The American Branch of Clan Hay plans on this being the biggest gathering of the Clan Hay ever, so all are encouraged to attend.  This applies particularly to those members in the United States, but a cordial invitation is equally extended to Hays from Scotland and from other parts of the world – a rare opportunity to experience this beautiful part of the United States, on the edge of the world famous Smoky Mountain national park, particularly in this year when Clan Hay will be the honoured clan at the Smoky Mountain Games.

A wide variety of events is planned, including a Clan Hay banquet, the Games themselves and, of course, the annual general meeting which will set the society’s course for the coming 12 months.  A reservation form is available from Arthur Hays on artdot1@frontier.com  We urge all Clan Hay Society members who plan to attend to book these events, including tickets to the Smoky Mountain Games, via Arthur, as Clan Hay will receive a commission of $3.00 on all tickets booked via this route.

The garden at Fairview, Sandy Down, Boldre

Gardening enthusiasts may be interested in a rare opportunity to visit the beautiful, five acre garden in England’s New Forest that belongs to the Clan Hay Society’s honorary secretary, Melissa Cubitt.

Although Melissa describes her garden as a ‘work in progress,’ it has clearly passed a stringent test to join the series of gardens in and around Boldre, near Lymington in Hampshire, which will open to the public on the afternoon of Sunday 27th May.  It will cost a mere £5.00 to view all of the gardens and tickets can be acquired from the Red Lion pub in Rope Hill, Boldre (www.theredlionboldre.co.uk)

All proceeds will be divided between the Honeypot Children’s Charity and the Church of St John the Baptist, Boldre, where Melissa’s late father, Major Charles Hay, was churchwarden for many years.  The church has a further connection to Clan Hay: it is the burial place of the Morant family of Brockenhurst, including Lady Caroline Hay, the daughter of the 17th Earl of Erroll, her husband Jon Morant and their descendants.

CLAN HAY – SCHOTSE DAGEN OOIDONK

TWIN CASTLES CEREMONY – DUNS CASTLE

4 augustus 2012

Beste members,

Aansluitend op de

heeft in

Het zou fantastisch zijn indien u daarop aanwezig zou kunnen zijn.

‘s Anderendaags nemen we ook nog deel aan de

Een unieke gelegenheid om, in één weekend, de twee prachtige kastelen van de clan

Hay te bezoeken. Wij organiseren slaapgegelegenheden / ontbijt / lunch / dinners ter

plaatse, maar het is aan u om uw reis naar Duns, Delgatie te organiseren naar uw

wensen.

Ik hoop u daar te mogen begroeten.

Met vriendelijke groeten,

Tom Hye

Convenor Clan Hay – Continental Europe

Twin Castles ceremonie in kasteel Ooidonk, vorig jaar augustus,Duns Castle eenzelfde plechtigheid plaats op 4 augustus 2012.clanlunch in Delgatie Castle.Iedere deelnemer reist op eigen krachten en kosten naar Duns.

Duns Castle

Vrijdag 3 augustus 2012

 

 

 

19.00 uur:

CLANDINNER In Duns Castle (Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Overnachting in het kasteel (11 kamers) of in de bijhorende cottages

(5 kamers)

(Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Het komt er dus op aan snel uw keuze te maken.

Zaterdag 4 augustus 2012

8.00 – 11.00 uur: ontbijt in het kasteel

(Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Voormiddag: vrij (wandelmogelijkheden, ontdekkingstocht rond Duns…)

15.00 uur:

TWIN CASTLES CEREMONIE (Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Tijdens de ‘Agriculture Show at Duns’.

17.00 uur:

RECEPTIE In Duns Castle (Inbegrepen bij de prijs)19.00 uur:

TWIN CASTLES DINNER In Duns Castle (Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Zondag 5 augustus 2012

07.00 uur: ontbijt in het kasteel

(Inbegrepen bij de prijs)08.00 uur: vertrek met eigen vervoer naar Delgatie Castle (Turrif)

13.00 uur:

Delgaty Castle and Home Farm

CLANLUNCH

 

 

in Delgatie Castle (Inbegrepen bij de prijs)15.00 uur: vertrek met eigen vervoer richting Aberdeen

(Niet inbegrepen bij de prijs)Afspraak in het hotel om 18.30 uur

Hotel: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ABERDEEN CITI CENTRE

19.00 uur:

DINNER in de Royal Univercity Club Aberdeen (Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Overnachting in het hotel

(Inbegrepen bij de prijs)Maandag 6 augustus 2012

Ontbijt in het kasteel

Iedereen vertrekt naar zijn gekozen bestemming

(Niet inbegrepen bij de prijs)Met overnachten in het kasteel Duns, per persoon:

£291 (344 euro)Met overnachten in cottage van kasteel Duns, per persoon:

£262 (315 euro)Supplement single in Holiday Inn:

£35 (42 euro)Inbegrepen bij de prijs: drinken bij diners en lunchen in de kastelen

Niet inbegrepen: transport naar Duns – Delgatie – Aberdeen

Alles waar geen vermelding

‘Inbegrepen bij de prijs’ staatReservation:

Uw reservering wordt pas definitief na betaling op rekening van

CLAN HAY: IBAN: BE51 7340 1641 7762 – BIC: KREDBEBB

contact TOM HYE – per mail :hyetom@skynet.be of briefINBEGREPEN

PRIJS

REIS

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER – NEDERLANDS – FRANCAIS – ENGLISH

CLAN HAY – SCHOTSE DAGEN OOIDONK

TWIN CASTLES CEREMONY – DUNS CASTLE

Le 4 août 2012

Chers membres,

Suivant

d’août dernier, une nouvelle cérémonie aura lieu le 4 août prochain à

Ce serait magnifique si vous pouviez vous joindre à nous.

Le lendemain à Delgatie Castle, nous participons au lunch du clan.

C’est une occasion unique de découvrir en l’espace d’un weekend les deux magnifiques

châteaux de notre clan.

Nous nous occupons des logements et des petit-déjeuners / lunch / diners sur place

mais à vous d’organiser votre voyage sur Duns selon vos préférences.

Dans l’espoir de pouvoir vous compter parmi nous,

Meilleures salutations,

Tom Hye

Convenor Clan Hay – Continental Europe

la cérémonie des Twins Castles tenue au château de Ooidonk au moisDuns Castle.Chaque participant fait le voyage selon ses moyens préférés et à ces frais personnels

Duns Castle in the spring

Vendredi 3 août 2012

 

 

 

19h00:

DÎNER DU CLAN à Duns Castle (Inclus dans le prix)Nuit au château (11 chambres) ou dans un des cottages adjacents

(5 chambres)

(Inclus dans le prix)En vue du nombre des chambres il est important de choisir rapidement

Samedi 4 août 2012

8h00 – 11h00: Petit déjeuner au château

(Inclus dans le prix)Matinée libre (possibilité de promenades, découverte des alentours de Duns)

15h00:

TWINS CASTLE CEREMONYTenue lors du ‘Agriculure Show at Duns’

17h00:

RÉCEPTION à Duns Castle (Inclus dans le prix)19h00:

TWINS CASTLE DINNER à Duns Castle (Inclus dans le prix)Dimanche 5 août 2012

07h00: Petit déjeuner au château

(Inclus dans le prix)08h00: Départ individuel vers Delgatie Castle (Turrif)

13h00:

Delgatie Castle

LUNCH DU CLAN

 

 

à Delgatie Castle (Inclus dans le prix)15h00: Départ individuel destination Aberdeen

(Non compris)Rendez-vous à l’hôtel à 18h30

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ABERDEEN CITY CENTRE

19h00

DÎNER au Royal University Club Aberdeen (Inclus dans le prix)Nuit à l’hôtel

(Inclus dans le prix)Lundi 6 août 2012

Petit déjeuner au l’hôtel

(Inclus dans le prix)Retour individuel des participants.

(Non compris)Prix avec logement au château de Duns:

Prix avec logement en cottage:

Supplément chambre single Holiday Inn:

£291 (env. €344) par personne£262 (env. €315) par personne£35 (env. €42)Est Inclus dans le prix: boissons lors des diners / lunchs aux châteaux / Aberdeen

N’est pas inclus: transports vers Duns – Delgatie – Aberdeen et retour.

Tout ce qui n’est pas marqué: ‘inclus dans le prix’

Réservations

La réservation n’est qu’enregistré dès que le paiement est reçu sur le

compte KBC CLAN HAY. (IBAN: BE51 7340 1641 7762 – BIC: KREDBEBB

: à TOM HYE par mail: hyetom@skynet.be ou par écrit.INCLUS

PRIX

PROGRAMME

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER – NEDERLANDS – FRANCAIS – ENGLISH

CLAN HAY – SCHOTSE DAGEN OOIDONK

TWIN CASTLES CEREMONY – DUNS CASTLE

August 4th 2012

Dear membres,

After last year’s

held next August 4th at

How delightful it would be if you could all join us.

The day after the ceremony we can all enjoy the clan lunch held at Delgatie Castle.

This means that both Hay clan castles are welcoming us on this early August weekend.

And so we have a wonderful opportunity to discover them together.

We will be organising and coordinating the local accommodations / breakfasts /

lunches / dinners but we all invite you to plan your trip to Duns at your leisure.

Very much looking forward to all seeing you there,

Best regards,

Tom Hye

Convenor Clan Hay – Continental Europe

Twin Castles Ceremony at Ooidonk castle, a new ceremony will beDuns Castle.Every participant is travelling at his preferences and at his own expenses.

The hall at Duns Castle

Friday August 3rd 2012

 

 

 

7 PM:

CLANDINNER at Duns Castle (Included in price)Stay at the Castle (11 rooms) or in one of the castle’s cottages (5 rooms)

(Included in price)

A swift choice is advised

Saturday August 4th 2012

8AM – 11AM: Breakfast at the castle

(Included in price)Free morning (possibility of walks or discover the area around Duns)

3 PM:

5 PM:

TWINS CASTLE CEREMONY held during the ‘Agriculure Show at Duns’RECEPTION at Duns Castle (Included in price)7 PM:

TWINS CASTLE DINNER at Duns Castle (Included in price)Sunday 5th 2012

7 AM: Breakfast at the castle

(Included in price)8 AM: departure to Delgatie Castle (Turrif) – own vehicles

1 PM:

Delgatie Castle from the air

CLAN LUNCH

 

 

at Delgatie Castle (Included in price)3 PM: departure to Aberdeen – own vehicles (

Not included)Gathering at the hotel at 8.30 PM

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ABERDEEN CITY CENTRE

7 PM:

DINNER at the Royal University Club Aberdeen (Included in price)Stay at the hotel

(Included in price)Monday 6th 2012

7 AM: Breakfast at the hotel

(Included in price)Departure to everyones own chosen destination

(Not included)One night at Duns Castle :

One night at Duns Castle cottage:

Single Room surcharge at the Holiday Inn:

£291 (abt. €344) per person£262 (abt. €315) per person£ 35 (abt. €42)Included: drinks at dinners / lunches in castles

Not included: transports to Duns – Delgatie – Aberdeen

All what is not marked as: Included in price

Reservation:

Your reservation will be registered from the moment we receive your

payment on our account:

CLAN HAY: BAN: BE51 7340 1641 7762 – BIC: KREDBEBB

Slains Castle

write TOM HYE – par mail :hyetom@skynet.be or by letter

INCLUDED

PRICES

TRIP

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER – NEDERLANDS – FRANCAIS – ENGLISH

 

INCLUDED

PRICES

TRIP

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER – NEDERLANDS – FRANCAIS – ENGLISH

INCLUDED

PRICES

TRIP

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER – NEDERLANDS – FRANCAIS – ENGLISH

]]>

Hermitage Castle, the Border stronghold from which the de Soulis family governed Liddesdale in the 13th century

The 2012 Journal is eagerly anticipated by Clan Hay members as it is the first edition to be published under the management of a new Editor, Pam Rotheroe-Hay, who took up the reins in October.  As well as the usual reports from the Chief, Commissioner and branches, a number of new features have been introduced including a competition designed to encourage Clan Hay members to submit the stories of their own families for publication.

A number of significant anniversaries are featured in the Journal.  2011 saw the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw and there is a report and pictures of the extensive celebrations that involved Clan Hay in Aberdeenshire last summer.  You will be able to read about next year’s 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden and the exciting programme of events in the Border country which will commemorate it.  Clan Hay suffered greatly in this engagement and 21st century Hays will feature prominently in remembering this key event in Scotland’s history.  And 2012 saw the 200th anniversary of the death of George Hay, Bishop of Aberdeen, so the Journal features an article on the Bishop’s life by Ian Forbes, the custodian of Aberdeen’s Blairs College Museum.

Special features include an article on the founding family of Hay’s Lemonade, a brand that dominated the soft drinks market in north east Scotland for generations and members of which family continue to be active supporters of Clan Hay.  Canadian member Gail Sutherland writes on her grandfather, John Keith Hay, who emigrated from Scotland early last century as a groom looking after Clydesdale horses and remained in Canada to become a successful entrepreneur and pillar of the community in Alberta.  Also featured is the de Soulis family, a Norman dynasty introduced to Scotland by David I and one of whom, Ranulph de Soulis, was the uncle of William de la Haye, regarded as the first Chief of Clan Hay in the 12th century.  The de Soulises were later to claim the throne of Scotland through their descent from Alexander II and the last of the line was allegedly boiled alive by his own tenantry, with the king’s approval, due to his harsh management.

The Clan Hay Journal will be circulated to all members of the Clan Hay Society early next month.

The 11th Ghent Whisky Festival has been again a great success, attracting some 2000 visitors. This is very good for the Flemish part of Belgium. It’s a pleasure for the organisation that the Whisky Festival in Wallonie (a week before the Festival in Ghent) is increasing in popularity. Little Belgium is becoming a real whisky country: we are now in the top 10 comsumers of scottish whisky.

Clan Hay members look on during the Address to the Haggis

The organisation in Ghent has chosen to move from the first floor of the ICC Ghent Congress Centre to the ground floor which provides more space for both public and exhibitors. This was, in view of the large number of visitors, the right decision.. The sudden snow storm didn’t stop the visitors from coming.

The eye catcher this year was the Kavalan whisky of Taiwan. Those who know the history of this whisky will be aware that, due to patent conflicts it, cannot be sold in Europe, but because of its extensive press coverage, the organisation was asked by the whisky amateurs to bring some bottles –  for tasting and smelling only. It was a hard job for the organisation to get some bottles from Taiwan to Belgium, but they did it. The Ambassador of Taiwan and ‘Representaitve ‘ for Europe, Mr. David Lin, agreed to assist at the presentation, which gave a supplementary accent to this exceptional event.

The peaceful and relaxing Flemish atmosphere, the quiet way of walking through this whisky paradise, is remarquable in Ghent. People come and go through the six hours of participation in the tasting sessions.

Hays join in toasting the haggis at the Ghent International Whisky Festival

Next year the 12th event will have specific themes.

We are curious to see what the organisation will bring as surprise in Ghent.

We have already marked the date in our diaries in red: 16 and 17 March 2013.

FRANCAIS

La neuvième édition du Gentse Whisky Festival a à nouveau été un grand succès. Un peu plus de 2000 visiteurs se sont présenté. Ceci est excessivement bien pour la partie flamande de la Belgique. C’est un plaisir pour l’organisation que le Festival en Wallonie (une semaine avant le festival à Gand) a une popularité croissante. La petite Belgique devient un vrai pays de whisky (entre paranthèses: nous nous trouvons dans le top dix des acheteurs de whisky écossais).

Les organisateurs à Gand ont choisi cette année de descendre du premier etage de l’ICC Gent Immeuble de Congrès vers le rez de chaussée, afin d’offrir plus d’espace aux exposants et visiteurs. Ceci a été, vu le grand nombre de visiteurs, un choix heureux. Même des chutes de neige subites ne pouvaient freiner les entrées.

Clan Hay member and Keeper of the Quaich Fernand Dacquin announces the winners.

La tête d’affiche cette année était le Kavalan whisky de Taiwan. Celui qui connait l’histoire derrière ce whisky, sait que – par des conflits de patent – le whisky ne peut pas être vendu en Europe. Le whisky paraissait néanmoins tellement dans la presse que chaque amateur de whisky voulait savoir comment il était, sentait, goutait. C’était un tour de force de la part de l’organisation  pour acheminer de Taiwan vers Gand des bouteilles.  Et on a réussit à les avoir. L’Ambassadeur de Taiwan et ‘Représentant’ pour l’Europe, monsieur David Lin, voulait être présent à la présentation, ce qui donnait encore un accent supplémentaire à cette manifestation exceptionnelle.

L’atmosphère flamande paisible et reposante, la manière de promenade tranquille à travers ce paradis de whisky  est remarquable à Gand. Des gens viennent et vont à tout moment pendant six heures pendant les sessions.

L’annéée prochaine est la dixième édition et comportera l’un et autre accent spécifique.

Curieux ce que les organisateurs vont apporter comme surprise à Gand.

Nous notons déjà la date dans notre agenda: 16 et 17 mars 2013.

NEDERLANDS

Clan Hay member Fernand Dacquin receives a special award for his contribution

De negende editie van het Gentse whisky festival was opnieuw een enorm succes. Net iets meer dan tweeduizend bezoekers boden zich aan. Dit is bijzonder goed voor het Vlaamse landsgedeelte van België. Het doet de organisatie ook genoegen te zien dat het festival in Wallonië (één week voor het festival in Gent) op een grote belangstelling kon rekenen. Het kleine België wordt een echt whiskyland (tussen haakjes: we staan ook in de top tien van kopers van Schotse whisky).

De organisatoren in Gent kozen er voor om van de eerste verdieping van het ICCGhent Congresgebouw naar de begane grond af te zakken, om meer ruimte te bieden aan standhouders en bezoekers. Dat was, gezien de opkomst, ook een gelukkige keuze. Zelfs een onverwachte sneeuwval kon de toestroom niet remmen.

Blikvanger op het festival was de Kavalan whisky uit Taiwan. Wie de geschiedenis achter deze whisky kent, weet dat – door patentconflicten – de whisky niet in Europa mag worden verkocht. De whisky kwam echter zo vaak in de pers dat elke whiskyliefhebber toch best eens wilde weten wat er nu van was en hoe die geurde en smaakte. Het heeft heel wat voeten op de aarde gehad voor de organisatie om een lading flessen uit Taiwan naar Gent te krijgen, en op de valreep is het dan ook gelukt. De Taiwanese ambassadeur in België en ‘representative’ voor Europa, de heer David Lin, wilde er dan ook bij zijn in Gent, en dat bracht nog een extra accent aan dit uitzonderlijk gebeuren.

Wat opvalt in Gent is de rustige, gemoedelijke Vlaamse sfeer en het feit dat niemand echt gejaagd door dit whiskyparadijs wil. Mensen komen en gaan op elk moment gedurende de zes uur durende sessies.

Volgend jaar staat de tiende editie op het programma en dat moet dus wel een en ander extra inhouden.

Benieuwd wat de organisatoren dan als verrassing naar Gent zullen brengen.

Wij noteren alvast de datum in onze agenda: 16 en 17 maart 2013.

The ancient Maya, Nostradamus, and other assorted ancient cultures, seers and prophets have predicted that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012, so come to the AGM to end all AGMs!

The Clan Hay Society – American Branch 2012 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the 31^st Smoky Mountain Highland Games at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee the third weekend in May.  Clan Hay is the Honored Clan for the games.  The actual games will be on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, but there are activities also on Friday, May 18.   Here is what you need to know:

American Hays at a previous Clan Hay gathering in the United States

Games  Website.

www.smokymountaingames.org  (Disregard references to Gatlinburg, the former site of the games in years past.)

Brief Schedule.  Friday Afternoon and Evening:  At 1:00 P.M., meeting of the Council of the American Branch (open to all members),  Whisky Tasting, Games Parade and Games Gala. Saturday: Gates open at 8 a.m. for the first day of the games, with the American Branch membership meeting at the Clan Hay games tent that afternoon and with the American Branch Banquet Saturday evening.  Sunday: Second day of the games and Parade of Tartans.

Suggestions Of What To Bring. (1) Hard and soft drinks, snacks and other food and cups, napkins, plates, and plastic utensils  you would like to donate for use in the Hospitality Room (let the AGM Treasurer know what you are bringing ahead of time so those things will not be purchased by her), (2) soft drinks and water, ice, food, snacks and paper products you would like to share at the Clan Hay games tent Saturday and Sunday,  (3) plaques, ribbons or other awards or items of recognition received by Clan Hay, these to be displayed at the at the Saturday Banquet, (4) Items to be given as door prizes or auctioned off at the Saturday Banquet,  and (5) Hay banners and tartan flags for the Parade of Tartans Sunday. All of this is voluntary, of course.  The most important thing to bring is yourself.

How To Get There.  Maryville is south of Knoxville in eastern Tennessee.

If flying, you would fly into the Knoxville Airport (TYS) at Alcoa, TN.  It is a 300 foot walk under a covered walkway from the airport terminal to the lobby of the AGM hotel, the Hilton Knoxville Airport.  Or you can call the hotel for a shuttle from its courtesy phone in the terminal baggage area.   Maryville College, site of the games, is about five miles south of the hotel.  If driving from the north or south, you might come by way of Interstate 75, and if driving from the east or west, by way of Interstate 40.  Alcoa and Maryville are each about 15 miles from both Interstates.

AGM Chairman. Margaret Terrell, Convener for Tennessee is the Chairman of the AGM and is working hard to make your stay enjoyable.  If you need to contact her, here is her information:  Address: 103 Tracy Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Work phone: 865-574-1590.  Cell phone: 865-591-4851.  E-mail address: terrellmw@y12.doe.gov

AGM Treasurer.  Margaret-Elizabeth Williams, Assistant Convener for Tennessee, is the Treasurer of the AGM.  Reservations and payment for games tickets, banquet meals and polo-shirts should be made through her no later than May 1.  Checks sent to her should be made payable to the “Clan Hay Society – AB”.  Here is her information: Address: 2513 Somerset Drive, Nashville, TN 37217-3915.  Phone: 615-268-3197.  E-mail address: Maggie2149@comcast.net

Hotel.  The AGM Hotel is the Hilton Knoxville Airport right next to the Knoxville

Clan Hay of America with the late Countess of Erroll's pinsel at one of their gatherings

Airport and right off of U.S. Highway 129 at 2001 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN. 37701.  Room reservations should be made directly with the hotel.  The Clan Hay special rate is $75.00 per night plus tax.  The cut-off date for that rate is May 1.  It is important for attendees to make their reservations as soon as possible, as rooms will be at a premium due to the games and the Maryville College graduation that weekend.  If you are not 100% sure you can attend the AGM, go ahead and make your reservation as the cancellation policy allows for cancellation up to 24 hours prior to check-in. Contact information is:  Phone: 865-970-4300 (be sure to ask for Clan Hay rate), Website:http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/K/KNXAHHF-HAY-20120517/index.jhtml?WT_id=POG  Group Name: Clan Hay.  Group Code: Hay.  Check-in: 17-May-2012.  Check-out: 20-May-2012.  Hotel Name: Hilton Knoxville Airport.

 Hospitality Suite.  In the past, the President’s hotel room has often substituted as the hospitality suite where clan members gather to socialize, but Rod and Cathy will be glad to know that they can have their privacy if they wish, and go to bed at a decent hour

There will be a separate Clan Hay hospitality suite in the Townsend Suite on the 5^th Floor of the Hilton Knoxville Airport. This is also where the Council will meet Friday at 1:00 P.M.  Please let the AGM Chairman know if you can host the Hospitality Room for a period of time during the weekend.

Games Tickets. The price of tickets at the gate is $18.00 for Saturday and $13.00 for Sunday.  However, it is very important that everyone order their tickets ahead of time through the AGM Treasurer as the games are letting Clan Hay keep $3.00 per ticket to help defray the cost of the AGM.  The price is the same as at the gate. You do not receive a discount. But you will be helping pay for the AGM by ordering your tickets through the AGM Treasurer. The tickets you order will be at the main gate to the games under your name on a “Will Call” basis..

Banquet. The highlight of the weekend will be the Clan Hay Society-American Branch Banquet Saturday night at the AGM Hotel.  There will be a Haggis Ceremony with Jean Hayes, Piper of the Scottish Tartans Museum, piping in the haggis for Arthur Hays to deliver the Address to the Haggis by Robert Burns.  It will be a time of fine dining, displays, fellowship, toasting, entertainment, laughter, door prizes and auction, awards and recognitions. You have a choice of two entrees with tip included.  Entrée # 1 for $50 per plate: roast prime rib of beef with roasted garlic mashed potatoes.  Entrée # 2 for $40 per plate: baked chicken with apple pecan dressing, gravy and cranberry sauce.  Both entrees come with choice of scotch or apple juice for toasting, cock-a-leekie soup, vegetable bouquetiere, hot bakery rolls and butter, cream brulee for dessert, and a choice of iced tea with lemon or freshly brewed regular or decaf coffee. Wine and other alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the cash bar.   Reservations for the Banquet and choice of entrée must be made and paid for ahead of time by May 1 through the AGM Treasurer.

Polo-Shirts.  There will be a polo shirt for the AGM that must be purchased ahead of time by May 1 through the AGM Treasurer.  The shirt will be white, imprinted in red with the Clan Hay crest badge and “Clan Hay AGM  2012”.  Price is $22.00 per shirt. Sizes available will be small, medium, large and extra large. You will pick up your shirt at the Hospitality Room.

Other Activities.  Maryville is in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and close to the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  There is plenty to do and plenty to see in the area.  So you may want to plan a vacation and stay longer.

Finally, as we say here in these parts, “The latch string is always on the outside of the door. Y’all come!”             

Lord Selkirk speaking in the Scottish Parliament before his retirement

On 12^th December 2011 it was announced that Lord James Douglas Hamilton (properly James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas, and representer of the Earldom of Selkirk[1]), the younger son of the 14^th Duke of Hamilton and uncle of the present (16^th) Duke, had been appointed to be Her Majesty’s Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2012. Surprisingly, in a family that has been so prominent in Scottish life, Lord James will be only the third of his family to fill the place since it arguably began in 1580: James, Marquis of Hamilton, served in 1638 (he was there to take the flak from Charles I’s attempt to impose both bishops and a prayer book on Scotland), and Lord James’s father, Douglas, held office from 1953 to 1955.

 The Church of Scotland acknowledges only one Head, Christ[2], so the Lord High Commissioner is the Sovereign’s representative at, but not in, the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland: observes proceedings from outside the bar of the house on behalf of a Member of the Church, H.M. the Queen, but he does not take part. Since 1905 he has had precedence in Scotland next after the Sovereign, before the Royal Family. Our own Chief, Merlin, Earl of Erroll, is the hereditary High Constable of Scotland and the first member of the Royal Household after the Commissioner. When the Commissioner is doing his stuff, he enjoys the privileges and trappings of the Sovereign’s presence: the Lion Rampant flies over the Palace when he is there, and

The Duke and Duchess of Argyll; the Duke is Hereditary Master of the Household

from his motor-car and (if there was need of one) presumably from his yacht or dinghy. He gets a Royal Salute of twenty-one guns. He is attended by a Chaplain and Purse-Bearer and by Aides-de-Camp wearing aiguillettes on the right shoulder[3]; his lady may be attended by one or more ladies-in-waiting and maids of honour.

The Commissioner is part of the civil family of the Sovereign in Scotland and, as her representative, is at the head of the Royal Household in Scotland during his commission. The Household is staffed by the Officers of the Household. Though largely ceremonial, the Officers descend from a time when the Sovereign wanted only trusted people near him to tend to daily needs like sleeping (grooms or pages of the bedchamber), dressing, shaving and going to the loo. Being close to the Sovereign gave you privileges: a word in the King’s ear might make a career. Thus great noblemen competed to be Pages of the Bedchamber, dressing the King in the morning; or of the Privy Stool (yes, a privilege), in order to “get at” him. The surviving Great Officers of the Household in Scotland are:

1. Lord High Constable of Scotland: traditionally the Chief of the General Staff and General Officer Commanding the Scots army, as well as being generally in charge of the army’s camp and judge over violent crime within a league of the King’s court. Our Chief, Merlin, 24^th Earl of Erroll is the hereditary holder of the office.
2. The Master of the Household: the supreme officer in the household rather than the camp, held by the Dukes of Argyll heritably since 1667.
3. The Keeper of Holyroodhouse: presently Alexander, 16^th Duke of Hamilton. The Dukes of Hamilton (as Lords Abernethy and representers of the old Celtic Earldom of Fife) have the hereditary privilege of bearing the Crown of Scotland on occasions like the opening of the Scottish Parliament, both now and in the past.
4. The Armour-Bearer and Squire of the Sovereign’s Body, held in succession by the Seton family of Touch, but possibly dormant since the coronation of George V in 1911.  (Seton of Touch is the heraldic heir of the Hays of Tullybody and, as such, shows the Hay escutcheons on his coat of arms, quartered with the arms of Seton.)
5. The Bearer of the Royal Banner, the Lion Rampant, held by the Scrymgeour-Wedderburns, Earls of Dundee.
6. The Bearer of the National Flag of Scotland, held by the Earls of Lauderdale.
7. Lord Justice General, also the Lord President of the Court of Session, at the time of writing Arthur Hamilton Q.C., the Right Honourable the Lord Hamilton.
8. The Great Steward of Scotland, Charles, Duke of Rothesay, the Sovereign’s eldest son.

We think fondly that the business of the Crown in Scotland is mostly ceremonial and decorative. Today, in the midst of a widespread debate about nationhood, these symbols of our national identity are more vital than ever – whether we like them or not. If Independence comes, just how will we express ourselves as a nation? Will there be a Crown and, if so, what will be its role? Symbols and signs are vital hooks on which we hang our loves and hates. Our future will be shaped, but not dictated, by our past.

[2] Article IV of the Schedule to the Church of Scotland Act 1921.

[3] Ropes of looped or plaited gold wire cord with a spike or aiguillette at the end. They are worn on the right shoulder only by the most senior ranks: Admirals of the Fleet, Field Marshals, Marshals of the Royal Air Force, Aides de Camp to the Sovereign, Equerries to the Royal Family, and officers of the Household Cavalry. It is supposed that they are relics of the cords used to tie the front and back plates of the cuirass together at the shoulder.

Paule Genachte, Françoise Delannoy and Chantal Delannoy

by Jean Aime Roels

Brussels, the 11th of February 2012

Before the 29th of January we hardly could speak of a winter in Belgium.   But since that beautiful Sunday morning records of freezing temperatures have been broken: -15°C  and -20°C, unbelievable!   Now, 10 days later, it’s still freezing cold.

During this fifth Clan Hay New Years Lunch, we once more remembered all those who left us during last year.   Jean-Aimé Roels would like to thank you for your enthusiasm  in helping to gather the members to this lunch.  

The Personal Piper of the Lord High Constable of Scotland, Sir Merlin Hay, Chevalier Philippe Vervoort, backed by Raf Gaublomme, gave an extraordinary performance with their pipes.  

Toasting the Queen of Great Britain, the King of Belgium and the Chief of Clan Hay

The members remembered a family member who left us last year.

The five minutes of silence for meditation gave a divine feeling in the family church. 

In procession, following the Clan Hay Pipes we went to the Auberge Bretonne.

We were happy to receive following new members at the Lunch: Miss Françoise Delannoy,Miss Maria Virginia Teixeira Tavares, Mr. Anthony Genachte, Mr.Michel Sosnowski. 

During the lunch  Mss Solange Delannoy organized and promoted the tombola together with Mr Jean-Aimé Roels who encouraged all participants to buy some merchandising.

I insist that the European Branch of the Clan Hay is survives only on the entries of the tombola and drink benefits of the lunch and barbecue.

The pipes playing Amazing Grace

Your yearly subscription (12.00€) is entirely sent to the Clan Hay in Scotland. 

The tombola had increased as a result of more gifts from the members.  Many thanks for your help.

Mr Fernand Dacquin and Mr.Jean-Aimé Roels also organized a quiz about Scotland.  Unfortunately neither of the two  winners could attend the lunch to receive their price.

Result: a fantastic bottle of a 17 year old  Malt whisky has been offered to Mr Henri Lannoy. 

The Convener,surrounded by Mr.Fernand Dacquin, Keeper of the Quaich, and Mr. Louis Schrevens, presented the program of the Ceremony of Twin Castles from the 3rd to the 6th of August 2012 in Scotland with highlights in Duns and Delgatie Castles.  Read further details in the newsletters. 

The traditional toast to the Queen, to he King of Belgium and to our Chief is becoming very good. 

After the official part, the family Roels, Genachte and Delannoy were sitting together for the preparation of their family trip to Scotland guided by the expertise of Fernand Dacquin, Keeper of the Quaich, and Mr. Louis Schrevens.

The Clan Hay New Year Lunch 2013 will take place on 27th January 2013 in Jezus-Eik, Brussels at 11.30 am. 

RAPORT DU CLAN HAY LUNCH DE NOUVEL AN LE 29 JANVIER 2012 A BRUXELLES

The Genachte family

Avant le 29 janvier nous n’avions pas encore vraiment eu d’hiver en Belgique.    Mais depuis ce fameux dimanche matin du 29 janvier, les températures ont chutées et des records ont été battus.   Des -15°C -20°C, incroyable!   Aujourd’hui, 10 jours plus tard, il fait toujours aussi froid.

Pendant ce 5ième Lunch de Nouvel An du Clan Hay, nous avons commémoré tous ceux qui nous ont quittés l’année passée.

Jean-Aimé ROELS, nous voulons te remercier pour ton enthousiasme à rassembler les membres du Clan à ce Lunch.    

Le Piper personnel du Lord High Constable d’Ecosse, Sir Merlin Hay, le Chevalier Philippe Vervoort, aidé par Raf Gaublomme ont donné une performance extraordinaire avec leurs Pipes.

In procession from the church to the restaurant

Les membres ont commémorés un membre de leur famille qui est décédé l’année passée.    Les 5 minutes de silence de méditation ont donné une sensation divine dans la petite église familiales.

En cortège, nous avons suivis les Pipes du Clan Hay, et sommes allés à l’Auberge Bretonne.

Nous étions heureux d’accueillir des nouveaux membres: Miss Françoise Delannoy, Miss Maria Virginia Teixeira Tavares, Mr. Anthony Genachte, Mr.Michel Sosnowski.

Pendant le lunch Miss Solange Delannoy a organisé ensemble avec Jean-Aimé ROELS la tombola, merci Jean-Aimé d’avoir motivé tous les participants à acheter quelque chose.

Nous insistons sur le fait que la branche Européenne du Clan Hay n’a de ressources que par la tombola et les bénéfices sur la boisson pendant le lunch et le barbecue annuel.

Votre cotisation démocratique de 12 euro va entièrement au Clan Hay en Ecosse. 

Merci à tous ceux qui ont offert des cadeaux pour la tombola!!

Clan Hay members in Jezus-Eik Church

Mr.Fernand Dacquin and Mr.Jean-Aimé Roels ont également organisé un quiz concernant l’Ecosse.   Malheureusement les deux gagnants n’ont pas pu être présents au lunch et nous avons donc offert la bouteille de whisky, de 17 ans … à Mr Henri Lannoy.

Le Convener, entouré de Mr.Fernand Dacquin, Keeper of the Quaich, et Mr. Louis Schrevens, ont présenté le programme de la cérémonie des châteaux jumelés du 3 au 6 août en Ecosse, avec des activités aux châteaux Duns et Delgatie.  Plus de détails suivront dans la news letter.

Le toast traditionnel en l’honneur de la reine du Royaume Uni, le roi de Belgique et de notre Chief devient vraiment bien.

Après la partie officielle, la famille Roels, Genachte, Delannoy se sont mis ensemble pour préparer leur voyage en Ecosse, guidé par Mr Fernand Dacquin, Keeper of the Quaich et Mr Louis Schrevens.

Le prochain Lunch de Nouvel An du Clan Hay aura lieu le 27 janvier 2013 à Jezus-Eik à 11.30.

Malcolm Hay of Seaton

Malcolm Hay of Seaton was a well known scholar who wrote extensively on Catholicism and Christian/Jewish relationships and who was closely associated with Israel and Zionism in the 1940s and ’50s.   On her death, his widow left a bequest to Aberdeen University to establish an annual lecture in his memory.  This year, the lecture will be given by Fra’ Matthew Festing, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, on the subject, ‘Opportunities for Co-operation between Faiths in the Middle East.’

The lecture will take place at the King’s College Auditorium in the University of Aberdeen on Monday 16th April at 5.30 pm and repeated on Wednesday 18th April at the British Academy in London.  Refreshements will be provided and anyone wishing to reserve a seat should visit www.abdn.ac.uk/hayofseaton

A Clan Hay gathering in the USA

The Clan Hay Society, American Branch, has this month launched a new website on the domain www.clanhayusa.com  This initiative has come from American Branch president Rod Village and is run by webmaster Tim Hodge.

This informative site is now live and will provide Hays in the United States with everything they need to know about the Clan Hay Society’s activities there and of the regional network of Convenors who run the American branch.

The site includes a calendar of events that details all of the many Scottish festivals and Highland games across the United States, many of which see an annual Clan Hay presence where Hays can get together and enjoy hospitality and each other’s company.  The major forthcoming highlight is the Smokey Mountain Highland Games in Tennessee in May, where the Annual General Meeting of the Clan Hay Society, American Branch will take place.

There is an impressive picture gallery showing Clan Hay activity in the past, some stunning shots of castles relating to Clan Hay in Scotland, and TV footage of branch president Rod Village, shot at the international gathering held in the ‘Year of the Homecoming’  Scotland in 2009.  We are looking forward to the next ‘Homecoming’ in 2014, coinciding with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, in 2014, when we hope to welcome many more American Hays to our shores.