An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 27, October 1931--September1932

An t-Samhuin, 1931.
AN GAIDHEAL.
29
BRANCH REPORTS.
Fort Wileiam.—A well-attended meeting of the
local branch of An Oomunn Gaidhcalach was held on
Friday, 9th October, for the purpose of appointing a
Committee to make the necessary arrangements, in
conjunction with the parent Association, for the
National Mod to be held in Fort William next year.
Major N. B. Mackenzie, Craigdarroch, presided, and
Mr. Neil Shaw, secretary of An Comunn Gaid-
healaoh, was present. An influential Committee was
formed, including representatives from the contiguous
districts. The following officials were elected:—
Convener, Major N. B. Mackenzie; vice-conveners,
the Hon. Mrs. Maclean of Ardgour and Mrs. Ryan,
Blar-a-cha, Roy Bridge; treasurer, Mr. Kenneth
MacLeod, British Linen Bank; secretaries, Miss M.
Maclnnes, Secondary School, and Mr. Lachlan Mac¬
Kinnon, Secondary School. It was agreed that the
Mod should bo held from the 2nd to 5th October, 1932.
Inveraray.—The members of the Inveraray branch
of An Comunn held the opening meeting for the
season in the St. Malieu Hall on the evening of
Tuesday, 13th October. There was a good attendance
presided over by Mr. Robert Bain, vice-president.
Addresses were delivered by Mr. Neil Shaw, secretary,
An Comunn; Mrs. Nicol MacIntyre, vice-president,
to whom the branch owes much of the success that
has attended, it; Rev. Angus Gray, vice-president,
and Mr. Marjbribanks of Upper Sonachan. Tea was
served by the Ladies’ Committee, under the direction
of Mrs. Alex. Gillies, convener. A programme of
songs was gone through. Those who contributed
were Mrs Stewart, The Castle Gardens; Miss Peggy
Ferguson, Mr. Marjoribanks, Miss Hebe MacGugan,
Mr. Neil Shaw, Rev. Angus Gray, Provost Mac¬
Intyre, Mr. Lachlan MacArthur, and Mr. James
MacGugan. The usual votes of thanks were proposed
and responded to.
Kilbrandon.—The opening meeting of the Session
of the Kilbrandon branch of An Comunn GaidheaJach
took place in the Easdale School last week. Mr.
Alex. MacIntyre, Balvicar, the President, presided.
The proceedings took the form of a social evening
and ceilidh. Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Campbell, of
the Balvicar Slate Quarries, entertained the largo
company to tea, and the question of what would be
the most useful way to apply the time spent at the
meetings of the session was discussed. An interesting
musical programme was rendered. The meeting was
one of the largest held in the district. The Gaelic
Choirs (Junior and Senior) have given an impetus to
the movement. The branch is very fortunate in
having such capable and efficient conductors as Mrs.
MaoKenzie, head teacher of Easdale Public School
(the Junior Choir), and Mr. Donald Dewar, Easdale
(the Senior Choir). To Mr. J. N. Mackay, the
energetic secretary, praise is due for the very efficient
manner in which the opening meeting was arranged,
and the best thanks of the branch are due Mr. and
Mrs. Campbell for the great practical interest and
the expense they have gone to on many occasions for
the welfare and encouragement of the branch.
Manchester.—The first ceilidh of the session was
held at “The Manchester Restaurant,” Cross Street,
Manchester, on 2nd October. The President, Dr.
Ronald MacKinnon, presided over an enthusiastic
gathering of Gaels and friends. He was accompanied
by a very welcome guest, Rev. Dr. Neil Ross,
Laggan, President of An Comunn Gaidhealach. Dr.
MacKinnon, in the course of his address, given in
Gaelic and English, reminded those present that
besides these ceilidhs, to be held every second Friday
till March, 1932, the activities of the branch included
weekly meetings of the Gaelic circle and monthly
meetings for dance practice. These extra meetings
last winter, in spite of a short session, proved very
popular and were very well attended. He urged
those present to get into touch with Gaels in Man¬
chester and district, and so preserve for these ceilidhs
their Highland character. Dr. Ross said he wished
to convey to those present a message of good cheer
from the parent body in Scotland. Celticism, as
interpreted by An Comunn Gaidhealach, was strictly
cultural, non-political, and non-sectarian. Rev. Dr.
MacKinnon, Kilmonivaig, formerly of Grosvenor
Square, Manchester, who was on a short visit to the
city, was also present and addressed the ceilidh. On
Sunday evening, 4th October, Rev. Dr. Neil Ross
conducted a Gaelic service in St. Aidan’s Presbyterian
Church, Didsbury, Manchester, which was well
attended. The singing was conducted in the old
Highland manner, with Dr. Allan MacDonald,
Oldham, as precentor.
Newtonmore.—Miss Farquharson, Coignashce,
presided at the opening ceilidh of An Comunn, Bade
Ur an-t-Sleibhc, when a large gathering assembled
at her invitation to tea. She introduced the new
secretary, Miss Ferguson, who, with Miss K.
Cattanach and Mr. Russell, was busily engaged
throughout the evening enrolling members. Miss
Farquharson welcomed the branch, and spoke of the
success of last winter’s proceedings, expressing
certainty that the new session, in spite of prophesied
depression, would see a yet greater interest in Gaelic.
Miss Farquharson then referred feelingly to the loss
sustained by Gaelic and by Newtonmore since the
last ceilidh through the death of Mr. Guthrie and
Mr. Donald Macdonald. She asked the secretary to
convey to their bereaved families the sincere sym¬
pathy of the branch. She announced that owing to
pressure of work Mr. Murray had intimated to her
that he could not hold a. music class at Newtonmore
this winter. She expressed the branch’s gratitude for
all he had done in the past, and alluded to the fine
appearance made by the Badenoch Choir under his
guidance at Dingwall, albeit they were not the
winners, the competition being very strong. Mr.
Angus Maclean had consented to give the Newton¬
more Choir musical instruction until a teacher from
An Comunn could visit the district. Application was
being made to Inverness for a continuation class in
Gaelic, and it was hoped to reform the children’s
choir. Free lectures on Gaelic literature were
suggested for the end of October, November,
January, and February. The meeting cordially
assented, and Miss Farquharson will read the first
paper in October.
Wick.—Mr. R. J. G. Millar, the President, presided
at a meeting of the local branch of An Comunn
Gaidhoalach, when preliminary arrangements were
made for the current session. It was stated that Mr.
M. Mackenzie, M.A., will again teach Gaelic classes
(junior and senior) this season if a number of pupils
enrol. A committee was appointed to arrange for
an opening public ceilidh on or about 11th November.
It is expected that several lecture-ceilidhs for
members will be held again this session, together
with the training of a junior choir, and a hearty
invitation is given to all interested in Gaelic senti¬
ment, music, and story to join the branch.