The Thistledown Scottish Society of Tidewater, Inc.

MARCH - APRIL 2009 VOLUME 26, ISSUE NUMBER 2 Day Ceilidh 2009 by Marcey Hunter

If you missed this year’s Tar- gum tasty, if I do say so myself! tan Day Ceilidh, you sure The food this year was catered missed a good one! by the Church of the Ascension. Turnout was exceptional with What an outstanding job they did! nearly 100 people attending. In addition to the haggis, neeps & Many of them were “newbies” tatties, we enjoyed shepherd’s who had not participated in pie, curried chicken and rice, and past SST events, and by all meat pies. Everything was just accounts they had a ball! One delicious and plentiful. They sold person signed up as a mem- very affordable imported beers and ber, and there were many oth- a variety of wine. Folks were en- ers who took applications and couraged to BYOB, and many did. promised to join soon. For dessert we had a large cake, This year’s committee was decorated with our SST logo, chaired by Edward Brash. which was purchased at NAAS Thanks to Edward for organiz- No less than four fiddlers entertained at this year’s Tartan Day Ceilidh. Bakery in Norfolk. Delish! ing such a fun and meaningful event! There were tartan swatches on each table, Among our challenges was to transform and fresh flowers sporting tartan ribbons as the church’s main hall into a Tartan para- well. Votive candles and Christmas lights dise. I think we did pretty well, actually! gave the whole room just the right atmos- phere. Thanks to everyone who helped with the decorations. The evening started with the parade of the haggis. Participants included Rob Lockwood, Edward Brash, John McGlynn and Tom Crouch. Rob performed “To a Haggis” as only Rob can. Wonderful! Edward Brash gave a very moving speech about the significance of Tartan Day, which is to celebrate the contributions made by Scottish-Americans. This helped to set the mood for a grand night of Scot- tish celebration, indeed! The Selkirk Grace was recited by Rob, Many people checked out the Scottish Cas- tle game, include Laurie MacPherson. and we were all invited to sample the hag- gis, complete with neeps & tatties. The President Rob Lockwood presented a haggis was “expertly” prepared by Edward scholarship check to Charles Murla. Jack & Betsy Kennedy join in the dancing Brash and Marcey Hunter, using Skip Charles will use the money to help offset while Donna Looney looks on. Hunter’s “secret recipe.” It was pretty dag- costs of attending the Jink & Diddle Fiddle Continued on page 8

PAGE 2 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 About the Scottish Society of A Few Words from the President Tidewater, Inc. I am pleased and honored to be offering you my first official “Message from the President.” I T he Scottish Society of Tidewater exists to have been a member of the SST for many years, promote the preservation and study of Scottish cul- and I can honestly say that I am humbled to have ture, including music, language, art, history, folk- been elected president of this wonderful organi- lore, dance, literature, athletics, and all other things zation and look forward to serving you in the distinctively Scottish among interested persons in coming year. the Hampton Roads, Virginia area and to cooperate I wish to thank Edward Brash for his three with like-minded persons, groups and organizations years at the helm as SST president. Through his here and abroad. hard work, creativity and dedication, the SST A meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each grew in membership, enjoyed three successful month at the Virginia Beach Central Library, 4100 Tartan Day events, and participated in many edu- Va. Beach Blvd., in meeting rooms "A" and "B." cational programs that helped to further Scottish- Social time begins at 7:00pm, and the meeting American culture. In addition, he brought to the starts at 7:30pm. Anyone interested in Scottish cul- area world-class musicians by organizing two ture and history is invited to attend. Scottish music concerts. Thank you also to his wife Lynnette for her passion and enthusiasm in promoting all things P.O. Box 3733, Norfolk, VA 23514-3733 Celtic. She also served as Programs Chair, and did a fantastic job. A www.tidewaterscots.com heartfelt thanks to you both for your service. The new Board of Directors had our first meeting this past week. There SST Executive Board is a lot of energy in our Board, and we are dedicated to working hard this President: year. We hope to do you proud! Rob Lockwood [email protected] Now to business ... Vice President: Unfortunately for our “Nessie,” she had to stay home this year because John McGlynn [email protected] Secretary: of the inclement weather that cancelled the Ocean View St. Patrick’s Marcey Hunter [email protected] Parade. The bad weather didn’t stop Scott MacGregor and his support- Treasurer: ers, however, who raised a good deal of money to help fight juvenile Jeanne Rider [email protected] cancer at the St. Baldrick’s event. See page 5 for an update. We are all Board of Directors: proud of Scott and his commitment to this worthy cause. June Lockwood [email protected] By all accounts, our Tartan Day Ceilidh was a huge success. We had a Donna Looney [email protected] great turn out, hosting nearly 100 people. The committee, chaired by Edward Brash, did an outstanding job. Thank you all so much. We are Linda Lucas [email protected] already planning next year’s Ceilidh, and would welcome your participa- George Phillips [email protected] tion and input. Please don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the Tattoo on May 2. Terri Woodward [email protected] The SST is offering discounted tickets, so be sure to take advantage of Trish Young [email protected] it. It’s a wonderful event, as many of you know, so don’t miss it! See page 17 of the Thistledown for more information. SST Committees We are going to try something different this summer. Instead of the Webmaster: Scott MacGregor [email protected] usual monthly meetings, we are going to have “Pub Nights” during the Membership: months of July & August. I expect these evenings out will be a fun way Marcey Hunter [email protected] for us to connect and re-connect with each other, and I encourage you Program: all to attend. Stay tuned for more information. The SST Board of Directors Sunshine: One of my goals as president is to build upon past successes of the June Lockwood [email protected] SST while looking for opportunities to strengthen it. Please know that I Newsletter Editor: am always open to ideas and discussions as to ways to improve your Marcey Hunter [email protected] Scottish Society and enhance your enjoyment of it. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and concerns. Thanks again for the opportunity to serve as your President. Yours Aye for , Rob

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 3 SST Election of Officers 2009

At our annual meeting in March, the SST elected the 2009 Officers. Front row, from left, is Treas- urer Jeanne Rider, Sec- retary Marcey Hunter, Vice President John McGlynn and President Rob Lockwood. Back row, from left, is June Lockwood, Trish Young, Terri Woodward, Linda Lucas and George Phil- lips, all members of the Board of Directors. Congratulations to all! And thanks to the mem- bers of the SST who came out and voted. Thanks also to Edward Brash for serving as Elections Chair.

Ceud Mile Failte! "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes" to New & Returning Members!

Charlie & Breeze Stewart Laurie MacPherson 1125 New Market Dr. 416 Croatan Rd. Virginia Beach VA 23464 Virginia Beach VA 23451 757-495-4765 [email protected] [email protected] Clan Affiliation: MacPherson Clan Affiliation: Stewart Aurora & David Livingston Debra & Wayne Welpe 4604 Brideshead Court 1612 Cliffwood Dr. Virginia Beach VA 23464-5835 Virginia Beach VA 23456-5000 757-226-0992 757-450-3967 [email protected] [email protected] Clan Affiliation: Livingstone

Belinda & Herbert Nash Randy Dedrickson 801 Cathedral Dr. 274 Bingham Rd. Virginia Beach VA 23455 South Mills, NC 27976 757-490-2504 757-284-8997 [email protected] [email protected] Clan Affiliation: McGregor Clan Affiliations: Loudin / Hamilton / Bell

PAGE 4 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / ARPIL 2009 St. Patrick’s Day 2009

Although this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ocean View was cancelled because of weather, there was still a jolly time to be had. Members of the ensemble Glasgow Kiss (Edward Brash, John McGlynn, and Tom Crouch) performed at the pub on the Eastern Shore. Here are some photos from that event.

Mike Bailey has an impromptu pipe lesson at the Blarney Stone Pub John McGlynn and Donna Looney enjoying a wee dram. John plays during the St. Patrick’s Day Festivities.. Scottish fiddle in the ensemble Glasgow Kiss.

Glasgow Kiss was a huge hit with the Blarney Stone Crowd. In fact the owners have invited GK to play at the Eastern Shore pub at least once a month this summer. Piper Tom Crouch and his wife Lynette at the Blarney Stone.

One of the owners of the Blarney Stone is a first generation Scottish American, and included in the pub décor is a framed outfit she used to wear as a child along with a picture of her in it.

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 5 St. Baldrick’s Day 2009 - Yes Way, Jose!

nds all my frie ” go out to use “Thanks ldrick’s ca My to St. Ba her ontributed h. Toget who c er researc ren’s canc the for child $1,200 for ed nearly de the we collect cCauley ma Clan Ma ge se. While n Challen cau n, the Cla st donatio Scottish large gth of our d the stren de by showe nations ma ity with do cluded: commun . These in rent Clans lan many diffe erguson, C e, Clan F nn, n MacRa an McGly Cla isholm, Cl , Clan Ch lan Ken- Keith Donald, C thur, Clan lan Mac- Clan Ar nan, and C n MacHer nedy, Cla celled regor. have can G ther may . Scott MacGregor and Ana Paul Hernandez are “shavees” to help poor wea ect the St The did not aff raise money to fight childhood cancer. de, but it ide. It ac- the para at Waters festivities and aldrick’s in the team B me to jo yone lly allowed xt to ever tua shaved ne as my head ly. This w have nd his fami ing Jose a e was al- includ nt that Jos ublic eve ears. the first p arly two y ttend in ne lowed to a cott Thanks, S

Our “Nessie Ambassador” Jose Hernandez, a cancer survivor, is the inspiration for the “Yes Way, Jose!” team.

Ana Paula giggles at her new look.

The SST salutes Team “Yes Way, Jose!” 2009.

PAGE 6 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 SST Various & Sundry

Linda Lucas, above, and Carol Amorosi, at right, recently met up with each other on the East Coast of Scotland. They had a wonderful time catching up, and did their best to get into trouble. Carol and her family are currently liv- ing in Italy. Slainte & Cin Cin!

Bill and Kelly Schulte welcomed a new bundle of sunshine last December Meggie Elizabeth Schulte was born a healthy 7 lbs 2 oz. in New- Eadlyn Crouch, daughter of Tom & Lynette Crouch ,recently cele- port News. Big brother Duncan, age 6, is ab- brated her 1st birthday. She’s joined here with Colin, grandson of solutely smitten with her! John McGlynn. The wedding for the happy couple is slated for June 2034. They are registered at Toys - R - Us and Chuck E. Cheese’s.

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 7 This & That

♦ Congratulations to Tom & Lynette Crouch who are expecting their second baby in October. I’m sure Eadlyn will be a terrific big sister! ♦ Lynnette Fitch Brash is making another trip to the Emerald Isle. She journeys to Ireland this May to chaperon several Global Studies Academy students from Tallwood High School who are earning dual enrollment credit at TCC for International Travel. They will visit Dublin, Galway City, the Aran Islands, the Burren, and Co. Clare, her family's home county. Bon Voyage! ♦ Capt. Donna Looney is busy making plans for her retirement from the U.S. Navy. Donna has served in the USN for 36 years, and retires on June 26. Thank you for your dedicated service, Capt. Looney! ♦ We are happy to welcome back John Maxwell to Hampton Roads! John was briefly transferred to the southwest part of the state for job purposes. But lucky for us, management decided he was too valuable here! Yay! ♦ Dr. Edward Brash has been invited to speak at both The Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society in Denver, CO, and The Sixth International Workshop on Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions in the Few-GeV Region in Sitges, Spain this May. Guess we know what he is doing with some of his free time now that he is no longer president of the SST! ♦ Trish Young is preparing for a trip to Rota, Spain in June to attend her daughter Katy’s graduation from David G. Farragut High School. Have a great time, Trish, and congratulations, Katy! ♦ Bob & Jeanne Rider recently celebrated the marriage of their daughter Heather Rollins to Scott Cameron. Jeanne and Bob are also busy with the upcoming festival season, as they are planning to vend at nearly 20 Scottish and Celtic Festivals. Look for Pixie Treasures by Jeanne at your favorite Scottish games this summer! ♦ Sarah Brash, daughter of Edward and Lynnette Brash, has been invited for the second year in a row to join the Vocal Music program at the prestigious Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts, and this year she accepted! She will be attending Kempsville High School (Lynnette’s alma mater) during the mornings and GSA in the afternoons. Her twin sister Olivia has chosen to stay in Calgary for high school, but the girls will still see each other on all their breaks and be able to keep in touch daily via modern technology. Ceud Mile Failte, Morag!

A s many of you know, Skip Hunter is currently deployed aboard the USNS Big Horn. He serves as the Office in Charge. The Big Horn made the news recently: “A pallet of donated books is off loaded from USNS Big Horn at the Port of Djibouti, March 20, 2009. U.S. Marines with the 9th Provisional Security Force organized the book collection with the not-for-profit group Books For Africa. A total of 22,000 books will be distributed to schools throughout Djibouti. The service members of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, head quartered in Djibouti, employ an indirect approach to counter violent extremism. Through a strategy of cooperative conflict prevention, the task force helps build the internal capacities of countries at risk to The USNS Bighorn unloads a pallet of donated books at the Port of Djibouti prevail against extremists exploiting instabil- ity.”

PAGE 8 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 Continued from Page 1 School. Congratulations, Charles! It’s always a treat to hear live, traditional Scottish music and the musicians did not disappoint. We are so fortunate to have such a wide range of talent to enjoy, and that so many of the musicians are mem- bers of the SST. Then the dancing began. At one point, there were about fifty people on the dance floor. Many had never tried Ceilidh danc- ing before, but were in good hands with Lynnette Fitch Brash calling the dances. There was much laughter and everyone seemed to really enjoy it, especially “Strip the Willow.” There were several lucky winners of this Russell & Pam Darden. year’s wonderful door prizes. We had gift baskets donated by June Lockwood, Lyn- nette & Edward Brash, and Marcey Hunter. There were also gift certificates donated by Jeanne Rider for Pixie Treas- ures, Linda Lucas for Healing Touch, as well as the British Shop and the Heritage Store. Thanks to everyone for their gener- osity! Linda Lucas put together a fun and chal- lenging game, with the object of matching up a famous Scottish Castle with its pic- ture. Many people participated, and the winner received a wonderful gift certificate donated by the British Shop. It was just a wonderful event. Many chil- dren attended, and it was good to see them dancing and enjoying the music. Most of all it was a great way for Scottish The talented musicians played many traditional Scottish tunes. Americans in Tidewater to celebrate our shared heritage. Plans are already underway for next year’s Tartan Day Ceilidh. We hope you’ll be a part of it!

Shirley Brash, left, and Lynette Crouch.

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 9 “...And they reeled the night away!” Tartan Day 2009 Ceilidh Dancing

PAGE 10 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 Fire In Their Bellies - The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival By Anna Docherty, from “The Midgie” March 1, 2009

Do you ever feel like you just don’t quite belong in a modern world? I’m not getting all new age-y on you, but in a fast-paced and fleeting society it can be difficult to find your place and feel part of a static commu- nity. Perhaps this is why, twenty-one years ago, a group of young individuals decided to re-ignite (quite literally) the fires of the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane. Beltane was traditionally rooted in historical generations and mythology. More than this it acted as a bind- ing force for communities, being a festival in which farming people would come together and celebrate the fertility of their land and animals. Bonfires would be lit and the smoke from the fires would act as a purifying element and, as it cleared, a fresh new dawn would break. In 1988, the festival ex- perienced a revival and was moved to the bright lights of the big city, with Edin- burgh’s Calton Hill becom- ing its modern day home. Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Society have created an event that anyone can get involved with, be that on an intimate level or simply as one of thousands of specta- tors. They have succeeded in giving the festival a new birth and, at the same time, have taken the essence of the term ’festival’ back to its origins, by staging an event that is centred around and celebrates a community. Promoter Robyn Ham- brook explains; ‘Beltane has hit on something that is - and always will be - a basic human need: the need for community’. She continues; ‘It’s about a journey and the search for a culture that belongs to you’. In- deed, knitted right through the very core of Beltane are the threads that help bind a community and form unique cultures - shared experiences, creativity and a sense of trust. In a modern world of commercialism, Beltane has found its place without selling its soul to cans of lager or dodgy burger vans. Hambrook believes that the kindred spirit of the festival has filtered through from its ancient past and creatively it has moved forward: ‘It is now a much more carefully organised affair, with a lot of artistic crea- tivity and months of planning going into the celebrations’. This modern interpretation incorporates the tradi- tional fire elements, but adds contemporary twists - with music, dance and outdoor theatrics. It’s a paint palate of colour and a lesson in amateur dramatics. But this is not to say that it has become a case of style over substance ‘It’s about an essential bonding journey, with groups practising together and forming lasting friendships’, says Hambrook. ‘It’s also about everyone’s little story and it means something to everyone involved’, she surmises. With so many festivals and events having lost their significance in present day, Beltane remains unique. ‘Many festivals don’t mean anything anymore and have just become commercialised affairs, Beltane is different’ she says. ‘Visitors, who don’t know exactly what it’s all about, still feel something palpable and rich’. So, for all its fire, theatrics, face-paint and sparkle, Beltane is actually quite organic and basic in its needs. Simply a bunch of people looking for a most fundamental human comfort: the spirit of community. You can’t ask for more than that. The Beltane Fire Festival, Thu 30 Apr, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, 0131 473 200. £7 (£5 in advance), get tick- ets from Hub Tickets, Castlehill, Edinburgh, 0131 473 2000, www.beltane.org

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 11

WHAT IS BELTANE? For the Celts, Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season when the herds of livestock were driven out to the summer pastures and mountain grazing lands. The lighting of bonfires on Oidhche Bhealtaine ('the eve of Bealtaine') on mountains and hills of ritual and political significance was one of the main activities of the festival. In modern , Latha Buidhe Bealtuinn ('the yellow day of Bealltain') is used to describe the first day of May. From Wikipedia The Beltane Song At Beltane in the aulden time, it was the custom gay, To gather on the village green and hail the festal day, Huntsman gallant and sheperds grey, dought and blythsome men, And Lassies blooming fresh and fair cam liltin’ doon the glen, Through the greenwood haste away,... Sing aloud the festal lay, Busk the Beltane banner gay, to Peblis and the play. Auld Neidpath, grim and grey wi’ years, looks doon wi war-scarred face, And sentinels our royal toun wi’ majesty and grace, Loyal sons of a fearless race, gather we here today, And sing the auld-warld round-e-lay of ‘Peblis to the Play’, Wave the Beltane banner high, Ring the anthem to the sky, While our silver stream rolls by, The Tweeddale glen for aye. Across the wild foam-crested wave, in distant lands of fame, The exile oft wi’ pride recalls the dear auld Border hame, And while we crown our virgin queen, ‘mid flaming skies of June, We pledge the leal hearts far a-wa and lilt our festal tune, Honour is our watchword clear, Truth our dauntless halberdier, Liberty’s our heralds cheer, Long live our Beltane Queen. By James Hope Brown (Warden of Neidpath 1934)

Spring Wine

The best known of all herbal wines is he traditional May Wine, flavored with sweet woodruff and drunk in celebration of Beltane.

1 bottle dry white wine OR 1 bottle light rose or blush wine. 3-4 springs of herb (try mint, tarragon, bay, lemon verbena, rosemary, basil, lemon balm and woodruff).

In a non-metallic container, steep the herbs in the wine and set in a cool, dark place overnight. Filter before serving. From Celtic Folklore Cooking by Joanne Asala (1998)

“A drink is shorter than a story.” Scottish Proverb

PAGE 12 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 NEW SCOTTISH BOOKS AND AUDIOVISUALS At the Virginia Beach Public Library ADULT NON-FICTION BOOKS:

The Bard: Robert Burns, a Biography by Robert Crawford. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009.

ADULT FICTION BOOKS

Death of a Witch by M.C. Beaton. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 2009. . Fallen by Cindy Holby. New York: Leisure Books, 2009.

The Witching Voice: a Novel from the Life of Robert Burns by Arnold Johnston. San Antonio: Wings Press, 2009.

Highland Outlaw by Monica McCarty. New York: Ballantine Books, 2009.

Highland Warrior by Monica McCarthy. New York: Ballantine Books, 2009.

The Strange Case of Mr. Nobody by Owen Magruder. Hamilton, NY: Edmonston Publishing, Inc., 2000.

The Darkness and the Deep by Aline Tampleton. London: HOdder & Stoughton, 2006.

Seducing a Scottish Bride by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. New York: Forever, 2009.

AUDIOBOOKS: How the Scots Saved Christendom. Vision Forum Ministries. Audiobook.

- Submitted by Nancy Miller, MSLS, Virginia Beach Public Library

Flowers of the Forest

Kathryn Hendrickson Stewart Indianapolis, Indiana Grandmother of Josiah Wallace “Skip” Hunter, Jr., OSC

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 13

“The Gaelic Corner” Gaelic website gets 1000 users two months after web launch By DAVID ROSS, Highland Correspondent, www.theherald.co.uk

A new Gaelic information and networking website has exceeded 1000 registered users just two months after it was launched. The mygaelic.com website, funded by Bord na Gaidhlig, has been hailed as a major success by Mi- chael Russell MSP, Minister for Gaelic, one of the site's most recently-registered users. Speaking from the Celtic Film Festival in Wales, where he was participating in a discussion on digital media, Mr Russell said: "People often talk of digital technologies as tomorrow's technology. "That is to miss the point completely - these are today's technologies. "We must embrace them and make best use of the multitude of opportunities they provide. I am en- thused by the mygaelic.com offering, the interest the site is obviously provoking, and the truly worldwide access it provides to Gaeldom. "There are members of the Scottish diaspora all over the world, some of whom are Gaelic speakers, some who will be interested in Gaelic language and culture, and some who want to learn Gaelic. This is an invaluable resource with an amazing opportunity to bring together aspiring Gaelic speakers and flu- ent speakers from home and abroad." Rosemary Ward, acting chief executive of national Gaelic development agency Bord na Gaidhlig, said the agency was delighted with the success of the project, which is aimed at Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers. She said: "The rate at which people have signed up for mygaelic.com has been hugely encouraging and we are thrilled with the progress being made. "It is vital that in the delivery of the national plan for Gaelic we use the most modern and up-to-date commun-ication channels available. "The success of the site, and in particular the way in which registered users are returning and engag- ing with it, emphasises just how important this resource is."

he 2009 recipients of the Olive & Richard Baird Memorial Scholar- T ship were announced at the Tartan Day Ceilidh on April 4. Among this year’s recipients is Charles Murla. Charles will use his schol- arship to help offset costs incurred to attend the Jink & Diddle School of Scottish Fiddling in North Carolina, which is directed by Dr. John Turner, world-renowned Scottish fiddler. There were two other recipients of this year’s scholarship. Boy Scout Troop #996, based out of Virginia Beach, will use their scholarship to help defray the costs of hosting a group of Scottish scouts, and Miss Jean Stein, a student of Highland dancing and piping from S. Elgin, Illinois. She will use her scholarship to help pay for Highland dance lessons. Thanks to Dave & Nancy Montgomery for serving as the co-chairs of this year’s scholarship committee. Great job! And thanks to YOU, SST Members, who helped to fund the scholarship with your generosity over the past year. Every monthly raffle and every item bought at the Christmas Ceilidh helps to fund all of these worthy Scottish causes. The Olive and Richard Baird Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of President Rob Lockwood presented the scholarship check Richard & Olive Baird, longtime members of the SST. Richard served as to Charles Murla at this year’s Tartan Day Ceilidh. Charles president of the SST 1984-1991. was among three recipients of the Olive & Richard Baird Memorial Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support toward the study of an element of Scottish culture. This includes, but is not limited to, Scottish music, dance, language, literature, history, genealogy, politics and religion.

PAGE 14 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009

S everal SST members who are also NNPPD&D members performed Scottish music and dances yesterday on stage at the International Children's Festival. It was a gorgeous day, and the kiddies were all very interested in the Scottish outfits as well as the bagpipes! Pictured are current SST Presi- dent Rob Lockwood, former SST board member Tom Crouch, for- mer SST Program Chair Lyn- nette Fitch Brash, and SST member Erin Morrissey.

Submitted by Lynnette Fitch Brash

S herie and Jorge Aguirre (principal oboe and violin player in the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, respectively) held a musical evening in their West Ghent home recently to raise money for The Hampton Roads Chamber Players, a non-profit organization for high school-age string players (hrchamberplayers.org). A wide range of musicians were in attendance. There was a combina- tion of classical, jazz, and South American music, from both students and professionals. SST member Janet MacCauley is a former student of Jorge's. He invited her to bring some friends to represent the Celtic/folk aspect of violin/fiddle music. Hence, Edward Brash, fiddler Charles Murla (our repeat Baird Scholarship winner), & various other players from the Green Oak Scottish Session, as well as Janet's other fiddle teacher, John Turner, performed at the fundraiser. Edward did a beautiful rendition of the Scots Gaelic tune "An Cluinn Thu Mi Mo Nighean Donn? (Will You Listen to Me, My Brown-haired Girl?)", John Turner spoke on uniquely Scottish musical traditions in Scotland and America, and our Scottish musicians did some lively strathspeys, reels, and hornpipes as an ensemble. For their final number, Jorge and the high school chamber quartet joined them for a set starting off with "Soldier's Joy." What a fun musical trip around the world, ending with Scotland! Submitted by Lynnette Fitch Brash

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 15

Looking for something special? Just Seek and Ye Shall Find!

Items recently spotted on e-bay

Robert Burns / Masonic Lapel Pin. Sold for about $6. Scottie bookends. Sold for about $25.

Gaelic Bible with Celtic de- sign, 1855 Edinburgh. Sold for about $80.

Leather and wooden targe. Sold for about $100.

Vintage Military Cap Badge - Scot- tish Kings Borderers. Sold for about $5, USD. Clan Christmas stocking kits. Sold for about $12.

Scottish outfit for Barbie. Sold for about $8. Celtic Design Giftwrap Paper. Sold for about $8.

WWI Canadian Highlanders recruit- http://www.ebay.com ment poster. Sold for about $8.

PAGE 16 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 At Your Service

MUSIC CELTIC DANCE

Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps Scottish Highland Dancing Tom Crouch [email protected] Scottish Ceilidh (Social) Dancing, & http://newportnewspolicepipe.homestead.com Scottish Step Dancing Lynnette Fitch Brash [email protected] Pipers For Hire Southside Ceili(dh) Class & Rob Lockwood [email protected] Irish Ceili Dancing http://www.roblockwood.com Lisa Hunt [email protected]

Harper MISC. Rita Hamilton [email protected] , Alterations Folk Music Christine Lawler [email protected] James West [email protected] http://jameswestmusic.com/ Photography - British Isles Manny Willis [email protected] Scottish Gaelic Song Performances Edward Brash [email protected] Photography - Scotland Linda Lucas [email protected] Traditional Celtic Music Celtic Band for hire at an economical price Scottish Gaelic Lessons Third Degree Burn Scots Gaelic Society of Tidewater Weddings Parties Dance Music Fund Raisers Marcey Hunter [email protected] 1-804-553-9702 1-757-420-1285 [email protected] Travel in Scotland Also solo violin/fiddle music Celtic and Old Timey at Highland Ways your request. Affordable $ - Free fiddle lessons Arthur & Anne Korff 757-596-6063

Scotch Whisky Tasting Mike Lawler [email protected]

Be sure to check out the SST merchandize on sale at the next meeting. A varied assortment of garments are available - from jackets to tank tops - at affordable prices. Special orders can be placed for that extra special item. Please help support the SST, and show your SST pride!

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 17 The Virginia International Tattoo - Don’t Miss It!

he SST will soon be purchasing a blockT of tickets for the Saturday, May 2nd performance of the Virginia Inter- national Tattoo. The show will be at the Norfolk Scope, and begins at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $29.75 per ticket for mem- bers. To purchase your tickets, send your request, via e-mail, to George Phillips at [email protected]. Tickets can also be purchased at the society March meeting. Don’t miss this electrifying perform- ance!

Annual Spring Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan

T he Saint Andrew's Society of Williamsburg, the Saint Andrew's Society of Richmond, the Scottish Society of Richmond, the Scottish Society of Tidewater, the Tidewater Saint Andrew’s Society, the Wil- liamsburg Scottish Festival and The Foundation for Historic Christ Church cordially invite you to the an- nual regional gathering of all Tidewater/Richmond area Scottish organizations for a Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan at Historic Christ Church, Irvington, Virginia, on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Come enjoy a relaxing family outing and Scottish comradery during Virginia's beautiful Spring in the serene and timeless beauty of Virginia's Northern Neck. S C H E D U L E - 11:30AM --Welcome, Foundation for Historic Christ Church (Bayne Center located on the grounds of Christ Church); 12:00PM--Assembly of all members of sponsoring organizations who are presenting their . All other persons, families, and friends may enter the church at their leisure during this period; 12:30PM--Church service and the Kirkin’o’ th’ Tartan. Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock and Rector of Historic Christ Church in Irvington, will officiate. 1:30PM--Following the service, the Kilmar- nock and District Pipe Band will present a gala band recital at the Church main gate. 2:00PM lunch at Eckhard’s Restaurant. Dress: Members are asked to wear Scottish day wear, trews, or normal Sunday wear. Ladies are in- vited to wear Scottish dress or a "touch of the tartan." Let’s make this a colorful and festive event. Transportation: Irvington is about an hour and a half drive from either Richmond or Williamsburg; about 2 hours from Norfolk. For directions or more information, please contact Bob Davis (757) 229-5653 or e- mail [email protected], or Wil Phillips (757) 220-8416 or e-mail [email protected].

PAGE 18 THISTLEDOWN MARCH / APRIL 2009 Calendar of Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE: Due to some changes at the Va. Beach Central Library, the first Wednesday of the month will not always be available to accommodate the SST meetings. Please check the SST website (www.tidewaterscots.com) and the newsletter, for upcoming meeting dates. We apologize for the inconvenience.

April 26 May 8-9 Kirkin' o' th' Tartan at Historic Christ Church 1st Annual Celtic Festival Irvington, VA 11:30am Lanexa, VA at the Rockahock Campgrounds. For information, contact Wil Phillips at wilphil- [email protected] June 3 SST Meeting April 26 Virginia Beach Central Library 10th Annual Celtic Festival 7pm social visiting, 7:30 meeting and program Big Island, VA Program: Tina Gutsall, “Conservation of the USS http://www.sedaliacenter.org/?q=events/celtic_festi Monitor” (Yes, there IS a Scottish connection!) val_2009 Please bring a snack to share.

May 1-3 June 13-14 Virginia International Tattoo Potomac Celtic Festival The SST has purchased tickets to the Saturday, Leesburg, VA May 2 performance. http://www.potomaccelticfest.org/ For tickets, contact George Phillips at July May 6 NOTE: There will be NO SST MEETING IN JULY SST Meeting in lieu of a special “pub night.” Date and location Virginia Beach Central Library TBD. 7pm social visiting, 7:30 meeting and program Program: Randy Dedrickson, President, July 9-12 Williamsburg Scottish Festival. Grandfather Mountain Please bring a snack to share. MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain near Linville, NC http://www.gmhg.org/

SAVE THE DATE! The Williamsburg Scottish Festival is scheduled for Friday October 2nd - Sunday October 3rd at the Rockahock Campgrounds Lanexa, Virginia. Look for updates in future issues of The Thistledown http://www.wsfonline.org/

MARCH / APRIL 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 19 A Taste of Whisky Enjoying the Uisege Beatha, the “Water of Life” Arran - An Islay Whisky

whisky to be the ‘Tipple of I sle of Arran Distillers is one choice’ during this year’s Home- of the few remaining independent coming celebration. Minister distilleries in Scotland. It is based Salmond was quoted as saying, at Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, “The Year of Homecoming is which lies off the West Coast very important to the Scottish between Ayrshire and Kintyre. Government and Scotland. Early in the 19th century there Robert Burns is the inspiration were more than 50 whisky distill- and his 250th birthday will be eries on Arran, most of them ille- toasted with this specially pro- gal and craftily hidden from the duced Homecoming whisky from eyes of the taxmen. The malt Arran.” from Arran was shipped to the The distillery is fast becoming mainland and enjoyed by the one of the biggest draws for gentry who regularly "took the tourists on the Island of Arran. Arran waters." It was acclaimed The Arran Distillery. They offer guided tours, an au- at the time as the best in Scotland, dio visual presentation set in a mock only rivaled by those from the 'Glen of peat is used in the production process eighteenth century Crofter's Inn, an exhi- Livet.' and no caramel for artificial coloring. As bition, shop and a restaurant. They also In 1995 a new distillery was opened on such, the whisky is marketed as “the true allow their guests to pour their own bottle Arran. Local lore has it that when the spirit of nature.” It does not have the sig- direct from the cask. grounds were being readied, two golden nature “smoky” peat flavor of other Islays, Tasting notes for Arran Single Malt 10 eagles who live on the mountain behind but has an unmistakable flavor. Year Old: the distillery prompted the halting of build- Neither is the Arran Single Malt prod- “Arran malt makes an excellent light ing work for several weeks until their ucts chillfiltered. Chill filtration was in- aperitif. It is champagne gold in colour, it hatchlings were ready to fly on their own. vented to improve the physical clarity and has a fruity orangey lemony malty nose. During the opening ceremonies of the brightness of the bottled spirit by remov- Tastes of smooth soft citrus fruits, toffee distillery, the two eagles performed a “fly ing the emulsified oils to eliminate cloud- and fudge. A gentle fruity finish.” over,” perhaps as a thank you for the ing in the bottle. Many independent com- kindness of the workers. panies have started bottling once again The granite of the nearby Loch Na without the chill filtration as they believe it The Arran distillery Davie, which serves as the water source also removed many flavor elements of the produces the Burns for the distillery, acts as a cleanser and a spirit. Malt, the Burns softener that helps to produce the final The Arran Distillery is an official mem- Blend and a small product of a very smooth and drinkable ber and sponsor of the World Burns Fed- gift pack of whis- whisky. Only traditional methods of distill- eration - an organization based in Kilmar- kies as part of their ing are used, with wooden washbacks nock, Ayrshire that is dedicated to the life product range. All and copper stills. The whisky is matured and works of Scotland’s national poet of these products in a mix of American oak bourbon and Robert Burns. The distillery produces the are officially en- European oak cognac, rum, sherry and Burns Malt, the Burns Blend and a small dorsed by the wine casks. As with other Islay whiskies, gift pack of whiskies as part of their prod- World Burns Fed- the atmosphere of sea breezes and uct range. All of these products are offi- eration. mountain air together with the warm flow cially endorsed by the World Burns Fed- of the Gulf Stream matures the Arran Malt eration. Sources in earth floored warehouses. In fact Scotland’s First Minister, Alex ArranWhisky.com Scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk However, unlike other Islay whiskies, no Salmond has chosen an Isle of Arran Taste-of-arran.co.uk

Scottish Society of Tidewater, Inc. c/o Marcey Hunter 301 E. Randall Ave. Norfolk, VA 23503 www.tidewaterscots.org

DID YOU FORGET? D on’t be a dues scofflaw! If you have not yet paid your 2009 dues, please do so at your ear- liest convenience. As you know, membership dues are the biggest revenue source for the Society. So membership renewals are very important! To receive the newsletter electronically, family membership is $25 (Husband and wife and chil- dren under 18); and individual membership is $15. To receive a hard copy of the newsletter, dues are $30 per family, and $20 for individuals. You may mail your payment directly to Marcey Hunter, membership chair, or just bring it with you to the next meeting. Membership renewal forms can be downloaded from the SST website Www.tidewaterscots.org

Marcey Hunter Membership Chair 301 E. Randall Ave.

Norfolk, VA 23503- -- Thanks!