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President's Message
St. Andrew's
Society News
Past Issues
May-Jun 2002
Sep-Oct 2002
Nov-Dec 2002
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Saint Andrew's Society of Tidewater
Tidalaire
Volume 2, Issue 4 Jan-Feb 2003
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From the President
Carolyn L. Barkley, FSA Scot
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Happy New Year!
 At our December dinner meeting, we heard reports from 2002 scholarship winners Leah Bernick and Kathryn Shaw. It was such a pleasure to hear two such poised young women talk of their dancing experiences during the past year as well as their love of their Scottish heritage. It was equally a pleasure to have their families join them for the evening. Family support for such activities is so important given the dedication, time, money, travel and practice that successful competition requires. As we look to the beginning of the application process for 2003, I hope each of you will think of young people you know who may benefit from financial assistance for classes, workshops, institutes, etc. in some aspect of our Scottish heritage.
 I’d also like to thank all of our speakers during the past year. One of the highpoints of our dinner meetings is the presentation of interesting programs that provide us with opportunities to learn and appreciate more about a facet of Scottish culture. We would like to have the program schedule confirmed through June as soon as possible. Do you have a topic or expertise that you could share with members? If so, it would be great to schedule you for a presentation at an upcoming meeting. Recent examples include Ham Hamilton’s presentation on the Orkneys, Jim Roberts presentation on the bagpipes, Eleanor Unger’s presentation on Scottish Dance, and Randy Bruce’s presentation about publishing his novel. You could share the history of your clan, some aspect of a trip to Scotland, or some Scottish related expertise you might have. You may also know of someone that you could recommend as a speaker. They do not have to be a member of St. Andrew’s, the only requirement being a Scottish related topic. Please contact either Ham Hamilton or myself with suggestions or recommended speakers.
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Orkneys Visit Highlight to Summer Trip
Rita Hamilton
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Our trip to the Orkney islands was primarily to see Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe (Maes Howe). Wild, rocky islands, uninhabited,
rough weather, right? Not quite. The islands, with about eighteen to twenty thousand inhabitants, have maintained that number for centuries. The island's weather is mitigated by the influence of the gulf stream and it rarely snows. The country side has rolling hills with few trees. I really don't remember seeing any, actually. The shrubs do seem to have a definite bend from the directional wind and I was told that when storms do come, the rain can be horizontal. For us, the weather was glorious. There are lots of crafts on the islands, with an actual "craft trail" that one can follow. The food was quite fresh. The scallops at the Merkister Hotel on the edge of Loch Harray were world class. The light was just outstanding and made you wish to linger outside until late in the evening.
The Standing Stones of Stenness were in a pasture with some sheep and we had to watch our footing lest we reenter our car with some natural perfume. But they were really spectacular and their age made us realize just how far we've NOT come in terms of civilization. The knowledge that they had to move and to place the stones that long ago is the key to appreciation. Across the road was the Ring of Brodgar - 60 stones in a huge circle. Each stone is six degrees apart from the next. Again, like all stone circles, a bit of magic and mystery and awe.
Skara Brae, 3000 BC, was there before the pyramids were built. Eight houses and a workshop constitute what is there now. They had built in beds; niches for storage; primitive but effective sewage system in each house; sealed containers constructed of stone and sealed with clay to keep bait. They had doors of stone that could be placed and barred. Amazing!
Our recommendation - go visit them!
Stones of Stenness, Orkney Islands
Skara Brae & Bay of Skaill, the Orkneys
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Society News
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NOMINATIONS
You will soon be contacted by a member of the Nominating Committee. Positions open for the 2003 year are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one Executive Council position. Please think carefully about serving yourself and also about individuals that you would like to suggest for office.
BURNS NICHT SUPPER
Please make sure that your reservations are received NO LATER than 4 January to avoid a $10.00 late registration cost. A wonderful evening is planned for the Society’s premier event of the year. Help celebrate St. Andrew’s Society charter members as the Society enters its 20th year.
Click the following links to view the invitation and registration form:
Invitation
Reservation Form
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