Clan MacRae Society New Year’s Greetings and welcome to 2012

2011 has been a busy year for the Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand with many highlights, some sad losses and a number of firsts.

Early in the year the Society was blessed by the visit of our Scottish guests, Life President of the Clan MacRae Society in the U.K. and Scotland, Mrs Marigold MacRae and her daughter Baroness Miranda MacRae Van Lynden in March. Our Society held functions in Armidale, Katoomba and Bungendore and their presence was appreciated by all who attended.

The Clan MacRae marquee appeared at an increased number of venues in 2011. We attended the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes in northern N.S.W. in late April and May and then there were Scottish gatherings at places such as Toukley, Canberra, Bundanoon and Bathurst. What a joy and pleasure it is to meet up with Clan MacRae Society members and various other MacRaes/McRaes. We all share a special MacRae bond that continually shows, especially at our get-to-gethers.   

We were able to update the clan MacRae Society website clanmacrae.org.au This has continually been updated each month. The site has received an unprecedented number of ‘hits’ in 2011. More is planned for 2012 and your stories, memories, family histories and ideas are always welcome.

Sadly, we have experienced the passing of a number of our Clan members including our Society’s Past President Ian McCrae, J.P., of Muswellbrook who passed away on Wednesday 15th June, 2011. Ian had battled with his health for some time though fortunately he was able to attend the Armidale get-together with our Scottish guests in March. Our thoughts are with everyone’s family who are spending this New Year’s Day without their loved ones. Remember to recall those many fond memories which you have and remember them by.

Thanks to all those members who have attended meetings, visited and helped set up for one of the special gatherings and days when the Clan MacRae Society attended the various Scottish functions around Australia and New Zealand. 2011 has seen the Society visit an increased number of Scottish gatherings. I must extend our appreciation to those who contribute to our newsletter and website, under the control of Elma McRae and Ray MacRae respectively.  

Thanks must go to our capable Secretary Elma McRae and our committed Treasurer Max Browning for all their dedicated work over the past year. We hope that 2012 brings improved health for Max.   

I extend to you my New Year’s wishes and hope that 2012 will bring improved health to all, that your trials and tribulations will be little ones and that you enjoy a renewed appreciation of our Scottish and Clan MacRae heritage. Remember, our heritage runs deep so when the clock strikes 12 and we welcome the New Year - be sure to remember our loved ones with joy and happiness.

Alan McRae, President, Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand.