Beannachdan agus Fàilte!
Chieftain, Paul Henderson
This is my second and extremely tardy Chieftain’s Chatter. Several hectic and event filled months have passed since I last put pen to paper. The Annual Highland Games took place in May and as current Chieftain it was my pleasure to officially open the games as well as riding (OK! just pillion) my first ‘Harley’ motorcycle into the bargain, as part of the Opening Cavalcade.
The games were a huge success (even if I say so myself) and we go from strength to strength every year with more and more pipe bands competing, plus gate numbers increasing more than the year previously.
Our Friday Night Concert prior to the Games (Big Vern & The Shootas all the way from Glasgow) was a blast and the band were very generous with their time on Sunday also, keeping the public well entertained with numerous well known rock and pop numbers to which most of the ‘older generation’ in attendance, knew every lyric. That includes me, if you want to date the music more accurately!
Chieftain presenting Award to Clement at the Alice Smith School
On a personal journey, I returned to Scotland for most of September this year to celebrate and take part in a couple of reunions that dated me.
Trustee Governors of Alice Smith School and representatives of Trustee organisations.
This month, it was my absolute pleasure to be asked to attend and help celebrate 60 years of trade between Malaysia and the UK, culminating in a Friday night Royal Gala Dinner, as part of a visit to Malaysia, by HRH Prince Charles and the Duchesse of Cornwall. Representing the society at this gala event was certainly one of the perks of the job and a ‘royal’ footnote in my journal.
Chieftain, and Vice-Chieftain at the Remembrance Ceremony
On a more solemn occasion, it was with great pride that I laid the Society’s Commemorative Poppy Wreath, at the National Monument to the Fallen, last Sunday morning. The monument is located just off Jalan Parlimen, and it was a poignant ceremony whereby we remember those who sacrificed their lives for our future freedoms. My thanks to our Vice Chieftain Jamie Graham for accompanying me and thanks also go to the British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell for a hearty breakfast reception at the residence after the service at Tugu Negara.
As the days of the year 2017 quickly run out, I was very impressed with the level of support the ladies of the ABWM had at their Christmas Bazar in the Renaissance Hotel last weekend. I hope the various charities benefitted well from all the activity.
But before I go hunting in the cupboard under the stairs, there is time for one more celebration in the ‘Society Calendar’ and if you don’t have your tickets yet, there is still a couple weeks to go, to secure your seats/tables for our annual St. Andrew’s Ball. This year, it will be held on the 2nd of December at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel. Tickets available through Linda Ross as per the society web site. Our Ceilidh Band has been flown in specifically from Scotland, for your evening’s entertainment and we will once again be encouraged up to dance to the sounds of “Clappy Doo”. The menu has been carefully selected for your dinning pleasure and the wines are free-flow, until we run out. I look forward to meeting and greeting as many of you there, as possible.
Yours Aye
Paul Henderson
Chieftain – Selangor St Andrew’s Society.
