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| The Bletherings of Former Chieftains on absolutely anything and everything |
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| If you missed BLACK AND WHITE No. 1 Please Click here to view BLACK & WHITE 1 |
Black and White – 2nd Edition
5 June. 2009
Well folks, here I am again with some more of my ramblings and some interesting articles I
received from those good people who took the trouble to write. I have to begin with giving you
the results of the 2 questions I asked at the beginning of my initial foray into the world of
literature. I am absolutely delighted to tell you 66% of the respondents to the question, “which
player was I in the 1955 Celtic photo?” got the correct answer – I was the goalie in the centre of
the middle row, Carole Binbrek from Dubai and Sandy Law from Australia, Gill Wight from Spain
got it wrong, she picked out John Bonnar, the other goalie! Yes, your arithmetic is right – I got
all of 3 responses and not one from any JSAS member here in Jakarta. Not to worry, I can only
presume from that (a) no one here is interested in football or (b) they are all Glasgow Rangers
supporters. The answer to my second question, “what famous name was missing from the
photo?” – Answer is Jock Stein, who was a player when I joined the club and later came back to
be the most successful manager Celtic has ever had. He also had the distinction of being the
first British manager (and only manager of a Scottish team) to win the European Cup in 1967
with his now legendary Lisbon Lions. Yes, Celtic won this trophy even before Manchester United.
Before I depart from the fitba scene I wish to extend my congratulations to Glasgow Rangers for
winning the “double” in Scotland this season. No mean feat to win both the Scottish Premier
League and the Scottish Cup. Hope you are reading this - Sid White, Chuck Jeffery et al!
5 June. 2009
Well folks, here I am again with some more of my ramblings and some interesting articles I
received from those good people who took the trouble to write. I have to begin with giving you
the results of the 2 questions I asked at the beginning of my initial foray into the world of
literature. I am absolutely delighted to tell you 66% of the respondents to the question, “which
player was I in the 1955 Celtic photo?” got the correct answer – I was the goalie in the centre of
the middle row, Carole Binbrek from Dubai and Sandy Law from Australia, Gill Wight from Spain
got it wrong, she picked out John Bonnar, the other goalie! Yes, your arithmetic is right – I got
all of 3 responses and not one from any JSAS member here in Jakarta. Not to worry, I can only
presume from that (a) no one here is interested in football or (b) they are all Glasgow Rangers
supporters. The answer to my second question, “what famous name was missing from the
photo?” – Answer is Jock Stein, who was a player when I joined the club and later came back to
be the most successful manager Celtic has ever had. He also had the distinction of being the
first British manager (and only manager of a Scottish team) to win the European Cup in 1967
with his now legendary Lisbon Lions. Yes, Celtic won this trophy even before Manchester United.
Before I depart from the fitba scene I wish to extend my congratulations to Glasgow Rangers for
winning the “double” in Scotland this season. No mean feat to win both the Scottish Premier
League and the Scottish Cup. Hope you are reading this - Sid White, Chuck Jeffery et al!
My own wee potted history about Gordon. He really is a remarkable man, was Chieftain in
1973/74, was awarded the OBE from Her Majesty the Queen in 1978 and has been a very
staunch supporter of the Java St. Andrew Society down through the years. When most people
would be content to put their feet up and pursue their favourite hobby, Gordon, though well
past his “sell by” date – sorry Trish, meant to write retirement date, is still working as a key
member of Lippo Karawaci's senior advisers. These days I believe he spends half his time flying
between here and Korea overseeing Lippo projects. His drive and energy seem boundless,
more in keeping with a much younger man, but then this is not surprising to those of us who
have been associated with him during the long running Jakarta Highland Gathering. It was his
enthusiasm that really kept the HG going, often against almost impossible obstacles – like
convincing Lippo Karawaci to donate land at Karawaci to hold the Games when there were no
other venues available in Jakarta.
Another adventure he undertook, almost 30 years ago was to lead an expedition to cross
Borneo from North to South on foot and only a trio from the original party finished this gruelling
safari, Gordon, Ben Therp Olsen and Rodney Richards. – first time this had ever been
accomplished. Aye, he really is a “rare loon” – or should that read “heirloom”?
1973/74, was awarded the OBE from Her Majesty the Queen in 1978 and has been a very
staunch supporter of the Java St. Andrew Society down through the years. When most people
would be content to put their feet up and pursue their favourite hobby, Gordon, though well
past his “sell by” date – sorry Trish, meant to write retirement date, is still working as a key
member of Lippo Karawaci's senior advisers. These days I believe he spends half his time flying
between here and Korea overseeing Lippo projects. His drive and energy seem boundless,
more in keeping with a much younger man, but then this is not surprising to those of us who
have been associated with him during the long running Jakarta Highland Gathering. It was his
enthusiasm that really kept the HG going, often against almost impossible obstacles – like
convincing Lippo Karawaci to donate land at Karawaci to hold the Games when there were no
other venues available in Jakarta.
Another adventure he undertook, almost 30 years ago was to lead an expedition to cross
Borneo from North to South on foot and only a trio from the original party finished this gruelling
safari, Gordon, Ben Therp Olsen and Rodney Richards. – first time this had ever been
accomplished. Aye, he really is a “rare loon” – or should that read “heirloom”?
Although I did not get any emails on football from local members of JSAS, I did get a couple of
articles, one from that “diehard” former Chieftain, Gordon Benton, who penned a potted history
of the Society and one from his wife Trisha on the latest venture of another former Chieftain
June Ross (she was June Buchanan when she lived here). Different subjects, but, I believe,
worth taking the time to read.
articles, one from that “diehard” former Chieftain, Gordon Benton, who penned a potted history
of the Society and one from his wife Trisha on the latest venture of another former Chieftain
June Ross (she was June Buchanan when she lived here). Different subjects, but, I believe,
worth taking the time to read.
Seen and Heard
This used to be a favourite section when the Society
regularly published a newsletter. A couple of snippits
caught my eye lately from the newspaper.
Bribery
The latest joke going round Indonesian circles is that
an international rating agency was about to publish
their findings on the most corrupt countries in the
world. Indonesia ranked 5th until someone from the
Indonesian government tried to bribe the agency to
improve the rating and the country ended up being
ranked No.1.
Cheating
What about all those High School students, 100% of
them at approx 19 schools, who failed the National
exams because they thought they had got hold of the
exam questions in advance, but the answers were all
wrong. This report came from the House of
Representatives, but then someone from the Dept. of
Education proposed that these students should be
allowed to re-sit the exams! What a farce! Wonder
how many “well connected” students were involved in
the cheating???
Averil’s Old Age
Here’s one to perhaps make you realise just how lucky
you are.
This used to be a favourite section when the Society
regularly published a newsletter. A couple of snippits
caught my eye lately from the newspaper.
Bribery
The latest joke going round Indonesian circles is that
an international rating agency was about to publish
their findings on the most corrupt countries in the
world. Indonesia ranked 5th until someone from the
Indonesian government tried to bribe the agency to
improve the rating and the country ended up being
ranked No.1.
Cheating
What about all those High School students, 100% of
them at approx 19 schools, who failed the National
exams because they thought they had got hold of the
exam questions in advance, but the answers were all
wrong. This report came from the House of
Representatives, but then someone from the Dept. of
Education proposed that these students should be
allowed to re-sit the exams! What a farce! Wonder
how many “well connected” students were involved in
the cheating???
Averil’s Old Age
Here’s one to perhaps make you realise just how lucky
you are.
Bits and Bobs
On a happy note, an old friend of mine and of our
society, now based in Abu Dhabi, Bob Garden was
“father of the bride” recently in Scotland. His daughter
Claire was married in that beautiful and historic
Glasgow University Chapel and the sun actually shone
on the day, according to Bob. Congratulations to Mr.
and Mrs. McTeir and we wish you a long and happy life
together. For the older members, who remember Bob,
here is a photo of proud faither with his daughter (love
the piper in the background).
On a happy note, an old friend of mine and of our
society, now based in Abu Dhabi, Bob Garden was
“father of the bride” recently in Scotland. His daughter
Claire was married in that beautiful and historic
Glasgow University Chapel and the sun actually shone
on the day, according to Bob. Congratulations to Mr.
and Mrs. McTeir and we wish you a long and happy life
together. For the older members, who remember Bob,
here is a photo of proud faither with his daughter (love
the piper in the background).
- Averil’s Ode to Age
I would never trade my loving family, my amazing
friends or my wonderful life for less grey hair or a
flatter belly.
As I’ve aged, I have become kinder to myself, and
less critical of myself.
I have become my own friend.
I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or
for not making the bed.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be
extravagant.
I’ve seen to many dear friends leave this world to
soon, before they understood the great freedom that
comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play the
computer until 4am and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of
the 60’s and 70’s, and if I at the same time, wish to
weep over a lost love…….I will.
I will walk on the beach in a swim suit that is
stretched over a bulging belly, and will dive into the
waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the
pitying glances form the jet set. They too, will get
old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful, but then again,
some of life is just as well forgotten.
And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.
How can your heart not break when you lose a loved
one, or when a child suffers?
But broken hearts are what give us strength and
understanding and compassion.
A broken heart is pristine and sterile and will never
know the joy of being imperfect.
I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my
hair turning grey, and to have my youthful laughs be
forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have
died before their hair could turn grey.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care
less about what other people think.
I don’t question myself anymore…..I’ve earned the
right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has
set me free.
I like the person I have become. I am not going to
live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste
time lamenting what could have been, or worrying
about what will be.
And I shall eat dessert every single day…….If I feel
like it.
MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES
ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER
AND EVER!
Averil Penny
| Averil is Elaine Cameron's mum and this year celebrates her 60th Birthday |
Java St Andrew Society
1919 – 2009
Born 1919 – and still going strong!
We can only guess what brought resident Scots in Java – to Batavia and Surabaya most likely.
What was so special that they decided after so many years of involvement in the country they
would get together to form a Society at this time? More obviously there were before then St
Andrew Societies in Singapore (founded around 1834) and around Malaysia – the Straits
Settlements and Federated Malay States as they were then collectively known. Being
administered by the British they had their full quota of Scots – and in Singapore’s case the very
first commercial companies were Scots’ founded.
We can’t answer this, as the early records of the Java St Andrew Society have been lost,
variously blamed on WWII, termites or a member’s homeward–bound crate. Nothing is known,
to the writer at least, other than the name of the first Chieftain – a certain W. Drysdale.
Someone, somewhere may still have something on the person himself and his fellow members
in the Scots community of that time.
We wonder who they were, how many indeed joined up, and what they did for a living. Scots
were then, and still are now, well represented in the trading, banking and insurance
businesses, and certainly they would have been there at that time. From when records have
survived (post President Soekarno) they certainly have been well represented in the
membership lists.
What was the Archipelago like in 1919, and what would have brought “Jock Tamson’s bairns”
to this part of the World at this particular time in history? The great World War (WW I) had
barely been concluded with a peace conference in Versailles on January 18 of that year
followed by the founding of the League of Nations a week later. Germany lost in 1919 all its
colonies, arguably thereby sowing the seeds of the Second World War just 20 years later.
India, Ireland and Afghanistan in that year commenced their freedom struggles with the British,
and the native population of what was known as the Dutch East Indies too started their quest
for an independent nation in that year.
“It was a time for great political upsurge” (Google).
Whilst it took perhaps about 40 days to sail from Europe to Batavia, two air pilots (later, Sirs)
Ross Macpherson Smith and Keith Ross made the first flight over the Archipelago from London
to Australia, taking more or less 28 days to do the journey, in nice and easy stages no doubt.
Clearly both of Scots ancestry, they received £ 10,000 for their efforts with a borrowed Vickers
Vinny bomber. They must have passed through Batavia very close to St Andrew’s Day
(November 30) in 1919 but it is doubtful if they could have been persuaded to hold up their
journey and join in with the conviviality of what could have been this first Celebration of the
Feast of St Andrew in Java.
Locally, on everyone’s lips would have been the collapse of East Java’s Ms Kelud’s crater wall,
which killed 5550 people in May of that year. This is categorized as among the 10 largest
volcanic eruptions in human history.
Scots had figured in the business world of the Dutch East Indies for perhaps the past 300
years, but the inauguration of the Java St Andrew Society in 1919 must have been due to an
influx of merchants, bankers and others following the declaration of world peace, when the
World no doubt was expecting a period of commercial growth. That this hope - “the War to end
all Wars” – rather quickly foundered within a decade during the Great Depression of the early
‘30s and then the next World War of 1939–1945 – was surely far from the minds of these
venturers from a far off land.
The Java St Andrew Society appeared to operate continuously through to the Second World
War, only closing its doors then between 1940 and 1947 during the Japanese occupation. And
it continued again till the Society – along with the Boy Scouts, Freemasons and goodness what
else – was proscribed in about 1965 by the failing Government of President Soekarno,
concerned as they were about the country’s delicate political balance in the Cold War that was
at its peak at the time.
With the installation of President Suharto, and the promise of a rather different form of
government, came a real enthusiasm for foreign investment, and with that came mainly new
industrial enterprises, and manufacturers with their banking and insurance cohorts came back
to set up shop again.
The first function held on St Andrew’s Day November 30, 1970 by a tentative and barely reborn
Java St Andrew Society was held in the spacious marble-floored lobby-living-during room of the
Shell Manager’s home in Jl Proklamasi – he was Dutch, but had the good sense to marry a
Scot. From memory about 40 attended with a few “old hands” sitting up close to the top table,
clearly to ensure that protocol and tradition were being strictly adhered to.
The table arrangement was in the form of a “T”, with the hosts and other VIPs, now forgotten,
sitting at the head, with their backs to the garden, and, of course, with faces dark in shadow.
Having been virtually taken off the Brunei plane that afternoon – “you will know what to do, you’
ve been Chieftain in Brunei” – it could hardly be said that the pro-term Chieftain was
democratically elected – a point that midway through my speech of welcome, was hardly
missed by a long-time Jakarta Scot who happened worked for an American shipping company.
Perhaps unaccustomed to the liberal offerings of “The Water of Life”, he was perplexed being
addressed by an unrecognisable face from the top table, and, as Scots have been known to
do on occasion, demanded of the gathering rather loudly and succinctly, who this person was -
and what the hell was he talking about? I recall our own Scottish Ben Line representative who
was rather better mannered, after several fruitless efforts at hushing him up – “Whilst man – he’
s frae Aiberdeen and must be a’ richt” – had him assisted up out of his seat, and ushered
outside to taste the open air.
Such was my memory of my welcome at this first small, relatively informal function of the
Society after some 4 or 5 years of its proscription.
The first election of office bearers took place a year afterwards, with Sandy Duncan elected as
Chieftain 1971-72. He was one of 3 Scots who ran the American Express from the second floor
of the new demolished Hotel Asoka. On the same floor was Jakarta’s first expat restaurant –
Scots Bar – Carl Gilchrist’s first bar and restaurant, he who later opened the George and
Dragon, Eastern Promise, et al.
The first St Andrew’s Ball followed that November, held coincidentally in the Hotel Indonesia
Ballroom, as was this year’s after 37 years. The gathering this time may have been upwards of
400 members and guests, all dressed in their finery, but interestingly perhaps there were just
about a dozen Scots standing when toasting “Our Guests”. With apparently 390 guests, this
either showed an unheard of degree, and some say, uncharacteristic show of generosity on
their part, or perhaps the other Scots, if there were any, were just too shy, or finding the effort
of standing too difficult. Whatever, we were pretty thin on the ground then.
The Society from then, with a rule that the Chieftain should stand for only one year, enjoyed
perhaps what was unparalleled success in meeting the needs of the Scottish expatriate
families. Membership or many years from memory was around the 450 mark. Compared with
today’s smaller Society membership, this reflects not so much a lack of Scots (indeed there
must be over 1000 families in the country today) but perhaps a move away from formal
functions to a less involved stay-at-home-and-watch TV activity. But then again there are
many such popularly patronized functions organized by similar Societies today in Jakarta and
stories drift back about great Caledonian shenanigans as far away as plantations around
Medan in Sumatra, the glaciers of Freeport in Papua and from the jungles of Balikpapan in
Kalimantan. There is not a shred of evidence that Scots in Papua wear a ketoka under their kilt
Finally no word of the Scots in Indonesia would be complete without mention of the Jakarta
Highland Gathering, which was founded in 1975 and which ran virtually continuously for over
30 years. With sponsorship today very difficult to raise for this sort of thing, and not enough
enthusiasm to help organize what had become a very popular annual event for Indonesians
and expatriates alike, the Games we can only hope is merely postponed, not thrown into the
waste bin of history! Through the Gathering much goodwill, fun and keen competition were
had, involving competitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New
Zealand, Europe as well as from around Indonesia. And it raised in its time considerable sums
for local charities.
Will there be another Gathering: aye, surely!
And finally here’s a Toast “To the Java St Andrew Society – Ninety Wonderful Years; and just
Ten to go to our Century!” And under the exciting, indeed enterprising and talented Jim Shon,
Chieftain of the Java St Andrew Society for 2009 / 2010, we are sure that it will be a truly great
year for this very fit ninety-year-old historic Society for Scots and their friends!
“For Auld Lang Syne”.
Gordon Grant Benton, OBE
March 31, 2009
1919 – 2009
Born 1919 – and still going strong!
We can only guess what brought resident Scots in Java – to Batavia and Surabaya most likely.
What was so special that they decided after so many years of involvement in the country they
would get together to form a Society at this time? More obviously there were before then St
Andrew Societies in Singapore (founded around 1834) and around Malaysia – the Straits
Settlements and Federated Malay States as they were then collectively known. Being
administered by the British they had their full quota of Scots – and in Singapore’s case the very
first commercial companies were Scots’ founded.
We can’t answer this, as the early records of the Java St Andrew Society have been lost,
variously blamed on WWII, termites or a member’s homeward–bound crate. Nothing is known,
to the writer at least, other than the name of the first Chieftain – a certain W. Drysdale.
Someone, somewhere may still have something on the person himself and his fellow members
in the Scots community of that time.
We wonder who they were, how many indeed joined up, and what they did for a living. Scots
were then, and still are now, well represented in the trading, banking and insurance
businesses, and certainly they would have been there at that time. From when records have
survived (post President Soekarno) they certainly have been well represented in the
membership lists.
What was the Archipelago like in 1919, and what would have brought “Jock Tamson’s bairns”
to this part of the World at this particular time in history? The great World War (WW I) had
barely been concluded with a peace conference in Versailles on January 18 of that year
followed by the founding of the League of Nations a week later. Germany lost in 1919 all its
colonies, arguably thereby sowing the seeds of the Second World War just 20 years later.
India, Ireland and Afghanistan in that year commenced their freedom struggles with the British,
and the native population of what was known as the Dutch East Indies too started their quest
for an independent nation in that year.
“It was a time for great political upsurge” (Google).
Whilst it took perhaps about 40 days to sail from Europe to Batavia, two air pilots (later, Sirs)
Ross Macpherson Smith and Keith Ross made the first flight over the Archipelago from London
to Australia, taking more or less 28 days to do the journey, in nice and easy stages no doubt.
Clearly both of Scots ancestry, they received £ 10,000 for their efforts with a borrowed Vickers
Vinny bomber. They must have passed through Batavia very close to St Andrew’s Day
(November 30) in 1919 but it is doubtful if they could have been persuaded to hold up their
journey and join in with the conviviality of what could have been this first Celebration of the
Feast of St Andrew in Java.
Locally, on everyone’s lips would have been the collapse of East Java’s Ms Kelud’s crater wall,
which killed 5550 people in May of that year. This is categorized as among the 10 largest
volcanic eruptions in human history.
Scots had figured in the business world of the Dutch East Indies for perhaps the past 300
years, but the inauguration of the Java St Andrew Society in 1919 must have been due to an
influx of merchants, bankers and others following the declaration of world peace, when the
World no doubt was expecting a period of commercial growth. That this hope - “the War to end
all Wars” – rather quickly foundered within a decade during the Great Depression of the early
‘30s and then the next World War of 1939–1945 – was surely far from the minds of these
venturers from a far off land.
The Java St Andrew Society appeared to operate continuously through to the Second World
War, only closing its doors then between 1940 and 1947 during the Japanese occupation. And
it continued again till the Society – along with the Boy Scouts, Freemasons and goodness what
else – was proscribed in about 1965 by the failing Government of President Soekarno,
concerned as they were about the country’s delicate political balance in the Cold War that was
at its peak at the time.
With the installation of President Suharto, and the promise of a rather different form of
government, came a real enthusiasm for foreign investment, and with that came mainly new
industrial enterprises, and manufacturers with their banking and insurance cohorts came back
to set up shop again.
The first function held on St Andrew’s Day November 30, 1970 by a tentative and barely reborn
Java St Andrew Society was held in the spacious marble-floored lobby-living-during room of the
Shell Manager’s home in Jl Proklamasi – he was Dutch, but had the good sense to marry a
Scot. From memory about 40 attended with a few “old hands” sitting up close to the top table,
clearly to ensure that protocol and tradition were being strictly adhered to.
The table arrangement was in the form of a “T”, with the hosts and other VIPs, now forgotten,
sitting at the head, with their backs to the garden, and, of course, with faces dark in shadow.
Having been virtually taken off the Brunei plane that afternoon – “you will know what to do, you’
ve been Chieftain in Brunei” – it could hardly be said that the pro-term Chieftain was
democratically elected – a point that midway through my speech of welcome, was hardly
missed by a long-time Jakarta Scot who happened worked for an American shipping company.
Perhaps unaccustomed to the liberal offerings of “The Water of Life”, he was perplexed being
addressed by an unrecognisable face from the top table, and, as Scots have been known to
do on occasion, demanded of the gathering rather loudly and succinctly, who this person was -
and what the hell was he talking about? I recall our own Scottish Ben Line representative who
was rather better mannered, after several fruitless efforts at hushing him up – “Whilst man – he’
s frae Aiberdeen and must be a’ richt” – had him assisted up out of his seat, and ushered
outside to taste the open air.
Such was my memory of my welcome at this first small, relatively informal function of the
Society after some 4 or 5 years of its proscription.
The first election of office bearers took place a year afterwards, with Sandy Duncan elected as
Chieftain 1971-72. He was one of 3 Scots who ran the American Express from the second floor
of the new demolished Hotel Asoka. On the same floor was Jakarta’s first expat restaurant –
Scots Bar – Carl Gilchrist’s first bar and restaurant, he who later opened the George and
Dragon, Eastern Promise, et al.
The first St Andrew’s Ball followed that November, held coincidentally in the Hotel Indonesia
Ballroom, as was this year’s after 37 years. The gathering this time may have been upwards of
400 members and guests, all dressed in their finery, but interestingly perhaps there were just
about a dozen Scots standing when toasting “Our Guests”. With apparently 390 guests, this
either showed an unheard of degree, and some say, uncharacteristic show of generosity on
their part, or perhaps the other Scots, if there were any, were just too shy, or finding the effort
of standing too difficult. Whatever, we were pretty thin on the ground then.
The Society from then, with a rule that the Chieftain should stand for only one year, enjoyed
perhaps what was unparalleled success in meeting the needs of the Scottish expatriate
families. Membership or many years from memory was around the 450 mark. Compared with
today’s smaller Society membership, this reflects not so much a lack of Scots (indeed there
must be over 1000 families in the country today) but perhaps a move away from formal
functions to a less involved stay-at-home-and-watch TV activity. But then again there are
many such popularly patronized functions organized by similar Societies today in Jakarta and
stories drift back about great Caledonian shenanigans as far away as plantations around
Medan in Sumatra, the glaciers of Freeport in Papua and from the jungles of Balikpapan in
Kalimantan. There is not a shred of evidence that Scots in Papua wear a ketoka under their kilt
Finally no word of the Scots in Indonesia would be complete without mention of the Jakarta
Highland Gathering, which was founded in 1975 and which ran virtually continuously for over
30 years. With sponsorship today very difficult to raise for this sort of thing, and not enough
enthusiasm to help organize what had become a very popular annual event for Indonesians
and expatriates alike, the Games we can only hope is merely postponed, not thrown into the
waste bin of history! Through the Gathering much goodwill, fun and keen competition were
had, involving competitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New
Zealand, Europe as well as from around Indonesia. And it raised in its time considerable sums
for local charities.
Will there be another Gathering: aye, surely!
And finally here’s a Toast “To the Java St Andrew Society – Ninety Wonderful Years; and just
Ten to go to our Century!” And under the exciting, indeed enterprising and talented Jim Shon,
Chieftain of the Java St Andrew Society for 2009 / 2010, we are sure that it will be a truly great
year for this very fit ninety-year-old historic Society for Scots and their friends!
“For Auld Lang Syne”.
Gordon Grant Benton, OBE
March 31, 2009
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article
June Ross has embarked on a new venture in
Scotland and I hope by publishing her article in
my column that it brings support to her worthy
cause.
Drop me a line to let me know how things are
progressing, June.
Published: Press and Journal : 01/05/2009
Memories inspire Fundraising launch
When Highland businesswoman June Ross unveils her new
venture this month, the celebrations will be bittersweet. For the
entrepreneur is dedicating the launch of the business to the
memory of her beloved mum Peggy, as Your Job reveals
JUNE Ross has two big issues on her mind at the moment –
launching a new business and raising thousands of pounds
for the Highland Hospice. For the Highland entrepreneur is
dedicating the launch of the business to the memory of her
beloved mum Peggy, and aiming to raise thousands for the
hospice as her legacy.
June was a young mum of just 25 when Peggy, a former
postmistress near Beauly, died of ovarian cancer at the
Inverness hospice where she spent her final weeks.
Her daughter was so impressed by the work of the staff, and
their dedication not only to their patients but their grieving
families, that even as she travelled the world as an ex-pat she
kept in touch, returning on anniversaries to support the
organisation with gifts and donations But now, almost two
decades on, and with the memories of her 59-year-old mum no
dimmer, June wants to show her appreciation by devoting the
launch of her new business to a fundraising dinner in aid of the
hospice.
The event, being held at the Macdonald Highland Resort in
Aviemore on Saturday, May 9, will feature a spectacular evening
of entertainment, including football tales from some of the
Gothenburg Greats of the European Cup Winners Cup, the
music of Clanadonia, Donnie Munro and Seeing Red, as well
as dancers and fireworks. June, a former pupil of Charleston
Academy, Inverness, said: “My mum trained as a nurse and
spent her life looking after others, especially my dad who was
only 46 when he had his first heart attack.
“She also returned to the Post Office and was well-known as a
postie in Beauly and surrounding areas. “She was a wonderful
woman – she gave me away at my wedding because my dad
wasn’t there and she felt nobody else should be doing that.
“But she was unwell for a long time before she was ultimately
diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “Now I know why it’s called the
‘silent killer’, she lasted less than a year after diagnosis.”
June admits that all she knew about the hospice, when her
mum became a patient, was that it was a place people “went to
die”. It was only through her own personal tragedy that she
discovered the amazing work that goes on there.
“Once over the initial sinking feeling I realised it was an
incredible place where people give their own time to come in
and do flower arranging, do people’s hair and nails,” said June.
“So many people doing anything they can to make these
people, the patients, have a better quality of life. “And it’s not
only the patient care that’s amazing. “It’s everything from
making sure they have the most expensive beds to make them
most comfortable, to just sitting with them, holding their hand
when no one else is there.
“Also it’s not just while your relative is alive that they are there
for you, the support goes on way, way after that for months and
months, even years. “From start to finish there is always
somebody there if, for example, you get a bit emotional, say if I’
ve been in to leave flowers on the anniversary of mum’s death,
somebody will always notice and come to find you.
“I just want to recognise that dedication and raise awareness of
ovarian cancer. “
Linda MacDonald, fundraising manager of Highland Hospice
said: “It’s events run by members of the community that provide
a huge boost to our ongoing fundraising targets. “We are
grateful for people like June who take their experiences with
Highland Hospice and turn it into something like fundraising or
volunteering in order to help others.”
June, a 44-year-old single mum-of-four, is organising the
fundraiser to coincide with the unveiling of her new business,
scotlandlaunch.com, an events website that will showcase the
rich variety of venues and suppliers, including caterers, themes
and decor providers and entertainers, that Scotland has to offer.
An amateur fundraiser during her time as an ex-pat wife, she
was a Chieftain of the Java St Andrew’s Society and organised
a 700-guest, 12-hour ball, serving a full Scottish breakfast in
her home to 100 guests. She has also worked as a PA for
various companies, including Grampian TV and BP where she
worked for the public affairs manager at the time of the Piper
Alpha disaster.
She has also been a business studies lecturer, aerobics
instructor, taught English as a foreign language and set up a
holiday home business.Her current venture has seen her sign
up Gleneagles as her first client, along with a range of
companies including event management, security and
entertainers. Anyone who wishes to support the Highland
Hospice should contact Hospice events on 01463 227907, for
tickets. For more information on June’s company, visit.
It widnae be me not to finish this edition without a joke. Here’s one courtesy of Tony
Milne that tickled my fancy.
Slainthe
Bernie.
June 2009
Milne that tickled my fancy.
Slainthe
Bernie.
June 2009
Former Chieftain June Buchanan
B&W 2
Gordon Benton : By Mr. McCready
Wisdom Of A Retiree!
I've often been asked, 'What do you old
folks do now that you're retired?
Well .. I'm fortunate to have a chemical
engineering background, and one of the
things I enjoy most is turning beer, wine,
Scotch, and margaritas into urine.
folks do now that you're retired?
Well .. I'm fortunate to have a chemical
engineering background, and one of the
things I enjoy most is turning beer, wine,
Scotch, and margaritas into urine.
I'M BACK