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From The Chief.
Madam Pauline Hunter of
Hunterston
Dear Clan Officers and Clan
President,
As we celebrate the winter
festivities and enter the New Year it is a time to relax and
reflect. I was reading an article about Genghis Khan who was born in
the year of the Black Rat 11--. He was a true warrior and statesman
who ruled over half the known world. It is said that 1:200 men today
can trace a genetic link to his race. It made me think that the
Hunters had already arrived at Hunterston two generations before his
birth. What a pause for thought that is. Our clan was already well
established in Scotland by the time of the birth of Genghis Khan.
2011 has been a year of
turmoil for most people with geological upheavals and economic
instability. But our Clan is still here and not only that survives
and grows into 2012 as we celebrate our International Gathering on
the 20th , 21st, 22nd and 23rd
July. And for those that are interested there is the Diamond Jubilee
of our Queen, Elizabeth II and the Olympics.
Thank you all for your
varied and interesting news over 2011.
We were all pleased to hear
that Hugh, Clan Officer New Zealand, and his wife Gill were safe
after the earthquakes. However their house will need a lot of work
and this is going to take some considerable time. They are suffering
aftershocks still according to their daughter, Sarra. I am sure that
you all send best wishes to them both.
Richard, Clan Officer
Australia, with his wife, Lindy travelled to Canada this year where
they visited with Tom, Clan Officer Canada, and his family. Thank
you for the photos. I heard that they had a very enjoyable visit and
cemented Clan Hunter Association relations further.
Tom Hunter and his family
came over to Scotland to visit family and joined up with the UK Clan
Association.
Peter, the webmaster for the
UK and the Clan website has recently made contact with Ramon
Santamarina Hunter, Clan Officer Argentina and I am hoping that they
will become active again. The Argentinean Hunters came from
Australia.
Mel, Clan President United
States, with Pat, his wife, have made tremendous progress with
getting old members to activate their memberships and gaining new
members. I have had a busy year sending membership certificates out
to the Membership secretaries.
Well done everyone and thank
you all.
The UK Hunters met up
several times this year the last time for the Open Day at the Castle
in early September. Ian, Clan Officer, has been very supportive and
visible at all events. We had an unexpected event in October. We had
a request from a television programme to film the comedian Reg D
Hunter, the comedian. He is originally from Georgia but now works in
the UK. Bill, Janet, Robert, Ellen, Eoin were all present. Reg was
delighted to meet everyone and was most courteous. There is disc of
the programme if anyone wants a copy let me know. Reg was amazed by
the Castle and the heritage that we have here and had been
completely unaware of its existence. He was delighted to have
visited and received such a warm welcome from the Clan. Thank you to
everyone who came for the day to welcome him.
We are anticipating a great
Gathering this year and a very warm welcome is extended to everyone
who is planning on coming.
All my best to you for 2012.
Madam Pauline
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