW. This annual event is presented by the Manning Valley Historical Society and includes a week long program of Scottish themed events including a Scottish concert, Genealogy Fair, Games, Ceilidh and lots more. For further information contact John 02 6556 9057 or www.bonnie-wingham- cottishfestival.manninghistorical.org

6th July - Saturday - Aberdeen 2019 at Aberdeen in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW. Parade of bands, clan representatives, Massed Band Salute and Chieftain’s Address, Highland and Country Dancing, Strong Man events - tug-of-war, three-legged races, and the famed Kilted Dash along with a multitude of stands selling all manner of Scottish heirlooms and souvenirs, clothing and garb, and food and drink.

21st September – Saturday - Clans On The Coast , Nelson Bay, NSW. A great day with everything from Scottish Pipe Bands, Celtic band, Variety and Celtic Stalls, Caber Toss, Tug-Of-War, Celtic Dancers, Highland Dancers, Irish Dancers, Dog Parade, Rusty Harper, Irish Folk Band Vanguard, Medieval fighting demonstrations and more at Tomaree Sports Complex, 4981 Nelson Bay Rd. Info: Ron Swan on 0418 495 336 or www.clansonthecoast.com.au

12th October – Saturday - Canberra Highland Gathering, Kambah District Playing Fields, Kett Street, Canberra, ACT. Massed bagpipe bands will compete in the ACT pipe band championship. Highland dancers will compete in the Canberra City Championship. Other music types throughout the day, historical re-enactments, Tartan Warriors, lots of stalls. www.canberragathering.com.au

17th October – 19th October - The Royal Military Tattoo – Sydney 2019. Greatest show on earth with more than 1200 performers from 5 around the world. The esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle will be erected at ANZ Stadium in Sydney’s Olympic Park precinct. Further info: www.edinburghtattoosydney.com.au

14th - 16th February, 2020 - Clan MacRae Reunion and Gathering 2020 will take place in Bathurst over the weekend. See further detail in this newsletter on page 3 and be sure to book early to confirm numbers. oooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo

2019 – 2020 UPCOMING EVENTS – NEW ZEALAND

30th June 2019 - Kirking of the Tartan , St Andrews Church, Auckland

9th November 2019 ; Hororata Highland Games , Hororata Domain, Canterbury. Highland dancing, Pipe band, solo piping & drum competitions, tug-o-war, amateur heavy events training day, junior warriors, interschool competitions. www.hororata.org.nz

16th November 2019 - Auckland Highland Games , Ellerslie Event Centre, Ellerslie. Pipe band, solo piping, & drum competitions, mock battles between Scots & Romans/Norsemen, clan society tents, sales stalls, traditional Scottish games & dancing. www.ahg.org.nz

1st January 2020 - 148th Waipu Highland Games , Caledonian Park, Main Road, Waipu. Events include heavy weight competitions, piping & drumming, Scottish dancing, tug of war, tartan in the park, mock battles, Clan stalls. www.waipugames.co.nz

25th January 2020 - 156th Turakina Highland Games , Turakina Domain, Cameron Road, Turakina. Solo piping & drumming, Highland & national dancing, Scottish Official Board Highland dancing, pipe band contest & traditional field events. Featuring the NZ Open Solo Piping Championships. www.turakinahighlandgames.co.nz

26th January 2020 - Ashburton’s Festival of Pipe Band Music , the Domain, Ashburton. Ashburton’s annual music festival beginning with a street march at 12.30pm, followed by Medleys & Sets

8th February 2020 - 27th Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo , Paeroa Domain, Paeroa. The sounds and soul of gather at Paeroa for their annual Highland Games. Whether there is a bit of Scot in you or not this is a great day of entertainment for young and old. www.paeroahighlandgames.co.nz

15th – 16th February 2020 - Octagonal Day & Street March , The Octagon, Dunedin. Piping event. 6

13th – 14th March 2020 - Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association Championships, Invercargill. Details of the contest will follow in due course.

oooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo IN LOVING MEMORY We are saddened to hear of the passing of several of our members. Please accept our sincere sympathy to their partners, family and friends.

VALE – We have lost another member, Heather Roberts, who passed away on 2nd February, 2018. She was 94 years of age. Heather lived with her daughter Paula until one month before her death. Prior to that she had been in good health.

VALE - Philip Hales Vallance - Philip was the beloved husband of 57 years to Alison and father to Thomas, Andrew, James & Peter. He passed away on May 17, 2018 at Wairarapa Hospital, Masterton NZ, aged 84. Philip was a descendant of George McRae who emigrated aged 15 from Glasgow to Hayfield Farm in Lord Selkirk’s settlement on the Hudson Bay Co, Canada, where he was a farmer and trapper. He married Helen in 1820 in Red River Colony. They had 2 children in Canada and in 1824 they returned to Scotland where they had another 8 children. The family emigrated once more, this time on the “Mary Ann” to New Zealand, leaving London in September, 1841, arriving in Nelson in February, 1842, with 2 cows. By 1843 George was farming at Pitfure where his last child was born. From there they moved to Blairich Station.

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PAEROA HIGHLAND GAMES AND TATTOO

The sounds and soul of Scotland returned to Paeroa on the 9th February, 2019, for the 26th Annual Highland Games & Tattoo. Whether there’s a bit of Scot in you or not this is a great day of family entertainment. It is a festival celebrating everything Scottish and more, with Highland dancing, solo bag piping and drumming, pipe bands and traditional Scottish field events.

We had our own budding piper and his grandparents Neil & Carol visit our stall, Fabian MacRae (left) came third in the Novice March. Wonderful Fabian, we are 7 proud of you keep - up the practice. Fabian came first in the chanter section a couple of years ago at Auckland. We will be watching your progress.

The sixteen clan representatives formed a village square (right) with their stalls, to promote their clan and help others research their Celtic heritage.

Heather Hine was my helper once again, from putting the gazebo up, dealing with enquiries from MacRae’s and directing others to their clan tents to dismantling the gazebo in the evening. Thank you Heather for traveling all the way from Auckland to help, I enjoy getting together with you for a catch up. We

had a busy day.

There was an amazing programme for youngsters with “Jiggles the Clown” collecting followers, with his water pistols, balloons and mini car. There was also a caterpillar train for children to ride around the domain.

The Highly Flammable group (left) of stilt walkers and fire performers were amazing. They also dressed as mythical creatures, throughout the day they pranced and performed around the domain. Special guest for the day was Marian Burns, MNZM. Since the age of six when she picked up a violin she has been living and breathing the music running through her veins. Her electric live performances that she is famous for took everyone on a foot stomping, hand clapping musical ride. She has fiddled her way across the world from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the Grand Canyon. She was joined by her band ‘The McSweeny Brothers’ in the evening at the Tattoo.

The Bay City Pans, a steel Drum Band, also entertained over the day. The evening Tattoo was commenced with a street march before the welcome by John Hallett and the firing of the cannon to signify the start of the Tattoo. Throughout the evening some of the performances were a massed band display, mace flourishing, country dancers, Highly Flammable fire display, music by Marian Burns and the McSweeny Brothers Band and Bay Silver Pans the steel pans. 8

Turakina Highland Games

More than 1200 people turned out for New Zealand’s oldest sporting event, the Turakina Highland Games. It was a double celebration, both the 155th anniversary of the games, and a family reunion for the Turakina-raised Lumsden family.

Sue Tregoweth getting ready for Clan march (right). The popularity of the games showed no sign of waning, with competition intense in the top grades, especially for piping, and more people than ever choosing to camp at the domain and enjoy the ceilidh into the evening. Members of the New Zealand Scots Squadron from Linton in their Black Watch tartan had also cemented their role in the celebrations. One of the highlights this year was the introduction of a give-it-a-go corner to introduce children to the basics of drumming and piping. It was a good chance for youngsters to pick up some drumsticks, but it wasn’t just the kids who wanted to have a go.

Whilst many of the activities were for fun for entrants who signed up on the day, such as tossing of the caber, and a cross country run, the competition was serious for some of the country’s top pipers, bands and Highland dancers. This year the New Zealand Open Solo Championships were held at the games so we were able to hear the best pipers from around the country. The winner of the most points for this event was Liam Kernagham. Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band was the pipe band grade 1 winner, grade 2 was the Wellington Red Hackle Pipe Band and Scots College Wellington was the winning youth band.

Above - Sue Tregoweth with Aaron, Brody, Laylla & Isabella Tregoweth, her helpers for the day. We had a lot of visitors to our stall, some wanting information on our clan but not ready to join the society and others asking for information about other clans. My son Aaron and his family helped with the 9 gazebo. It was easy in the morning as it was a beautiful morning with a light breeze. As often happens at Turakina in the mid-afternoon the breeze changed to a wind and some lighter gazebos were blown away. We took ours down to minimize any damage. oooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo

DISCOVERING THE MACRAE RELATIVES

Clan tents and marques are often seen as a quaint addition to a Scottish Festival, something to walk through and look at the and flags, perhaps a brief read of the names under the clan to which your family may be connected. Clan tents, however, can offer much, much, more – they can be the place to meet your relatives.

Ray Hynes and Colin MacRae were complete strangers when they first met at the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival in 2016. Col and Ros were helping Alma MacRae man the MacRae tent. After a brief chat, ‘MacRae’s Downunder’, the clan ‘bible’ was brought out and it revealed that Ray and Colin were not only both descendants of and Barbara McLennan who arrived in 1837, but their grandfathers were brothers – George and Ken, sons of Ewen MacRae. At Wingham and Aberdeen in subsequent years, they met more second cousins.

This year at Bundanoon the MacRae tent was particularly busy with visitors. People came with family stories such as ‘Grandma was supposed to be a MacRae, our ancestors came from near Skye in Scotland’. So, the ‘MacRaes Downunder’ would be consulted and texts sent back and forth home to seek or relay information.

The excitement was palpable as people learnt the names of their ancestors, when they arrived and where they settled, with some finding a cousin there at the tent. Of course, they also found a new ‘family’ when they joined the Clan MacRae by becoming a member. Ray and Col found another descendant of Farquhar – a third cousin. She had no idea of her heritage and was delighted to meet them and others also on that family line. As Farquhar and Barbara had settled at Mittagong, quite a few of their descendants came to the tent. So many that a photo of all the ‘cousins’ was taken – see page 10.

Next time you or your family and friends attend a Scottish festival take a walk through the Clan area and talk to the Clan members. You’ll be amazed – you may meet some of your relatives!

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BUNDANOON IS BRIGADOON 2019

The Clan MacRae Society attended the 42nd “Bundanoon is Brigadoon” Highland Gathering in Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands of NSW in early April. After the mists have risen at dawn, the town of Bundanoon becomes Brigadoon for a day (even the name on the station changes to Brigadoon!) Visitors from all over Australia make their way to Brigadoon, over 10,000 of them.

The Parade began at 9.00 a.m. Thousands lined the streets as hundreds of pipes and drums (over 20 bands in all), colourful floats and displays, marchers – including representatives from all the Clans present who march behind their banners, vintage cars, and service and community vehicles made their way to the grounds for the games.

Left - MacRaes at Brigadoon 2019 - Jan Bannon, Lionel McRae, Stacey Bannon, Wayne Tony Hunt, Annette Vella, Julie Dewstow, Michele Endicott, Colin MacRae and Ray Hynes.

At 10.00 a.m., the Official Opening ceremony took place, the 2019 Chieftain of the Day was His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), (at the time) Governor of New South Wales. He welcomed visitors to the gathering and presided over the day. Other events throughout the day included:

Bands competition – over 500 pipers and drummers regularly perform, Scottish Country & Highland Dancing, The Highland Games, the solo fiddler, kennel club, Highland Cattle displays, choirs and other performers.

Photo – left - Dave McRae giving a demonstration holding his handmade claymore. This year, the Clan MacRae was pleased to have one of our members – Dave McRae from Newcastle giving a 11 blacksmithing/forging display at our site. He was a great hit during the Parade with his claymore over his shoulder. Dave spent the day giving demonstrations and talking to the public about his craft. His wife, Veronica, spent her day helping children get their photos taken holding the claymore. He was instrumental in the Clan MacRae display being awarded the Clan “In the Spirit of the Day” award. This is judged on Team Participation, Important Features and Pride in their Tartan. The award, an engraved drinking glass, left, was presented by the Governor on the day. By Roslyn MacRae oooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo

John McCrae’s Woolpack Inn at Kelso

For those attending the Clan MacRae Reunion, Gathering, Dinner and AGM from Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th February 2020 in Bathurst next year will be able to see some of the sights and locations of several MacRaes/McRaes who lived here. One will be John McCrae’s Woolpack Inn at Kelso.

John McCrae, was successful at the licensing meeting in 1846 and opened his inn at Kelso, on the east bank of the Macquarie River at Bathurst, though I am unaware of where he came from. On Christmas Day, the same year, John McCrae, at his Woolpack Inn, amongst others, provided musical entertainment as a great number of people had come in from the bush. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald later stated “that publicans were reaping in a rich harvest. On the evening of Boxing Day nine drunkards were lodged in the Bathurst watch-house.” The population of Kelso at this time was 464.

Mr Bernard Francis Hughes applied for the licence in 1847 for the Woolpack Inn at Kelso. John McCrae stayed on for a time. Again Hughes was successful at the Licensing Meeting held in Bathurst on 18th April, 1848, after which he paid the £30 ($60) fee to receive his ‘certificate’. A stable was built during the year to allow for six horses to be under cover. Hughes again applied for his licence to be granted in 1849. After hearing a report from a local constable the Magistrates decided to grant Hughes his licence on the provision that he “put the premises in a good state of repair.” 12

OFFICE-BEARERS FOR 2019 President Mr. Alan McRae, F.I.A.H.A. P.O Box 151, Bathurst. N.S.W. 2795 Ph. (H) 02 6331 5404 Email [email protected]

Vice-President Mr. Allan Smith PO Box 191, Vincentia. N.S.W. 2540. Ph. 02 44415778 Email [email protected]

Treasurer Mr. Thomas Brown 23 Pages Lane, Kingswood, Tamworth. N.S.W. 2340 Ph. 6762 4232 Email [email protected]

Secretary Roslyn MacRae 2513 Mitchell Highway, Vittoria NSW 2799 M. 0412 291 054. No fax. Email [email protected]

Newsletter Editor Mr. Alan McRae, F.I.A.H.A. P.O Box 151, Bathurst. N.S.W. 2795 Ph. (H) 02 6331 5404 Email [email protected]

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES New Zealand (North Island) Mrs. Sue Tregoweth P.O. Box 374. Te Kuiti 3941 N.Z. Ph. 021 234 8532 A.H. Fax (International 64 7) 07 8788291 Email [email protected]

New Zealand (South Island) Mr. Ian Rae 17 Orme St. Outram, New Zealand 9019 Ph: 03 486 2388 Mob: 027 433 7656 [email protected]

New South Wales (Southern District) Mr. Mark McRae Unit 10, 43 - 45 Dutton Street, Yass NSW 2582 02 6226 5929

Victoria

No Victorian representative at present – any takers?

Western Australia Mr. Brian McRae 18 Marimba Crescent, City Beach, Western Australia 6015 Ph. 08 9385 8115

South Australia Ms. Jane Reath-Olver c/- Post Office, Callington. South Australia 5254 Ph. 08 8538 5058 E.

Membership is due in January Cost is $15 per annum – Payable to the Treasurer Mr. Thomas Brown 23 Pages Lane, Kingswood, Tamworth. N.S.W. 2340 Ph. 6762 4232 Email [email protected]