Saturday turned out to be a perfect day to attend the Victoria Highland Games. Twelve of us stayed and enjoyed the many activities, such as sheepdog trials, pipe bands, clan tents and vendors, and of course, the World Heavy Events Championship. In the evening, we all met for dinner at the restaurant at the hotel; after a week together, it was like sharing dinner with family and we parted sadly.
It's hard to believe the week has ended and we've all returned home but as one of the soon-to-be members said..."don't forget you have family up here."
Thanks to all who came to join us and celebrate being Galbraiths.
Joyce Higginbotham, President
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday took us to all corners of Victoria, some to shop, others to whale watch and several of us went to the B.C. Museum. We went to the Museum and had trouble viewing some of the exhibits on the third floor because of the darkness and I thought perhaps we were to imagine how the Indians actually lived in dimness but come to find out, there was a problem with the power and later the lights came back on. The rain stayed away and the breeze was gentle, so had it been a bit warmer, I could have raved about the day.
In the evening, we all met in the hotel lobby and at the appointed time, Jack Galbraith, our Clan Piper, piped us to The Union Club. The procession was such fun and passersby seemd to enjoy the spectacle. We learned that a piper does not cross the street while playing but stops until he reaches the other side so he will be able to hear traffic. The Club and the dinner were quite elegant and a string quartet provided background music. It was a lovely sight to see 5 of our gentlemen in kilts and the ladies in their finery.
Two-thirds of the guests are leaving this morning but 14 of us will attend the Victoria Highland Games today. We have had a wonderful time here in Victoria, visiting with cousin/members we met at previous gatherings and meeting new cousin/future members. Two years seems a long time to wait until the next gathering IN SCOTLAND!
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
In the evening, we all met in the hotel lobby and at the appointed time, Jack Galbraith, our Clan Piper, piped us to The Union Club. The procession was such fun and passersby seemd to enjoy the spectacle. We learned that a piper does not cross the street while playing but stops until he reaches the other side so he will be able to hear traffic. The Club and the dinner were quite elegant and a string quartet provided background music. It was a lovely sight to see 5 of our gentlemen in kilts and the ladies in their finery.
Two-thirds of the guests are leaving this morning but 14 of us will attend the Victoria Highland Games today. We have had a wonderful time here in Victoria, visiting with cousin/members we met at previous gatherings and meeting new cousin/future members. Two years seems a long time to wait until the next gathering IN SCOTLAND!
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday - May 20, 2010 - Today we toured Butchart Gardens and Hatley Castle. The Gardens were wonderfully in bloom and the Castle was historical and interesting. We were transported in a Scottish limo (aka, a yellow school bus) and everyone seemed to be good sports about our lack of luxury.
After a bit of a rest, 28 of us went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and we had a fun time visiting and discovering how much we all had in common. The weather has been okay, cool, windy at times with occasional light showers.
Tomorrow, we have a free day and everyone will be going in different directions. In the evening, we will meet in the hotel lobby and Jack Galbraith, the Clan Piper, will pipe us to The Union Club, where we will enjoy our closing banquet.
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
After a bit of a rest, 28 of us went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and we had a fun time visiting and discovering how much we all had in common. The weather has been okay, cool, windy at times with occasional light showers.
Tomorrow, we have a free day and everyone will be going in different directions. In the evening, we will meet in the hotel lobby and Jack Galbraith, the Clan Piper, will pipe us to The Union Club, where we will enjoy our closing banquet.
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Today we toured Butchart Gardens (absolutely beautiful!) and Hatley Castle. Being good Scots, we were driven in a school bus (Scottish limo) as opposed to the luxury buses other groups were in. We just got back and this evening 27 of us are going to The Spaghetti Factory for a group dinner.
Tomorrow is a free day and I want to visit the B.C. Museum. Tomorrow evening is the Banquet at The Union Club. We'll have Jack Galbraith, from NM, pipe us down the street and around the corner to the Union Club.
The weather has been cool and frequently windy, with off and on light showers, so not bad rain-wise but a bit unpleasant wind/temperature wise.
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Tomorrow is a free day and I want to visit the B.C. Museum. Tomorrow evening is the Banquet at The Union Club. We'll have Jack Galbraith, from NM, pipe us down the street and around the corner to the Union Club.
The weather has been cool and frequently windy, with off and on light showers, so not bad rain-wise but a bit unpleasant wind/temperature wise.
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Pub Night
The Wednesday Business Meeting was split into two 2-hour sessions. The morning session included good discussion on many topics which needed discussed and voted on. One of the main ones was the decision involving our return to Scotland in 2012 for a Gathering. The afternoon session included the Genealogy/DNA presentation, which was followed by a slideshow presentation by Christine and Mel Johnston on Scottish Myth and Reality, which was most enjoyable.
Following a successful and informative Business Meeting, we celebrated by meeting at the Bard and Banker Scottish Pub for dinner and conversation. The service was wonderful. The plates of food were ample and smelled so good. The beer and wine flowed and the laughter grew. There were a few Scottish toasts and a bit of sing-a-long. The weather was cool and windy so the 5-block walk was brisk in every way.
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Following a successful and informative Business Meeting, we celebrated by meeting at the Bard and Banker Scottish Pub for dinner and conversation. The service was wonderful. The plates of food were ample and smelled so good. The beer and wine flowed and the laughter grew. There were a few Scottish toasts and a bit of sing-a-long. The weather was cool and windy so the 5-block walk was brisk in every way.
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Welcome Reception
The 16th biennial gathering began last night (May 18th) at the Executive House Hotel in Victoria, B.C. We welcomed 47 members and guests, with another 2 to join us on Thursday. A surprise visit by 4 members of a local Bagpipe band entertained us with 3-4 tunes. There was a lot of positive energy and new members joined the Clan. We had a member from New Zealand join us, plus a gentleman from Scotland who is here in Victoria visiting his family.
About 21 members convened this morning for the business meeting, where we discussed a number of topics of interest to the Clan. The meeting was properly piped to order by Jack Galbraith, the Clan Piper. We covered several topics of interest in conducting the business of the Clan and a report will be published in the August issue of the Red Tower. We will reconvene this afternoon for the Genealogy/DNA presentation by Bill Gilbreath, the Clan Genealogist, as well as a presentation by local member, Christine Johnston, on Scottish Myth and Reality.
This evening we will gather at the Bard and Banker Scottish Pub for Pub Night, where I hope members will share stories, songs, poetry, etc. We have visited a couple of local pubs and they are lovely to look at and so very friendly. More later on the evening.
Several members are taking pictures, so I hope they will upload pictures.
Joyce Higginbotham
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
About 21 members convened this morning for the business meeting, where we discussed a number of topics of interest to the Clan. The meeting was properly piped to order by Jack Galbraith, the Clan Piper. We covered several topics of interest in conducting the business of the Clan and a report will be published in the August issue of the Red Tower. We will reconvene this afternoon for the Genealogy/DNA presentation by Bill Gilbreath, the Clan Genealogist, as well as a presentation by local member, Christine Johnston, on Scottish Myth and Reality.
This evening we will gather at the Bard and Banker Scottish Pub for Pub Night, where I hope members will share stories, songs, poetry, etc. We have visited a couple of local pubs and they are lovely to look at and so very friendly. More later on the evening.
Several members are taking pictures, so I hope they will upload pictures.
Joyce Higginbotham
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Click HERE for schedule details, HERE to register
Get ready for a GREAT gathering this spring in Victoria, British Columbia. Mark 18-21 May, 2010 on your calendars. Keep checking this blog for new information on the gathering. When the gathering begins on 18 May, there will be a daily recap of gathering events posted here, along with new photos in the slide show.
For those who wanted to attend, but couldn't; this will keep you up to date on what is happening as it happens. Can't wait to get to Victoria!!!
Get ready for a GREAT gathering this spring in Victoria, British Columbia. Mark 18-21 May, 2010 on your calendars. Keep checking this blog for new information on the gathering. When the gathering begins on 18 May, there will be a daily recap of gathering events posted here, along with new photos in the slide show.
For those who wanted to attend, but couldn't; this will keep you up to date on what is happening as it happens. Can't wait to get to Victoria!!!