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The Committee of the Auchenblae Art Exhibition has made the following
judgement for all entries in the Photo Competition:
1st Prize
2 Bottles of Old Fettercairn Malt Whisky goes to:
Andy Thompson
for picture No.1 of:
Jason McLeod competing in the 28lb weight for distance.
2nd Prize
1 Bottle of Old Fettercairn Malt Whisky goes to:
Andy Thompson
for picture No.2 of:
two highland dancers
3rd Prize
1bottle of White & MacKay goes to:
Keltica Media Photograph
for picture No. 77 of: Anchorman at the tug of war.
I am sure you will join me in thanking the Arts Committee
for their work and congratulate the prize winners. I am sorry there are only
3 prizes because I think there are many more fantastic pictures. Thanks to
every one who made the effort to enter the competition.
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Name the Straw Mascots
We had a big response to our appeal for names for our friendly straw
highlanders who annually advertise Drumtochty Games on the busy A90 just
north and south of Laurencekirk.
Some suggested real highland names such as Hamish and Dougal, Lachlan and
Torquil. Duncan and Donald.
Humourists came up with Tam and Shanter, Jack and Victor, Tam and Sam , Drum
and Tochty, Mr Highland and Mrs Fling , The Twa Tossers and Mr and Mrs
Smile.
However there are two extremely convivial Aboyne brothers who regularly
visit many Games and their names came up on three entries.
So the judges have decided to name the Straw Mascots-- HEB and WULL- after
these characters !!
The winner who is Peter Reid, Laurencekik who will receive a bottle of Heb
and Wull's favourite tipple.
Many thanks to all the participants in this light hearted competition.
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Regina
Drumtochty
In 2006 Drumtochty twinned with Regina
Highland Games and we could not have imagined just how successful this
association would prove.
One of Drumtochty's intrepid ambassadors that year was John Singer and so well
did he carry out his duties that he returned this year to marry
Jenne
Hall a
lovely Regina lass.
John and Jenne
have courted incessantly by telephone,email, text messge,
telepathy,pigeon and occasional trans atlantic flights. This whirlwind romance
took twinning to a new level and the fairytale was completed when rings were
exchanged at the 2007 Regina Games weekend.
Visa regulations have kept
Jenne
as yet on the flat plains of Saskatchewan but
the rolling hills of Auchenblae beckon and the couple will be re united in late
July.
We could not have wished for a more successful and romantic start to the
Regina/Drumtochty association and wish John and
Jenne
Singer a long and happy
time together.
 
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Drumtochty twins with
Regina
Highland Games, Saskatchewan, Canada
Some three years ago Billy Emslie and his Family left
the Howe of the Mearns to
settle in Regina. Billy was a very enthusiastic founder memberof the
Drumtochty Highland Games and quickly got involved with the
Saskatchewan Event in particular the heavy events. He has been in regular
contact with Drumtochty members and the idea of a closer association was
hatched. Regina Highland Games is being staged on Sunday May 21st 2006 and
Drumtochty are sending out three ambassadors to initiate the twinning. The
delegation is being led by Alan Sim, former heavyweight competitor, a past
SGA President and a veteran of many trips to highland games around the
globe. He is being accompanied by John Singer, a Drumtochty Committee
member of long standing and his cousin Craig Singer another enthousiastic
member. They have been chosen for their dedication to games, their
ambassadorial skills and above all their capacity to enjoy and share a good
dram.
Billy intends bringing a group from Regina to
Scotland for the Drumtochty
Games on June 24th when a ceilidh will be held to welcome our Canadian
Twins. He also intends visiting some local farms to show the Canadians why
he left his native shores!!!
We wish Alan, John and Craig all the best on their historic trip and look
forward to their uncensored report when they return.
We also eagerly anticipate the arrival and stay of Billy and his new
friends when the twinning will be complete.
The
design of the official Twinning Flag:
If you want to know more about the Regina Games visit the website:
http://www.reginahighlandgames.org/
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Alan Sim, Billy Emslie with daughter Morag, Craig and
John Singer |
Alan Sim, Bill Emslie, Craig Singer, his Worship
Mayor Pat Fiacco(mayor of Regina), Douglas Campbell (the athletics Director
Regina Games) and John Singer |
Hi Gunter,
I just thought that I should make mention of the fact that the three delegates
that your Games sent were well received here in Regina, and contributed greatly
in our success. Alan was our Head Judge and did an
excellent job all day, and John and Craig worked the field measuring and raking
between throws.
The weather was cool in the morning but the day turned out pretty well, and it
warmed up considerably in the afternoon. They were introduced at the closing
ceremonies, and Alan presented the President of the Regina
Highland Games, Sharon Schmidt with the beautiful Twinning Flag that you guys
had made up. He then gave a small speech about the games and the Twinning. He
had presented it to me the night before, so we had it up
during the Heavy Events.
We finished off the day, with a couple of cold beverages at the Ceilidh, and
some good fellowship. I'll bet that they can hardly wait for next year!
I think that a great time was had by all, and I sincerely look forward to the
Drumtochty Highland Games this year. I'm sure the lads will have a story or
two to tell when they get home, so I won't spoil any for them!
Take care,
Douglas Campbell
Athletic Director
Regina Highland Games
*******************
Some more pictures received from Canada, Relaxing
a bit after a hard days work!
 !
Now we are looking forward to welcome the Delegates from Regina. I am sure
everything will be done to to entertain them to a unforgettable and splendid
Drumtochty Games.
The Scottish Games were much saddened by the death of
Jimmy Mcgregor one of Scotlands foremost games commentators.
Jimmy passed away in march 2006 aged 83.
Born at Garmouth, Moray, in 1922 of farming stock, he was schooled at Kinloss
and Forres Academy.He married Beatrice in Keith in 1943.
Served in the Military Police and on demob joined the Perthshire Police Force
and was stationed in Crieff, Aberfeldy and Perth. On retirement he became an
agricultural salesman.
Jimmy in his own inimitable style commentated at game fairs,highland games and
agricultural shows all around Scotland. He also compered concerts ,burns suppers
and ceilidhs not only on his native soil.but in far flung corners of the earth
such as Finland, Bavaria, Russia and America.
He was commentator at Drumtochty for 18 years retiring in2003 at the age of 80
and the Committee honoured him with the Chieftainship in 2004.
Jimmy was a much loved character in the Glen with his
couthy wit, his memorable stories, his deep knowledge of the countryside and
farming and above all his expertise on the many disciplines of highland games.
When there was a lull in the programme Jimmy often treated the spectators to an
impromtu song bringing more individuality to his performance with the mike.
Our thoughts are with his widow Beatrice as the Games season approaches. She was
his constant companion and there will always be a welcome for her in the Glen.
Jimmy did it his own way and was revered for his style. We will miss him
striding out with immaculate mcgregor kilt, tilted glengarry and constant smile.
However Jimmy is not going to leave the Glen and we are honoured that he
requested that his ashes be scattered on the Games Field on the Games Day.
His request will be honoured in a
simple Family and Games ceremony at approx 10am on 24th June Jimmy is very much
part of the Drumtochty legend.
In 2005 the Chieftain and the Chairman presenting a painting of the 'Howe of the
Mearns' to
Jimmy Mc.Gregor for his long standing services between 1986 - 2003 as a
Commentator at the Drumtochty Highland Games.
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