Quick March

Scottish Scoiety of Richmond

Well after a batch of tough luck that started on Saturday things look to be headed back up again. I had to miss Pumpkinpalooza and Alex’s bash as well due to the studio opening up for my wife and no available sitter for the girls. (Not a terrible thing as I have two great girls to hang and play with) Not to mention both my cell phone and home phone were out most of the day. (Lots of messages from Tim and Scott wondering where I was) To top it off I got hung up at work late on Monday and didn’t have time to get ready so I had to sit out playing at the Scottish Society as well. I was there though and all I can say is what a blast.

This was the kick off for the Richmond Games by the Scottish Society of Richmond and they did it up right. First we played for them for about 10 to 15 minuets to robust applause after each tune, by the time we ended with Set 1 (Scotland the Brave, Rowan Tree, Wings) and Shenandoah they were standing and clapping along. The pipes always move people and we are appreciated when ever we play but playing for a group of Celts is always special and you know how much they appreciate it.

The Old Dominion guys looked great. They’ve worked really hard and have come a long way. They are still a ways away from actually marching and playing but when they are ready look out. (It should be something to see both groups together as that is the plan for most events) Next, talk about a spread! When we were done playing we were invited in by the Society to help celebrate the kick off to the games. They had such a table of food: scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, short bread, sticky pudding, scones, haggis, brown bread, etc. Talk about hospitality Margaret Duckworth actually waited on a few of the guys who were slow to step up to the buffet.

To top the evening off Dan Simpson the president of the Scottish Society appointed me to a spot on the Board. I graciously accepted as it is truly a privilege to serve. I’ve talked about it before but I really enjoy my membership in both the Scottish Society or Richmond and the Irish American Society. What ever I can do to help out I’m am there to serve. Both societies are full of great people and people who belong to both groups as well. Take a second to visit each site and consider joining www.richmondscots.org and www.richmondias.org

Here’s hoping the rain stays away Saturday for the Richmond Games. Doesn’t look like it will but what’s rain to the Scots and Irish but liquid sunshine. Again it’s the last games at RIR. Next year they’ll be at the new fair grounds in New Kent. Make sure you stop by the tent and visit us.

On a serious note please keep Randy King (Fay’s husband) as well as Tim in your thoughts and prayers. Randy had surgery on his kidney for a tumor. He’s doing better and will hopefully be home soon. Tim’s troubles with the spider bite are documented here on the blog. To think I joked about the spider getting the worst end of the deal. Hopefully both will make a speedy recovery.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Some of us, such as Doug, Scott, Geoff,  and myself in the SALPD share a common clan, the Clan Chattan. The Clan Chattan was a confederation of several clans that consisted of theClans  Davidson, MacPherson, MacGillvary, Shaw, MacLeans, MacIntyre, MacThomas and MacKintosh/MacIntosh chiefs being at the head. Most but not all, of the clans also shared a common symbol in their crest, a Scottish Wildcat and variations of the wording ” Touch not the Catt bot a glove”.  If you’ve ever seen a Scottish Wildcat, you will understand why Highlanders looked upon them as a strong symbol.

It was the Scottish Wildcat that these Highlanders identified with; fierce, to themselves, elusive, and free. The wildcat once populated all of Europe and all of Britain, but with the constant battle with mans expansion into its’ natural domains, the Wildcat by the mid 18th and 19th centuries was only to be found left in the Highlands of Scotland. I had the privilege of visiting the Cairgorms National Park in Badenoch, back in 2000 before it was being declared officially as a Park and there was talk of an exhibit being constructed for the wildcats to help nuture injured animals. I plan on returning this coming year to see how it has come along. At a glimpse the Scottish Wildcat may appear like the typical Tabby Cat, but they are much larger and the markings are a wee bit bolder, plus there’s no petting to be tolerated by these lads. If cornered, they’d tear a grown man to shreds before you could scream “here kitty kitty”.

Today, sad to say, there is only estimated to be 400 of the animals left wild in Scotland. Their biggest adversary, next to man, is the encroachment of domesticated cats, which they are now inter breeding with and producing fertile hybrids. Along with diminishing inter-breeding, feline Leukemia is passed on from their domestic cousins into the population. Please follow the link I’ve added. Maybe you would like a copy of the DVD that’s come out on the website I’ve listed, or even maybe contribute to the wildlife fund on their site to help. Those who believe in preserving Scotland’s natural treasures would surely agree.

http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/

Bookmark It

Hide Sites