CENTRAL VIRGINIA CELTIC FESTIVAL AND GAMES

Mark your calendars for this familiar event returning to the Richmond Raceway Complex which will include the bands, competitions, and much more! More information will follow soon!

The Editor, An Canach intends to do a photo spread of our Henderson youth but we need your assistance!  We are seeking pictures of the youth of our Clan.

Bottom line:  share your pictures, new or old, of your “wee bairns”–any subject or pose–and we may publish them in An Canach.

However, those photos of chilren in tartans or those showing skills such as dancers, pipers, athletes, drummers, bodyguards or banner carriers, will have priority space permitting.  Photos can be individual photos or a picture within a group.  Even if you don’t have photos you can help by spreading the word.

Please send photos to or email him for instructions/coordination on how to send them by other means.

NC April 21-22.  Competing in the premier 12-14 division, Erica faced competition from across the United States and Canada.  Several CHS members got to watch her  for the first time and it was agreed “Erica is a classy young lady and wow…what a  dancer!”

•  Randy Seale, from the Scottish Society of Mobile, Alabama explained the origin and significance of National Tartan Day, and read a sample of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was signed on 06 April 1320.
• Father Harold F. Roberts, former chaplain of the 48th Highlanders, conducted a “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” service, recognizing and blessing the tartans of each clan.
• There were remarks from Carl Campbell, the president of the Highlands and Islands  Association of Celtic Gatherings and the event included  a visit from the mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi, George Schloegel.
• There were musical performances from a resident of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Francis Ward, as well as the Father of Waters Pipe and Drum Band, from Jackson, Mississippi, the New Orleans Strathspey and Reel Society, and Irish step dancing by the Scoil Rince MacCrossan.

The event concluded when the Father of Waters Pipe and Drum Band, along with other participants, paraded through the mess hall at chow time.

There is  a wonderful web-site with much detail, pictures, videos and more detailed background on this event.  It can be seen at:

Gulport, MS National Tartan Day Observance

Background:  The Henderson DNA project is growing and the Henderson DNA Project Administrator has need for volunteer assistants to provide initial counseling services to DNA queries.  “DNA Counselors” will answer basic questions concerning “who, what, when, and how” in order for people to get started with the DNA project.   Clan Henderson Society DNA Project gets a number of requests for information by mail and/or email and a timely response is important. 

Duties:  The DNA Project Counselor would be required to respond to incoming questions from new and prospective participants in the Henderson DNA Project.  A short list of articles provided by the Henderson DNA Administrator would serve to prepare DNA Counselors to interact with the Clan membership. The DNA Administrator will screen all incoming requests for information then parcel the request off to a DNA Counselor to answer and correspond with the member.

Qualifications:  A specific interest in DNA research is essential plus a willingness to learn.  This position requires a computer and basic computer operating skills.  Must be able to compose written responses in email and/or letter format.  Additionally, the person in this position must be accessible by mail and email.  A phone is a plus.  The person should be friendly and present an attitude of cheerful helpfulness.  The volunteer is expected to read a series of articles, provided by the DNA Project Administrator, that will assist in developing a working background in DNA research.

 If interested:  Contact the Henderson DNA Project Administrator at and provide information on your level of interest and amount of volunteer time you anticipate to be available per month.

Duties: A Convenor acts as the central point of contact to ensure the event operates smoothly and efficiently; obtains a warrant from the Regional Commissioner to host the event; coordinates for booth/space; arranges for the tent and all the materials to be displayed; ensures Clansman get advance word of the event; assumes all costs associated with the event (and requests reimbursement for authorized expenses, after the fact); coordinates for walk-about’s, clan marches, entertainment (if necessary) and satisfies all external event requirements.  More detailed information can be found in the Convenor’s Handbook, located under the “Games” tab on the web-site.  The handbook applies predominatly to Convenors at games but the same common sense should apply for other, smaller events.

Candidate Qualifications:  Above all, a candidate must be able to act as “quality” representative of Clan Henderson. Additionally, candidates should have experience attending Highland games or hosting an event of any kind.  The potential convenor should review the Convenors Handbook (found on the website) before asking to take on the responsibilities.  Candidates must have an ability to communicate well, have a proactive attitude and a willingness to help further the goals and objectives of the Clan Henderson Society. Candidates should have a kilt, preferably in the Henderson Tartan, although this is not 100% mandated.  Candidates are expected to be able to communicate by phone, email and on the internet and present a budget for approval for an event. 

If interested: Candidates are encouraged to make a preliminary phone call to the RC before submitting a request to be an event Convenor. A candidate should be able to discuss their level of experience and enthusiasm for the task; address why he/she believes they are qualified; indicate which event(s) they are interested in; and discuss resources he/she might need help with in order to execute the event(s).  The Regional Commissioner where the event(s) is to occur is the approving authority.  Complete a “Convenor’s Warrant”, found on the web-site, and send it to the Regional Commissioner for signature.

 The Scottish Memorial consists of four slightly larger than life figures, plus a dog, standing on a 6x6x4 ft, granite base.  Memorial Pavers lead up to the monument and memorial bricks complete the walkways.  The monument depicts a Scottish Family, led by the patriarch of the clan, with his faithful deerhound by his side.  His son, who arrived in advance of the rest of the family, is already dressed as a frontiersman, ready for his life in the new world..  Along with his wife and children, they set forward to contribute to the development of America. 

The statue is sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia, founded in 1747 at Tuns Tavern—once located close-by to the present day memorial.

 To Celebrate we are having an Anniversary Dance on Saturday, April 28, 2012, tickets are $20 before Monday, April 23, 2012, this is for Reserved Seating, after this dated if tickets are still available they will be sold at the door for $25, No Guarantees. The event takes place at the Colonel John B Weber VFW Post 898, 2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana, NY, Doors open at 6 PM and the festivities continue until Midnight. We have DJ for listening and dancing and there will be performances by the Gordons. There is Free Beer, Wine, Pop, Coffee, Tea and $1.00 well drinks. A Chinese Auction a 50/50 Split and a Whiskey Basket Raffle will take place. Guests may bring snacks and finger foods, no food is sold at the Post. For more information contact Colonel Bruce A Henderson – Ball Chairperson, 716-823-1581, or e-mail . Highland Dress or Business Casual. Drummers and Pipers feel free to bring your instruments to take part in a short Massed Band set near the end of the evening.