The St Andrew Society of York Newsletter - May 2020
Reports—pages 2 and 4
Black Watch archive—page 3 Munro clan—pages 5,6
Recipe feature—page 6
Quiz—page 7
Poem—page 8
Edited by Jim Murison www.yorkscot.org.uk
Secretary’s update As you all know now, it wasn’t possible to hold the AGM on 1st May and we are now at the start of a new Society year with President Alison Paton. As men oned in our last newsle er, Alf Deuchars has agreed to be President in 2021—2022. Last month Council held a ‘virtual’ mee ng via the wonders of zoom and agreed to keep in touch with you through this newsle er. We have completed our end of year reports and they will be circulated when an AGM can be called. However I thought it would be helpful to include in this newsle er Past President Marlynn’s end of year summary (page 2) and the final report from the Society 125 group (page 4). The Ladies Circle AGM update and programme for 2020-2021 will be issued separately. The annual subscrip on (£15 per member) for 2020-2021 is now due and may be paid to Helen Porter by cheque or bank transfer. An email will be sent to members with the payment instruc ons and those not on email will be no fied by post. We are unlikely to be allowed to hold any events during the summer but Council will con nue to meet via zoom on a regular basis, hopefully to plan for later in the year. The racecourse is already booked for St Andrew’s and Burns Night. Many thanks to those who have contributed to this issue, it is appreciated and I hope you like the inclusion of another quiz and also a recipe this me. Enjoy! The first person to email me the answers to all the quiz ques ons will win a box of biscuits!! The deadline for submi ng ar cles or news for the June issue is Friday 29th May.
Jim Murison
Members news: Jim Robertson sent this update on Douglas Craig in his new home:
He said, ‘I have been in touch with Rachael, Douglas’ daughter to see if he was ok. She says Douglas is very well and the sec on of home that he is in, is clear of the virus at the moment. Although in the demen a sec on they have had a few deaths due to the virus .’ The home recently had a party and the staff dressed up as animals, and this photo shows Douglas enjoying himself. He looks very well. Rachael is able to see him through the window as he is on the ground floor. As a reminder, Douglas’ address is: Galanos House, Banbury Road, Southam, CV47 2BL
-1- End of year report—President Marlynn Holroyd
At the start of the year I was unable to a end the Ladies Circle Coffee Morning as I was recovering from knee surgery. My husband Jim and granddaughter, Rachel, represented the Holroyd family. Due to the hard work and magnificent efforts of the ladies an excellent beginning was made to the fund-raising for my chosen charity Street Angels York. A er a me of rain, we were blessed with a dry day for our summer BBQ. Thanks are due to the Minns family for allowing the use of their beau ful garden. Men on is also due to the ‘chefs’ who sweated long and hard over the BBQ to ensure we were well supplied with burgers, chicken and sausages. A visit to York Bird of Prey Centre, another beau ful day weather-wise, introduced us, at close quarters, to several of their birds – highlight – being inches away from a beau ful Golden Eagle. My recep on in October was held at Strensall Golf Club. A delicious meal, well presented, and impeccable service.
November saw out St Andrew’s Day Celebra ons. This coincided with our Society being 125 years old – a unique celebra on. The Parade Ring restaurant looked splendid; the meal lived up to our expecta ons. No birthday is complete without a cake – we all enjoyed a lovely cake, a er a rendi on of Happy Birthday! [See picture—Marlynn cu ng the cake] We were back at the Parade Ring Restaurant in January to celebrate Burns Night. To propose the Immortal Memory the Rev. Fraser Aitken had travelled from Ayr to be with us. His speech, and humour, will long be remembered. Early in February we had a German evening – a home made and excellent event. Although we did not realise at the me this would be our last Society event for some considerable me. A ceilidh being organised for the 14 th March was cancelled the day before – due to the impending lockdown because of the coronavirus. It felt a cruel blow but we had to acknowledge that it was the only ac on to take. During the year a group of esteemed Past Presidents have been working as the 125 Group, raising awareness of the Society throughout the city. Their work and efforts are very much appreciated, showing fruit as increased Society membership. Throughout the year you have been raising funds for my chosen charity - Street Angels York. By tradi on this would have been handed to the Angels at our AGM on 1 st May. You raised a magnificent total of £1130.50 . A er discussion with the Angels Chairperson, Gail Lazenby, it was agreed that I deliver the cheque to their Treasurer, Lisa Shepherd. When we are ‘back to normal’ and can have an AGM, we would include them to make the formal presenta on. My sincere thanks are due to all the Council members who have worked with me throughout this rather weird and unusual year. With my best wishes for your good health in 2020/2021, whatever the year may bring.
-2- From the archives: an extract from ‘The Red Hackle’, the chronicle of The Black Watch [June 1994]
The Secretary of the Lancashire & Yorkshire branch, Mr Hodkinson and his wife, represented the Regiment at the Centenary Dinner of the St Andrew Society of York. His account of the event follows: Major General A.G. Wauchope was appointed the first Honorary President of the Society whilst the second Battalion were stationed in Fulford Barracks, prior to their departure for South Africa. Alick Layhe, Honorary Secretary of the Society asked RHQ if the regiment could be represented at the Centenary Dinner. The Black Watch has enjoyed a very special place in the esteem and affection of the Society and a memorial plaque and window in memory of General Wauchope and the Officers, NCO’s and men of the 2nd Battalion who fell at the action of Magersfontein, was donated by them. This memorial is situated in St Columba’s United Reformed Church, Priory Street. (as shown here) Brigadier Barnett and Brigadier Tweedy were unable to go, so the Secretary of the branch and his wife were invited to attend this very memorable occasion. It is a very great honour to have such a body who are so appreciative of The Black Watch, a society situated in England and moreover in a Black Watch Association Branch area and it is hoped that the friendships and ties forged at their Centenary celebrations may long be continued. The Branch Secretary is most grateful to the President of the Society, Eileen Robertson and all the members and especially to Alick Layhe, the Honorary Secretary for all the arrangements made, his hospitality to us overnight and not least for his organisation of the event which will long stay in our memories. An event which we had the great honour to attend, especially on behalf of The Black Watch.
Thanks to Jim Robertson for uncovering this ar cle for us
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Report to the 2020 AGM from the St Andrew 125 Group
At the 2019 AGM members approved a proposal that a group of five past presidents should initiate and implement a series of public events during the 12 months commencing May 2019 to mark the 125 th anniversary of the formation of the Society. The prime objective was to raise the profile of The St Andrew Society of York.
A portable display, with pull up banners was created, (shown here) and leaflets printed using the strap line 125 Years of Scottish Cultural Heritage In York
These formed the basis of a Society presence at a wide range of community public events from July to January 2020. Outdoor: Stamford Bridge – Haxby – Poppleton – Rotary Dragon Boat Indoor: Barbican, Scottish Fiddle Orchestra concert – Acomb Library – St Sampsons Day Centre (twice) - Morrison, Foss Island Road and Tesco, Askham Bar supermarkets.
The 125 group, with a few volunteer members, were present at each venue and available to engage with the public and encourage questions about the Society and Scotland. Several hundred people would have looked at the display material and many had quite lengthy discussions with the ‘ambassadors’. Two stories with photographs were printed in the local press.
The final event planned for 25 th April was a public exhibition in the city archives at Explore, St Leonards of selected items from the Society archives which are now deposited there. To publicise the event a symbolic handover to the Lord Mayor had been arranged in the Mansion House on 14 th April. All living past presidents and council members had been invited to attend and the intention was to have a formal group photograph in the salon. Both have had to be deferred because of coronavirus but will be rearranged in due course.
The proposal approved up to £2000 for the project although this included £1000 plus to print a revised version of the centenary history publication. Research indicated it would be more cost effective to incorporate the updated material in the revised Society website and this is being progressed by the council. The total actual expenditure incurred was £416.00 offset by £96.00 donations from competitions at the outdoor events - a net cost to the Society of £320.00
We consider that the project has been worthwhile, has given good value for money and met the key objective to create an increased awareness of the Society in York.
Past Presidents: Alf Deuchars; Robert Marshall; Frank Paterson ; Helen Porter; Graeme Robertson April 2020
-4- Clans & Tartans
This month David Waterton-Anderson highlights the Munro clan, following Marlynn Holroyd’s short introduction to the clan in the last issue. [note due to space restrictions, this is just a snapshot of some key parts of the story]
By the 14th century the Munros had spread into Sutherlandshire and were given a charter for land in Strathspey in 1309, and were granted more land in 1336 by the Earl of Ross. The Munro’s lands lie on the north side of the Cromarty Firth. Like the chiefs of the Gordon clan, the Munro chiefs had the habit of dying in combat. During the Wars of Scottish Independence chief Robert Munro, 6th Baron of Foulis led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where he survived but his son George was slain. George younger however had a son of his own also called George. This George Munro succeeded his grandfather Robert as chief and led the clan at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333 where he died. Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis was a staunch supporter and faithful friend of Mary Queen of Scots. When the unfortunate princess went to Inverness in 1562; “as soon as they heard of their sovereign’s danger, a great number of the most eminent Scots poured in around her, especially the Frasers and Munros, who were esteemed the most valiant of the clans inhabiting those countries in the north”. These two clans secured the castle for the Queen. In the 18th century, Colonel Sir Robert Munro of Foulis, who had formed a camp at the Bridge of Alness with 600 men which also included men from the Clan Ross, opposed the Earl of Seaforth leading a force of 3000 men headed by the Clan MacKenzie which also included men from the Clan MacDonald, Clan MacKinnon, Clan MacRae and the Clan Chisholm. Munro had sent many of his own men south to protect the lands of the Clan Forbes of Culloden from the Jacobites and was seriously outnumbered. Munro was soon joined by the Earl of Sutherland and the chief of Clan MacKay who both brought with them only a portion of their clans. Expected support from the Clan Grant did not arrive. Seaforth’s forces advanced on the Sutherland’s camp who made a quick retreat to avoid contact with their more powerful foe. Soon afterwards a council of war was held between the two sides and the Sutherlanders and MacKays peacefully moved back north to their own territory, while much of the Ross’s lands were ravaged and the Munros returned to find their lands plundered. The Munros supported the British government during the Jacobite uprisings. In 1745 the Jacobites were led by Charles Edward Stuart who was the exiled claimant to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland, commonly known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie”. Charles was the son of James Francis Edward Stuart who was in turn the son of King James II of England, Scotland and Ireland, who had been deposed in 1688. After his father’s death Charles was recognised as “King Charles III” by his supporters but often known as “The Young Pretender”. In the northern shires the Earl of Sutherland was the King’s Lieutenant, and the Clan Sutherland, Clan MacKay, Clan Ross, Clan Munro, Clan Gunn, Clan Campbell, and Clan Grant could be counted on to support the British Government, but the Clan MacDonald, Clan MacKenzie, Clan MacKintosh, Clan Menzies, and Clan Chisholm were Jacobites, and the Clan Fraser was divided owing to a disputed chiefship but they later joined the Jacobites. In the days of the British Empire, Munro clansmen could be found continuing to uphold the military traditions of their forefathers. Sir Hector Munro of Novar (1726 - 1805) and Sir Thomas Munro, 1st Baronet of Lindertis (1761 to 1827) were Scottish Generals in the British Army who had great success fighting in India. [see Jim’s footnote referring to Lindertis]. James Munro (VC) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Crimean War. During the First World War, Liutenant-General Sir Charles Munro, 1st Baronet of Bearcrofts ordered the retreat from Gallipoli once he gained command of British Forces. He later became Governor of Gibralter.
-5- Clans & Tartans (contd.) The Munros were also prominent members of the Scottish clergy in the north of Scotland and clan members became justices of the peace in Caithness and its environs. It cannot be forgotten that not only was there a President of the USA name Munroe, but the naming of all Scottish mountains above 3000 ft., is attributed to Sir Hugh Munro (1856- 1919) See footnote below. Foulis Castle has always been and is still the seat of the Chief of the Clan Munro. The Baronetcy of Foulis devolved to Sir George Hamilton Munro, 12th Baronet (1864-1945). The current Baronet is Sir Ian Kenneth Munro, 17th Baronet of Foulis. It is interesting to note that Col. C. H. Gascoigne, grandfather of the present chief, has his family origins here in Yorkshire where the Gascoigne’s of Gawthorpe (Harewood) were the progenitors of the many branches of his family. The Present Chief is Hector William Munro of Foulis.
[Jim’s comments: I found reading about the Munros’ interesting, as I spent the first eight years of my life on the Lindertis Estate near Kirriemuir, owned at that time by the 5th Baronet, Sir Torquil Munro. My father ran the Estate Home Farm, producing mainly fruit and vegetables. This area of Angus is one of the best raspberry growing areas in Scotland. Sir Torquil’s father, Hugh Thomas Munro, is best remembered for his table of Scottish mountains of 3000 feet and over published in 1891. This caused a great stir among active mountaineers, who saw the challenge of climbing all the mountains on the list as a lifetime ambition. Of his total of 538 main summits and tops, it is reckoned he had only 3 summits still to climb when he died in France in 1919.]
MEMBERS RECIPES HOME MADE TATTIE SCONES INGREDIENTS
1lb/500g potatoes, cooked and mashed without milk or bu er 1oz/30g bu er, melted ½ teaspoon salt 4oz/125g self raising flour 1 tsp baking powder
METHOD Place the mashed potato in a large bowl and add all the other ingredients to make a dough. Divide this in half, and roll out one half on a floured surface to make a round about 8” in diameter. Score this to make 6 wedges. Heat a griddle or large heavy based frying pan on a medium heat. When hot, grease with a li le bu er and cook the scones for 5 minutes on either side un l golden and risen. Repeat with other half. Serve with bu er and eat warm. Le over ones (if there are any!) are delicious fried with bacon and egg. Enjoy! [Sent by Sue Marshall]
-6- ANSWERS TO—WHERE IN SCOTLAND QUIZ IN THE LAST ISSUE Where in Scotland will you find a ….. 1) Road—Broadford 2) Gun—Gargunnock 3) Rod—Brodick 4) Lens—Helensburgh 5) Bell—Portobello 6) Loch—Pitlochry 7) Lash—Galashiels 8) Rug—Inveruglas 9) Car—Lochcarron 10) Mint—Tomintoul
THIS MONTH’S QUIZ IS ALL ABOUT BISCUITS! (all the answers are names of biscuits)
1 Keeps company with [7] 2 Leave the group [9]
3 Nu y and small in stature [6, 8] 4 Conqueror of Sicily [9] 5 Citrus short of breath [5,5]
6 Folgirls [3, 5 anag]
7 Ends of undergarments [9, 5] 8 Wealthy drink [4, 3] 9 Holy refuge decisive event [5, 6] 10 Brown or white digits [9, 7] 11 Don’t fry these [9, 5] 12 Sco sh biscuit [8] 13 Cathedral city [7] 14 Romany dairy products [5, 6] 15 Milk top and crazy [5, 8] 16 Subject of discourse [5] 17 American whisky [7] 18 Weapon, group [4] 19 Spiced crazy ones [6, 4] 20 We need another loaf perhaps! [10]
Jokes on Coronavirus: Home schooling is going well, 2 students suspended for figh ng and the teacher sacked for drinking on the job. Day 6 of home schooling: my child just said “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year”……. I’m offended Today I saw a neighbour talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog … we laughed a lot. REMEMBER, NO STORM LASTS FOREVER, HOLD ON BE BRAVE…...
-7- Lament for a Scupper’d AGM [thanks to Iain White, Junior Vice President, Greenock Burns Club for this poem which we can all empathise with]
When Rab turn’d ower the mousie’s nest, that dark November day His thoughts went tae the rodent’s life, and whaur its future lay The mousie’s fate look’d very bleak, oor Bardie was upset He saw the part that he had play’d, and what micht happen yet He also took the mousie’s plight, compar’d it to himsel’ And how mankind was much worse aff, in ways that he could tell An’ forward tho’ I canna see, was what he said back then He guess’d and fear’d aboot oor plight, tho’ it beyond his ken He couldnae hae seen the human race, brought firmly to its knees By a sleekit’, cowerin’ Chinese bat and its relentless disease Is this revenge for Rabbie’s mouse, or just a quirk o’ fate? The ques on noo across the land did we react too late? The smartest scien fic minds are lookin’ for a cure For this disease has nae respect, if ye be rich or poor The sadness spreads across the world as death rates rise and soar Lockdown reigns throughout oor land, social gatherings are no more And serious tho’ this a’ may be, bemoan’d by mice and men It’s gone it’s dinger noo and scupper’d the Mother Club’s AGM! The Commi ee members were aghast, this surely cannae be? We hae tae meet, it’s in the rules, but how, we couldnae see! Technology just won the day, “Keep safe” oor ba le cry An electronic AGM and The Mother Club gets by Ev’n Rabbie couldnae hae seen this come when he wrote in yesteryear An’ forward tho’ ah canna see Ah guess and fear … Wi’ God’s guid grace we’ll a’ get through this crisis, safe and well And hae a Toast at the Mother Club—but when? Ah, wha can tell?
[Editor: I par cularly like the line, “we hae tae meet, it’s in the rules ”!!]
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