THE CLAN MACLEOD SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
Report For ACMS to be presented at CLAN PARLIAMENT JULY/AUGUST 2006 Compiled By Ian F. Macleod, President.
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It is with great pleasure I present this report to you all at this
Jubilee Parliament. New Zealand views Clan Macleod as a worldwide
family where all members are cooequal regardless of Office held ,age,
sex or nationality. It is a family where it is all the members for the
whole membership and the whole membership for all the members. We
believe that all national societies together with the ACMS officers
have a collective co-equal responsibility for the destiny of The Clan
Family. The Clan in New Zealand has seven Regional Societies with their
own elected officers and committees who are responsible for their
administration. The National Society is more of a coordinating body
which has no direct jurisdiction in the administration of the affairs
of the Regional Societies which meet as often as they see fit to carry
out their objectives and maintain the family feeling.
The Regional societies are as follows with the areas the cover and their presidents and Secretaries.
HELENSVILLE
This covers the central part of Northland from the Kaipara Harbour area
in the west to Waipu in the east. Its president is Laurence McLeod and
secretary is Helen Jansen,
AUCKLAND
This covers the northern part of Northland , Auckland, Waikato
and The Bay of Plenty areas. Its president is Don Hammond and Secretary
is Sarah Smythe.
HAWKES BAY
This covers the Southern part of the North Island of New Zealand. Its president is Verna Gillum and secretary is Dot McLeod.
CANTERBURY
This covers Canterbury , Westland , Nelson and Marlborough. Its president is Trevor Davey, and secretary is Mary P. Clark .
OTAGO
This covers the eastern part of Otago . Its president is Rod MacLeod and secretary is Daphne MacLeod
CENTRAL OTAGO
This covers the western part of Otago and Northern Fiordland. Its president is Don MacLeod and secretary is Wilma MacLeod.
SOUTHLAND
This covers Southland and Southern Fiordland. Its president is Graeme McLeod and secretary is Bruce Bartlett.
You will notice that a good number of
the officers do not have Macleod as their surname. I can assure you
that they all have strong Macleod ancestry. Most of our membership is
made up of the 50's plus age group. This is unfortunately common with
other Societies like our Clan society. The 30- 40 year age group are
all busy work wise and family wise and just don't seem to have time to
spare for activities like ours. We have youth membership uppermost in
our minds and are continually looking for ways to attract such
membership. It is not for the want of trying. The membership of the
regional societies in some areas is widespread and sometimes not all
members can attend meetings. The regional societies produce their own
circulars and newsletters from time to time informing their members of
what is happening locally and internationally.
The national society puts out two issues of The New Zealand Newsletter
each year in July and December updating things nationally .The regional
societies exchange their circulars . From time to time the national
president receives overseas Newsletters by e-mail which he forwards
onto the regional societies also likewise all ACMS releases which are
for public knowledge.
On the whole the membership is kept well informed.
Also the Meeting accepted an
offer from Central Otago CMS to host a South Island Gathering in March
2007. Otago presented a remit to the meeting regarding setting up a
simple genealogical project being a list of members With the names of
their forbears who came from Scotland and where possible the port and
date of departure, the ship they came on and the port and date of
arrival in New Zealand. Hawkes Bay presented a remit concerning a
possible visit from Chief John and Ulrika. This is to be investigated
and a remit asking for consideration to be given to holding Clan
Council Agms every Second year with a virtual {electronic } meeting in
between. The meeting felt that the Yearly meeting kept all in contact
(physically ) with each other. Altogether it was a most comprehensive
and successful meeting. New Zealand wishes to express its concern about
ideas and Suggestions being put to ACMS Management Council Meetings
which would involve National Societies in a financial outlay. It would
save a lot of problems occurring if the proponents of such would advise
the Nationals Society Presidents well in advance of such meetings of
such proposals. The NSPS would then be able to consult their regional
societies for some agreement to any financial commitment required. and
be able to properly instruct proxies accordingly. This is only common
courtesy to all concerned. Of course such matters should be properly
notified to The ACMS Secretary for inclusion in Meeting agendas.
We are all One big Worldwide Family . Through our unity let us set an example for the World .
We Shall Hold a Light as We Hold Fast To our Proud Macleod Family Fellowship.
Ian F. Macleod
REPORT 2008
Clan MacLeod Society Of New Zealand:
Report for ACMS MC meeting
To be held on 16th February in Edinburgh
New Zealand Clansfolk wish their fellow Clansfolk all the best for
2008. It is a fairly quiet time of the year for Clan activities as many
clansfolk have been on Christmas & New Year holidays. Most Regional
Societies have yet to hold committee meetings to plan activities for
this year.
One of the major highlights for the latter part of 2007 was the visit
from Ruari and Anne Halford-MacLeod. I gather that this was their
first time in New Zealand . They very much enjoyed their trip around
the country being met and hosted by clansfolk from North to South.
There was quite a bit of reminiscing with clansfolk that they had met
at Clan Parliaments over the years. When Ruari was in Christchurch,
he discovered a suburb named after some of his forbears. Ruari and Anne
visited one of our oldest clan members who was at Parliament in 1956
being Tui Parsons whose neice is our national secretary. Tui and Rona
are quite closely related to the late Calum of the Road fame. This is
the sort of thing that Ruari and Anne enjoy most meeting up with
clansfolk who have strong connections to notable MacLeods in
Scotland.In Waipu they were taken to the grave of the Rev Norman
MacLeod. They also met up with Rebecca's mother and Grandfather. It was
a real delight to have this visit by Ruari and Anne.
Members of the regional societies attended functions organised by
outside groups. Canterbury members attended the Gathering of The
Clans Celidh at The Scottish Society. Auckland members attended the
Auckland Highland Games and the pre Xmas Picnic in Cornwall Park.
Canterbury had to defer their AGM to February 2nd as there was not a
quorum present on November 24th That Society will be holding its
annual picnic on Sunday January 20th in the Christchurch Botanic
Gardens. Some members will be attending the Burn's Supper at The
Scottish Society on January 26th and The Canterbury Centre's Pipe Band
Contest on February 24th.
The highlight of this particular period was The Waipu Highland Games
on January 1st in Waipu. Clan MacLeod was Host Clan for this and as
such had pride of place in Clan Alley with a Marquee. Members of
Helensville and Auckland Societies manned this during the day. I was in
attendance as was John MacLeod Chief of the MacLeods of Raasay. As Clan
MacLeod was Host Clan John and I were accorded DV Status. We were in
the Official party taking the Salute as the clans paraded into the
ground and also later when the official opening of the games took
place. The Canadian High Commissioner to New Zealand performed the
official opening signifying the link to Nova Scotia and St Annes on
Cape Breton Island in Canada. In the morning I went down Clan Alley on
a PR meet and greet the other clans and groups present and watched some
Highland Dancing. After lunch I went over to the piping boards . I
don't know how many outsiders visited the Marquee.In the parades both
The Helensville and Auckland Society's banners were paraded. This was
the first time that John had attended a highland games and he seemed
favourably impressed especially at the Ceilidh which followed the games
in the evening when a young piper from Christchurch played exceedingly
well . The piper was Harrison Hawke who is a son of Richard Hawke who
took part in last year's Dunvegan Silver Chanter.
On the evening before the games it was Hogmanay. Don Hammond President
of Auckland & NZ Vice President put on a barbeque for visiting
clan members. It was an excellent time of good Clan MacLeod fellowship.
It is with regret that I report the passing of Ron Tucker of Dunedin
who was President of The Otago Society for a goodly number of years. He
was a brother in law of the famous bearded Allan Macleod who made some
hair raising trips overland and sea to and from Dunvegan. Ron through
his marriage to Runa (Allan's sister )became involved in Clan
MacLeod affairs becoming Otago President. His nephew Rod is currently
Otago President. Ron had been unwell for some years recently. He is
sorely missed
On a much brighter note one of our oldest Clan Members Tui Parsons
recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She went to Wellington to be
with her relations to celebrate it.
I have asked all the regional societies to discuss the ACMS MT and
bring the results of those discussions to this Years NZ AGM which is
proposed for Staurday May 10th. This will be a major item on the
meeting's agenda.
If there are any Clansfolk from around the world intending to visit
New Zealand would they please contact me and NZ Secretary Rona Cooper
so that we can arrange some Clan hospitality for them.
Ian F MacLeod, President Clan MacLeod Society of New Zealand
ANNUAL REPORT for year 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008
It gives me
great pleasure to present the Annual Report of The Clan MacLeod
Society of Canterbury (Inc) for the year ending 30th September 2008.
It has been a year of contrasts marked by happy and sad occasion. It
began with members of the Clan attending The Kirkin o' the Tartan
Service at St Andrews at Rangi Ruru Presbyterian Church in October .
Followed by the Solo Piping Contest at St Andrew's College at Labour
Weekend and the Gathering of the Clans Ceilidh at the Scottish Society
Hall in November. Clan members were present at both these events.
Ruari and Anne Halford-MacLeod arrived in Christchurch late October and
took off on a tour of the South Island, returning on for the 6th
November, when we all gathered together for Dinner at Robbies Church
Corner. A very happy occasion.
Ruari is the President of The Clan MaclLeod Society of Scotland. Our
Secretary Mary Clark very kindly accommodated them. Their South
Island tour took them to Otago, Southland and Central Otago meeting up
with Clansfolk at each place. On their return to Christchurch they
spent a day looking around the City and its environs. Our social
function was our opportunity to officially welcome them to Christchurch
and in the same breath farewell them from New Zealand. Ruari gave a
brief address. It was a chance for our members to meet and greet them
and for some to renew acquaintances made at Parliaments over the years.
The Annual General Meeting was set down for Saturday November 24th at
Robbies of Riccarton. However, we did not have a quorom present, so
President Trevor Davey declared this to be a discussion session only
and postponed the AGM till February 2nd 2008 . One matter we agreed
upon was to hold the picnic on Sunday January 20th at The Botanic
Gardens in Christchurch .
Saturday December 2nd 2007 was Victoria Square Day, which some of our members attended.
The Picnic was duly held on Sunday January 20th in the Gardens at a
site near where the Buskers were performing. We could see and hear
them easily. It was a lovely fine sunny day, rather windy at times. The
wind caught all the spinning plates except one. The rest fell and broke
on the concrete. The performers made it look like part of the act,
clapping the sole surviving plate, which made it a bit of a laugh.
Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day out and the entertainment
by the Buskers.
Some members also attended the Burns' Supper at the Scottish Society Hall the following Saturday.
The AGM was duly held on Saturday February 2nd at Robbies of Riccarton.
Trevor was re-elected President with Ian F and Judith as Vice
Presidents , Mary Clark was elected as Secretary and Fiona as
Treasurer. Marie, Lois, Margaret and Alma were elected as committee
members.
Instead of a March meeting, on Friday 28th March some of us attended a
piping recital at St Andrews College by Greg Wilson and Murray
Henderson . Murray's daughter, Fiona also participated on the fiddle.
This proved to be a most enjoyable evening, with world class piping and
fiddle music to set the toes tapping.
In May, Ian F. attended the New Zealand Clan Council AGM in Napier and
presented our society's remit with regard to a park bench at Dunvegan
Castle. This received a favourable response with a firm decision to be
made at the 2009 AGM. .
Some members attended the Installation of The Chief of The Scottish Society on May 15th .
Our June meeting was to be an address given by Donald Campbell about
his Skye Heritage. Unfortunately Donald was unwell on the day and
unable to attend so Trevor addressed us briefly on armorial matters and
we had a bit of a potpourri of contributions on other topics from some
of those present.. We also said farewell to Judith Moore who was
leaving in July to take up a teaching position in China. After the
meeting we went to Sequoia 88 for dinner as our final time with Judith
and wished her well for China.
August 16th saw us have a most enjoyable afternoon of Indoor bowls at
Papanui Methodist Church Hall with members of Clan Donald and Clan
Gunn. This was friendly competition with no emphasis on winning.
On Saturday 13th September the Scottish Society held its annual Burn's
Song Contest. Our Society put up the first prize money for the 13-16
year old age group.
A fortnight later we held our September meeting to hear Donald Campbell
give his address. Unfortunately he let us down again so Ian F. briefly
addressed the meeting about his Great great great uncle the Rev
Alexander Macleod of Rogart. This was followed by another pot pourri
of memoirs and contributions from some of the members present.
Right on the end of the society's year under review, Ian F. received a
phone call from Bee Davey to say that Trevor had passed away peacefully
in his sleep on Monday September 29th.
This was the sad event of the year. Trevor looked not a day over 70 at
the meeting just two days before. There were no outward signs of
anything amiss. His funeral was held at Knox Church on Saturday October
4th 2008.
The committee met regularly throughout the year to attend to the
Society's business. Trevor in conjunction with Colin Lewis made a start
on reviewing our constitution with the view to updating it. All
officers and committee members are thanked for their attention to the
Society's business. Treasurer Fiona has kept the society on a sound
financial footing. Secretary Mary Clark has kept abreast of Clan
affairs successfully together with her very busy life.
Ian F. continues to represent the society on the Canterbury Scottish
Heritage Council and on the New Zealand Clan Council for which he is
thanked.
All members are thanked for their much valued and continued support.
Our society is what we make it, without the continued support of our
membership our society would not exist. Hopefully as we go into the
2008 - 2009 Clan Year we will attract new members. Even though we are
a small group we must continue to meet. HOLD FAST.
Signed Mary P. Clark Secretary.
November 2008
October 2007
Dear Clansfolk
President' s Message
Hope you are all enjoying daylight saving and the feel of Spring in the air.
Not a lot to report on, as since our last get together, things have been fairly
quiet.
Annual General Meeting
On 17th June we had the AGM at Daphne and Jim's place and
enjoyed a lovely lunch, kindly provided by Daphne and those who attended the
meeting.
The following were elected to the committee:
President : Rod MacLeod
Secretary/Treasurer: Daphne MacLeod
Committee: Pauline MacLeod, Rose and John Gerson, Shirley Morton, Marilyn Keogh Diane MacLeod and Neil Roberts.
Pauline and I are having Ruari (President - CMS Scotland) and Anne
Halford-MacLeod stay with us while they are in Dunedin. We were
fortunate to have met with them when we had our trip to Parliament last
year, and it's great they are making the trip to NZ.
They mentioned they were keen to meet with 'local MacLeods', so it
would be good to see as many members at the dinner on 31st October as
possible.
Their visit to Dunedin is only brief; however, it would be good to give
them some good memories to take with them....
Rod & Pauline
Wednesday 31st October 2007 Victoria Hotel, Café Bar, St Andrew Street, Dunedin, 6.30pm for 7pm
Ruari Halford-MacLeod, President of Clan MacLeod Scotland and his wife Anne will be visiting us as part of a New Zealand tour.
Plagiarised from the Hawke' s Bay newsletter'''. Introducing our Guests!
' Ruari is President of Scotland' s Clan MacLeod Society. He and his wife
Anne live in Fife. They are on a tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Ruari has an extensive knowledge of Dunvegan Castle. Anne has played a
major part in clan life. She was coordinator of the last Clan
Parliament. With the large numbers attending, this was no small
undertaking and from all accounts was a brilliant success. Ruari has
written two booklets ' one is on the tartans of Clan MacLeod and the
other about the building of Dunvegan Castle. His knowledge and feeling
for our clan and castle are extensive.
Subscriptions - 2007
Thanks to those who have renewed theirs. Reminder forms are enclosed for those who haven' t as yet.
Happenings
A memorial service took place on Saturday 16th June at Dunvegan for the Late Chief John. An account is enclosed.
National Newsletter
A copy of the latest newsletter is enclosed.
NZCMS Annual General Meeting
The annual meeting of the combined New Zealand Societies was held on
Saturday 12th May 2007 at the home of Alister MacLeod, Wellington. A
report on the meeting written by the National Secretary, Rona Cooper,
is in the national newsletter.
Going up North for Christmas/New Year? - Waipu Games, Northland, Monday 1st January 2008
Clan MacLeod is to be the host Clan at the Waipu Highland Games, 2008.
They will lead the parade. Chief John MacLeod of Raasay is coming from
Tasmania to represent the Clan. He will be the representative of Chief
Hugh MacLeod of MacLeod and Chief Donald of the Lewes.
The Waipu Games are held annually and feature many Scottish
attractions; piping; dancing; the NZ Highland Heavyweight competition
(which include Scottish events such as caber tossing etc); the march of
the joint pipe bands and for the first time this year ' Fashion in the
Park' . This fashion competition, will display items which have tartan
as a major element of design, has been promoted by Clan MacLean
Association, NZ.
The Games are held on the Jan 1st 2008 . Gates open at 8.30am and the
March of the Clans begins at 9.30 am. Cost is $15 for an adult and $35
for family.
B.Y.O food etc and have a picnic or buy from one of the many vendors.
There will be Clan information tents and Scottish regalia shops there
on the day. The Waipu Heritage Centre (Museum) is open all day.
In the evening there will be a BBQ followed by a Ceilidh.
Check the website www.highlandgames.co.nz and find information about the host clan under ' Clans' .
If you are in the area or are thinking about going up North, please
come along and support Clan MacLeod New Zealand, wear a little bit of
tartan and enjoy the celebrations. For further details contact Daphne.
Travelling Overseas?
Don' t forget that MacLeod Clan societies are in the following countries
and making contact with fellow clansfolk in Australia, Canada, USA,
South Africa, Scotland, England, France and Germany can be organised by
viewing their contact details online at www.clanmacleod.org. The North
American Gathering will be held in Ottawa 2 ' 6 July 2008 ' go online
at www.macleodgathering2008ca to check out their tentative plans.
Will you be in Scotland ' July 2009? ' if so you may be interested in ' ..
The Gathering 2009 is being held in Holyrood Park on 25th and 26th July
2009. It aims to be the largest international gathering of the clans
ever held, and is one of the signature events of the Homecoming
Scotland initiative. The Gathering will take the form of a classic
highland games and will feature a clan parade up the Royal Mile
followed by a unique commemorative clan pageant to be held on the
Edinburgh Castle esplanade. Contact Daphne for more information.
Looking forward to you joining us at the Café Bar on Wednesday 31st
October, 6.30pm for 7pm at The Victoria Hotel, St Andrew Street. I If
you have a relative or friend who would like to come along too and
enjoy the meal with Ruari and Anne, please phone Rod 489 3686, or
Daphne 473 7282. Rod and Pauline have already dined at the Café Bar and
said their meal was ' great' and a very reasonable cost.
If you have not already done so, please let Rod or Daphne know by Friday 26th October whether or not you can join us
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