50 Years Down Under

Ian McCrae C.B.J.P

Away back in 1960 I arrived is Sydney on the ship S.S. Oronsay. I remember very well, the high temperatures, they were unbearable. I believe it was about 25 degree Celsius. Has the climate changed or is it me that has become customised to OZ.

Arrangements had already been made regarding my employment with the New South Wales public service; I was to report to the public service office in Parramatta on my arrival.

My employment came to an abrupt end almost 17 years ago with a heart attack; it was then that I became a member of the Clan MacRae. I was encouraged by Kenneth McRae and his sister Mrs. Nancy Williams to take on the Clan News Letter as Editor. In 1997 I was elected President.

Even though I have been involved with the New South Wales Justice Association for more than twenty years, I held the position as President. Now I think the time has come to just enjoy whatever time I have left.

Some five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer; it was then that I was unable to attend Clan Meetings in Sydney, though I was still able to continue as a C.B.J.P., and also as a member of the Aberdeen Highland Games.

Travelling to and from Sydney became impossible, alternate meeting places could not be found. Apparently members in Sydney were not willing to travel to meetings outside of the Metropolitan area.

Although members in Armidale were attending in their droves, I still believe members of Clan MacRae would have been prepared to attend meetings regardless of where or when they were held.

Regrettably I will not continue to be your Vice President as elected; there are no provisions in our Clan Constitution for two Vice Presidents.

I have always been of the opinion that no one member should hold more than one in our Clan, the more members that are involved in our organisation the better.

In the years ahead I will continue to be interested in our Clan affairs, if there is anything I can do to assist you in anyway I will only be too happy to help.

My health has from time to time been stable and I do hope that I will be with you for some time to come.

May I take this opportunity to thank our members and friends wherever you may be, for your encouragement over the fourteen years?

Yours in friendship always

Ian McCrae C.B.J.P.