HISTORICAL MINUTES OF MEETINGS TO 2014 |
Minutes of the Meeting Of Apologies Minutes of the Meeting. The meeting was chaired by vice convener of The Society of William Wallace, Gary Stewart. Treasurers report…George Gary and George gave thanks to Patricia Hovie who has donated another of her paintings, which will help to increase Society funds. Webmasters report…George Press and Media Officer The Young Lions…Abbey Vice Conveners report…Gary The Bell o the Brae Poetry competition, a decision will be made soon on the winning poem. The Bell o the Brae, awaiting response from Sandra White, MSP. Glasgow City Council refused permission. The Society will consider carefully, the next steps to be taken. The Wallace Letter, Gary is in communication with Fiona Hyslop regarding the current position. Visit to Jean, Neil reported on an emotional visit to see Jean with Dina who was over for a few days. Jean, Gary reported that Jean would like more involvement within the Society Social Convener, This role was discussed and will also be put on the list of roles open within the Society at the AGM. USA, Randy reported that he is setting up an online shop to help the Society in the US. Bands for Wallace Day, the favoured choice by those present were, Ted Christopher, Clann an Drumma and The Tartan Specials which have all been booked. Christmas Night out, suggestions included: a pub in Airdrie with Ted as entertainer, and The Wallace Bar in Paisley, also with Ted. Marketing secretary, another new role suggested for the AGM, to assist with the promotion of the Society within schools, at outdoor events, etc. Membership, fees will be decided at the AGM. It was suggested that two types of membership be available. One being that of ordinary member, at a minimum cost of £5 per year. Another VIP membership would also be available, costing £15.00 per year, which would include quarterly magazine, t-shirt and lapel badge. Preparation for AGM, it is hoped that there will be a really good turnout at this meeting , and decisions will be made by those present on the night. With new roles being created, the work can be shared and more people can be involved in maintaining the Society of William Wallace and taking it forward into the future. The AGM has been changed to Monday 17th November as a lot of members will be going to the Scotland V England football game on the Tuesday night Meeting ended at 9.35 pm. Date of next meeting, that of The Annual General Meeting. Monday 17th November, 2014 at 7.45 pm. Please come along! Everyone welcome The Society of William Wallace Election of Office Bearers The following office bearers nominated so far are: Convenor………….......................Nomination………Gary Stewart
Other nominations are welcomed and encouraged
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Minutes of the
Meeting Of Present Apologies Minutes of the Meeting. The meeting was chaired by vice convener of The Society of William Wallace, Gary Stewart. Gary welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the office bearers. Treasurers report…George Income continues including 6 new members last month and sales of stock. George has arranged with Kimberley that the money raised through the David R Ross Memorial fund be incorporated into the Stirling memorial. Webmasters report…George Press and Media Officer..Irene The Young Lions…Abbey Vice Conveners report…Gary. Gary will continue to liase with MSP’s James Doran, David Turner and Sandra White. The closing date for the poetry competition to be extended to 10th October. This will be put on a web forum that will enable all all schools to see it. The new drawing by Andy Hillhouse has been submitted and approved. Robert Wishart Bannockburn Falkirk Bannockburn commemoration Falkirk Targe American visitors Randy. Wallace Day March to be led by Tullyallan Pipes and Drums. The Speakers will be Mark Hirst, Lesley Matthews, Martin Mitchell, Abbey Stewart and Ted Christopher. It was suggested that a picture of Wallace be carried at the front of the parade. Bar will be worked as usual by Irene and Paul. Prices have to be increased. Tea room volunteers needed. Also need for sandwiches and baking. Bands…The Tartan Specials, The Tonkerers, Uige Beatha, Ted Christopher. Help will be given to decorate the Wallace Memorial. Whisky to be raffled to raise funds for the Society., kindly donated by Duncan’s family. Award ceremony to be held. with William Ballantyne presenting the awards, assisted by Lesley Matthews. A discussion arose as to how The Society could moved forward amongst those members present. The following is a list of some of the ideas suggested. Membership Agenda Schools. Fund raising opportunities. Music Publications Merchandise. Events Gary thanked everyone for their contribution to the discussion. The meeting ended at 9.55pm. Please remember that Membership fees are due this month! |
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Meeting Of This was the first meeting since the death of Duncan Fenton, The Convener of The Society of William Wallace, on May the 25th 2014. Present Apologies The meeting was chaired by vice convener of The Society of William Wallace, Gary Stewart. As a mark of respect, Gary will chair the meetings as vice convener until the AGM of The Society in November. Poetry Competition Treasurers report…George This has been a difficult time for the Society. The death of Duncan and the arrangements for Bannockburn have hit the Society hard. In addition to usual expenditure, members present agreed to give a financial donation to Duncan’s partner, Jean. Another donation was approved, which is to be given to Sarah Cromes daughter. George has managed to negotiate a reduced cost for the evening event at Bannockburn. Tickets will now be £20.00. It was suggested that coins should be sold on e’bay, but merchandise should still be sold through the Society merchandise officer. Members present agreed. Despite all of the expenditure, the Society finances still remain afloat. Gary thanked George for the work he has done in order to achieve this. Webmasters report…George Duncan: Press and Media Officer..Irene Irene is in contact with Jean every day. Irene and Gary will take some of Duncan’s ashes to Bannockburn. The Young Lions: Loudon Hill: Falkirk Avoch 24th May Minutes from the meeting in April Renfrewshire Council grant for Wallace Day. The Lubeck Letter Vice Convener, Gary Stewart New Coin Subscriptions and membership Bannockburn 21st June 2014 Speeches Wreath laying Question and answer session chaired by vice convener, Gary Stewart. Stirling Smith Museum Visit…Gary will speak to Elspeth King. Speakers at Wallace Day…Mark Hirst(helped with the return of the Wallace letter), Speech and song by Ted Christopher. Waiting for confirmation from other people Pipe band…George has booked Wallace Tree at Port Glasgow…Society member Cha reported that the owner is willing to donate the tree to the Society, which could be fashioned into fundraising gifts. Society member Gordon Aitken suggested that the design of the Bell o the Brae monument could incorporate a wooden memorial inlay. He also reported that Arthur has been unable to work on the piece through ill health, but would welcome help from anyone interested. Memorial bench Greenock press Wallace Parades on 21st June The meeting ended at 9.30pm , with thanks to all in attendance by Gary Stewart.
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The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 15th October 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Gordon Aitken, Christine MacLeodApologiesGeorge Boyle, Gary Stewart, Neil Lochiel, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Tom Lavelle, Isobel Lavelle, Karen Owens, Irene Clarke, Bill Pollock, Val Pollok. Due to tonight’s meeting falling on the same night as the Scotland – Croatia football match, many of our members were at the game. Quite a few also contacted me to inform me of being unwell. In the event, it was decided to carry tonight’s business forward to the November meeting, which will be the AGM. Next meeting will be our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19th November 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. Duncan Fenton |
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The Society of William Wallace SeptemberMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 17th September 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. Present Duncan Fenton, Petra Segrodnik, Amber McCann, Murron Rose & Scotia Ann McCann, George Kempik, Harry & Dianne McAlister,Gary Stewart, Abbey Stewart, Gordon Aitken, Brian McCutcheon, Neil Lochiel, Richard Quinn, Irene Clarke, Lily Love. ApologiesGeorge Boyle, Guillamme De Mari, William Wallace, Mary E King, Bill Pollok, Val Pollok, Gini Craig, Karen Owens. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. Duncan gave a special welcome to Harry McAlister, former convener of The Society of William Wallace, and his wife Diane, who live in Seattle USA and are currently on holiday in Scotland. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportThis was given by Duncan in George Absence, e-mailed to Duncan. After a very successful Wallace Day, the bank balance is quite healthy. There are still quite a few Annual membership renewals to come in. Thanks to all who have paid & given generous donations. If you haven’t yet done so, please visit http://www.thesocietyofwilliamwallace.com/join.htm The King Robert Hotel. Money needs to come in now for the Bannockburn event. The entire stay will cost £125.00.Shortly we will have a facility to pay a deposit through Paypal or by cheque. Deposit will be £50 per person, to secure your place. Webmaster’s Report George is still working on updating the website, which is quite labour-intensive, given the amount of content that we have. Our Facebook Page continues to grow in readership, with many good ideas coming from folk. Vice Convenor’s ReportWe are still waiting for a response from Glasgow City Council about our planning application. Gary has applied, on behalf of the Society, to the Weir Trust. It is hoped we can secure funding from them to pay for the construction of the Bell o’ the Brae Memorial. King James IV, and Flodden commemoration. Many, largely financial and bureaucratic obstacles, prevented the return of the sword, ring and dagger of the king to Scotland. Work, however, continues in the background. Gary continues to pursue the chance to get the King James artefacts on loan, maybe for 2014. We had been told that if other items are coming here on loan, the transport costs will be shared & thus lowered considerably. Gary mentioned the idea of the SOWW adopting the Robroyston Monument. Although Stewart Milne Homes own the land, they do not own the monument, which is supposed to be looked after by Historic Scotland, who sadly, have done nothing to ensure the site is protected from vandalism, graffiti, etc. This has been done by our own members. This will be discussed further. Abbey Stewart told the meeting of mistakes in history being taught at her school. She pointed these out to her teachers. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene has noticed that there is much more negativity towards Scotland in the mainstream press & media during the run-up to the Independence Referendum, which will be held next year. This was discussed. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report 52% of raffle tickets have been sold. Randy thanked the Society of William Wallace for their time and comradeship. The USA website is almost complete. He has had really positive comments from various events I the US, including The North Virginia Festival and the Scotland County Games. Randy has provided George with a list of makers and suppliers of leather items. Randy has requested that any news cuttings pertaing to Wallace & Scotland’s history, be scanned & sent to him for display in the tent. There is a definite lack of Scottish related news making it to the States. Randy suggested financial sponsorship in the form of “Adopt a Project”, such as The Bell o’ the Brae and The Guardians Trust , within his tent at the events. Convenor’s Report Duncan thanked everyone for their input at Wallace Day, which was a huge success. The SOWW also attended the Stirling Brig Commemoration, run by Ted Christopher. This also had a great turnout. Great speeches by Ted, Rob Gibson, Neil Lochiel & Lesley Matthews, all members of the Society. Duncan has discussed the possibility of launching a commemorative coin for the Bannockburn 700 anniversary. Interested parties are, the Clanranald Trust & the Bannockburn Heritage Centre. Costs & profits will be shared. A.O.C.B Christine attended the Flodden 500 Anniversary. She wore the “Flodden” plaid that she wove specially to mark the event. After trying to register the tartan, the name “Flodden” hy with ad already been taken. It was suggested to her to name it “Flooers o’ the Forest”. This has now been accepted. Well done Christine. Her specially woven “Bannockburn 700” tartan will be on display at the visitor centre next year. Petra is looking into the possibility of a delegation of Society members travelling to Germany the next time the Lubeck Letter goes on display there. It was noted that there was very little coverage of Wallace Day in the Paisley Daily Express, which has always devoted a 2 page spread in the past. Harry McAlister, former convener of The Society, then spoke to the group present and thanked everyone in The Society of William Wallace for all of their work. The meeting ended at 9.30p.m With thanks to Lily for the refreshments and eats afterwards! Duncan Fenton |
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The Society of William Wallace AUGUST Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 20th August 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. Present Treasurer’s Report Webmaster’s Report Vice Convenor’s Report Press & Media Officer’s Report Convenor’s Report Duncan then handed over to the convener of Wallace USA, Randy Dedrickson, who, with his wife Barry, was present at the meeting, having just arrived from the USA that morning and especially to be present at Wallace Day, when he will be one of the speakers. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Randy talked about his work at events like Grandfather Mountain Games, and future work at The North Virginia Scottish Festival, and others including North Carolina and Richmond. He also gave all of our office bearers a specially made wooden pendant, with Wallace’s face on it, made by carver Jim Calder. A.O.C.B Memorial Bench. Gordon Aitken is looking into an existing tree stump being converted into a lasting memorial to Lachlan near the Falkirk Cairn in Callander Park. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th September 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. I thank you all & hope to see you all again next year. Yours for Scotland, Duncan Fenton |
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The Society of William Wallace JULYMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 16th July 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, George Boyle, Chris MacLeod, Tommy McGrory. ApologiesGary Stewart, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Tom Lavelle, Isobel Lavelle, Susan Coghill, Neil Lochiel, James Crawford Wallace, Bill Pollock, Val Pollock, Brian McCutcheon, Gini Craig, Andy Middleton. Pre business news. A presentation was made by the former Keeper of Records and accepted by Christine MacLeod, of a framed certificate of the record of The Society tartan which was woven on the island. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. Treasurer’s ReportBank balance lower than normal, but expenditure has been higher than usual, hut there is still money to come in for tartan, etc. This month contributions towards assisting Lachlan’s family at this sad time are outlined in the accounts of The Society. Webmaster’s Report Vice Convenor’s Report King James IV artefacts. Dr. Elspeth King has completed all the required forms for the loan agreement, to take place this year. All we have to do now is wait for confirmation. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene and Paul were recently at Portobello with Amber, Scotia and Murron who all had a great day out. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report SOWW tent was a huge hit at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Several folk asked to join the Society & were referred back to our main website. 57 claymore raffle tickets now sold. Jim did sweet potatoes carvings for the kids who attended. Convenor’s Report Duncan sent a thank you letter to Councillor Andy Doig, for his help in securing funding from Renfrewshire Council. Duncan reported on the recent commemoration in Rothesay. A great day, with beautiful weather, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Duncan & Gary were invited into Bute Radio to give an interview regarding the commemoration. Thanks to Robert McGowan for interviewing us. A full report will appear on the website shortly. Minute Secretary A.O.C.B George has booked the Bowling Club next door to the hall for this year’s Xmas party. It will be on Friday 6th December. Duncan has expressed his condolences to Lachlan’s family. His funeral was a very moving experience and he thanked all of the members of the Society who attended and who did all they could throughout a difficult time. The Society intends to continue to support Amber and the girls as much at it can. The meeting ended at 9.30p.m Next meeting will be on Tuesday 20th August 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
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The Society of William Wallace JUNEMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 18th June 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Gary Stewart, Steve Murray, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Tom Chalmers, Lesley Matthews, Daryl Matthews, Irene Clarke, James McCleary, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Tom Lavelle, Isobelle Lavelle, Paul Ballantyne, Richard Quinn, George Boyle, Chris MacLeod. ApologiesSusan Coghill, Neil lochiel, James Crawford Wallace, Guillaume De Mari, Mary E King, Robert Burns, Bill Pollock, Vall Pollock, Brian McCutcheon, Gini Craig, Abbey Stewart, Charli Stewart, Andy Middleton. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the End of Year Accounts of the income and expenditure of the Society, which are an increase on last month. Money is still to come in for the tartan. Bank balance remains healthy. Webmaster’s Report Vice Convenor’s Report Rothesay 13th July. George MacKenzie, Mike Russell have agreed to attend. Tartan makers James Sprint and Ken MacDonald from Paisley will also be invited. Isobel Strong, Provost of Argyll & Bute may also attend. Bell O’ the Brae. Andy Hillhouse’s new design is stunning and do not see any problems getting passed through planning dept of Glasgow City Council. Press & Media Officer’s Report USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report New story boards made covering subjects of; Battles of Falkirk & Stirling Bridge, Braveheart – Fact or Fiction, & the map of the route through London which Wallace was dragged to his execution. Pending approval from Glasgow City Council Planning Department, one will be made on the Bell o’ the Brae memorial. David’s axe has been posted to Duncan. Discussion by Society members on how best to raise funds for 2014 fund through a raffle to continue. Duncan will make up posters & tickets. Convenor’s Report Another thank you letter from Barmulloch Gala Day organisers, for our participation. Bannockburn event. Duncan has been in touch with Scott MacMaster, property manager of site. Meet at 1314. March at 1.30pm. As the site is being redeloved, we won’t be able to get access to the Borestone, but will lay our wreaths outside the surrounding fence. Duncarron Fort . Duncan visited during their recent open day. He reported that it is coming on a treat. A.O.C.B New coins. Candidates for next subjects were discussed, including Bruce, and the Black Douglas . Now £10.00 incl. postage. A shortlist of 10 future possibilities to be made at the next meeting. Proportion of money raised on each coin will go to artist Andy Hillhouse for his stunning design. Tartan. Chris told the story of the finishing of the new Battle of Bannockburn tartan on the loom in Weaver’s Cottage. She also described the next piece to be woven…in memory of Flodden. Wallace Day entertainers now confirmed. Albannach, Skiltron & Ted Christopher. The meeting ended at 9.30pm With special thanks to Lily for the refreshments and eats afterwards! Next meeting will be on Tuesday 16th July 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
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The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 21st May 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Irene Clarke, Abbey Stewart, Lily Love, Brian McCutcheon, Gini Craig, Lesley Matthers, James McCluaag, James Wallace, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Steve Murray, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, George Boyle, Gordon Aitken, Richard Quinn, Chris MacLeod. ApologiesSusan Coghill. Neil Lochiel, Isobelle Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Karen Owens. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported that despite the output of money for items such as coin production, Avoch , Loudoun Hill, and the tartan money yet to be recovered, the balance remains healthy. Webmaster’s Report Vice Convenor’s Report Gary spoke about our recent involvement in Ardrossan, helping to raise awareness of the perilious state of Ardrossan Castle, so that something can be done about it. The last we heard, they had raised £800 on the day. Our friend, Petra, visited us yet again. Later, we took her to visit the Strathleven Artizans’ Robert the Bruce Centre, in Renton.Bell o’ the Brae memorialGlasgow City Council has rejected our latest design, but have indicated that they like one of the previous designs. We will now focus on that one. Andy Hillhouse will now provide a more detailed design to put before the planning department. King James IV artefactsGary has spoken to Dr. Elspeth King, director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum. She has agreed to submit a formal application for the loan of these items from the College of Arms in London. Hopefully, they will be on display in September, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden. Gary did another school talk on the history of Scotland during Wallace’s time. We have been asked to attend the “Gallus Games”, next year, an alternative to the Commonwealth Games. Minute Secretary’s Report As Christine will be weaving the official Bannockburn Tartan, for the unveiling of the new visitor centre next year, she suggested that members come to see it on the loom at the NTS property of the Weavers Cottage in Kilbarchan. The cut-off date for the piece will be 14th June. Press & Media Officer’s ReportIrene reminded everyone of the booking of The King Robert Hotel for the commemoration next year. The cost is £125.00 inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast and entertainment from at least 4 top entertainers. A real bargain. On behalf of The Society, she gave condolences to Jean and Duncan on the loss of Jeans mum and dad. She praised the BBC (for once!) for their production of the wildlife series Hebrides. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s ReportRead out by Duncan. Convenor’s Report Randy has sent the axe belonging to the late Davie Ross from the USA. It hasn’t arrived yet, but we’re tracking it. It will be raffled on Wallace Day this year. We have been contacted by Kym Fletcher, who has opened the Wallace Tea Rooms, in Lanark. We have offered to go along to publicise this. Malcolm has given his Wallace replica sword to the armourers, so they can reproduce it. Malcolm has promised a copy for the Society to use at events, a very generous gesture. It is taking longer than anticipated, so Malcolm has given Duncan another sword to use at events until it is ready. This is much appreciated. A.O.C.B Tom Chalmers had created a framed piece of the Wallace Tartan with the certificate & registration document. He held a free raffle to attending members. This was won by Gini Craig. Thanks Tom.Abbey Stewart, Gary’s daughter, suggested the idea of creating a comic book, based on the life of Wallace. This will be discussed further. Rothesay tripWe discussed booking a minibus for members going to Rothesay to commemorate the Battle of Falkirk with the Men of Bute, who come to Falkirk every year. We thought we should repay the compliment. Wallace DayDifferent ideas were discussed for this year’s events, including a £1 coin roll, for nearest to the bottle of deluxe whisky. This was donated by Steve Murray. The meeting ended at 9.30pm. With special thanks to Lily for the refreshments and eats afterwards!
Next meeting will be on Tuesday 18th June 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
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The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 16th April 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, George Boyle, Jean Mi llar, Archie Millar, Isabelle Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Neil Lochiel, Brian McCutcheon, Gordon Aitken, Mae Duggan, Charli Stewart, Abbey Stewart, Chris MacLeod Apologies Bill Pollock, Val Pollock, Karen Owens, Jennifer Boyle, Michael Reid, Susan Coghill. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. A special welcome was extended to Kim Hjelmgaard, a journalist from USA Today. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the End of Year Accounts of the income and expenditure of the Society, which are an increase on last month. The balance remains healthy. Webmaster’s Report The website is looking good and our Facebook page is nearing 8,000 hits. Members present discussed appropriate use of language on Facebook by some contributers. The use of expletives and other bad language is not welcome, particularly as we encourage children to use the site for educational purposes. The administrators have to be vigilant & be ready to remove any offensive comments. George reminded everyone that he was happy to receive news and pictures related to the Society to share on the website. Vice Convenor’s Report The memorial to the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae. Duncan and Gary met with the designer & artist recently and are very happy with the idea so far. An interactive and innovat ive design. It is on a scale and style similar to that on Loudoun Hill. It also has the potential to have signatures of donors lasered on to the artwork, which may encourage interest from far and wide. Flodden The convenor and vice convenor of the Society are continuing to keep a close watch on the plans for the return of artefacts belonging to King James IV. Gary got a call from a newspaper reporter who was doing a story about Paulo di Canio, who had been appointed the new Sunderland manager. It seems his hero is Mussolini, & he had likened Mussolini to William Wallace in an interview. Gary pointed out why they were so different people & set the record straight. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene reminded everyone of the booking of The King Robert Hotel for the commemoration next year. The cost is £125.00 inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast and entertainment from at least 3 top entertainers. Evening buffet is also included in the price. We’ll start taking deposits soon to ensure your place in this one-off chance to be a part of history. Irene highlighted an email from member Willie Douglas regarding the Battle of Flodden. The BBC had referred to King James IV as a British monarch! National flag A discussion was held on the recent press picture of men raising the saltire with a nazi emblem in the centre, which enraged many present that an iconic image should be parodied in such a way. This belittling attitude is becoming more prevalent in the mainstream press. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Read by convener Duncan Fenton. Randy has begun selling raffle tickets for next year’s claymore draw. 10% have already been sold for the draw in January. A new coin depicting Andrew De Moray will be going into production shortly. Design from Andy Hillhouse has been approved. There will possibly be a Douglas one and a Bruce one in time for 2014. Randy has had colour story boards put onto canvas which can be unrolled at events in the SOWW tent. A great idea. Tartan Day South brought in $300 through talks given by Randy. This will cover all expenses & go towards the cost of the cloth story boards. Convenor’s Report Radio Times Braveheart…Radio Times interview with Dr.Fiona Watson. The editor had taken her comments out of context and put her words next to other parts of the report, which gave a totally different impression from what she intended. Duncan felt that this reflected badly on the integrity of the historian. Knowing Fiona was unhappy with this, Duncan wrote to the editor seeking a clarification & an apology to Dr. Watson. At a recent trip to Bannockburn, Duncan had a chat with manager Scott McMaster. The work on the new visitor centre is ahead of schedule & will be ready in time for next year’s 700th anniversary. They also discussed archaeological digs around the area. Before the meeting began, Duncan & Gary gave an interview, recorded by our guest, Kim Hjelmgaard, for USA Today. Ardrossan CastleWe will be helping out at an event at ASDA, Ardrossan on 27th April, with Society members in full regalia! This has been organised by the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society, who are highlighting to the public, the poor state of the castle, s o that more can be done to preserve it. Our friend Petra will be visiting Scotland at this time & will join us. From there we will pay a visit to the Robert the Bruce Heritage Centre, to meet up with the Strathleven Artizans. Duncan dropped in to the Tom Weir fundraiser in Gartocharn & donated a bottle for their raffle. Minute Secretrary’s Report Christine MacLeod reported to all present that she has designed the new Battle of Bannockburn tartan. She will weave the first piece in Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan. Scarves will then be produced by Johnstons of Elgin for sale in the new Bannockburn Centre in time for the 2014 commemoration. Details of the sett, and the Wallace sett can be seen on the Scottish register of Tartans website. A.O.C.B Tom Weir eventIt was reported that a great time was had by all at the recent Tom Weir night. Trip to ButeMichael Matheson, Rothesay MSP. & Cecil Meiklejohn, Falkirk Council leader are to confirm their presence on the day. AvochCommemoration to be held on the 18th of May March for IndependenceThe 21st of September March for Independence in Edinburgh. It is anticipated that there will be so many there, the final destination and speeches have been moved to Calton Hill. Duncan expressed his thanks to everyone in attendance for their continued support for the Society of William Wallace. The meeting ended at 9.30pm With special thanks to Lily for the refreshments and eats afterwards! Next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st May 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
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The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. Present Duncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Irene Clarke, George Boyle, Richard Quinn, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Isabelle Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Brian McCutcheon, Gary Stewart, Steve Murray. ApologiesChris MacLeod, Lily Love, Guillaume De Mari, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Susan Coghill, Nick Brand, Jim Singer, Andy Middleton. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported that quite a bit of money has come in for the Wallace coins & to pay for the tartan. George handed over a cheque to the manufacturers for the second bolt of cloth. Quite a few memberships have been added recently, too. The application form for help with funding for Wallace Day is about ready to be submitted. Webmaster’s Report The surge in membership may be a result of people looking at our Facebook page & registering interest. Vice Convenor’s Report Gary was contacted by member Jimmy Millar, who informs us that Ardrossan Castle is now is a perilous state. This is reported to be where Wallace stormed the castle & killed the whole garrison & threw them into the dungeon. This episode become known as “Wallace’s Larder”. Jimmy is trying to raise awareness & funding to consolidate the castle & will be hosting an event at ASDA on Sat, 27th April, starting at noon. Members agreed to come along to help. Project to secure the loan of the King James IV artefacts from London is ongoing. Various people have been contacted to help with this. Wallace Coffin. Gary has spoken to Ken Thomson, who is Marketing Manager of Stirling District Tourism. He has informed us that they are currently developing plans for a complete refurbishment of the National Wallace Monument. It is hoped that we will be able to display the coffin there. Bell o’ the Brae memorial. Gary is arranging a meeting with Andy Hillhouse, who is finalising detailed plans of the design, & the sculptor, Charlie & his wife Helen. We discussed the possibilities of getting schoolchildren involved through a poem competition or maybe installing a time capsule. Gary spoke on the phone to an American journalist, based in London, who may be coming to next month’s meeting. Gary has been contacted by Shawlands Primary School, who have asked us to attend the unveiling of a school project on William Wallace. The pupils have created banners dedicated to Scottish heroes. Gary & Duncan will attend, possibly George too. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene has organised a visit by some committee members to see Katie at the King Robert Hotel, in Bannockburn. There we will hand over a cheque for a deposit for accommodation for members in 2014, for the 700th anniversary of the battle. We will be looking for deposits shortly for members to confirm their intention to use the hotel. Irene informed members of the recent find of a medieval skeleton of a knight in Edinburgh, covered with a carved graveslab. This was on the site of the 13th Century Blackfriars Monastery. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report A further 50 Wallace coins were mailed and received by George. We are awaiting the design of the new Andrew de Moray coin. Our wood carver, Jim Calder, is in the process of making the Wallace Statue in wood. It will be a floor model and stand 3 – 4 feet high. Jim has agreed to attend festivals with us and will be providing wood carving demonstrations and lessons for kids and adults. We expect this will help with foot traffic to our tent. We have attached a couple pictures of his work. (Randy sent photos of the carver’s work to Duncan, who showed them to members, who were impressed by the quality.) We have added Tartan Day South to our list of festival to attend. This is the first weekend of April and Celtic Force helped us get in. All Gun shows conflict with festival dates until Sept. After being denied access to Loch Norman Games last year, which was later blamed on a misunderstanding, Randy & his team have been asked to attend & give three presentations. The history of Sir William Wallace. The history of the bagpipes. The history of Scottish sovereignty. Convenor’s Report Duncan reported that the annual Robroyston Fun Day has been cancelled, due to there not being enough staff available. However, our details had been passed on, & we have been asked to attend Barmulloch Gala Day on 1st June. Members have agreed to participate. We have received the latest design for the Andrew de Moray coin from Andy Hillhouse, which is outstanding. Many thanks to Andy. Duncan showed a photo of the artwork to members. We agreed that this should be the final design & Duncan will forward this to Randy for submission to the manufacturers. George handed Duncan a cheque for the purchase of the new saltire, which as usual, will be presented to the Andrew de Moray Project, when we attend the annual Flag Raising Ceremony on 18th May. After being left messages, Duncan phoned journalists Neil Poorans & Mark Entwistle, who wanted input regarding the state of repair of the Kirk o’ the Forest, in Selkirk. This is where Wallace most probably was knighted & made Guardian of Scotland. Subsequent articles appeared in the Deadline News & the Southern Reporter. A.O.C.B George Thom, of Fiery Jack, contacted Duncan to confirm that this year’s St. Andrew’s Day Rally & March will be held in Whitburn. He asked if a member of the SOWW would like to give a speech. Duncan agreed that one of our members would do so. We discussed the proposals for the trip to Rothesay on the 13th July. Duncan is in contact with member Marion MacMillan regarding this. Duncan read from two magazine articles, brought in by Jean Miller. One was about the largest warship of its kind ever built in Scotland,in 1511, the “Great Michael”. The other article was about the “Spirit of Scotland” sculpture of William Wallace, by Richard Price. Duncan spoke at the unveiling of this, back in 2004. Richard Quinn attended the unveiling of a new painting of Wallace & Moray, by Greg Mitchell. This took place in the Radical Road pub in Edinburgh, owned by member, Martin Mitchell. Richard showed members photos of it. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 16th April 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
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The Society of William Wallace
Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 19th February 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. Present Duncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, George Boyle, Richard Quinn, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Isabelle Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Neil Lochiel, Chris MacLeod ApologiesGuillaume De Mari, James Wallace, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Susan Coghill. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the End of Year Accounts of the income and expenditure of the Society, which are an increase on last month. The balance remains healthy. The second bolt of tartan is now ready. The overseas orders will be processed by Ken at Houston Menswear. Many thanks to Ken for this. Webmaster’s Report George reported that there were a few technical problems with the web page, due to a new computer system, which will be rectified. Otherwise, all is well. He reminded everyone that he was happy to receive news and pictures related to the Society to share on the website. Vice Convenor’s Report The Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae Gary reported that he and Duncan had a meeting recently with Glasgow City Council. They handed in several designs for the memorial, drawn by Andy Hillhouse. They also had a meeting with the sculptor & showed him Andy’s designs. They then discussed which ones we preferred. Gary reminded all present of the closeness of the 500th commemoration of the Battle of Flodden on the 9th September this year. Gary & Duncan had a meeting recently with the Scottish Government, to raise awareness of the event & to ask if they would request the return, on loan, of King James IV’s sword, dagger & turquoise ring, currently held in London. It is hoped that these items could be displayed in museums on both sides of the border. Gary has discussed the Wallace Coffin with Kimberley, who wants it to be placed in the Wallace Monument in Stirling. The potential is there for a whole package of important items to be on show to the public. These will also include Davie’s plaid, sword & a copy of the Walk for Wallave DVD, to be shown in a continuous loop on a monitor. Gary reported on how pleased he was to be interviewed by his daughter Charli on the return of the Wallace Letter for a project at school! Gary has booked Ted Christopher for the Loudon Hill commemoration. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene reminded everyone of the booking of The King Robert Hotel for the Bannockburn 700th commemoration next year. Booked acts include Albannach, Ted Christopher & Fiery Jack. More to be confirmed. If a huge crowd seems to be arriving, which it looks like it will, other venues & other entertainers will be approached to play. She highlighted the BBC History Magazine article on Edward I “Man of Principle or Grasping Opportunist” by Caroline Burke. Tartan discovered on roman warrior 1,800 years ago, reported in press in January 2013 as Caledonian Warrior. Irene also thanked all for their good wishes during her recent illness. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Duncan read Randy Dedrickson’s report from the USA, which included…. A new supply of the Wallace coin has been mailed. Designs for the next coin have been discussed. We have decided on Andrew de Moray. Duncan will ask Andy Hillhouse if he could design the coin for us. Randy has requested that we promote Duncarron Fort in his tent in the US. The members present agreed. The total number of cars for our Guinness Worldbook Record (GWR) event (“Most MINI Coopers in a Parade”) is now projected to be more than 2,500, which requires more area to conduct the parade, and therefore greatly restricts where we can financially & legally do it. Therefore, the event has been moved to March 2014. Snow storms prevented us from attending (2) scheduled events. The next available event comes in April. Festival events we plan to attend in the 2013 season Loch Norman, North Carolina, April Grand Father Mountain, North Carolina, July Virginia Scottish Festival, Virginia, September Scotland County Games, North Carolina, October Central Virginia Games, Virginia, October Jim Calder has agreed to make a one-off statuette of William Wallace This will stand 18- to 24-inches high. Jim has agreed to make one per year for SOWW. We will raffle them off to generate more funds for SOWW. He also offered points-of-contact to have smaller bonze models made; we will look into this as another source of funds for SOWW. Convenor’s Report Duncan thanked the membership for re-electing him as Society Convenor & pledged to continue to do his best for the Society. Duncan led the discussion on the article on James IV in The Times. He has been in touch with Dr Tony Pollard regarding the matter, who has agreed to help with securing a loan of these items. The photograph which appeared in the paper is the only time that Duncan knows of that these photographs have been made public. Until recently, the only images available online were one sketch & an engraving. Duncan attended the commemoration of the second Battle of Falkirk, 1746. Our German friend, Petra, got in touch to say that member Iain Turnbull had been admitted to hospital following a severe illness. Duncan sent a card on behalf of the Society, to wish him well on the road to recovery. We had a wee inprompu visit to Lachlan & Amber, to see Scotia, Murron Rose. Welcome to another wee patriot who will be brought up to help secure Scotland’s future. Martin Mitchell, who owns The Radical Road Pub in Edinburgh had been in touch encouraging all to visit to see a commissioned painting of Wallace & Moray by Greg Mitchell. He has commissioned a further two paintings, one of the Scottish army & a Burns portrait. A.O.C.B Christine MacLeod was presented with a walking stick made by Tam for her part in the Wallace Centenary Memorial Tartan. This shows a photo of Christine with the tartan. She was delighted with it! William Ballantyne sent his apologies but also sent suggestions for future events including a sponsored walk from The Wallace Memorial to Paisley Abbey. He also raised the subject of making more Wallace merchandise, including leather wallets, embroidered patches, car stickers, etc. Duncan reminded everyone that all ideas are welcome. Society member Jean Millar had suggested contacting Councillor Andy Doig regarding funding for Wallace Day from council Common Good Fund. Duncan has done this & received a form to fill in giving our details. This was handed to George at the meeting. The annual Wallacewell School Fun Day has been cancelled. On the 30th of March there will be a Tom Weir event at The Bungalow Bar in Paisley. Acts booked include Albanach, Fiery jack, The Pumpin jehosafatz, Ted Christopher, Contrast & more. Proceeds will go to raise funds for a statue to the legendary Tom Weir. Well done to Leo MacKinnon for all her hard work on this. Duncan expressed his thanks to everyone in attendance for their continued support for the Society of William Wallace. Thanks to Lily for providing the tea, coffee & snacks after the meeting. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 18th March 2013 at 7.45pm All welcome. |
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The Annual General Meeting Of The Society of William Wallace And the minutes of the meeting thereafter on Tuesday 15th January 2013 at Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00pm PresentDuncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Tom Lavelle, Isobel Lavelle, Chris MacLeod, Neil Lochiel, Richard Quinn, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Gordon Aitken, Lesley Matthews. ApologiesBill Pollok, Val Pollok, Andy Middleton, , Karen Owens, Gary Stewart, Irene Clarke, Ziggy Wilson, Craig Wilson The Convener of the Society, Duncan Fenton, welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined the procedures to be taken in the event of fire alarm activation. Duncan then stepped down as convenor and the meeting was chaired by the treasurer, George Boyle. The following is a record of the election of Office Bearers for the year 2013 Convener. Duncan Fenton Vice Convener. Gary Stewart Treasurer George Boyle Secretary. Andy Middleton Minutes. Christine MacLeod Webmaster. George Boyle Press and Media Officer. Irene Clarke Merchandise Officer. Ziggy Wilson Assistant Merchandise Officer. Craig Wilson Social Convener. Lily Love US Fundraising Officer. Randy Dedrickson Committee Members. Archie Millar, Gordon Aitken and William Ballantyne The following is a record of the meeting thereafter Convenor Duncan introduced the office bearers and each gave their reports in turn. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the End of Year Accounts of the income and expenditure of the Society, which, considering the amount achieved by the Society in the past year, remain healthy. Webmaster’s Report George reported that the website is up to date and is doing well. He reminded everyone that he was happy to receive news and pictures related to the Society to share on the website. Vice Convenor’s Report Gary was also unable to attend this meeting, Duncan read his report. Duncan reported that he, Gary and George had another meeting with Glasgow City Council Planning Department regarding the memorial to the battle of The Bell o’the Brae. All are happy with the choice of site near the High Street and adjacent to Provand’s Lordship. Duncan and Gary met with the sculptor & discussed Andy Hillhouse’s designs for the memorial. Another meeting with the council was scheduled for February. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene was unable to attend this meeting through illness and all present wished her a speed recovery. Convenor’s Report The Christmas night at Elderslie Bowling club, although small in numbers was a great success. The catering was good and Ted Christopher was brilliant as usual. Thanks was given to Jean and Archie Millar for organizing the venue & the buffet at such short notice. Tribute was made to David Ross at Robroyston by members of The Society on the 3rd Anniversary of his death. Duncan thanked all those who were present on the day. Duncan read out Randy’s report. Thanks were expressed on behalf of the Society by Duncan, to Randy for all of his hard work over the past year. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Randy has recently mailed a cheque, and was thanked by Duncan. Randy has purchased another sword and has begun a new raffle to be drawn in January 2014. Non-profit status has now been achieved. This means that donations from the USA will be free of tax. It also means that Randy will be eligible for entry at future US events, where there have been minor problems in the past. Randy has sold all of his supply of Wallace commemorative coins and has ordered another batch. Half of these will be sent to George for sale here. A commissioned carving of the Wallace statue in Baltimore will be raffled this year. Randy also sold some t-shirts and coins at recent events. A massive event is to be held on the 27th of October on Virginia Beach. The largest number of Mini cooper cars together in a parade, which aims to be in the Guinness Book of Records. This will include 5 pipe and drum bands, Saor Patrol and some celebrities .The Society Of William Wallace logo will be in front on Randy’s car. The Hogmanay party went very well. All present were shown photographs of the winner of the sword raffle, Max Janusz. The Axe belonging to David Ross which is in the US will be reviewed by a metallurgist, as it may be a valuable antique, before a decision is made as to what next happens to it. A.O.C.B More tartan has been ordered to fulfill requests. Local councillor Andy Doig reported that there was some interest in setting up a Knights Templar Chapter in the West of Scotland. Anyone interested in pursuing this should get in touch with Duncan, who will give his contact details. Duncan received confirmation from Rob Gibson, Convenor of the Andrew de Moray Project, of the date for the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony in Avoch. It will be 18th May this year.Tom Chalmers offered to make custom-made walking sticks to raise funds for the Society. Other ideas for fund raising were also explored. One was to look into help from the local Common Good Fund. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 19th February 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
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The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 20th November 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Tom Lavelle, Isobel Lavelle, Chris MacLeod, Neil Lochiel, James McLeary, Richard Quinn, Lily Love. ApologiesBill Pollok, Val Pollok, Andy Middleton, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Gary Stewart, Irene Clarke, Lesley Matthews, Eddie McNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Nick Brand, Ziggy & Craig Wilson. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. Due to a depleted attendance due to illness, it was suggested that the AGM be postponed until the January meeting, as there is no meeting in December. This was put to the vote & carried. Duncan continued with the meeting as normal & introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported the bank balance as healthy, with still some money to come in for tartan orders. George continues to attend meetings, on behalf of the Society, of the Guardians Trust, the charitable organisation which has been set up to raise funds for the proposed Wallace & Moray statue in Stirling. Vice Convenor’s Report Gary suggested that the Society organise a trip to Bute next year, preferably just before the annual Falkirk commemoration in July. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Convenor’s Report Duncan met up with Malcolm MacNeill & handed back his Wallace claymore. He thanked him for the use of it all year during our events. Duncan attended the book launch of Paul Hunter’s first foray into print, a book of childrens’ stories about “Wee Robert the Bruce”. Paul signed his copy & Duncan wished him every success with the book. A.O.C.B As there will be no December meeting, the next meeting will be on Tuesday 15th January 2013 at 7.45 All welcome. |
The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 16th October 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm.
PresentDuncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, James Wallace, Tom Chalmers, Steve Murray, George Boyle, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Chris MacLeod. ApologiesNeil Locheil, Bill Pollok, Val Pollok, Harry MacAlistair, Diane MacAlistair, Susan Coghill, Gary Stewart, Eddie McNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Nick Brand The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge is happy with the bank balance of the Society following the expenditure, predominantly from Wallace Day and the purchase of tartan. The Bar raised a substantial sum for the Society, over £700.00. Also, Lachlan & Amber, with baby Scotia, raised £700 for the Society with their “Wheels for Wallace” campaign. Sales of the Wallace Centenary Ale were good, with some still available for sale. George was also pleased to announce that the Guardians of Scotland has now achieved charitable status and will receive a grant from Creative Scotland. As a result there will be an increase in the number of meetings that the Society of William Wallace should receive representation. George asked that another member of the Society could be nominated to share the commitment. Steve offered to assist if possible. Webmaster’s Report George has updated the website, adding photos & reports of all the things we got involved in this year. Our Facebook Page is just short of 6,000 friends. Tartan: The second bolt will be organised soon. Meeting with American visitors: George and Chris recently met Donovan and a group of Americans doing a tour of Scotland. They met in Glasgow and had a good night sharing stories about the Society and tartan! Vice Convenor’s Report Due to a last-minute hitch, Gary was unable to attend the meeting. Another meeting is scheduled with Glasgow planning department about the Bell o’ the Brae memorial. Gary, Duncan & George will attend. Press & Media Officer’s Report A discussion arose within the group of the recent press coverage of the meeting between Alex Salmond and David Cameron on the Independence Question. Irene and Chris visited Edinburgh Castle on the same day as the march for Independence. Irene was happy with the way that Historic Scotland had portrayed the kings and queens of Scotland on their information boards at the place where the Honours of Scotland, along with The Stone of Destiny, are to be seen. It was also interesting to see that in the oldest part of the castle, St Margaret’s Chapel, a stained glass window is dedicated to Wallace, the other three being saints of Scotland. March for Independence: Our Convener, Duncan, made a great speech at the rally in Edinburgh. He was one of 23 speakers. Thanks go to all those from the Society who attended and marched behind the Society of William Wallace Banner. A good evening was had too, with Ted Christopher, who also sung at the rally. A number of the speakers mentioned Wallace as their inspiration. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s ReportNews from Randy in America is that he has sold 70% of his raffle tickets. Randy has asked if it would be possible to get a shield similar to the ones that Gerald made for us this year. He would like it to go on show at the SOWW tent at events. Coins: Newly made and high quality commemorative Society of William Wallace coins are now available from the Society at the cost of £6. Randy has sent over half of the coins for sale here.They sold well at first sight! Charles Randoph Bruce’s novel on the Robert the Bruce will possibly make it onto film. They are looking for potential backers & funding in the US. The SOWW have agreed to help advertise it on our webpage & Facebook page. New Award: The Society members present agreed on a new award of International Member of the Year. All agreed that Randy Dedrickson is to receive this in 2012. This is in appreciation of all the work that Randy has put in on our behalf. Convenor’s ReportJohn Mackay sent Duncan the latest Wallace 700 newsletter. This was passed around members. Wallace Day 2013: We have asked one of our members from Germany, Petra, to speak on Wallace Day. Petra visited Scotland no less than 3 times this year to attend our events! Malcolm will meet with Duncan to hand back his Wallace Sword, which has featured at all our events this year. A weapons maker has asked to see the sword to make copies of it. Malcolm has promised a copy to the Society. Lovely gesture. Our artist friend, Andy Hillhouse, has written a book called “William Wallace, The Outlaw Years”. It may be available in Kindle form soon. A discussion took place on the possibility of asking for a loan of King James IV’s sword, dagger & turquoise ring, to go on display next year in Scotland. This will coincide with the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden, at which James & many of the great & the good of Scotland, lost their lives. These items are kept in the London College of Arms. Gary & Duncan will look into this. A.O.C.B Christmas meal. As the Wallace Tavern is now closed, we are looking at the possibility of hiring Elderslie Bowling Club with local caterers providing a buffet, with entertainment from Ted. Details are to be released soon. This was at Jean & Archie’s suggestion. William suggested video taping one of our meetings to show members who can’t attend, to see what we get up to. Members thought this was a good idea, & it was decided to record our next meeting, the AGM. George suggested having a special meeting next year to determine what we should do about the Bannockburn commemoration, in 2013 & 2014. Members agreed & we will release details soon. We recorded a short video message to our Argentinian member, Mariana, to wish her a happy 40th birthday. The more tuneful of us sung Happy Birthday! Duncan thanked lily for providing refreshments and eats, which were much appreciated. Next meeting will be our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 20th November 2012 at 7.45
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The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm. PresentDuncan Fenton, Tom Chalmers, Richard Quinn, Lesley Matthews, Irene Clarke, George Boyle, Harry McAlister, Diane McAlister, Andy Middleton, Steve Murray, Gary Stewart, Abbey Stewart, Charli Stewart, Bill Pollock, Val Pollock, James McCleary. ApologiesNeil Lochiel, Christine MacLeod, Lily Love, Tom Lavelle, Isobel Lavelle, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Nick Brand, Malcolm & Eddie Susan Coghill, Goron Aitken, Karen Owens, Ziggy & Craig Wilson, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. Duncan welcomed former Convenor Harry McAlister & his wife Diane, over from Seattle. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportBank balance is quite healthy, considering the bolt of tartan has now been paid for, plus all the bands for Wallace Day. Lily made a decent profit, as did Paul & Irene at the bar & Ziggy with the merchandise. Lachlan Amber & Scotia donated £700 which they raised on their “Wheels for Wallace” trek from Falkirk to Elderslie. Well done to them & thank you. A second bolt of the Wallace tartan is due to be ordered, so if want a piece, please contact the webpage or our Facebook page. George will be put a notice up there about this soon. Webmaster’s Report George has scanned in the many photos from our latest events which will be on our website soon. Thanks to all who sent in photos. Vice Convenor’s Report Gary received an e-mail from Craig Mackay, on the progress of the Bell o’ the brae Cairn. Craig has reported that the Medieval Garden at the corner of George Street and High Street is owned by Scottish Enterprise. He has contacted them & their reply is surprising. They state that the garden may be only temporary. We are of the view that this is nonsense & they may yet be stalling. We will wait for feedback from Sandra White MSP, who was also at the last meeting with Gary & Duncan. Then we will figure out how to proceed. The Society is considering how to go about asking for the loan of King James IV’s turquoise ring, sword & dirk to Scotland next year, to go on display, possibly at the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh. 2013 will be the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden, where King James met his end. These artefacts are currently housed in the London College of Arms, as spoils of war. Gary has contacted some people to find out how to go about requesting the loan. Andy Hillhouse has agreed to advertise his artwork on our website. He will send thumbnail images to George to post up. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene thanked the bar staff & doormen for their hard work on Wallace Day. She phoned the BBC about an item they broadcast referring to Richard III as “One of the greatest kings in British history”. The BBC continually do this & seem incapable of grasping the fact that Scotland had its own monarchy & parliament at the time of the events that they comment on. Irene told the members how proud she was to be representing the Society at the Wallace Letters Exhibition at the Parliament. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Randy has reported that he has now sold 60% of the raffle tickets for the Wallace Sword, which will be drawn next January, on the anniversary of the passing of Davie Ross. Two of the cloth storyboards for the SOWW tent have been delivered. Four still to come. Guinness World Record has now been registered. Randy is working out a date with Police dept, Chamber of Commerce & Dept. of Tourism. Randy Bruce, author of three Robert the Bruce novels, is attracting sponsorship for a Hollywood movie to be made in Scotland. Randy is looking at the possibility of the SOWW becoming involved at some stage. The Clanranald Trust are also on board. The Wallace coins are due to be delivered any day now. Last month, Randy sent George $1000 from merchandise sales. Convenor’s Report Duncan commented on the events at Wallace Day, Stirling Bridge & the visits to the Scottish Parliament to see the Wallace Letters Exhibition. Wallace Day was a huge success, with even the torrential rain failing to dampen the spirits of the attendees. He thanked Lachlan, Amber & Scotia for their marvellous sponsored walk & for their donation to the Society. He also thanked Petra for organising medals for those involved. A lovely touch. Duncan reported that Fiona Hyslop, the Culture Secretary, marched with us at Stirling Bridge, & again mentioned the SOWW for their part in the return of the Wallace Letter. Letters of thanks sent to Glengoyne Distillery & Kerr’s Bakery for donations of their products. Thanks to all who donated items for the raffle of the bar. Thanks to Allan Allison for donating many whisky miniatures, which were bundled up as prizes. Thank you to Tracey McCracken Palmer, who also laid one of the wreaths, for donating her painting of the Wallace Monument for auction. Also to Tom Chalmers, who donated 2 framed prints. Duncan thanked Tulliallan Pipe Band, Fiery Jack, Albannach & Skiltron for providing great entertainment throughout the day & evening. Also thanked were Greenlaw Graphics, who did all the printing for the display boards supplied by Tom Chalmers. Thanks to Iain Turnbull for our Centenary Beer & to George who designed the bottle label. Letter of thanks sent to Miss Burton MBE, who donated the 1912 photo of the unveiling of the Elderslie Monument, presented to us last month by Cllr, Andy Doig & Cllr Stephen McGee. A photo appeared in the Paisley Daily Express. Letter also sent to the Express for their double page coverage of Wallace Day. Tom brought in several copies for distribution to members. Thanks to Ken MacDonald from Houston Menswear, who helped us with the tartan. George visited him last week & he donated 5 swords to the Society. Much appreciated, Ken. Duncan went to Cambuskenneth Abbey on Saturday 15th Sept, but the archaeological dig had just been completed. Photos taken & posted on Facebook. A.O.C.B The Society has been asked to attend the March for Independence in Edinburgh on Saturday 22nd. Duncan has been asked to speak. As the Wallace Tavern is now closed down, Archie e-mailed Duncan to suggest an alternative venue for our annual Xmas dinner. Elderslie Bowling Club, next door, has a suitable hall for hire at competitive rates. This will be investigated further. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 16th October 2012 at 7.45
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Meeting of The Society of William Wallace on Tuesday 21st August 2012 PresentDuncan Fenton, Neil Lochiel, Tom Chalmers, Richard Quinn, John Paterson, Lesley Matthews, Irene Clarke, George Boyle, Councillor Stephen McGee, Councillor Andy Doig, Chris MacLeod, Lily Love ApologiesKaren Owens, Gary Stewart, Bill Pollock, Val Pollock, Tom Lavelle, Isobel Lavelle, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Nick Brand, Malcolm & Eddie McNeill, Ziggy & craig Wilson, Andy Middleton. Prior to the official start of the meeting…Chris MacLeod showed members and guests present a sample of the new tartan and told the story of the significance of the shades included cloth and the making in Bute Mill. At a meeting at Chris’s house the previous week, the cloth was cut and distributed, in time for the celebration of the return of the letter of safe conduct to the Scottish Parliament. The Convener of the Society, Duncan Fenton, welcoming everyone to the meeting , especially two local councillors Andy Doig (Johnstone, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch wards) and Stephen McGee (Elderslie and Johnstone). Both presented The Society with an original press photograph of the unveiling of the Wallace Memorial in 1912. This had been given to councilor Doig by Miss M. H. Burton MBE, of Thornhill Drive, Elderslie. Photographs were taken of the event, which will appear in the local press. Duncan then introduced the office bearers and each gave their reports in turn. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the income and expenditure of the Society. Income included annual subscriptions. George reminded members that these are usually paid on Wallace Day. The expenditure was significant due to the organization of Wallace Day and the cost of the bolt of tartan, however, all things considered, the balance is still healthy. Webmaster’s Report Webmaster, George reported on the recent updates on the website and facebook. Everyone is welcome to contribute articles directly to the webmaster for inclusion in the site. Vice Convenor’s Report Sent his apologies this month. Duncan reported that he continues to keep up to date with all maters related to the Society. He is in touch with Sandra White regarding developments at Glasgow Cathedral precinct on a cairn to commemorate The Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae. It looks more promising. Gary & Duncan had another meeting with planners at Glasgow City Council, also attended by Craig Mackay & Sandra White. An alternative site was discussed & Gary & Duncan both agreed that this latest meeting was the most positive one to date. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene commented on the recent fantastic trip to Edinburgh by members and friends in support of the return of the letter of safe conduct, the Lubeck letter and the exhibition surrounding them. It was great to have Albannach & Ted Christopher together again, along with all those who helped achieve the Letter’s return. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report The Wallace coin is now being made. Randy e-mailed designs for approval, which the committee agreed with. The SOWW History Wall, including photos sent by George, is being made into cloth storyboards. These will adorn the walls of the tent at events, & will be easily rolled up & transported. The Guinness World Book record attempt for the most Mini Coopers in a parade will take place next year, with the target set at 2500. Randy is dealing with logistics with police permission, insurance, permits, etc. George will create a Facebook page for the event. Upcoming Festivals: Virginia Scottish Games Sept1 and 2, Scotland County Games in North Carolina October 6 and Richmond Games October 20 and 21. Officials from Clan Wallace have visited Randy’s tent & have been impressed. It seems they want to have closer ties with the SOWW. Maybe a working relationship. Convenor’s Report Gary & Duncan were invited to the launch of “Special Delivery – the Wallace Letters” in the Scottish Parliament building on Friday 10th August. The new tartan was proudly displayed & attracted many positive comments. They were given a tour of the exhibition by George McKenzie, keeper of the records, & historian Alan Borthwick, who designed the layout. The commemorative tartan for the Society centenary was worn again in Edinburgh at the formal reception held in the Parliament. 6 members of the Society were present. The tartan was much commented upon and had the effect of showing a united group of people. Society members present also met Alison Diamond of the Scottish register of Tartans who was keen to help to register the tartan in time for Wallace Day. It was an experience to be rubbing shoulders with academics, historians & politicians. Duncan was able to personally thank the representatives from the museum of Lubeck for their support in enabling the letter to be on show to the people of Scotland alongside the letter of safe conduct. He told them he would try to get the NAS to loan the Wallace Letter to Lubeck when their letter next goes on display in Germany, as a thank you gesture. Wallace Day PreparationsDuncan thanked Society member Tom Chalmers for his work in providing 3 free standing boards showing some of the activities of the Society. These are collapsible, easily transported and can be used at future promotional events. Social convener, Lily, asked for donations of baking for use in the tea room. Duncan will arrange that a wreath be laid on behalf of Wallace USA. Society member Archie Millar is to lay a wreath at Wallace Day on behalf of the Society in recognition of the many years that he has cared for the condition of the Wallace Memorial. The bar and tearoom will be open from 12.00 mid day, and the hall from 4.00pm. The Paisley Daily Express will provide press coverage on Wallace Day. The Tulliallan Pipes and Drums have agreed to lead the parade on Wallace Day. A.O.C.B A big thank you to all who contributed to the Wheels for Wallace fund raiser for the Society . In addition to Society members Lachlan, Amber and their wee daughter Scotia making an epic journey from Falkirk to Elderslie, there will be a naming ceremony for Scotia on Wallace Day. A big thanks goes to George for the promotional flyers , sponsor forms, all the website work. Physical assistance was also offered by members present. Any other help would be most welcome. Thanks also to Bill and Val Pollock for their back up throughout. Chris asked if she could condense the information from press cuttings of the past for ease of use on the website. This was approved by Duncan and all present. George showed all members present a bound book of photographs and anecdotes on our former convenor, David. George had this done professionally & is a fantastic piece of work. He has gifted it to the Society. Duncan expressed his thanks to everyone in attendance for their continued support for the Society of William Wallace. The meeting ended at 9.30p.m Next meeting will be on Tuesday 18th September 2012 at 7.45 All welcome. |
The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 17th July 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm PresentDuncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Gordon Aitken, Tom Chalmers, Gary Stewart, Abbey & Charli Stewart, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Bill & Val Pollock, Steve Murray, John Patterson, Andy Middleton, Jim Adams, Lachan, Amber & Scotia McCann, George Boyle Betty Burns, Charlotte Wilson ApologiesChris MacLeod, James Wallace, Richard Quinn, Ziggy Wilson, Craig Wilson, Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm MacNeill, Nick Brand, Karen Owens, Susan Coghill, Neil Lochiel, Isobell Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Lily Love. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. As Christine enjoyed a well-deserved holiday, Duncan recorded the minutes. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the income and expenditure of the Society. More new members have joined since last month. The deposit has been paid on the new Centenary Tartan. The balance will be due on delivery. Some members paid some or all of their cost of their new tartan. Webmaster’s Report We are now well over 5000 on our Facebook page. Reports from the latest events have been added to the website. Vice Convenor’s Report The card that Andy Hillhouse has created to celebrate the homecoming of the Wallace letter, has been printed up by a friend of member Tom Chalmers. Gary thanked Tom for this. The Battle of The Bell o’ the Brae Gary & Duncan have a meeting with the council on Friday 20th July. Hopefully we can achieve a solution. Permission has been granted from the police for our gathering out side the Parliament building on 11th August to welcome home the Wallace Letter. Gary has invited the head custodian of the National Wallace Monument in Stirling to Wallace Day. Gary has contacted our friends at Authentic Grass, with a proposal for making a special plaque for the Society’s Centenary. Gary thanked Tom Chalmers for highlighting the fact that we were told that traditional weapons were to be banned at the Bannockburn Commemoration. When Tom spoke to the national press & they ran with the story, the ban was lifted. Duncan thanked Tom & Gary, who phoned the police to assure them that there would be no trouble. Press & Media Officer’s ReportIrene requested that donations for the bar for Wallace Day would be very welcome. Dig out that bottle gathering dust in the display cabinet & bring it with you! Duncan made a similar request of behalf of Lily for her tea room. Home baking or ready-made sandwiches would be most welcome. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Randy sent Duncan his report which was read out. Raffle ticket sales for the replica Wallace Sword were outstanding at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Half are now sold. Randy will arrange to transfer money to George to help offset the cost of the new tartan & Wallace Day. Donovan Murray, of Celtic Force, ensured that the SOWW were accepted into the games, & was able to place the tent in a high visibility location. George had sent Randy many photos of the Society & Wallace sites & monuments. Randy created a 3 part history wall, which proved a huge success. After being excluded from the recent Loch Norman Games recently, theier General Manager stopped by our tent. He was very impressed & invited Randy to their games in 2013, & to give a history presentation on Wallace. Clan Wallace USA were impressed with the tent & want to team up with us. Plans are ongoing for the Guinness World record attempt for most Mini Coopers in a parade. Design for Wallace coin still being discussed. We have been formally accepted by the Virginia Scottish Games, Scotland Country Games in North Carolina & Richmond Games. Onward & upward! Duncan thanked Donovan for ensuring that the SOWW tent was a huge success. Secretary’s ReportAndy has arranged our insurance cover for the year. This is now compulsory. Andy got a very good rate for the Society. He handed in the paperwork at the meeting. Convenor’s Report Duncan gave a brief report on the Bannockburn Commemoration & thanked Christine for the strip of the late Davie Ross’s Walk for Wallace plaid, which was tied round the hilt of the replica Wallace Sword & was present on the field at Bannockburn, along with Gerald Thorpe’s shield. Gerald is making a new banner for the Society. Many thanks again, Gerald. On the way to the meeting, Duncan picked up a box of the leaflets produced by Robroyston Community Council. Last year, Duncan liased with Ian McGhee of the Council, & the finished product has maps, photos supplied by the Society & our logo. It deals with the history of Wallace’s Well & the Wallace Memorial Cross. All 6000 of these were distributed among members to put into libraries, information centres, etc. Duncan visited the archaeological dig at Stirling last month & met with head archaeologist, Murray Cook. Some photos of the dig in progress have been posted on our Facebook page. Murray showed Duncan several of the finds. He also had a good chat with the diggers. A.O.C.B Lachlan, Amber & baby Scotia informed the members of their intention to push Lachlan’s wheelchair from the cairn in Callander Park in Falkirk all the way to Elderslie to coincide with Wallace Day. Details of how to sponsor them or donate will be on the website shortly. They want to raise funds to help fund the Society’s ongoing projects. They will use canal towpaths as much as possible. They will set out at noon on Saturday 18th August. Some members will be there to see them off & take photos of the start of their journey. Members wished them all the very best. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st August 2012 at 7.45 All welcome. |
The Society of William WallaceMinutes of meeting held on Tuesday 19th June 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall. 8.00pm PresentDuncan Fenton, Lily Love, Irene Clarke, Lesley Matthews, Gordon Aitken, Tom Chalmers, Gary Stewart, Neil Lochiel, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Isobell Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Chris MacLeod, George Boyle. ApologiesAndrew S Davenport, Brian McCutcheon, James Wallace, Richard Quinn, Steve Murray, Ziggy Wilson, Craig Wilson, Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm MacNeill, Nick Brand, Karen Owens, Susan Coghill The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the income and expenditure of the Society. Income included the subscriptions of 3 new members. The expenditure included the substantial deposit for the weaving of tartan in Bute Mill. Webmaster’s Report George reported that we were 11 hits away from 5000 on our Facebook page, which has also been updated. Society member Lesley Matthews has offered her specially designed top quality T- shirts from her company Proud Clothing to be put on the merchandise area of the website. Vice Convenor’s Report The return of the letter of Safe Conduct. Gary has the agenda for 1.00 pm on Saturday the 11th of August finalized. Speakers and Albannach & Ted Christopher have been arranged and police have been notified. Mons Meg gun will be the signal for the start of the celebrations! Andy Hillhouse has created a special card to mark the occasion, which will be available for those who attend. The Battle of The Bell o’ the Brae. Gary will be meeting the new Glasgow City Councillor, Michael Docherty to try to move the plans for a memorial forward. Morrisions have declined to sponsor Wallace Day in Elderslie, but have offered a raffle prize. Kings Park primary school would like to book members of The Society for their fund raising event in 2013, based on the good times had at Wallacewell Primary in the past few years. Press & Media Officer’s Report Irene commented on recent coverage over the usual football comments when England reached the quarterfinals of the European Cup. The promotional of Stirling Castle, managed by Historic Scotland focuses so much on 16th Century, or Mary, Queen of Scots, that the major importance of the castle in Scottish history is played down or ignored. This led to a discussion on the new film Brave. Apparently this is the biggest film to promote Scotland as a country in the USA. This is a cartoon created by Pixar. The attack on Saor Patrol band member Charlie at a function was finally reported in the press recently as recent news, although the event happened over 2 months ago. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Randy reported that the SOWW & Wallace USA have been granted access to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. This follows the uncertainty that we would not be allowed to take part. George sent Randy information about the Society & Randy will use this to create a History Wall in the tent at the games. There will be many other events that Randy will be able to attend, to represent the Society in America. The Mini Cooper Dealership has agreed to corporately sponsor an attempt at the Guinness World Book Record. Randy will organise & run the event in the name of the Society. Several Pipe & Drum bands & other Scottish organisations have pledged support. Randy sent a commemorative medal to Duncan to seek permission to make these with the Society logo. This was discussed later on in the meeting. Duncan thanked Randy for his input. Convenor’s Report Duncan showed a commemorative medallion, sent to him & George, by Randy. Randy asked for approval to make one with the Society logo on one side & whatever we want on the other. It may be possible that these could be made for other leading Scottish heroes. All present thought that this was a very good idea. The commemorative tartan for the Society centenary of The Wallace Memorial in Elderslie has been ordered and will be woven in the Mill on Wednesday the 11 of July. The personally designed double width 100% pure wool, Teflon coated cloth has been ordered as a 60 metre bolt, paid for and sold by the Society. The cloth will be cut to whatever length is required and cost £46 per metre. With each piece a record of the symbolism within the cloth written by the designer, and member of The Society, will be given to pass the story on to those in the future. It is hoped that the cloth will be worn on the 11th of August at The Scottish Parliament, but it will certainly be worn at Wallace Day Centenary. All interested in buying this unique piece of history, please contact any member of the committee. The outlay for this cloth is substantial at a time when funds are needed for Wallace Day. An idea was to have a piece with the story in Perspex done by Authentic Grass. Duncan mentioned a suggestion by Kate that the eldest and youngest members of the group lay the Society’s wreath at Falkirk. This was supported by all members present. Duncan will arrange that a wreath be laid on behalf of Wallace USA. Society member Archie Millar will lay our wreath at Wallace Day on behalf of the Society in recognition of the many years that he has cared for the condition of the Wallace Memorial. Gary & Duncan have been invited to the Scottish Parliament on the 10th August, during the day. Six members of the committee will represent the Society on the evening of Wednesday 15th August at a reception in the Parliament to visit the letter of safe conduct, where many Societies will be represented. Duncan proposed that the Society sponsor a log for The Clanranald Trust to raise funds for their cause. They are building a medieval fort near Duncarron Reservoir. The members present agreed to do so, as did Wallace USA. Duncan has contacted Tulliallan Pipes and Drums have again agreed to lead the parade on Wallace Day. Minute Secretary Christine informed members of a new book by Derek Alexander on Renfrewshire’s Hidden History. (Birlinn Press). Derek is lead archaeologist in The National Trust for Scotland and was involved in the excavation of the site in Elderslie. This is detailed in the book as is the excavations at Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan. Derek was also asked to speak by Duncan at Wallace Day; he was keen, but unfortunately will be out of the country on that day. The search continues for relatives of the Spiers family & the Coates family, whose ancestors were present at the unveiling of the monument in 1912. Christine brought in a strip of the tartan worn by the late Davie Ross on his epic walk for Wallace in 2005, which of course Christine wove herself. She gave it to Duncan to tie round the hilt of the Wallace Sword. This will be present at Bannockburn. A.O.C.B Donovan has confirmed that his group, Celtic Force, will be attending Bannockburn in 2014, a week later than originally planned. Regarding Wallace Day in Elderslie Village Hall, George suggested that DVD’s, photos of the archaeological digs in 2001 and 2003 could be shown. Boards have kindly been loaned by Society member Tom Chalmers. The idea of local sponsorship was also suggested. Later in the year these could be collated into a commemorative booklet of some kind. The bar and tearoom will be open from 12.00 mid day, and the hall from 4.00pm. The cost of funding the plaid was discussed. Due to the fact that all of the funds of the Society are required to ensure the success of Wallace Day Centenary Celebrations, it means that costs will have to be met up front. A deposit has already been paid. Bannockburn. All present at the meeting agreed that changes should occur in the light of last year’s events. All members will meet at the Heritage Centre on the day to remember one of the greatest Scots victories and those who gave their lives for their country. The importance of this centenary year for The Society and the recent victory of the return of the letter of safe conduct to Scotland will raise public awareness of Wallace. Those who want to see Scotland fail will be paying close attention. This is a great opportunity to show what can be done by a few committed and dedicated folk. Lachlan informed members by e-mail that a 4-day archaeological dig is planned at the end of June at Stirling Bridge, near the rugby club. Due to the huge amount of content in the meeting, the usual refreshments by Lily were rushed, but appreciated anyway Lily! Duncan expressed his thanks to everyone in attendance for their continued support for the Society of William Wallace. The meeting ended at 9.30pm Next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th July 2012 at 7.45 All welcome. |
The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 15th May 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. PresentIrene Clarke, Lily Love, Tom Chalmers, Duncan Fenton, Jim Adams, Anne Gladwell, William Ballantyne, Archie Millar, Tom Lavelle, Isobelle Lavelle, Steve Murray, Neil Lochiel, Gary Stewart, Chris MacLeod, Richard Quinn, Betty Burns, Charlotte Wilson, George Boyle. Apologies Jean Millar, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Malcolm and Eddie McNeill, Ziggy and Craig Wilson, Bill and Val Pollok, Robbie Burns, James Wallace, Andy Middleton, Nick Brand, Susan Coghill. The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportGeorge reported on the income and expenditure of the Society, including the outgoing of money for the Loudoun Hill commemoration. Webmaster’s Report Facebook is continuing to do well with just under five thousand hits and is a good mechanism for attracting potential new members, particularly in the run up to Wallace Day in August, the peak time for membership subscriptions. Vice Convenor’s Report Glasgow City councillor, Craig MacKay, who was linked to the plans, was voted out in recent elections. Gary is waiting to see who the new council official will be to take this project on board. Facebook is an excellent method of gauging opinion. Gary has framed a question asking whether anyone has any objections to the proposed cairn. Hopefully we can then show this as an indication of the support for the cairn. Gary thanked the Society on behalf of his daughter, Charli, for being asked to lay the commemorative wreath recently, she was very happy to do so. Loudoun Hill. Gary & Duncan had a chat with Nicola Sturgeon who was there on a photoshoot. Fiona Watson and Ronnie Brown , present at the Wallace Commemoration in 2005, have been requested to attend the event planned for the Parliament in August. Both will be out of the country at the time. He is waiting on a reply from the First Minister. Gary also asked David’s daughter Kimberley, and Shona. Shona will say a few words with Kimberley by her side. Asda store was contacted to enquire if they might sponsor one of the events organized by The Society. They declined to help. Same reply from Morrisons. A suggestion was made regarding the possible link to a local brewery. Houston Ales, closest to Elderslie may be contacted with the idea of producing a Wallace Memorial Centenery ale. Press & Media Officer’s Report She has been in contact with Donovan Murray from the USA regarding accommodation arrangements for Bannockburn in 2014. The 21st and 22nd of June is the date for the official opening of the events. The Society will attend the commemoration on Saturday 23rd. She intends to speak to Jim and Nick to co-ordinate plans for 2014. So far Albannach, Ted Christopher and Fiery Jack are scheduled to play at the King Robert Hotel. USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Randy has received the artwork for the T-shirts from our merchandise officer, Ziggy. This means that t-shirts can be sourced & made locally in the USA, rather than posting them over. Randy’s raffle tickets for the replica Wallace Sword are selling well. Convenor’s Report Duncan has been in contact with Fiona Hyslop and the events co-ordinator at the Parliament, Douglas Millar, who asked for details about the Society. The return of the letter of safe conduct is a celebration and brings people together from all over. It is a continuation of the work of the events of 2005 and worthy of as much public awareness as possible. All are invited to the event highlighting the public display of the Letter outside the Scottish Parliament building at 1.00pm on Saturday, 11th August. Albannach & Ted Christopher will play & a few speeches will be made. The committee have been invited to a reception at the parliament on the Wednesday evening, the 15th August. Details are yet to be finalized. Duncan thanked members William Ballantyne and Anne Gladwell, on behalf of the Society, for the organization and support of the evening at Loudoun Hill. A.O.C.B A wreath for Bannockburn is to be arranged. The shield presented to the Society by Gerald Thorpe was shown to the Society. It has already been taken to the Loudoun Hill commemoration & the Andrew de Moray North Rising. Amber, Lachlan and baby Scotia, who are intending to travel from Falkirk to Elderslie need permission from Waterways Scotland to complete the venture which has many obstacles. It is they who are responsible for canal towpaths in Scotland. Help from Society members has been offered and George is to photograph the event. Society member, Richard Quinn informed members of a new radio show by presenter Billy Kaye on radio 2 on Scottish Nationalism. The meeting ended with refreshments provided by Lily Love. Duncan expressed his thanks to everyone in attendance for their continued support for the Society of William Wallace. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 19th June 2012 at 7.45 All welcome. |
The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 21st March 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. PresentDuncan Fenton, Steve Murray, Tom Chalmers, Andy Middleton, Jim Adams, George Boyle, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Gary Stewart, Neil Lochiel, Chris MacLeod, Charlotte Wilson, Betty Burns. Apologies The meeting was opened by Society Convenor, Duncan Fenton, who outlined safety procedures in the hall. He welcomed new member Steve, and the return of members Charlotte and Betty. He then introduced the Office Bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurer’s ReportThis was outlined by George who was pleased to outline a profit from last month, largely due to the fundraising event at The King Robert Hotel. He relayed a huge than you from Donovan Murray and all of the visitors from Wallace USA for the hospitality and kindness shown by members of the Society throughout their recent stay in Scotland. Webmaster’s Report If anyone would like to contribute articles, please contact George. Vice Convenor’s Report Gary will meet with representatives of the planning department of Glasgow City Council to discuss the current situation regarding the proposal to erect a memorial to those who fought at the battle of the Bell o’ the Brae. An objection was recently submitted despite previous efforts by the Society being passed. Gary discussed the potential of approaching Asda who have stores close to both Robroyston and Elderslie as a possible sponsor of a community event. Gary and Duncan are to investigate this further. Johnstone Museum, the first museum in Scotland to be situated in a supermarket, owned by Morrisons is another good link in terms of local history in the locality. Secretary’s Report Press & Media Officer’s Report USA Fundraising Co-ordinator’s Report Convenor’s Report A female driver drove right through the marchers, endangering everyone, & she had the nerve to claim that William committed a breach of the peace by standing in front of her car to protect the rest of the marchers. When the case was finally heard, it was thrown out immediately. William has also been busy organising entertainment for after the Loudoun Hill Commemoration in May. He has booked the Railway Inn in Darvel, & secured the services of Anne’s group, The Rusty Rims & re-enactors Swords of Dalriada for the day. A buffet is also arranged. Duncan thanked Gerald Thorpe for his gift of a full-size Wallace shield, which he presented to us at the fundraiser at Bannockburn. Andy has offered to make a small Wallace shield which could be raffled at Wallace Day. Our friends at Authentic Grass have offered to make plaques with an image of the Wallace Safe Conduct letter inside to offer for sale to members & the public. Duncan contacted the Paisley Daily Express to ask that they publish a request for any living relatives of the Spiers family, who once owned Elderslie, & the Coates family, one of whom unveiled the monument in 1912. It was thought this would be a nice touch on our centenary. The new saltire to be presented to the Andrew de Moray Project in Avoch in May, has been purchased. Neil informed members that the interview he did with members of the Society will be published in the April edition of SNP Independence Magazine. Amber is planning to push Lachlan’s wheelchair with new baby daughter Scotia, from the Falkirk Cairn to Elderslie in time for the Wallace Day Commemoration. They want to do this to raise funds for the David R. Ross 2014 fund. Members have agreed to assist on different parts of their route. Duncan spoke to a spokesman for the STV, who are going to make a series on Wallace’s life. He said he hoped in wouldn’t be a character assassination job, as happened in the recent Discovery programme on Wallace. He also spoke to a reporter from the Scotsman, who wanted to know how the Society felt about the proposed programme. A few quotes were printed in the next day’s edition. Minute SecretaryChristine discussed the plans for a new tartan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Society. Christine has designed it. All agreed that a bolt of cloth should be ordered and purchased by the Society in time for August 2012. This would be sold to members at an agreed price per yard. It is likely that this will be woven on the Isle of Bute. A.O.C.B Preparations for upcoming events at Loudoun Hill, Elderslie, etc, were discussed, with some good suggestions, which will be discussed further. Tom brought in his display boards to show members. He has pledged that these will be available for the Society to use when needed. The Society thanked Tom for this. On Saturday the 11th of August, all are encouraged to meet outside the Scottish Parliament and celebrate, on the public highway, for Sir William Wallace and David Ross, to raise the profile of the historic event of the Wallace Safe Conduct Letter, newly returned from London, which goes on public display for the first time in 700 years. We consider this to be on a par with the return of The Stone of Destiny. Ted Christopher and Albanach will be present. It may be possible that Fiona Hyslop will say a few words. We missed Lily! Next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th April 2012 at 7.45 All welcome. |
The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 15th February 2012 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Present Apologies The Meeting was opened by Convenor Duncan Fenton who welcomed everyone and outlined the hall safety procedure. He wished all our members a Happy New Year. He then introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurers Report Expenditure was mainly as a result of the cost of the annual dinner subsidy and musicians. A big thank you to everyone who donated prizes to the raffle! This raised £118.00 on the night. Ted Christopher will soon have a new CD called Live in Lanark, a proportion of the costs will be donated to the Society, everyone was encouraged to support Ted with his new release. An incident which occurred to one of our members in 2011 has gone to trial in Stirling on the 8th of February. All present agreed to carry the expenditure of the lawyers fees related to the case. The case in point may have happened to any member of any Society such as ours and all felt that it was the right and proper decision to make. Members of the Society intend to be present in support. Vice convenor Gary Stewart intends to speak with representatives of the other groups & societies which were present to ask them to donate something toward the lawyer’s fee. Webmasters Report Face Book has crashed through the 4,000 barrier, meaning that an awareness of the work of the Society has interested 4,000 people from all over the world! We also have many regular contributors. Society member Lesley Matthews has offered to sell our t-shirts along with her own designs….see proudclothing.com The next job will be to get a complete stock list of our merchandise from Ziggy, & set up purchases from the site via PayPal. As usual, please check website for current information. Press and Media officer Media related issues which Irene observed and the group discussed included… The recent programme on Wallace on Sky Discovery channel, and focussed on Wallace as an outlaw, was a disappointment and not far off an anti Wallace propaganda programme. We thought we had done enough to dissuade the media from using these derogatory terms, but it seems we still have some work to do yet. Irene reported that Celtic Force will be coming to Scotland in March. They will be holding an evening’s entertainment & buffet in the King Robert Hotel in Bannockburn on 10th March. Entertainment will be provided by Saor Patrol & Ted Christopher. Price is £15 per person. Anyone who wishes to go, please contact Duncan. This will give us an idea of numbers. Irene also praised the recent Christmas night out…good meal, company brilliant and staff great, again thanking everyone for their raffle donations. Vice convenors report The Wallace 2005 Coffin Duncan reported on Randy’s activities on his behalf. Randy sent the money raised from the raffle for the claymore, drawn on the anniversary of Davie Ross’s death. It raised $700. Members agreed this was a fantastic achievement. Randy was looking to purchase another sword to do another raffle on 2nd January next year, & when the company he contacted heard it was for the Wallace Society, they gave him a 50% discount! Well done, Randy. Convenors Report Duncan outlined an email from member Harry McAlister in Seattle, who suggested that The Society be added to The White List Directory in America, which lists group web sites, contacts and events. All present approved this. Duncan reported on an article which appeared on the BBC News website just before Christmas. Written by a “Joe Brown”, it stated that the Wallace Memorial in Elderslie was due to be relocated to Johnstone as part of a revamp of the town centre. It quoted a spokesperson from the council as saying that it was a great idea. When Duncan contacted the council about this, they replied that the article was “utter nonsense”. They didn’t seem too happy that the BBC had included this spurious article without checking sources Neil Lochiel conducted an interview with Duncan, George & Gary for SNP Independence magazine. This will be available next month. The Society has provided prizes for their competition, including,T-shirt, badge, keyring, book and a year’s membership. Previous interviews Neil has done for the magazine were with two very good friends & members of the Society, Konstantina Ritsou & Sarah Crome.Society members Neil & Duncan were present at Sarah Crome’s talk on here book, “Scotland’s First War of Independence”, in Balloch library. They congratulated her on a very professional performance. Regarding the proposed statue in Stirling, George will represent the Society as a member of The Guardians of Scotland Trust, the campaign group established to achieve this goal. Society member Gordon Aitken has agreed to maintain contact with Strathleven Artizans regarding forthcoming Robert the Bruce commemorations. Changes have occurred within the group and Frank Boyd is now in the role of Bruce. He may be asked to speak at the next Loudon Hill commemoration. USA fund co-ordinator Suggestions for the design of future certificates would be most welcome. Duncan sent information on the Society to Electric Scotland, a massively popular site, which again increases awareness of Wallace and how his name lives on. Society member Lesley Matthews has given her permission to send her t- shirt designs to America to be printed there, which is more practical than being printed here and then sent out.
Date of Next Meeting |
The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 17th January 2011 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Present Apologies The Meeting was opened by Convenor Duncan Fenton who welcomed everyone and outlined the hall safety procedure. He wished all our members a Happy New Year. He then introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Treasurers Report Expenditure was mainly as a result of the cost of the annual dinner subsidy and musicians. A big thank you to everyone who donated prizes to the raffle! This raised £118.00 on the night. Ted Christopher will soon have a new CD called Live in Lanark, a proportion of the costs will be donated to the Society, everyone was encouraged to support Ted with his new release. An incident which occurred to one of our members in 2011 has gone to trial in Stirling on the 8th of February. All present agreed to carry the expenditure of the lawyers fees related to the case. The case in point may have happened to any member of any Society such as ours and all felt that it was the right and proper decision to make. Members of the Society intend to be present in support. Vice convenor Gary Stewart intends to speak with representatives of the other groups & societies which were present to ask them to donate something toward the lawyer’s fee. Webmasters Report Face Book has crashed through the 4,000 barrier, meaning that an awareness of the work of the Society has interested 4,000 people from all over the world! We also have many regular contributors. Society member Lesley Matthews has offered to sell our t-shirts along with her own designs….see proudclothing.com The next job will be to get a complete stock list of our merchandise from Ziggy, & set up purchases from the site via PayPal. As usual, please check website for current information. Press and Media officer Media related issues which Irene observed and the group discussed included… The recent programme on Wallace on Sky Discovery channel, and focussed on Wallace as an outlaw, was a disappointment and not far off an anti Wallace propaganda programme. We thought we had done enough to dissuade the media from using these derogatory terms, but it seems we still have some work to do yet. Irene reported that Celtic Force will be coming to Scotland in March. They will be holding an evening’s entertainment & buffet in the King Robert Hotel in Bannockburn on 10th March. Entertainment will be provided by Saor Patrol & Ted Christopher. Price is £15 per person. Anyone who wishes to go, please contact Duncan. This will give us an idea of numbers. Irene also praised the recent Christmas night out…good meal, company brilliant and staff great, again thanking everyone for their raffle donations. Vice convenors report The Wallace 2005 Coffin Duncan reported on Randy’s activities on his behalf. Randy sent the money raised from the raffle for the claymore, drawn on the anniversary of Davie Ross’s death. It raised $700. Members agreed this was a fantastic achievement. Randy was looking to purchase another sword to do another raffle on 2nd January next year, & when the company he contacted heard it was for the Wallace Society, they gave him a 50% discount! Well done, Randy. Convenors Report Duncan outlined an email from member Harry McAlister in Seattle, who suggested that The Society be added to The White List Directory in America, which lists group web sites, contacts and events. All present approved this. Duncan reported on an article which appeared on the BBC News website just before Christmas. Written by a “Joe Brown”, it stated that the Wallace Memorial in Elderslie was due to be relocated to Johnstone as part of a revamp of the town centre. It quoted a spokesperson from the council as saying that it was a great idea. When Duncan contacted the council about this, they replied that the article was “utter nonsense”. They didn’t seem too happy that the BBC had included this spurious article without checking sources Neil Lochiel conducted an interview with Duncan, George & Gary for SNP Independence magazine. This will be available next month. The Society has provided prizes for their competition, including,T-shirt, badge, keyring, book and a year’s membership. Previous interviews Neil has done for the magazine were with two very good friends & members of the Society, Konstantina Ritsou & Sarah Crome.Society members Neil & Duncan were present at Sarah Crome’s talk on here book, “Scotland’s First War of Independence”, in Balloch library. They congratulated her on a very professional performance. Regarding the proposed statue in Stirling, George will represent the Society as a member of The Guardians of Scotland Trust, the campaign group established to achieve this goal. Society member Gordon Aitken has agreed to maintain contact with Strathleven Artizans regarding forthcoming Robert the Bruce commemorations. Changes have occurred within the group and Frank Boyd is now in the role of Bruce. He may be asked to speak at the next Loudon Hill commemoration. USA fund co-ordinator Suggestions for the design of future certificates would be most welcome. Duncan sent information on the Society to Electric Scotland, a massively popular site, which again increases awareness of Wallace and how his name lives on. Society member Lesley Matthews has given her permission to send her t- shirt designs to America to be printed there, which is more practical than being printed here and then sent out.
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The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 15th November 2011 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Annual General Meeting. Present Apologies The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present and outlined safety procedures for the hall. All present had previously received copies of last month’s minutes and they were approved. Duncan thanked all members for their contributions to help the Society in the past year. He then presented Lily, our Social Convenor, with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you from the Society for feeding & watering the hungry troops throughout the year. All Office Bearers then stepped down, & George Boyle conducted the election of the new members. The following were elected to the posts below.
With nothing much new to report since last month, members discussed forthcoming plans for the year ahead, including the 700th Anniversary of Bannockburn & the Centenary Year for the Society. Plans were made to hold a memorial service for the late Davie Ross, at Robroyston Wallace Monument, on 2nd January 2012, as we did last year. Date of Next Meeting
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The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 18th October 2011 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Present Apologies The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present and outlined safety procedures for the hall. He welcomed James Wallace to his first meeting. He then introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. All present had previously received copies of last month’s minutes and they were approved. Treasurers Report The website & Facebook page continue to do well. George appealed for members to send in items for inclusion. George has received the certificate for the tree which was planted in Davie Ross’s memory in The Whispering Wood in Comrie. This was an idea proposed by Stephanie Vaught, Vice President & Director of Society of William Wallace USA, one of Davie’s very good friends. She had already planted one for Davie. It is part of a project called Trees4Scotland. The dedication reads, “To our dear friend, David R. Ross, who left us way too soon. From everyone at the Society of William Wallace.” Vice Convenor’s report Gary is still trying to find out why Glasgow City Council Planning Dept. are now opposed to the idea of a cairn to mark the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae, outside Glasgow Cathedral. After 8 months & 4 meetings, at which they were in agreement with the idea, they now seem to have changed stance. Gary is still waiting to hear when the date that the Wallace Safe Conduct Letter will be returning, to be put on display alongside the Lubeck Letter early next year. Members of the Society will want to be there to welcome it back in the same way as the Stone of Destiny was returned in 1996. Duncan showed members a copy of the letter sent to Gary by Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop. A quote from it; “I wanted to write to express my thanks to the Wallace Society for your unstinting work in bringing this important document to public attention and my admiration for your long campaign.” “We will be marking the exhibition with a reception and I would like to extend an advance invitation to the office bearers of the Wallace Society.” Press and Media Officer
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The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 20th September 2011 in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Apologies The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present and outlined safety procedures for the hall. He introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. All present had previously received copies of last month’s minutes and they were approved. Treasurers Report Considering the huge amount of outgoings, there was only a slight loss as some income was generated through Wallace Day afternoon and evening events. All present agreed that the cost of the hall was very expensive, having doubled in cost of hire from last year. Gary will investigate, on behalf of the Society, whether the cost of hall hire is negotiable. Another alternative is to hire the hall from 5pm. Should it be retained at hiring from 12 noon, a suggestion was made that there could be an activity in the hall e.g. school performances. Use of bar facilities are now no longer in direct council control but under a Leisure Trust. This means that there is a difference between a community rate (before 5pm) and a social rate (after 5pm). Gary will also investigate the possibility of some sort of sponsored booklet for sale on Wallace Day. All agreed that 3 bands were too much in the evening. This has an adverse effect on bar takings as people wanted to stay in the hall to listen to the music rather than go to the bar. The charge of £15 was thought by some to be prohibitive, although this was accepted to be necessary to cover the cost of the extra entertainment. Duncan thanked everyone present on the evening for their support and encouraged all to try out new ideas and learn from the experience. “Variation is the key”. Members of The Society attended the Stirling Commemoration recently and the feedback was that it was a great day. Website (George). All is well at present. Vice Convenor’s report. MSP Christine Graham was in touch with Duncan and praised everyone involved. A possible meeting of Society members to turn up outside the Scottish Parliament building to welcome the letter back, was discussed. The Lubeck Letter will also be discussed by Gary when in touch with The National Archives. Duncan suggested that the Society let the local press know about us welcoming the letter back at the Parliament to get more awareness in the public eye. Battle of the Bell o’ The Brae. Since there had been no objections plans to commemorate the battle, Duncan and George met recently with Andrew McConnell, Colin Tytler and Gerry Mimnagh from Glasgow City Council. They showed them a photograph of the cairn at Falkirk. The council officials were not very happy about the design which they thought was more akin to a rural setting, but did not offer any ideas. The representatives appeared to now be blocking something as the plans had sailed though until there was a possibility of it actually happening. Local MSP Sandra White has offered to help. Mary Queen of Scots Plaque. The Society continues to wait until funding is available.
It was suggested that every committee member should have a copy of the march permission letter on their person on Wallace Day. This is to avoid any misunderstandings by the local police, as happened a few years ago. Members are urged to consider plans for Bannockburn 2014 now, considering the amount of work taken to arrange the 2005 commemoration. It is possible that The Scottish Government will put something in place as they did for the Homecoming in 2009. Time to find out. Press and Media Officer
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The Society of William Wallace Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 16th August in Elderslie Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. Present Apologies The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present and outlined safety procedures for the hall. All present had previously received copies of last month’s minutes and they were approved. Treasurers Report Regarding Wallace Day, the bar and hall fees have been paid, the licence granted, and police contacted requesting, and assurance given, that they will be present throughout the event. Webmasters Report Press and Media officer She also reminded all present on the law regarding the bar, alcohol at the Vice Convenors Report Convenor’s Report Duncan received a phone call from journalist Mark Howarth, regarding land registration at the Robroyston site. There will be an article in the Scottish Daily Mail. 2014. Members are asked to let Duncan know of their intentions to book The King Robert Hotel at Bannockburn as soon as possible. A list of names will be compiled. Wallace Day. Arrangements were finalised by all present on the hall, stalls, flags and PA system. Wreath layers (Marion Connelly and Anne Gladwell) from England and Ireland. Song sheets with the words of Scots Wha Hae will be distributed at the monument. Donation tins will also be circulated. Dina’s book launch will occur on Friday 9th September at 2.00pm Duncan reminded members of Doors Open Day, throughout September, times vary according to area. This is an excellent opportunity to access for free, listed places which may not usually be open to the public, or there is a fee. Check their website for details. Sundial at Cumbernauld House. A new owner proposes to divide this listed building into flats. In answer to Duncan enquiry, the original Victorian garden is to be recreated, & the sundial re-sited to its original location. Thanks to Jean and Archie Millar for donation of alcohol for the bar. Duncan thanked Abbey Stewart on behalf of the Society for laying the wreath at the Robroyston commemoration. Duncan then introduced the Society to John Newlands who provided very interesting insight into his research on a possible link to William Wallace. Through his research he located a long lost stone which was known to have been in existence 200 years ago. The stone was inscribed and thought to have been part of the medieval house on the site of Wallace’s birthplace in Elderslie. The house was owned by the Spiers family, who made their fortune through the economic expansion in the early 18th century through tobacco, cotton and other lucrative commodities. Today their surviving assets are managed under the name Elderslie Estates. It was in one of their store houses that John found the missing stone. The meeting ended with the customary refreshments, thanks to Lily. Date of Next Meeting Tuesday 20th of September 2011 7.45pm Elderslie Village Hall Everyone welcome!!! For all the hard work put in by the many folk who were involved. From dressing the monument & setting up the PA, working the door, the bar & tea room, selling the merchandise & all the many little details that added up to a great day & a truly memorable evening. The performers were superb & there was a real buzz about the place. Everyone just got on with the business of having a terrific time. On behalf of the Society of William Wallace, you have my heartfelt thanks, & hope to see you all again next year. Members attended the launch of Dina Ritsou’s book, “The Boy and the Well of Memory” at Smith Art Gallery in Stirling. All in all, we have had a very busy year, & I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th JUly 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Present Apologies The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present as usual and outlined safety procedures for the hall. He especially welcomed those who attended the meeting for the first time. He introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. All present had previously received copies of last month’s minutes and they were approved. Treasurers Report He also reminded all members that annual subscriptions are due soon. The police will be contacted 2 weeks prior to Wallace day to ensure they will be present for traffic control on the day. Webmasters Report Facebook is proving to be a great communication tool. George also reported on the recent events at the Bannockburn commemoration which all present there enjoyed. Wallace USA Press and Media officer She reported that the police will continue to be of assistance at the evening ceilidh in the village hall on Wallace Day. Members were reminded that no alcohol was to be consumed outside the village hall on Wallace Day. Irene has asked all members to let the committee know of their intentions to book the King Robert Hotel for Bannockburn in 2014. The cost is £100.00 per night, bed and breakfast. The Rob Roy Hotel, 20 miles away, is also available. The King Robert will supply a free shuttle bus to & from the Rob Roy. Rooms will be offered firstly to members of the Society. Falkirk Commemoration Vice Convenors Report Regarding the monument to the battle of the Bell ‘o the Brae in Glasgow, the closing date for objections has now been reached. If there are none, the decision will be made by the Glasgow City Council planning officer. New CD Wallace Monument 150 year celebration Lesley Matthews suggested approaching them about selling our Society T-shirts there as well. Convenors Report Duncan informed members of the forthcoming Wallace 700 Commemoration at Aberdeen on 30th July. Duncan showed members a printed screenshot from British Library Online. It showed a page from an old book, the Rochester Chronicles. It contained a report of the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 & had a drawing of the battle in the bottom margin of the page. You can find the link HERE Members present were informed of an incident which occurred during the march at Bannockburn where a car was driven through the marchers. The police are looking into it. A number of Society members witnessed the incident and all agreed to supply statements. The Wallace Day plans are going well. Tulliallan Pipe Band will be present and lead the procession from Johnstone. Speeches will follow at the monument. Thereafter all are encouraged to visit the village hall, where there will be a bar and tearoom, with a ceilidh in the evening. Due to the increasing cost of staging the event, the price of the ticket for the evening entertainment will be £15.00 per person. Social convenor, Lily Love asked for donations of home baking, sandwiches etc on the day. An appeal was also made for items to be used as raffle prizes. The money raised will help fund the day. Argentina
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MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 21st JUNE 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Present |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 17th MAY 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Present Duncan Fenton, Gary Stewart, Andrew Ballantyne, Irene Clarke, Andy Middleton, Gordon Aitken, Jim Adams, Richard Quinn, Kimberley Ross, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Tom Lavelle, Isabel Lavelle, Anne Gladwell, George Boyle, Chris MacLeod, Lesley Matthews, Neil Gibson.
Next Meeting Tuesday 21st June, 2011 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm. Everyone Welcome! |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th APRIL 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Apologies The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present and outlined safety procedures for the hall. He introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. All present had previously received copies of last month’s minutes and they were approved. Treasurers Report As badges have sold well, he has ordered a re-run on behalf of The Society. A wreath of flowers was laid by Gary Stewart on behalf of the Society, at the memorial to Wallace at Smithfield in London. Some members were in London for the Scotland v Brazil match. This was paid for by the Society. Members are requested to continue to check the website for the latest information. Vice Convenors Report The Visit to London, Culloden, Channel 5 interview, Arbroath, Press and Media officer Merchandise Please check out the website for current stock. Photographs of t-shirts may soon be made, which may increase sales. Australian Cairn, Lanark, Stirling Statue, Cambuskenneth Abbey, Stamps, Origins of The Society, Loudon Hill Saturday 7th May, Arbroath, Avoch, Robroyston Fun Day, Dundee, Tartan day USA, Saltires, Wallace Monument, It is thought that the 6 sided monument should have 6 depictions of Wallace. If that is the case then two are missing. Society member Archie Millar has made enquiries into this in Paisley Museum who have no knowledge of this at present. If anyone has any information on this please contact the Society. Other members agreed to look into this as well. The meeting ended with the customary jokes….and thanks to Lily for the tea afterwards! Next Meeting Tuesday 15th June, 2011 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm. Everyone Welcome! |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th MARCH 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Present: Duncan Fenton, Brian McCutcheon, Gary Stewart, Gordon Aitken, Andrew Ballantyne, Archie Millar, Neil Locheil, George Boyle, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Irene Clarke, Kimberley Ross, Karen Wilson, Chris MacLeod The Convenor of the Society, Duncan, welcomed everyone present and outlined safety procedures for the hall. He introduced the office bearers in turn and the following is a summary of their activities. Merchandise Officer: Ziggy sent his apologies. Sales continue at a steady pace, with online sales including David’s book. Check out the website for current stock. Next Meeting Tuesday 19th April, 2011 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm. Everyone Welcome! |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th MARCH 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Present:
Duncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Mae Duggan, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Gary Stewart, George Boyle, Richard Quinn, Brian McCutcheon, Jim Adams, Alex Scullion, Peter Malcolm. Next Meeting Tuesday 15th March, 2011 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm. Everyone Welcome! |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 18th JANUARY 2011 AT 8.00 PM. Present: Duncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, Mae Duggan, Jim Adams, William Ballantyne, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Gary Stewart, George Boyle, Chris MacLeod. Apologies: Laird MacAndrews, Joane MacAndrews, Ziggy Wilson, Craig Wilson, Jennifer Boyle, Michael Reid, Anne Gladwell, Andy Ballantyne, Susan Coghill, Andy Middleton, Neil Lochiel. Treasurers Report:George reported that the Paypal system of payment of membership and donations is now the method that most society members use. Expenditure recently included Renfrew District Council annual hall rent, the fee for the band and refreshments at the Christmas party, which constituted a significant amount. Webmasters Report: George also reported that The Society website continues to do well. With Facebook link, over 3,000 members get notified of events. Vice Convenor's report: Gary is continuing to ensure that The Wallace letter continues to receive publicity. He has arranged a meeting regarding a press release with national newspapers. Press and Media officer: Irene will be in touch with the Daily Express who intend to do a weekend article on David's book which is now on general release. Next Meeting Tuesday 15th February, 2011 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm. Everyone Welcome! |
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 16th NOVEMBER 2010 AT 8.00 PM. Present: Duncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Jean Thomson, Lily Love, Chris MacLeod, Gordon Aitken, Andy Middleton, Andrew Ballantyne, Margaret Fraser, Donald Fraser, Jean Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Gary Stewart, Kimberley Ross, James Conner, Neil Gibson. Apologies: George Boyle, Susan Coghill, Ziggy Wilson, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Archie Millar, Kirsty Matthews. The Convenor: Duncan, welcomed all and outlined fire procedure in accordance with the guidelines of Renfrewshire Council. Prior to the election of office bearers, Duncan introduced a special presentation to members. Members Irene and Paul Clarke have kindly donated a silver quaich inscribed with the Wallace Society crest and motto. This is to be known as The David Ross Memorial Quaich. The Quaich also contained threads from David’s plaid. It will be presented each year to the member of the group who has made a significant contribution to the Society throughout the previous year. Gary Stewart is this year’s recipient for all the work that he has done on the Letter of Safe Conduct. The quaich was presented by Irene, Duncan said that “He may have the Build of a whippet…but has the tenacity of bull terrier”! Whisky and lemonade, David’s drink was also given by the Society to toast the big man! Kimberley Ross also presented a fantastic canvas photograph of her father “Following in Footsteps of Heroes” to Willie Ballantyne for all his work in sourcing and producing David’s banner in time for Wallace Day. Duncan presented Lily Love with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you from the Society for feeding & watering the hujgry troops all year. Thereafter the 2009/2010 committee stood down and the following is the result of the Annual Election of Office Bearers, seconded by various members present at the meeting. Election of Office Bearers for the year 2010/2011 Vice Convenor: Gary Stewart Treasurer: George Boyle Press and Media Officer: Irene Clarke Minute Secretary: Christine MacLeod Webmaster: George Boyle Merchandise Officer: Ziggy Wilson Assistant Merchandise Officer: Craig Wilson Social Convenor: Lily Love Additional Seconded Committee members: Andy Middleton William Ballantyne, Gordon Aitken. The newly re-elected convenor, Duncan resumed the meeting. Treasurer and Web master’s report: Duncan reported on behalf of George, who was on holiday. He thanked him for his work over the year, including his help with our American friends, the quaich, the banner and Wallace Day. The web page is great and Facebook numbers have reached 2700, the most ever. Press and Media Report: Irene reported on James The Third’s stone. She is in contact with Historic Scotland and will let the Society know of the date for it’s return to Cambuskenneth Abbey. The King Robert Hotel in Bannockburn has been booked for the 700th Anniversary in 2014. Merchandise Report: Sales are continuing. Members are encouraged to check the online shop on the society website Convenors Report: A DVD has been produced by Fife Council on the Coronation of Robert The Bruce, by Jock Ferguson. It is hoped that this be available to every school in Scotland. The full text could be downloaded for educational purposes. More on this to follow. The Battle o’ the Bell o’ the Brae: Duncan, George and Gary met with Glasgow Council officials regarding the erection of a monument. The idea is that it would be in the vicinity of Glasgow Cathedral. Previous objections by the council that the statue be a hazard seems to have been dismissed and therefore discussions will continue. Ron Henderson has already sculpted the “Pro Libertate” memorial was suggested as a designer. The idea of a cobbled surround similar to that at Gordon’s cairn in Falkirk was thought to be an excellent one. The whole organisation of the cairn at Falkirk was discussed as an achievable way of getting things done by the society within budget and involving all members who would like to contribute their time. Funding and support for this may come from other sources e.g. The Common Good Fund. Schools may also be involved e.g. the inclusion of a time capsule. If this is successful, the group will have been involved in the erection of more commemorative statues to Wallace’s campaigns than the Victorians! The Andrew De Moray Project has a committee campaigning for a new 20 foot statue at Stirling bridge. An artist’s impression has already been made and looks very impressive. The Tom Church Statue of Wallace at the Monument in Stirling has been removed. Iain McGhee from Robroyston Community Council is producing an information leaflet on the area of the monument. Duncan had a meeting with him & supplied photographs. He asked for permission for the use of the Society’s logo. Duncan sent this on to him. Duncan informed all present that member, Muiriel Roebuck, was interviewed by The Stirling Observer regarding the protest about the plans for pylons to be placed in Sherrifmuir battlefield site. Letter of Safe Conduct: Gary continues to make progress and is in communication with Dr Fiona Watson by email. It is felt that we are a lot closer to achieving a positive outcome and getting the letter home! St Andrews Day Rally: 27th November. Castle Esplanade. 4.30. George Boyle, Ted Christopher and Duncan Fenton. Entertainment in Lodge Trafalgar with Albannach, Fiery Jack and Ted Christopher. Subscriptions: Duncan thanked everyone who had already contributed. New members are always welcome. AOCB: Wallace Day 2011. All present were thanked for the support for and smooth running of the evening event in 2010. Next year we hope for the same. Adherence and respect for the law on alcohol and smoking in particular will help tremendously to ensure that everyone has a great time. David’s Book, Kimberley reported that her dad’s book is now complete. The publishers have yet to make contact with her regarding a release date. Kimberley will liaise with Ziggy. Loudon Hill, the possibility of a wreath laying ceremony was suggested by members. A suggestion was made that the Society could join forces with other groups, such as the Strathleven Artisans, to hold a joint Wallace & Bruce commemoration there, as both fought battles in the vicinity. The meeting was concluded by Duncan who thanked everyone for their continued support and attendance. Duncan thanked Lily for providing the refreshments and great food that she provided following the meeting. Date of next meeting? There will be No Meeting in December, however here are the details of the Annual Dinner! The Wallace Tavern 17th December 20.00 All welcome Entertainment by Fiery Jack. Next Meeting Tuesday 18th January, 2011 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm. Everyone Welcome! Nolaig chridheil agus bliadhna mhath ur! Have a guid new year! |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th OCTOBER 2010 AT 8.00 PM.
Present: Irene Clarke, Duncan Fenton, George Boyle, William Ballantyne, Donald Fraser, Margaret Fraser, Andrew Ballantyne, Neil Lochiel, Gordon Aitken, Gary Stewart, Lily Love, Jim Adams, Peter Malcolm. Apologies: Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Andy Middleton, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Susan Coghill, Anne Gladwell, Eddie & Malcolm MacNeill, Ziggy Wilson. A warm welcome was made to all by Duncan. Treasurers report…George: More subscription money was handed in, including a Paypal payment from SOWW USA, who give our Society a percentage of each membership payment they receive. This is very welcome. Members were thanked for their continued support. Even with the expenditure this year on one-off items that the Society needed, including the Davie Ross banner, our new set of banner poles, PA system, fridge, the hand stamp, & a lot of new merchandise, our bank balance is in a healthy state. Webmaster’s Report…George: The Facebook Page gains more members every day. We now have 2412 Friends. Press and Media Officer…Irene: Irene wrote a letter of thanks to the local police station thanking their officers for their help on Wallace Day, & received a nice letter of thanks. Irene mentioned the fact that we have to enforce the “no drinking outwith the premises” rule more stringently. In the ensuing discussion, it was decided that once everyone is in the hall for the evening’s entertainment, the front door will be locked, but will continue to be manned by the door staff, who will let folk leave that way at the end of the evening. Smokers will be able to use the two fire exits to have a cigarette outside. Also mentioned was the fact that we had a few teenagers trying to disrupt proceedings during the speeches. Duncan said he will ask the police to have a couple of officers stay throughout the ceremony. Vice Convenors Report…Duncan: Duncan thanked Jean & Archie Millar for posting him a newspaper article, showing a model of the new proposed statue of William Wallace & Andrew de Moray, which is intended for Paisley. This by renowned sculptor, Sandy Stoddart. The display is currently on at Paisley Museum. Duncan had a meeting with Ian McGhee, from Robroyston Community Council. They have been asked to produce a leaflet on the Robroyston area, & the Society were asked to provide historical input. Duncan supplied copies of old photos of the Memorial Cross & Wallace’s Well, & his correspondence with Historic Scotland over the de-listing of the well. Duncan passed round photos of the area surrounding Wallace’s Well, which is undergoing an upgrade. The old concrete in front of the well has been removed & replaced with Caithness slabs. It makes such a difference. It’s a pity that work on the retaining wall seems to have stalled. Duncan will contact the council again to hurry them on a bit. Duncan wrote to the National Trust for Scotland to enquire why they have spent £5 million on two abandoned B&Q warehouses - in England! He wanted to know why, in the wake of closure of many of their properties, & laying off of staff, that they should be taking money raisied in Scotland & spending it in England. Their reply states that “these buildings have purchased by our investments team for creating a return for specific reserves & pension funds. They are managed by an outside firm”. So basically, they are playing with their members’ money. If you are a card holder, please make your objections known by contacting them. Letter of Safe Conduct: Gary gave members an update on the progress of the campaign to secure the return of a possession of Wallace’s. The recent meeting of historians has ended with a enlightening conclusion. They have unamimously agreed that the letter is, indeed the French original from 1300, & not an English copy, which was what Kew continually told us. Make no mistake, this is a massive step forward in this campaign. Gary supplied details of the forthcoming St. Andrews Day march in Edinburgh, as follows. Night-time entertainment is in Lodge Trafalgar, 1 St Anthony Street Leith. Entertainment will be Albannach, Fiery Jack & Ted Christopher. AOCB: George mentioned the forthcoming launch of the “Coronation” DVD, to be made available to all schools in Scotland. It was made by Jock Ferguson of Herald Events. This will take place in Tryst Centre, Dunfermline, on Sat. 23rd October, from 1.00 pm to 3.00pm. George mentioned that schools in the Renfrewshire area are among the first to declare a holiday for St. Andrew’s Day. Hopefully, this will become the norm. The meeting ended with a new song from the talented Gordon Aitken. Kate Smith suggested using the words from the back of the “Tir na Nog” t-shirt. Gordon duly did this & added a middle eight of his own. The audience were very appreciative. Thanks to all in attendance. Next meeting , to be held in Elderslie Village Hall on Date of next meeting will be the AGM: Tuesday 16th November at 7.45pm 2010 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2010 AT 8.00 PM. Present: Irene Clarke, Duncan Fenton, George Boyle, Susan Coghill ,Andrew Ballantyne, Gordon Aitken, Gary Stewart, Peter Malcolm, Lily Love, Lesley Matthews, Neil Gibson. Apologies: Neil Lochiel, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Andy Middleton, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Eddie & Malcolm MacNeill, Ziggy Wilson. A warm welcome was made to all by Duncan. Treasurers report: George, Income was well up due to a fantastic turnout on Wallace Day. The bar made a larger profit than usual, as did Lily’s tea room. The idea of selling hot dogs was a winner. A lot of subscription money was also handed in. Members were thanked for their continued support. Webmaster’s Report: George has performed a huge re-vamp of the website. All present agreed it is looking great now. The Facebook Page gains more members every day. Press and Media Officer: Irene submitted the accounts of the bar takings from Paul. She thanked all who helped behind the bar & clearing tables, etc. As the canvas of Davie Ross wasn’t ready in time for Wallace Day, it was decided to hold on to it to be auctioned at next year’s event. Vice Convenors Report: Duncan showed members the coverage of Wallace Day in the Paisley Daily Express. Once again, they did us justice with a 2 -page centre section of the newspaper. Duncan did the interview over the phone with their reporter. Duncan thanked Jean & Archie Millar for posting him the newspaper, & also for putting up the advertising posters around Elderslie before Wallace Day. Duncan read out a letter from member Neil Lochiel in which he congratulated the Society’s committee on the outstanding success of Wallace Day & Stirling Bridge events. Duncan received an e-mail from Robroyston resident, Gordon Blackwood, who has joined the fight to save Wallace’s Well. He forwarded e-mails he has sent to MSP’s & the First Minister regarding his concerns. Duncan read out Alex Salmond’s reply, who has been in contact with Historic Scotland to see if they can liase with the local authority to come up with a solution. It seems that Glasgow City Council have run out of money for this project, but cash always seems to be available for “modern art” projects. Duncan showed members a book which was recently given to him on Wallace, by Craufurd C. Loudon. This was first published in 1999, & Convenor Davie Ross brought in a copy at the time. Duncan had to re-iterate just how misleading most of the information contained in this book is. From the very first page, where he gets Wallace’s execution date wrong, it continues with half-truths & fabrications. The pity is, many people read this nonsense & consider it fact, just because it is in print. Merchandise Officer: Ziggy phoned Duncan prior to the meeting with the news that our merchandise sold really well this year, again showing a larger profit than usual. A report has been e-mailed to our treasurer. Letter of Safe Conduct: Gary gave members an update on the progress of the campaign to secure the return of a possession of Wallace’s. A meeting of historians has already taken place, but we are not yet privy to the outcome. A further meeting is planned for the new year. Just because things are not being reported in the public domain, doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Gary urged all to be patient. We have to do this legally & diplomatically. AOCB: Gary suggested we should look at the possibility of securing sponsors for next year’s Wallace Day commemoration. Local businesses & breweries were put forward as potential sponsors. Neil & Lesley brought in two statues for members to have a look at. One of Wallace & one of Bruce, they stood around 18” high & were crafted by an artist known to them. They suggested talking to him about the possibility of selling copies of these through the Society’s website, with a commission going to the Society. We agreed this could be a good venture. Meeting ended with customary good humour! Thanks to all in attendance. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 19th October at 2010 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 17th AUGUST 2010 AT 8.00 PM. Present: Jim Adams, Gary Stewart, Irene Clarke, Duncan Fenton, George Boyle, Andrew Ballantyne, William Ballantyne, R Todd (EARS), J Weir (EARS), Jean Millar, Archie Millar, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, Neil Gibson, Lesley Matthews, Peter Malcolm, Chris MacLeod, Lily Love, J Paterson. Apologies: Susan Coghill, Andy Middleton, Anne Gladwell, Malcolm & Eddie MacNeill, Ziggy Wilson Society Convenor: Duncan welcomed all and outlined fire procedure in accordance with the guidelines of Renfrewshire Council. Officers Reports: Treasurer, George, reported on the increase in expenditure last month due to the run up to Wallace Day. All expenditure was deemed essential. By purchasing items required which were previously borrowed through goodwill, enables the Society to be much more self sufficient, cuts down time and benefits the Society in the long term. All members present agreed that it was essential that the Society assist in enabling David’s flag purchased in full prior to Wallace Day. The rent of the room in Elderslie Village Hall was paid, the cost of which has dramatically increased. It has also been booked for the next three years. ID hand stamps on arrival at events will assist in ensuring income at the door. A fridge for the bar will be appreciated by all wishing cold beer! Income continues through memberships and donations. Radio Coverage of Wallace Day: Two representatives from local radio station , EARS, which transmits from Elderslie Village Hall, were in attendance for the early part of the meeting to outline their support on Wallace Day.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 21st September 2010 Elderslie Village Hall 7.45 pm |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th JULY 2010 AT 8.00 PM.
Present: Duncan Fenton, Lily Love, Andy Middleton, Jim Adams, Andrew Ballantyne, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwell, Irene Clarke, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Peter Malcolm, John Paterson, Frank Boyd, Christine MacLeod, George Boyle. In Facebook, The Falkirk Commemoration & Bannockburn Commemoration were highlighted.
Posters: Thank you to George for the above poster of Wallace Day. Duncan printed up hundreds of flyers for Wallace Day, Andrew Ballantyne & John Patterson volunteered to post them through doors in the vicinity. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th JUNE 2010 AT 7.45 PM. Present: Irene Clarke, Duncan Fenton, George Boyle, Andrew Ballantyne, Gordon Aitken, Gary Stewart, Neil Lochiel, Peter Malcolm, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Isobel Lavelle, Tom Lavelle, Leona Ferguson, Chris MacLeod, William Ballantyne, Anne Gladwall. Apologies: Susan Coghill, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Andy Middleton A warm welcome was made to all by our convenor, Duncan. Treasurers report: George,
Little change in income and expenditure was reported. However, key rings for sale at events and Paypal donations have altered the final balance, resulting in a small increase in profit from last month. Robroyston: Society members were greatly impressed at the Fun Day held there by the local community. Photo’s are on the website. A great opportunity to inform through fun, particularly aimed at the younger generation, of the significant history on their doorstep. Posters: Wallace Day 2010 posters, drawn up by George, will be sent to Jean and Archie who volunteered to distribute them in local shops. Leona Ferguson volunteered to reach local colleges and youth clubs…thanks again! Recognition: The quest continues to gain recognition for Bishop Wishart’s burial place in Glasgow Cathedral and other notable figures which formed part of Scotland’s history. Sculpture: George is to speak to sculptor Ron Henderson regarding the sketch, manufacture and prices of a previously discussed idea of commemorating The Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae at Glasgow Cathedral. Letter of Safe Conduct: Kew and the Scottish Parliament have given permission for historians to look at the document. This is to be minuted and recorded on Facebook by the department of MSP Christine Graham. Professor Barrow, Dr Fiona Watson and the National Museum of Scotland are part of the team involved. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th MAY 2010 AT 7.45 PM. Present:Duncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, Douglas Cassidy, Mark Cassidy, George Boyle, Jim Adams, Gary Stewart, William Ballantyne, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Thomas & Isobel Lavelle, Andy Middleton, Peter Malcolm,Gordon Aitken, Alex Scullion, Debbie Wallace. Apologies:Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Ziggy Wilson, Craig Wilson, Susan Coghill. Webmaster’s report: Continued success of the Society’s Facebook Page, which now has over 1500 Friends. When the annual subscriptions are due in August, George will include a note asking Friends to join the Society. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 15th June. All welcome. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010 AT 7.45 PM. Present: Duncan Fenton, Irene Clarke, Lily Love, Douglas Cassidy, Mark Cassidy, Neil Lochiel, George Boyle, Jim Adams, Gary Stewart, William Ballantyne, Archie Millar, Jean Millar, Andy Middleton, Christine MacLeod, Peter Malcolm. Apologies: Thomas & Isobel Lavelle Webmasters Report:
The use of Facebook by the Society is proving to be very successful.
Photo’s of previous Wallace Day in the 1970s were given for use of the website by society member, Jean millar. All members are encouraged to send in relevant photo’s to the webmaster, for inclusion in the archives of the Society. Finally: as has become tradition, to end the meeting, a wee joke….unrepeatable, it has to be heard to be believed! |
The Society of William Wallace minutes of meeting held in Elderslie Village Hall, Glenpatrick Road on TUESDAY 16th March, 2010 AT 7.45 PM PRESENT: Duncan Fenton, Mark Cassidy, Douglas Cassidy, Jim Adams, Neil Lochiel, Irene Clarke, George Boyle, P. Malcolm, Jean Millar, Archie Millar, T Lavelle, I Lavelle, Christine McLeod |
The Society of William Wallace minutes of meeting held in Elderslie Village Hall, Glenpatrick Road on Tuesday the 16th of February at 7.45 PM Vice Convenor Duncan welcomed everyone to the meeting as usual, with an especially warm welcome to Kimberley, David’s daughter, who will carry on in her father’s footsteps. We were also glad to see the safe return of Gordon, our bard, following his recent serious road accident. OFFICE BEARER'S REPORTS: Treasurer…George, outlined the balance of The Society. Since last meeting The Society has purchased a PA system for use at Wallace Day and other events. Web master…also George. The Pay pal system of membership subscription is now running. A new fee of £5.50 per annum, an increase of 50p, to cover costs. The new web site enables instant access to everything to do with the Society . It is easy to comment upon and add photos. Thanks George! Bishop Wishart’s tomb in Glasgow Catherdral: No news on this front as yet. The MSP linked to the Cathedral is writing to Historic Scotland regarding this issue. Cambuskenneth Abbey: Duncan reported on the suggestion that Wallace’s left arm was buried under a marked stone there. A stone thought to be such had overgrown turf removed. Photos were taken in 2006. The 700th anniversary tree, which was planted by David Ross and Irene Clarke to commemorate the Battle of Stirling Bridge, is close by. With a view towards The Abbey Craig it was also the spot where Society member Hugh Robertson recently filmed the appeal for Wallace to be the Most Famous Scot. Media Officers Report…Irene: showed members a photo of David with the actors who played the role of Young Wallace and Hamish in Braveheart. Bannockburn 2014: Irene has booked 60 rooms at the King Robert Hotel on the 20th and 21st of June 2014 in the name of The Society. The Rob Roy Hotel would also accommodate guests with a free bus. Member Hugh Robertson reminded members of the commemoration of the Battle of Flodden, which will be held one year earlier is also in the planning stages and would be of interest to the Society. As Hugh is tentatively involved with this on a professional basis, the society will be able to inform members as time progresses. BBC’s production of “The Seven Ages of Britain”. All present at the meeting agreed, to quote a Herald newspaper comment, that it was “inaccurate tosh”. There was very little, if any, reference to Scots, Irish, Welsh events and treasures. It was suggested by Irene that, with Kimberley’s permission, the Society contacted the Chief Land Services Officer to place a plaque on the railing beside the tree in Stirling. Irene will liaise with Kimberly in this regard. Monthly Historical mistakes by journalists in the popular Scottish Press were highlighted at the meeting and once again dealt with on the Societies behalf by Irene!...thanks Irene. Duncan reported on the expenditure of the new PA system. This will make life easier for all members of the society and audiences at events. WALLACE'S LETTER OF SAFE CONDUCT: Unfortunately Gary was not in attendance for a full update as was hoped. Society members heard of cataloguing mistakes at Kew which will further hinder progress. More will be heard on this at future meetings. On a positive note, historian Dr Fiona Watson and Geoffrey Barrow are supporting the movement to have them returned from Kew to Scotland. Duncan suggested a small group including Kimberley could co-ordinate a diplomatic approach on behalf of the society. Ted Cowan and Louise Yeoman are also possible supportive academics who may assist with this. Wallace Day 2010: Duncan has been in contact with Fiona Watson and has confirmed her attendance as a speaker at the memorial. Robroyston 2010. Sandra White MSP has confirmed that he will be in attendance at the commemoration there. Tributes to David continue to be received by Duncan from all parts of the world. Duncan has attended to them on behalf of the Society…many thanks Duncan for this very difficult duty. Duncan reported on the society’s link with Electric Scotland, which can only help to inform others on the web. He also brought awareness of the society to a recent article in the Scotland on Sunday newspaper on tartan registration. So many new tartans have recently been introduced that it has become a fashion design rather than a symbol of identity. Lanark: Members are keeping a close eye on plans which were made to make a museum with a holiday flat above on the site commemorating Wallace’s wife, Marion Braidfute of Lamington. Nothing has happened on this front. This could have been a fitting place for the 2005 coffin and a museum to Wallace. Duncan informed members of the generous donation of money and a signed book about Wallace by French author Beatrice Balti who has become supportive through her own interests, foremostly with Joan of Arc. Duncan has thanked her on behalf of the Society. A number of significant items, including an oil on canvas representation of the Wallace Statue at Drybrough may be auctioned at a forthcoming Tribute Night in Edinburgh. Kimberley has also been offered a guitar for this purpose, and Irene an original Braveheart video. More will follow on this subject soon. Merchandise Officer…Ziggy: The society has been offered an area in The Post Office in Leith Walk in Edinburgh where it could sell stock on a sale or return basis. He has confidence in the good intentions of the staff involved at this prime site in the city. The Society was supportive of this. Ziggy is taking on the sale of David’s books and DVD’s on behalf of Kimberley and will liaise with her in all matters regarding this. Stock could also be sold at the Edinburgh Tribute night. Ziggy showed prototypes of 3 new car stickers which should go down well with folk! Ziggy requested and was granted, a float of £100 for postage and packaging of items, to avoid any personal expenses. The new pay pal method of payment is now up and running and there are encouraging signs of increase in sales of merchandise. New suggestions always welcome! Thanks to Ziggy for keeping the merchandise sales up and the enthusiasm going! OTHER BUSINESS: Society member Archie wondered if the Letter of Safe Conduct could have the positive support of the Roman Catholic Church, as it has been confirmed that the pope will be visiting Scotland at some time in the near future. This could be seen as something which bonds the links with Wallace and the church which meant so much to him. Society member Gordon thanked everyone for their good wishes and support following his recent accident. He informed members of his activity on two main issues. The place of the 2005 coffin. As it could take up to seven years for Lanarkshire Council to do something about a museum, he suggested that an appropriate place might be The Abbot’s House in Dunfermline. Dr Fiona Watson is now in charge of the property and may be approached on the matter. Plaque for David at Stirling. Gordon offered cobblestones for use inside the railings around the tree at Stirling. A similar design could be used as at the Falkirk Cairn, with a plaque commemorating David’s contribution to Scotland imbedded into the design. All present were in favour of this idea…thanks Gordon! Duncan Thomson Chairman of Strathleven Artisans, and one of the 40 Bowmen of St Sebastian, informed members of the forthcoming event of the opening of the Robert Bruce Heritage Centre in Renton, Dumbartonshire on March 27th. The meeting ended with fond memories and stories of the big man and a bad joke from George! No refreshments or eats this evening….we miss you, Lily! Date of next meeting….Tuesday 16th March in Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm. Everyone is very welcome!!!! PS: Remember the meeting on in elderslie on Thursday the 11th March @ 5pm Late Website News….David had planned to tour with Albannach and over forty American Albannach fans in March this year to show them the sites and explore our wonderful country's history with them, alas it was not to be but everyone on the tour agreed that it should go ahead and be dedicated in David's honour. It is with regret that we have to inform you of the sad death of another of our members. May Macartney was a long standing member of the Wallace Society and was also our Minute Secretary for many years. |
The Society of William Wallace minutes of meeting held in Elderslie Village Hall, Glenpatrick Road on Tuesday the 19th of January at 7.45 PM Duncan chaired a very emotional meeting tremendously well considering the recent death on the second of January, of David R. Ross, Convenor of this society He warmly welcomed everyone as usual. He highlighted the fact that no-one can take the place of David, but the Society of William Wallace must go forward. He asked all members to help share the load for the future, “that what does not break us, makes us stronger” Tributes to David: Many thanks to all members of the Society who brought along news reports . These will be kept as a lasting tribute to the big man. Duncan informed members that he had received many emails of condolence from many individuals, groups and organisations, who knew David in many different ways. It showed the impact that David had on the lives of many people and that his words, written and verbal, reached out to many. There are also tributes on the following websites http://www.thesocietyofwilliamwallace.com/ http://www.bannockburnband.co.uk/ http://www.albannachmusic.com/ http://www.scotsmagazine.com/emails.asp http://news.scotsman.com/glasgow/First-Minister-pays-tribute-.5965561.jp http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituaries/David-R-Ross.5968587.jp http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/obituaries/david-r-ross-author-and-historian-1.998815 Duncan will continue to liase with David’s Daughter, Kimberley on behalf of the Society, has offered and will continue to offer, assistance to her at this difficult time. Developments: Alan Reid from Fife has opened a Facebook Group regarding Wallace’s letter of safe conduct HERE Thank you to Rob Gibson, MSP for Ross-shire for putting letters into various highland newspapers, informing readers about David. Condolences were also sent from the Andrew De Moray Project. A new saltire for Avoch will be required soon for the annual commemoration which will be soon approaching. Some MSP’s supported the recent motion in the Scottish Parliament on bringing Scotland vibrant history more to the fore within the Scottish Education System….well done them! Treasurers Report: Our new treasurer, George, gave his first Society of William Wallace Financial Report. There was some discussion over money. It will take time for the team to adjust to a new system of work. As the new secretary was elected by a quorum, present at the AGM, and entrusted with the finances of the society, all members are asked to support him in every way possible for the benefit of the society as a whole. Bob Irving was again thanked for his support at treasurer of the Society, which he fulfilled for around ten years. The money is now in George’s capable hands! A message was reported by George from our Merchandise Officer, Ziggy Wilson, that Kimberley Ross, will settle the merchandise account on behalf of her dad. Web masters report….Also George! George is happy for his address to be put on the Society Contact List on the web site. George also asked if anyone had any photos of David for the Society website, so that he could compose a tribute to him. A discussion occurred regarding payment methods for worldwide merchandise customers and member’s fees. George will explore the best options available to, and for, the Society. Change: A discussion ensued looking forward to the future of the group. It was suggested that guest speakers be invited, which would affect the finances of the group. Names of prospective speakers are most welcome! Wallace Day: Fiona Watson would be contacted by Duncan to enquire if she would be the main speaker at Wallace Day 2010. Postal address: Duncan will change the postal address of the Society on the printed membership forms. New Statue of Bruce: Finally, after 150 years, a new statue of Robert, The Bruce, was unveiled on the 18th of January. We hope to have a picture on our website soon! Memorial at Glasgow Cathedral: Bob Irving enquired about progress. This memorial to those present at the Battle o’ The Bell o’ The Brae continues to be at the planning stage. Lanark: Lanarkshire Council have ended the hopes of The Society that the coffin of 2005 should rest there. Wallace statue in Lanark, Gordon reported that the statue has been refurbished, but the Lanark sword has not yet been replaced. A similar situation occurred at the John De Graham tomb a few years ago. It was eventually replaced. Gordon Aitken: Spoke of the kind generosity of Ken Shirra of the Knights Templar in Scotland. Thank you Ken, on behalf of the Society. Gordon read two moving poems to the society, with thoughts of David, which will be available on the website of the Society. One by Muriel Roebuck of Kirriemuir, the other by Gordon himself, entitled ..A Tribute to a Patriot, David R. Ross, Our Own William Wallace….thanks Gordon! Gary Stewart: Reported on behalf of Andy Middleton on the state of the monument to Wallace at his place of betrayal in Robroyston. Apparently Historic Scotland are responsible for the Cross only and not the surrounding railings etc. The monument stands within the jurisdiction of Glasgow City Council. This clarification may result in the appropriate people being pressured into action of some sort. Gary also reported on the future visit of 45 american visitors to Scotland. The tour was meant to be led by David, and will continue. Everyone is asked to lend a hand if possible to ensure that the tour continues with our guid scots hospitality and friendship. Albannach at Menzies Castle, near Aberfeldy, and Fiery Jack have been mentioned so far, but please check website for further developments. This will be an opportunity to fund raise for the Wallace Coffin and 2014 commemorations, …all Society members are asked to support us in any way they can. Bowling Trophy: The possibility of offering a bowling trophy to remember Wallace and David Ross was mentioned. Monthly meetings are held in the hall in front of Elderslie Bowling Club, during the summer, members can watch the matches as a backdrop to the meetings! Tower of London: Betty and Charlotte reported on the forgotten Scots who died in the Tower of London. It is said that a group were forced to put on their own shrouds before being shot. They are thought to be buried in an unmarked grave close to the grave of Anne Boleyn. Media Officer Irene: Reported on some of the tributes paid to David in the national press and local papers. Irene also received a telephone call from Scotland First Minister, Alex Salmond and a letter of condolence followed. This was read by Duncan to all present at The Glasgow Ferry at David’s funeral on the 11th of January. Irene showed the Society a commemorative brooch and piece of plaid which was given to her daughter. This once belonged to a member of the team of the inspirational film, Braveheart, and has a certificate of authenticity. It is her intention to auction it at some point, to raise funds for a future Society commemoration. ….a plaque in London beside the Wallace plaque at St Bartholemews commemorating the events of 2005. …a bench at the Wallace Tree in Elderslie, or Stirling Bridge. …a plaque set in cobbles. Money, time , upkeep and vandalism issues are all factors in consideration but suggestions continue to be welcome. Bruce Plaid: Chris MacLeod showed the society the plaid that she had completed on the 11th of January. This was meant to be David’s new plaid in The Bruce tartan, woven by her on the 200 year old loom in Weaver’s Cottage, Kilbarchan. The first threads were put on the frame on Wallace Day 2009, by David himself, before starting the Wallace Commemoration. As a mark of respect, this plaid will be kept until 2014, and used in some form in the Bruce Commemoration. Two pieces of the plaid were cut from the cloth and passed on to two significant people. One was symbolically given to his daughter Kimberley and the other to Duncan Fenton. Duncan wore the piece at David’s funeral. The meeting ended by a show of true appreciation of the big man…a telling (or re-telling)….of some of his bad jokes…..just as it always did! Thanks to Lily for supplying the buffet for members after the meeting. Date of next our meeting will be Tuesday the 16th of February at 7.45pm in Elderslie Village Hall, all welcome! Slainte! Late News: As members discussed ways of creating a lasting tribute to our late Convenor, David R. Ross, a vote was taken to ascertain whether members thought it would be appropriate to use money from the Society’s funds for this. Nearly all members were in agreement, but one member raised a point of order that the whole membership of the Society be consulted on this matter. So I would ask any member who disagrees with this proposal to lodge their objection with the Webmaster or Vice Convenor. It is not always feasible, due to time restrictions, to poll every member, & wait on feedback, for every decision, so this has been discussed by the office bearers, & we propose that any decision that has to be taken, is put to the vote to the members attending that particular meeting. With most of the previous decisions, that is what we have always done. Again, if any member disagrees with this, please raise your objections in the manner stated above. |
The Society of William Wallace Minutes of The Annual General Meeting of The Society of William Wallace held in Elderslie Village Hall Glenpatrick Road, Elderslie. On Tuesday 17th November 2009. Election of Office Bearers for 2009-2010:The meeting began with the election of office bearers, chaired by Bob Irving. Bob stated that he did not wish to be re-elected as treasurer. The following is the result by election…. Convenor…David R Ross Vice Convenor…Duncan Fenton Acting Secretary…Duncan Fenton Minute Secretary…Chris MacLeod Webmaster … George Boyle Treasurer…George Boyle Media Officer…Irene Clarke Merchandise Officer…Ziggy Wilson & Craig Wilson Social Convenor...Lily Love All posts with immediate effect. CONVENOR (David R. Ross): Re-elected by members present, David proceeded to continue the meeting. He responded to various questions including: The let of the hall…perhaps an alternative venue could be looked into as the rental has increased dramatically…the hall is booked until July 2010. The general feeling was that Elderslie, the birthplace of Wallace, meant something to most people. The hall was best suited to Wallace Day. Signatories…Previously Bob Irving and Willie Douglas, requires an update. Bob will continue meantime. Decline in attendance… .unsurprisingly since the high of 2005 – 2006. A suggestion was made that a series of regular speakers could be introduced. This would require a healthier bank balance to pay for the expenses of other speakers. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan continued to encourage more use of emailing correspondence, which is much more convenient and saves the society over £100.00 per month in postage. Two thirds of the Society membership is now on email. A quarterly newsletter was suggested to be sent by regular mail. No decision was taken on this. Good Exhibition on in The National Library of Scotland. There was a copy of an excellent article by Rennie McOwan, printed in the Scots Magazine, November 2009, which was distributed and discussed. David Ross is to contact the author for permission of the Society to use his article some time in the future. David will speak at the St Andrews Day March in Edinburgh. The Society website was discussed. All agreed that it was looking great. A big thank ye to George Boyle for the great work!. George is happy to receive any relevant information which may be added to the site. Media Officer (Irene Clarke): Continues to scour the press and point out historical inaccuracies when required…an immense task!...Irene accepted re-election to the post…all thought that she's doing a great job! Topics discussed were current media articles on Blind Harry,The Seal of Lubek and Wallace’s Letter of Safe Conduct. A Letter read out by David from D MacKinnon of Ostaig House complaining about the Wallace monument site. STV Greatest Scot…Society member Hugh Robertson did us proud!. He commended Wallace as THE greatest Scot. The results would be known on St Andrews Day Merchandise Officer,(Ziggy Wilson): Reported that any money made from the sale of Wallace merchandise is ploughed straight back into increasing stock. Ziggy was re-elected to the post...many thanks indeed!! Ziggy also welcomes any suggestions for new merchandise ideas (things that will sell well!) . Ideas include…mugs, stickers and badges…perhaps including “I’ve brought you to the ring, now dance the best ye can” and “Wallace was Innocent” Do please let Ziggy know by email, bearing in mind that a large quantity has to be ordered. Members and friends are actively encouraged to take a look at the great range of stock for personal, gifts which greatly contributed to the support of the society. George is hoping to get the online shop up and running soon, meanwhile please continue to support us! Lily, as usual, provided us with great tea, coffee and eats! The Society really appreciates all she that does for the members. a Merry Christmas & prosperous new year. NEXT MEETING to be held on Tuesday 19th January 2010 at 7.45 pm in Elderslie Village Hall. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: A. Millar, J. Millar, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, Jim Adams, Dorothy Adams, Richard Quinn, George Boyle (Webmaster), Lily Love (Social Convenor), David Ross, (Convenor), Duncan Fenton (Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Susan Boyle, Willie Douglas, Hamish MacQueen,, Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), TREASURER (Bob Irving): Several members paid their membership subscription. If any members have not done so, could they please send in their subs as soon as possible. Thanks to all who have paid. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene informed members of the charter granting Royal Burgh status to Perth by King William the Lion in 1210, which has just been repaired & cleaned & the original seal re-affixed. It will be on display at Perth museum next year. Irene suggested a trip by members to go to see it. Irene told members that the controversial ‘Mel Gibson’ statue which stood at the foot of the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, has now been removed to make way for a new visitor centre. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan contacted Alastair MacIntyre, webmaster for popular website ‘Electric Scotland’. There was an old outdated link to our very first website from years ago. Duncan gave Alastair the details of our new website & asked if he would be good enough to update the link. Alastair replied that he was happy to do so. Duncan contacted ‘UK Destinations’ website to bring attention to an error in their article on Wallace. It had given the date of the Battle of Stirling Bridge as 1287 instead of 1297. He also informed the editor that another website ‘New Zealand News UK’, had copied their article containing the same error. He received a reply thanking him for pointing it out, & that it was a simple typo. They will also contact the other website to enquire why they have copied their content. The error has now been fixed. Although Duncan also contacted NZ News to point out their error, they have not replied, & the error still stands. Duncan has purchased two new extending poles for the Society’s smaller banner. This will be taken to other events, not necessarily Wallace-related, but will represent the Society’s presence. This may also increase membership. CONVENOR (David R. Ross). David told members of his recent travels in the USA. H e visited the Wallace statue in Baltimore, which was erected in 1893, and unveiled on St.Andrews Day of that year. David asked that more members become involved in contributing ideas and content to the Society. David suggested providing a trophy for the Bowling Club which is adjacent to our village hall. This could be named the “William Wallace Trophy” or something similar, & could be played for each year. A.O.C.B. Ideas for expanding & enhancing Wallace Day were discussed. Suggestions included getting children more involved with face painting & side shows to entertain them. Irene suggested buying a fridge or chill cabinet to keep drinks cool in the bar. She also suggested that instead of hiring glasses for the day, which is becoming increasingly more expensive, we should buy our own. After the initial outlay, there would be no further expense. David suggested handing out wristbands to visitors as they pay their entrance fee at the door at the evening event. This will give us a truer picture of the number of attendees. The recent commemorations of Wallace Day & Stirling Bridge were discussed. Reports & videos can be found on our website at HTTP://WWW.THESOCIETYOFWILLIAMWALLACE.COM David thanked Craig Wilson & Andy Currie for acting as door stewards at the Wallace Day celebrations at the evening event. The annual Wallace Society dinner will be held in the nearby Wallace Tavern in Elderslie, on 4th December 2009. Thanks to Lily for supplying the buffet for members after the meeting. NEXT MEETING will be the Annual General Meeting on 17th November 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN KILBARCHAN WEAVERS COTTAGE ON 15TH SEPTEMBER 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: A. Millar, J. Millar, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, Jim Adams, Dorothy Adams, Christine MacLeod, David Bailey, Richard Quinn, Morag MacLaren, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, George Boyle (Webmaster), Duncan Fenton (Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer), Nan Irving APOLOGIES: Susan Boyle, Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), David Ross, (Convenor), Lily Love (Social Convenor), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers) TREASURER (Bob Irving): Duncan handed Bob money that had come in from memberships, & money from Wallace Day that David Ross gave to him before he went to the USA. This month’s meeting followed a different format from the usual. As the Weavers Cottage is a little on the small side, we had to split into two groups. This made talking to all members a little difficult. A decision was made to carry over any business from last month to the October meeting, & let member Christine MacLeod, who works there, give us a guided tour. First, Christine showed us the 200-year-old loom on which she wove the blanket which will go on Robert Burns’ bed in Burns’ Cottage in Alloway. She explained how the sett was chosen, which natural dyes were used, & which plants they came from. She explained how it had just been completed that day, & that MSP Mike Russell, Minister for Culture, had performed the cutting off ceremony. Moving back upstairs, we were handed over to guide, David Bailey, who explained the mechanics of making peg rugs. We were split into 2 groups, one of which was set to having a go at rug making. The other was treated to tea & coffee in the next room. After a while we switched places, so that everyone had a turn. When members had finished their spot of rug making, we were asked to sign our names in a book, which will record all those who helped in the process. These rugs will also be taken for display in Burns’ Cottage, so we all had a share in a little bit of history. Thanks for that, Christine. We were then allowed to have a browse around the rest of the cottage, which is a cruck-built structure, of which there are not many left in Scotland. There were old style box beds, recessed in the walls, & old crockery & fittings from the period. Even a pair of the obligatory wally dugs on the mantelpiece, which every household used to own. On leaving, everyone thanked Christine & David for a very enjoyable & educational evening. NEXT MEETING will be on 20th October 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 18th AUGUST 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: A. Millar, J. Millar, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, Jim Adams, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Simone Dugas, Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm MacNeill, Lily Love (Social Convenor), Jim Love, David Ross, (Convenor), Duncan Fenton (Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), APOLOGIES:Nan Irving, Hamish MacQueen, George Boyle (Webmaster), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), TREASURER (Bob Irving): Bob gave Irene & Duncan a cheque for the drink to be purchased on Wallace Day. This was taken to the local shop which supplies us. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke): Irene again had a go at the newspapers for their distortion of history. A recent item said that Walter Raleigh had introduced tobacco to the “British” government & the “British” monarch, Queen Elizabeth I. Most people know that Scotland & England had separate governments & different monarchs at that time. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan read out an e-mail from one of our members in Australia, Robert Dudgeon. Last month he told members of a new book by Dr.Anne McKim. He has since phoned Dr. McKim to tell her that her book had been mentioned at the Society’s meeting, & sent her a copy of the newsletter. Robert said that she was interested in the Society. Duncan had an e-mail from member Dick Clark about the missing document pertaining to the National Wallace Monument. His friend, Mike Williamson, had the original Confirmation Document to Rockhead, being a family member. Before the 700 anniversary commemorations, Mike travelled from Banchory to the Stirling monument to hand over this one-off document to a Council Officer. The result was, Dick says, his friend was not invited to any of the celebrations, nor even given a letter of thanks. An e-mail from member Scott Love informed that he has persuaded Radio Station De Tha Dol to publicise Wallace Day on air. He has also been assured that they will advertise other Wallace related events if they are given plenty of notice. Duncan gave a report on the recent Commemoration at Robroyston, at which Duncan presented young Glen Wood with a certificate of Honorary membership of the Society, in recognition of the work he has done in highlighting the state of the area around the Monument & the Well in the national press. |
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CONVENOR (David R. Ross): David had to go in person to the local council offices for the licence for Wallace Day, because they had promised it would be sent by post, but after three weeks, it still hadn’t arrived. Further to last month’s request, David showed members a detailed report of merchandise bought & sold. This had been sent to him by Merchandise Officer, Ziggy Watson. The subject of the proposed new badges was raised. Duncan will speak to Ziggy on this at Wallace Day on Saturday. David attended the Borders Gathering in Dumfries at the weekend & gave a series of talks. He was asked by the organisers if the Wallace Society would like to take a table at next year’s event. This was discussed with a view to taking up this offer. A subject discussed last month was the missing document from the National Library of Scotland of the proposal for funding to build the National Wallace Monument in Stirling. David has been on to them & it seems that it has turned up. The reason given is that it had been mislaid. David had a phone call from the new owners of the nearby Wallace Tavern. It had recently changed hands already not so long ago. David asked if they could accommodate members for the Annual St. Andrew’s Day dinner. This was confirmed & a date of Friday evening on the 4th December has been pencilled in. Ted Christopher should be available to entertain us on that evening. SOCIAL CONVENOR (Lily Love): Lily requested members to donate home baking or sandwiches for the tea room on Wallace Day. Also requests for members to help run tea room. Lily informed members of the sad death of member Gaston Olivier. Gaston was well liked by all members. Member Cris MacLeod: Cris reminded members that the next meeting will be at the Kilbarchan Weavers Cottage, where she works. She has been asked by the National Trust for Scotland to weave a new blanket for the bed that Rabbie Burns was born in Burns Cottage in Alloway. All members are invited to come & see the work that is being done. This will be on 15th September. Photography is allowed, so please bring your cameras. |
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A.O.C.B. Final preparations for Wallace Day were discussed. Members agreed we will attempt to attract some high profile speakers in plenty of time for next year Thanks again to Lily for supplying the buffet for members after the meeting. NEXT MEETING will be on 15th September 2009 at Kilbarchan Weavers Cottage at 7.45pm |
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 21st JULY 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: A. Millar, J. Millar, Jim Adams, Clare McColl, Heather Ross, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Lily Love (Social Convenor), Jim Love, George Boyle (Webmaster), David Ross, (Convenor), Duncan Fenton (Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, Gary Stewart, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene spoke about a recent letter in the press by Derek Parker who branded the forthcoming Wallace day march as an SNP Rally. Willie Douglas had a letter printed the next day challenging his view. The Society would like to take this opportunity to again stress that we are a non-political, non-racial organisation, & welcome members of any race, religion or political persuasion. MEMBER WILLIE DOUGLAS: Asked why coverage was given to the recent Bannockburn Commemoration on our website, when this has nothing to do with William Wallace. Webmaster George Boyle answered that there were many Society members at this event so felt that it was appropriate for inclusion.Duncan voiced the opinion that, strictly speaking, Bannockburn does not have anything to do with Wallace, but neither do events remembering Culloden, Avoch, Killiecrankie, Sheriffmuir, or Arbroath, but many members attend these every year, and so details are published on the website & the newsletters. Many of our members are well up on Scottish history & attend many events not always associated with Wallace. Willie also asked how much money had ben raised by the sale of Society merchandise. David will contact Merchanise Officer, Ziggy, for an update. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan read out an e-mail from one of our members in Australia, Robert Dudgeon. He recommended a book on Blind Harry’s Wallace, by Dr.Anne McKim, which has over 40 pages of notes at the back which make very interesting reading. Duncan spoke about the Society’s attendance at the recent Battle of Falkirk Commemoration at Callendar Park. Duncan also mentioned the changes for the forthcoming march in Stirling to commemorate the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Ted Christopher, who organises this event sent Duncan the details. The Robroyston Commemoration will take place on Saturday 1st August at 2.00 pm. Speakers will be David Ross & George Boyle. Members Archie & Jean Millar: Said they had met Hugh Robertson, from Living History Group, Fire & Sword, at Kilmarnock recently. He asked if the Society would like him to come & do an illustrated talk. The Society has been educated & entertained by Hugh on previous occasions, & was very well received. Duncan will contact Hugh to arrange this. CONVENOR (David R. Ross). David received a phone call from the local council about the application for the drinks licence on Wallace Day. It seems it hadn’t been properly filled out. David will fill out a new form & hand it in personally. Speakers for Wallace Day were discussed. Ken Shirra of the Scottish Knights Templar has agreed to speak, & David will ask Ted Christopher if he would like to speak too. David spoke about his tour of the USA & said that many Americans are planning to come here for the “Homecoming” & will attend Wallace Day. Having spent so much time there recently, he has starting learning American history. He showed members a Confederate flag he had brought home, which is based on the saltire. Many Scots who went to America swelled the ranks of the Southern regiments during the Civil War. He showed a photo of a saltire in a museum which was carried into battle by McCowan’s regiment. David said that the National Library of Scotland has just completed an inventory & it sems there are around 250 documents missing. One of these is the proposal for funding to build the National Wallace Monument in Stirling. David has been doing interviews with the press recently, & one story they want to follow up is of 13 year-old Glen Wood, who mounted a campaign to improve the state of the area around the Robroyston Monument. Carrying a placard saying “Wallace Deserves Better”, he featured on our website. Now Glen has agreed to do an interview with the press. David mentioned that the new museum featuring the Black Douglas will open on 5th September in Teba, Spain. It will be housed in the old castle there, where Douglas was killed on crusade carrying the heart of Robert The Bruce. SOCIAL CONVENOR (Lily Love) Lily requested members to donate home baking or sandwiches for the tea room on Wallace Day. Also for prizes for the evening raffle. Thanks to Lily for supplying the buffet for members after the meeting. NEXT MEETING will be on 18th August 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 16th JUNE 2009 AT 7.45 PM.
PRESENT: Peter Malcolm, Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, David Ross, (Convenor), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor). George Boyle (Webmaster). Duncan chaired the meeting as David Ross was in the States. TREASURER (Bob Irving): Bob suggested reminding members that the monthly meeting for September will not take place in Elderslie, but in the Weavers Cottage in Kilbarchan, where Cris MacLeod works. This was discussed at the last meeting. A location map will be included in the August newsletter. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke): Irene continues with her quest to correct the media when they get our history wrong. The Glasgow Herald’s “On this day” feature continually includes mostly English orientated events in history. Irene also phoned the BBC to complain about an item on their BBC History website. It states that King Henry VIII was responsible for bringing Scotland & England together. Last year, following the damage to King James III’s graveslab in Cambuskenneth Abbey, Historic Scotland sent it away to be repaired. When Irene inquired about it, they told her they would inform her when the work was completed & where it was going on display. So far there has been no news. Irene will contact them again on this. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): There had been a rumour circulating recently that the Bannockburn March this year had been cancelled. But details have now been confirmed that the march will leave the 1314 Inn car park at 1.00 pm. Duncan read out e-mails sent to him by Convenor David Ross. These were exchanges between himself & the councillors who are involved with helping us get permission to erect a monument to the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae in Glasgow. One response from the Executive Director of development suggested an inscribed Caithness slab set into the pavement, but Councillor Craig Mackay agrees with us that we should be looking at a higher profile monument than that. He likes our idea of a large claymore with an inscription on it, so that is the project we will go with. The important thing is that Glasgow City Council planning department don’t have any objections at this stage. David has arranged a meeting with the councillors involved. More details will follow on the outcome of this. Duncan brought in photos of the granite broadsword memorial at Coldstream which was mentioned at last month’s meeting during discussions about the proposed monument in Glasgow. Also a photo of the Bore Stone which used to mark the traditional mustering place of the Scottish army at Borough Muir in Edinburgh. It is now built into the wall of Morningside Parish Church. Our caretaker at the hall, Charlie, retires in a few days. So, as a token of our appreciation, the Society presented him with a cheque for £50 for all the help he has given us for the last 27 years. NEXT MEETING will be on 21st July 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th MAY 2009 AT 7.45 PM.
PRESENT: T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Jim Adams, George Boyle, Cris MacLeod, Gordon Aitken, Eddie McNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Mae Duggan, Peter Malcolm, David Ross, (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer). APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Susan Boyle, Jennifer Gilmour, Michael Reid, Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer). DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton) Duncan gave a report on the recent visit to Avoch on the Black Isle, where along with members Eddie & Malcolm McNeill and Irene & Paul Clarke, they attended the flag raising ceremony hosted by the Andrew de Moray Project. As is customary, Duncan presented the group with a new saltire on behalf of the Society. Convenor Rob Gibson MSP, gave a speech, where he highlighted the need for a statue to properly recognise the part played by Andrew de Moray during the Wars of Independence. He is in dialogue with Historic Scotland, who are responsible for the site of Ormond Castle, to further this aim. CONVENOR (David R. Ross) David brought in the application form for a grant towards the cost of the proposed monument to the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae, near Glasgow Cathedral. This was duly filled in & designs were again discussed. David will meet again with the coucillors involved when he hands the form in. Plans may include providing proper car parking, rather than the 3 spaces at present, a footpath from the cross to the well, and general tidying up & renovation. He asked if the Society would like to get involved & invited representatives to their next meeting. This is welcome news after years of trying to get something done about the condition of the area without success. David told of a recent trip to the visitor center at Bannockburn Heritage Centre. He said that they were only two cars in the car park, & the centre itself was looking a little shoddy, with many of the artifacts that used to be on display there not present. The audio-visual display has been updated, but was not as good as the previous one. This prompted a discussion among members, who have noticed that more & more of properties under the care of the NTS & Historic Scotland are being staffed by non-Scots. This is not a racial issue – it just seems that Scottish people will know more about their own history & will be a little more passionate about it when dealing with the visiting public & answering their questions. David talked about the Gathering Stone that used to stand on the Borough Muir in Edinburgh, the traditional mustering place of the Scots army. He had read from old books that it had disappeared from its original location many years ago. Having gone looking for it, he found it just outside Morningside Parish Church, where it was placed in 1852. David informed members of a bust of Wallace in the Kelvingrove museum in Glasgow. MEMBER Gordon Aitken Gordon broght in a clipping from the Falkirk Herald, which carried the story of the recent vandalisation of the Falkirk Cairn. Someone had sprayed black paint over the sandstone plaque. Gordon’s comments were noted in the newspaper. Gordon has managed to clean the paint off. Gordon brought in tickets for sale for the Annual Falkirk Cairn Commemoration on 18th July. Member Cris MacLeod Cris spoke about an article which appeared in the local press about the Kilbarchan Weavers Cottage, where she works. She has been asked by the National Trust for Scotland to weave a new blanket for the bed that Rabbie Burns was born in Burns Cottage in Alloway. This is to tie in with the Burns “Homecoming” year. She proposed that one of our monthly meetings could be held in the Weavers Cottage, & invited all members to come & see the work that is being done. After discussing this, it was agreed that this would take place on 15th September. Member Jean Miller Jean said that she will speak to the Pipe Major of the Kilbarchan Pipe Band to ask if they are available to lead the march on Wallace Day. NEXT MEETING Will be on 16th June 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm LATE NEWS Duncan received an e-mail from John F. Early from New York City requesting help from our members in locating a drawing of Wallace. Below is his e-mail. John asks for assistance in re-locating an image he saw five months ago of a personage he strongly believes to be Wallace. John had been looking on his computer for any and all depictions of Wallace, when suddenly he came upon a simple pen and ink drawing. The extremely fine drawing shows the face and uppermost torso of a man in a tunic or nightshirt. John did not download the image or save it on computer hard drive, and ever since has been unable to locate it anywhere. Of all the portraits of William Wallace that John has seen, he maintains that the man in the drawing he saw looks most like the one hanging in the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, also same face positioning. If anyone comes across this image or something similar, please contact John at Received an invite to members for Lachlan’s 50th birthday party. Here is his e-mail. LACHLAN WILL BE HAVING A (BELATED) 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ON THE 17TH JULY (HIS BIRTHDAY IS THE 11TH) ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 21st APRIL 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Jim Adams, George Boyle, Richard Quinn, Cris MacLeod, David Ross, (Convenor), Kimberley Ross, Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Bob Irving (Treasurer), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer) APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Gary Stewart, Susan Boyle, Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor). MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene showed members a poster advertising a fund-raising abseil down the National Wallace Monument. Members agreed that a building, which is in fact a War memorial, is not a suitable venue for this kind of event. David will contact Stirling Council on this. Duncan was particularly dismayed by the invitation to “text FUN WALLACE” in order to take part. The Society has raised concerns about this in the past, but it still continues. Irene has applied for the drinks licence for the hall for Wallace day in August. She also contacted the local police, who again agreed to come to the hall periodically on their rounds to make sure we don’t suffer from drunken youths trying to gatecrash. She also contacted the lady who did the wreaths for our various commerorations last year, who will supply them again this year. Irene showed members a gift she had recived from a stuntman who had worked on ‘Braveheart’. A golden clasp brooch with a broadsword flanked by the words ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Freedom’. This was in a presentation box with a 3 x 3 inch square of tartan from Mel Gibson’s kilt, which was worn in the film. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton) Duncan read from a press cutting brought in by Member Jean Millar proposing a modern re-trial for Wallace. David Ross had supplied his opinion which was printed in the Scotsman’s version of the article. This has been brought up in the press before, and members agreed with David when he said we don’t want a pardon for Wallace, because that leads to the assunption that he was guilty. Duncan read out a news article concerning the National Trust for Scotland, who are suffering a finacial crisis. Plans include shedding 91 jobs and closing up to 11 of its properties to the public to save money. Another option discussed was to merge with the National Trust in England. Opponents of this have said that it would become a “junior partner of a much larger organisation”. I think we heard something similar in 1707. WEBMASTER (George Boyle) George told members of a newly launched website which has highlighted the state of disrepair around the Wallace Memorial cross in Robroyston. This can be found at WWW.ROBROYSTON.ORG CONVENOR (David R. Ross) David said that he has noticed recently an increase on TV and in the press of all things “British”, with advertisers using the Union Flag more & more. He wonders if this is a deliberate effort to promote “Britishness”, as Gordon Brown has always said he wants to do. Also there seems to be more goods on sale on Scotland bearing the Union Jack logo, & less emphasis on the Saltire. Members’ own experiences have reinforced this. David spoke about the recent commemoration at Culloden which he attended, and also the one for hte “Rout of Moy”. David had a meeting with Councillor Craig Mackay about the proposed memorial to the ‘Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae’ in Glasgow. He read out a letter he’d received from him. Glasgow City Planning department have so far raised no objections to this& we have been invited to submit sketches of possible designs. This was discussed at length by memberswith some very good ideas being put forward. David read out an e-mail from Susan Barclay at Robroyston Community Council. She has asked that, follwing the success of last year’s Robroyston Fun Day, some mebers could again come along, suitably kilted up, to help explain the link between Wallace & Robroyston. This will be held at the local Ppimary school. Several members have agreed to do so. Member Cris MacLeod: Cris said that on a recent trip to the Epcot Centre, she visited the United Kingdom pavilllion. It contained mostly images of England. It’s own website invites you to “travel to jolly old England”. This is supposedly representative of the whole of the UK. Member Jean Millar:Jean suggested we make posters advertising Wallace Day in plenty of time this year. She and husband Archie are willing to hand these out to local shopkeepers for display in their windows. This is a direct response to the negative attitude shown by the local council in the past, when we have put up posters on lamposts, only to have them removed the next day by council workmen. Webmaster George Boyle agreed to produce the posters. NEXT MEETING will be on 19th May 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 17th March 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Peter Malcolm, W. Clow, (guest),Jim Adams, George Boyle, David Ross, (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor) APOLOGIES:Nan Irving, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor). Member Archie Millar raised a very good point. He suggested that we don’t give out details of the bank balance as the newsletters are now available anyone to read on the website, & not just to members. Members agreed. Duncan will still send out the newsletter to members as usual, but webmaster George Boyle will delete the bank balance entry for posting on the internet. Convenor David Ross brought in a pile of cheques for subscriptions that he received while he was away, & will post these on to the treasurer. Duncan has a note of these & will mark them up as paid on the database. Archie also mentioned that there are a few old websites with the domain name of the Wallace Society, or a variant of it, that are no longer functioning, & suggested that we try to et them removed, so that our website will be more prominent to a search engine. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan read out e-mails he has received. An e-mail from member Alan Reid about the renewed attempt by MSP’s to secure the return of the Wallace “safe conduct” letter currently held at Kew. He suggested that more members could write to their MSP & to the press to show the volume of support for this move. Alan also mentioned that to celebrate 10 years of the Scottish Parliament, a new quotation is being sought for inclusion on the Canongate Wall. There are currently 24 quotes inscribed on stones from various prominent Scots. Alan suggests Wallace’s rallying call, “I’ve brought you to the ring – now dance the best you can”. If members log on to the parliament website they can leave their suggestion. The decision will be made on St Andrews day. Duncan has already done this. (Since the meeting his letter regarding this has been published in the Scotsman newspaper 20/3/09). Duncan brought up the subject of setting up a Paypal account on the website. Webmaster George Boyle said he is already looking into this & has asked David Murdoch to assist with the technicalities. MEMBER Gordon Aitken Following last month’s request for Wallace Day speakers, Gordon has asked Ken Shirra, leader of the Knights Templar in Scotland, to speak. Ken has said that he would be honoured to do it. CONVENOR (David R. Ross) While in the States, David had a meeting with an American film company who are keen to make a DVD version of David’s book “On the Trail of William Wallace”. This would show the locations of the various monuments & sites relating to Wallace. He also spoke with the Canadian Tourist Board, who will have the copy of the Wallace sword on loan. This is the copy that is kept in the National Wallace Monument & not the original. He sword will be going on a tour of Canada, & they have requested permission for the Wallace coffin to accompany it. No member raised any objection to this. David read from a news clipping brought in by Jean Millar concerning a new book called “Bannockburn: The Triumph of Robert the Bruce, by David Cornell. The author suggests that the chroniclers got it wrong when they wrote about the numbers of English killed in battle. He states that it was far less because most of them fled. Comments have appeared in the press from David R. Ross, Ian Scott from the Saltire Society and much respected Prof. G.W.S. Barrow, among others, who disagree with Cornell’s interpretation of history. David read out a report from Media Officer, Irene Clarke, who could not attend the meeting. Irene had e-mailed Alex Salmond’s office to ask him to speak at Wallace Day. She has received a reply saying that unfortunately, he will be unavailable for that day. She has also contacted the provost’s office & is awaiting a reply. David has been told on several occasions that Scots commemorate battles they have lost, but the English don’t, & that the reason for this is that they didn’t lose many. David reckons the reason this view is widely held is because they don’t teach English defeats in their schools. To illustrate this, he spoke about two battles that are all but forgotten in England, Bannockburn excepted. They are the Battle of Bauge & the Battle of Byland. NEXT MEETING will be on 21st April 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 17th February 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Richard Quinn, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, George Boyle, Frank Boyd, John Paterson, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Grant Williamson,Willie Douglas, David Ross, (Convenor), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor). Duncan chaired the meeting as David Ross was in the States. TREASURER (Bob Irving): Bob asked members for suggestion for speakers for Wallace Day. Also that we should try to get more guest speakers for the monthly meetings. Bob suggested that their expenses could be met from society funds.
MEMBERS Jim Adams & John Paterson told members that nearby Johnstone Castle, which has recently been purchased, is being renovated by the new owner. Member George Boyle Has taken over as webmaster of the society’s new website, www.thesocietyofwilliamwallace.com George has added a lot of new content to the existing stuff on our old website. He asked members for anything they would like to contribute, like articles or photos. Gordon Aitken suggested excerpts from the CD Rom which descibes the building of the Falkirk Cairn in Callander Park. Copies of the meetings’ monthly minutes & newsletters can be found on the website. Members are reminded that meeting are held on the third Tuesday of every month, except December. Duncan sent an e-mail of thanks to David Murdoch, webmaster of Crann Tara’s site, who kindly allowed the society space on their website, & who made the transition from his site to our new domain as seamless as possible. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan read out e-mails he has received. An e-mail from member George Boyle with the information that Springburn SNP are trying to get the Wallace monument at Robroyston floodlit. Also to have it designated a site of national importance. Councillor Craig Mackay was contacted by John Toner who asked if it could be possible to erect a plaque of some sort to commemorate the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae, which Duncan spoke about at the last meeting. The councillor in turn contacted the societyto see if we wished to apply for funding for this project, & that he would support us. He asked if the society would be interested in assisting in identifying a suitable location and commissioning a plaque. Duncan replied to him, saying that we would like to be involved. This will be discussed further. Mr Toner also mentioned to Councillor Mackay the lack of an information plaque on the tomb of Bishop Wishart, Wallace’s friend, in Glasgow Cathedral. This has been discussed at previous meetings, with members bing urged to make a comment to that effect in the visitor’s book An e-mail fom John F. Early from New York. John asked for help in locating a image of Wallace he saw recently. It is a drawing showing Wallace from the waist up. Duncan asked members to let him know if they had any ideas about this. NEXT MEETING will be on 17th March 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm |
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th JANUARY 2009 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Richard Quinn, Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), APOLOGIES: Bob Irving (Treasurer), Nan Irving, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Grant Williamson, David Ross, (Convenor), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor). Duncan chaired the meeting as David Ross was in the States. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene spoke about a programme which was broadcast on BBC Alba around Christmas about Scottish history. She will bring the DVD to a forthcoming meeting. Irene phoned the Scottish Daily Mail about a recent article entitled ‘British Monarchs’. We are used to sloppy research & this time was no different. Included were Edward I & Henry VIII among others who are obviously English kings. It is difficult to tell whether this is ignorance or arrogance on the press’s part. Lily phoned Irene about a TV programme due to be shown this Sunday on Channel 4. Reference is made to the “English Isles” MEMBER Archie Millar sent in a news clipping about a forthcoming talk on Wallace by Alan Steel as part of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Paisley Philosophical Institution. This will take place at Paisley Museum on Thursday, February 26, at 7.30 pm. Admission is free & there is no need to book. MEMBER Gordon Aitken told members that the date for the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk will be 18th July this year. Further details to follow. Gordon sang a new song he has just written called “Patriotic Heart”. It is a rallying call for all Scots of diverse views & persuasions to forget their differences & come together for the greater good of Scotland. Scots have always been too ready to quarrel amongst themselves – it is now time to unite. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Another e-mail from a Liz Longden at Capital Press. They are preparing a story for the national press regarding the recent motion lodged in the Scottish Parliament by Murdo Fraser MSP, calling for the return of the Lubeck letter. She asked Duncan for comment on behalf of the Society. This was duly sent. Another e-mail from Elizabeth Crocket, who has just learned from the press about the safe conduct letter which was taken from Wallace on his capture & now lies in the National Archives at Kew. She asked if there had been any attempts to get it returned. Duncan replied & attached copies of all the relevant letters which have gone back & forth over the years on the subject. Duncan e-mailed the BBC’s Religion and Ethics website to bring their attention to an error on their article about St. Andrew last year. It gives the Battle of Athelstaneford as 736 AD, when it should have been 832 AD. They replied saying they would amend this as soon as possible, which they have now done. Duncan has been researching the Battle of the Bell O’ the Brae, which took place in Glasgow in 1297. Wallace’s forces defeated the English garrison of Glasgow Castle, which was under the command of Earl Percy. Having obtained several writers’ views on the subject from 1894, 1911 & 1913, he printed out an account of the battle with maps of the area around Glasgow Castle from differint times in history. This was distributed to members. NEXT MEETING will be on 17th February 2009 at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 18th NOVEMBER 2008 AT 7.45 PM. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 21st OCTOBER 2008 AT 7.45 PM. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 7.45 PM. |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th AUGUST 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, George Boyle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Eddie McNeill, David Murray, Eddie Scott, John Paterson, Jim Adams, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, P. Malcolm, Bob Irving (Treasurer), David Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Lily Love (Social Convenor). APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Malcolm McNeill, Richard Quinn, Susan Boyle, Hamish MacQueen, Grant Williamson. TREASURER (Bob Irving): Bob signed cheques for the alcohol for Wallace Day, & the wreaths for various commemorations. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Following reports of vandalism of King James III’s tomb cover at Cambuskenneth Abbey, Irene phoned Historic Scotland to ask why it had been kept in such a vulnerable site. When Irene mentioned that she originally thought they had meant the raised tomb in front of the high altar, the lady she spoke to admitted that she didn’t even know it was there. When the Daily Record covered the story, it carried a picture of King James VIII ! Irene asked members for donations of bottles of alcohol for the bar. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan suggested that one of our collecting tins be put on the bar for customers’ loose change. Duncan praised David Murdoch for setting up our new website, but called for any member with the experience to take over the running of it, to add new content, etc. He felt this was unfair to ask David to do this, as he is already Webmaster of at least half a dozen other sites. Member George Boyle agreed to do this & will speak to David on this subject. Duncan has many photos that could go on a picture gallery on the site. Duncan thanked George Boyle for making his first speech for the Society at the recent Robroyston commemoration. CONVENOR (David R. Ross) David spoke about the recent success of the Scottish competitors at the Beijing Olympics, & said that it was time that Scotland had its own team to compete in future Olympics, as happens in the Commonwealth games at present. David informed members that the pub close to the village hall, The Wallace Tavern, is now under new management. He has spoken to the new owner & believes he is a patriot. The pub will also be holding events to commemorate Wallace Day, & it is hoped that this will attract more people to the area & swell the numbers at the celebrations. SOCIAL CONVENOR (Lily Love) Lily asked for donations of sandwiches, home baking, etc., for the tearoom. Member Jean Millar has spoken to the Pipe Major of Kilbarchan Pipe Band & they have confirmed that they will lead the march on Wallace Day. Member Eddie Scott suggested the Society have a stall at next year’s World Pipe Band Championship, held in Glasgow. Member Gordon Aitken brought in a recent copy of the Falkirk Herald, which featured an article with photos of the commemoration of the Battle of Falkirk, at the newly built cairn in Callander Park. A.O.C.B. David Ross asked Gordon Aitken if he would like to do a few musical numbers during the ceilidh on Saturday night, while the bands are taking a break. Gordon agreed. Eddie McNeill said that the friends he will be bringing to Wallace Day have their own instruments, & would be willing to do the same during the breaks. Irene suggested that Eddie MacNeill be chosen to lay the wreath at the monument this year. This was agreed. All other final preparations for Saturday’s commemoration were discussed. Could I remind members that the annual subscriptions are now due. This can be paid on the day or by completing & posting the attached form. Thank you again for your support. Thanks again to Lily Love, our Social Convenor for providing tea & snacks for members after the meeting. NEXT MEETING will be on 16th September at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm. P.S. I have been asked to attach this to the newsletter to publicise next year’s Homecoming celebrations. ============================================================= As I’m sure you are aware, 2009 is the 250th birth anniversary of Scotland's most famous son, poet Robert Burns. This landmark event has inspired the creation of Homecoming Scotland in 2009, to celebrate Scotland as the Home of Your Ancestors, the Home of Golf, the Home of Whisky and of course the Home of Burns. As part of Homecoming, there will be an exhibition of contemporary art inspired by the life, poetry and songs of Robert Burns, featuring work by a distinguished group of artists from the UK and overseas. The contemporary work will be presented alongside a small collection of previously unseen Burns’ relics. The exhibition represents a fascinating and unprecedented way to convey the influence and relevance of Robert Burns' work in the present day. The Exhibition takes place at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow between 4 April – 20 September 2009 and admission is free. We are firstly looking to encourage Scots and expats to come back to Scotland but also secondly, to visit the exhibition. |
| MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th JULY 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, George Boyle, A. Millar, Douglas Cassidy, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Eddie McNeill, Sandra MacGregor, Mae Duggan, Shannon McLaren, Bob Irving (Treasurer), David Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer) APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Malcolm McNeill, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, J. Millar, Lily Love (Social Convenor), Jean Nellies, Richard Quinn, Michael Reid, Jennifer Gilmour, Grant Williamson. TREASURER (Bob Irving): Bob brought up the subject of stall lets in the village hall for Wallace Day & prices were discussed. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene reminded everyone that stalls are not allowed to sell or raffle alcohol, because this has caused problems in the past with under-age drinkers. Irene phoned the Sunday Herald to complain about an article which equated nationalism with nazism. Irene will organise the wreaths for commemorations of the Battle of Falkirk, Robroyston & Wallace Day. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan brought in an article from BBC History magazine, which tried to excuse Butcher Cumberland’s actions in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. Too many modern day historians seem to want to santise our history to make it more palatable. Member Debbie Bardo e-mailed Duncan to watch out for this article. Duncan remnded members that Doors Open Day is approaching. During the month of September, many properties open their doors free of charge to the public. More information can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk Duncan reminded members that the annual commemoration at Robroyston will take place at the monument on Saturday 2nd August, beginning at 2.00 pm. The Campsie Nairn pub has been booked from 3.00 till 5.00 pm for refreshments. It is situated in Woodhill Road, just off Auchinairn Road (B812). Duncan thanked Scott Love for cleaning the graffitti from the Wallace Stone at Riggend, and tidying up the surrounding area. CONVENOR (David R. Ross): David spoke about his recent time in the USA on the Highland Games circuit. He read out a letter he’d received from a Reverend that he’d met. It said that David’s speech had touched him, making him realise that although he is 7 generations American, his bloodline is 100 generations Scots. David also mentioned just how many Amercans speak Gaelic, when there are so few speakers in Scotland. David read out a letter of thanks to the Society from Robroyston Community Council for members of the Society taking part in their annual fun day, educating people about the links between Wallace & Robroyston. Thanks to Willie Douglas & Mary McCabe who provided the buffet after the meeting in the absence of Lily Love, our Social Convenor. NEXT MEETING will be on 19th August at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 17th JUNE 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: David Brown, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Richard Quinn, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Marion McMillan, Sandy Bain, Ann Bain, Douglas Cassidy, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Lily Love (Social Convenor). Duncan chaired the meeting as David was in the States at the launch of his new book. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene brought in a news clipping about a proposed statue of Robert the Bruce to be erecterd in Annan – facing across the Solway Firth to where Edward Longshanks’ statue stands in Burgh-by-Sands. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan gave details of the forthcoming Bannockburn March on 21st June. He mentioned that the Wallace Stone at Riggend, which had been vandalised with paint, has now been cleaned up, and thanked member George Boyle & his friends at the Paisley Tartan Army for this. Member Richard Quinn Voiced disappointment at the open day at Robroyston not being mentioned at last month’s meeting. The local primary school had asked the Society to send along some members in highland dress to man a table to explain to the public the connection with Wallace & Robroyston. David Ross & some members attended. Duncan apologised for this ommission. Member Archie Millar Showed members a leaflet for the Marie Stuart Society, & asked if our Society should be putting out something similar. It was discussed that this was possible to have on display at Wallace related events, but the cost of putting them into visitor centres would be prohibitive. Member Gordon Aitken
Gave a report on the commemoration of the massacre of the Clan Lamont by the Campbells, which occurred in 1646. This was held last Saturday in Dunoon, and organised by Na Fir Dileas. At the end of the meeting, Marion produced a bottle of Scottish Independence whisky, & asked David Brown to break the seal. This was served among members in memory of her late father. Marion told us that this was her father’s wish. Thanks again to Lily for providing a superb buffet for members to enjoy after the meeting. NEXT MEETING will be on 15th July at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.David Ross's monthly contribution hasn't reached me yet as he is still in the USA. This will be sent out as soon as I receive it. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th MAY 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, APOLOGIES: Bob Irving, Hamish McQueen, Grant Williamson, Susan Boyle, Gary Stewart. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene thinks that the Glasgow Herald have finally taken on board her comments about their “On this day” feature in which they consistently confuse Britain with England. The last few entries have made this distinction. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton) Duncan gave a short report on the Annual flag-raising ceremony at Avoch this year by the Andrew de Moray Project, at which he presented the new saltire to Charlie Beattie on behalf of our Society. CONVENOR (David R. Ross)
David will be in the USA shortly to launch his new book, “James the Good – The Black Douglas”, which is released on 3rd June. Duncan suggested each group could bring a stone from their locality to the battlefield, perhaps with their town’s name painted or engraved on it. This could maybe be built into a cairn at a later date to commemorate the 700th anniversary. Malcolm McNeill Malcolm told members of an upcoming event in Dunoon on 14th & 15th June. Organised by Na Fir Dileas, this will be a march to commemorate the slaying of the Lamonts by the Campbells which took place in 1646. There will entertainment at a local pub in the evening. NEXT MEETING will be on 17th June at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th APRIL 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Mae Duggan, David R. Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Lily Love (Social Convenor). APOLOGIES: Bob Irving, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Willie Douglas, Angus McKenzie, Cris MacLeod, Hamish McQueen, Grant Williamson, Jennifer Boyle, Michael Reid. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene phoned David to during the meeting to say that she had a puncture en route to Elderslie, & couldn’t make it. CONVENOR (David R. Ross) DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton) Duncan showed a collection of photos taken by former secretery, Willie Douglas. These showed post boxes around Glasgow that still have the King Edward VII cipher on them. Of course Scotland never had a King Edward. Member Gordon Aitken Attended the re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath last week & brought in photos of the event. He informed members of the Battle of Falkirk Commemoration, which will take place on 19th July. Gathering at the tomb of John de Graham outside the parish church, at 1.00 pm, the march will leave at 1.30 pm to the Falkirk Cairn in Callander Park, unveiled just last year. Commemoration led by Scottish Knights Templar, begins at 2.00pm. Evening entertainment will be at Camelon Bowling Club, with Kevin Wilson’s new band, White Rose & Fiery Jack. 7.30 till 12.30. NEXT MEETING will be on 20th May at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 18th MARCH 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Brian Young, Cris MacLeod, John Paterson, Geoge Boyle, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, David R. Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Lily Love (Social Convenor). APOLOGIES: Bob Irving, Nan Irving, Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Susan Boyle, Irene Rowan, Hamish McQueen. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene read out a short story about Wallace written by our newest & youngest member, Ellie Hunter, who is 6 years old. She is the neice of member Betty Burns. It’s good to see youngsters taking an interest in Wallace. CONVENOR (David R. Ross) David had been invited to the opening of the new Wallace exhibit at Edinburgh Dungeon. This will deal with Wallace’s torture & death. He gave them a copy of his book, “For Freedom” to use as reference. John Smeaton, the Glasgow Airport have-a-go hero was also present for publicity. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton) Duncan mentioned a newsclipping about history teaching in Scotland. Schools in Glasgow are being given a curriculum pack which explores Glasgow in the medieval period. He also spoke about the forthcoming BBC Scotland programme called “Scotland’s History”. It has already attracted a lot of negative comments from academics for being blantly Anglo-centric. Duncan has been to see the Silver Bell racing trophy which is on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. He warned members that if they go to see it, photography is not allowed in the exhibition. Duncan e-mailed Rosslyn Chapel’s website which now also has a no-photography rule. As he has photos from previous visits over the years, he asked why this ban is now in place. No reply has been received as yet. NEXT MEETING will be on 15th April at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm. |
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2008 AT 7.45 PM. PRESENT: Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Richard Quinn, Malcolm McNeil, Eddie McNeill, Brian Young, John Paterson, Alex Scullion, George Boyle, Susan Boyle, Peter Malcolm, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Frank Boyd, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Elizabeth Gosnay (Minute Secretery). APOLOGIES: Nan Irving, Lily Love, Angus McKenzie, Jamie Wright, David Ross, Brian Young, Grant Williamson, Fiona Douglas, Hamish McQueen, Morag McLaren, Willie Douglas Duncan chaired the meeting as David had a prior speaking engagement. MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke) Irene phoned the Glasgow Herald about an article which mentioned King James II. She pointed out that although they meant James VII of Scotland and II of England, they never make this clear. This means that young people who are just learning our history may be confused. The book about St. Mungo mentioned at last month’s meeting is now on display at Glasgow Cathedral. DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton): Duncan spoke about a news clipping sent to him by Archie & Jean Millar. It mentioned a forthcoming five part TV series on Scottish history. It will portray William Wallace as a failure, Robert the Bruce as a king who struggled to keep power, and that Scotland agreed willingly to the union with England in 1707. There was no mention of the programme makers or which channel will be showing it, only that it will be aired in the Autumn. David had intended to do the Wallace slideshow, but as he could not attend the meeting, Duncan showed a home video of the Knights of Royal England performing a medieval jousting display, shot at Linlithgow Palace in 2001. |
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