An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 38, October 1942--September 1943

68
AN GAIDHEAL.
Am Mart, 1943.
and that they should be invited to take an
active interest in the resuscitation of the Branch.
A meeting of members of An Comunn in
Greenock and district was held in the Gaelic
Parish Church Hall on 26th January, Mr John
H. Fraser presiding. I explained that the object
of the meeting was to consider the formation
of a Branch of An Comunn in Greenock. It
was felt that the time was not opportune.
Lack of hall accommodation ard ether war¬
time restrictions presented very great difficulties
but those present were eager to help An Comunn,
and it was agreed that an endeavour be made
to increase the membership of An Comunn in
the district. With this end in view a supply
of nomination cards has been distributed to
members. It was encouraging to learn that
the local Tir nam Beann Association is able
to meet on Saturday evenings and also give alter¬
nate ceilidhean at Gourcck and Port Glasgow.
I journeyed to Rothesay on 5th February,
and had an interview with Mr. A. Campbell,
President of the Bute Branch. The members
had been considering holding a function in
aid of our funds and if favourable arrangements
can be made for the use of a hall, an effort
will be made in the near future. The Bute
Branch is one of our oldest Branches and has
contributed generously to our various funds.
It was formed in 1906 and the members helped
with the Great Feill of 1907. The National
Mod was held in Rothesay in 1908, the only
occasion on which the National Mod has been
held on an island.
I am glad to record that the Office-Bearers
of the Govan Branch have been successful in
securing a hall and are now holding weekly
ceilidhean. Accommodation was found in the
Unionist Rooms at Govan Cross, and it is
hoped to continue meeting there for the next
few months. The Saturday night Ceilidh in
the Highlanders’ Institute sponsored by the
Govan and Central Branches will continue.
I had the honour of presiding over the Ceilidh
on 16th January. There was a good attendance
and a first-class programme.was submitted.
Encouraging reports are being received from
the Branches at Ayr, Dundee, Largs, Oban,
Stirling, Taymiilt and Tobermory. The Dumfries
Branch has resumed and had a very successful
opening Ceilidh. By the time this issue of
An Gaidheal is printed, I shall have visited the
Branches at Ayr and Lochgilphead, and I
hope to give an account of these visits in the
April number. The Edinburgh Branch is
making a place for itself in the Capital and
steadily adding to its membership.
I am pleased to report that P.O.W. Finlay
Murray (Lewis) and Neil T. Quinn (Oban)
have received the Gaelic books sent them last
year. A further supply of books is on the way
to all whose names are on our list, and I shalf
be pleased to have the names and addresses
of any known to members and readers who
would welcome a parcel of Gaelic literature.
Only four P.O.W. have so far acknowledged
receipt of our parcels and it has been given as a
probable reason why they do not acknowledge
them direct to us, that they fear an acknowledg¬
ment would count as one of their home letters.
We are naturally anxious to know if our parcels
reach their destination, and we shall esteem
it a great favour if parents or wives of P.O.W.,
who may be informed of the arrival of our
books, will communicate the information to
this office.
I recently received a parcel of Gaelic books
from The Association of Highland Societies
of Edinburgh, per Mr. Donald Shaw MacKinnon
as a donation to our Gaelic Literature effort.
This kind donation is much appreciated, and
I feel that the best thanks we can render Mr.
MacKinnon and his Committee is the assurance
that most of the books are already on the way
to the Stalags and Oflags.
Letters are being received from men serving
in different parts of the Kingdom asking for a
copy of Airgiod an Righ of which they have
read in the press. To those Editors who have
kindly mentioned the book in their papers I
tender the warm thanks of An Comunn.
Members and readers are reminded of the
booklet, “ My Two Trips to Scotland,” by
Iain MacLennan, Brisbane, Australia, which
is on sale at this office at 1/6 per copy. The
entire proceeds go to the Gaelic Literature
Fund. Donations to this fund will be very
welcome.
Entries for the Glasgow Mod should be lodged
with the Hon. Secretary, Mr Murdo MacLeod,
24 Craigbarnet Crescent, Millerston, Glasgow,
not later than 31st March. Niall.
COMFORTS FOR H.M. FORCES.
Attendances at the Work Party in Glasgow
are well maintained and district Branches and
Feachdan of Comunn na h-Oigridh are busy
knitting comforts for the Services.
The ladies of the Work Party held a very
successful afternoon Whist Drive in aid of
P.O.W. fund in the Highlanders’ Institute,
Glasgow, on 22nd December. Mrs. MacLeod,
the President’s wife, was a welcome guest and
presented the prizes. In her remarks she
complimented the ladies and the Committee
on the splendid work they are doing in bringing