[vc_row equal_height=”yes” type=”vc_default” margin_bottom=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1490183669310{padding-top: 70px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1509905763975{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-12 vc_col-md-12″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Calendar of Dates” alignment=”left” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:20px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:30px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:20px;” margin_design_tab_text=””]Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May – Fort Augustus Weekend
Thursday 5th June – Perth Races Scone.
Sunday 3rd August – Golf Strathmore Golf Club.
Friday 29th, Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st August – Ampleforth Visit.
Saturday 4th October – Dinner Holiday Inn Glasgow.[/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509910507755{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
At this time our thoughts and prayers are with any Old Boys serving in the Gulf especially Archie MacFarlane, a Challenger tank gunner with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, at present in Basra.
During a meeting of The Old Boys Committee in Perth on the 9th February 2003 the following business was dealt with :
Programme for 2003 & Report on last year’s events.
Fort Augustus Weekend.
Our season of social events starts with a weekend at Fort Augustus O.B. Chris and Johanna Stephenson have arranged a bargain stay at the Caledonian Hotel, which will cost £40 per person for Dinner, Bed & Breakfast staying Saturday Night the 10th May. There will be many activities available for the energetic: Stableford Golf, Pony Trekking, Countryside Walks, Abbey Visit, or a sail on Loch Ness before dinner. On Sunday Mass will be in the Lodge Chapel celebrated by former Abbey Monk Fr. Paul Bonnici (The Maltese Falcon). Partners are welcome, book early to Chris at 01320 366256.
Perth Races Scone Palace Park.
Last year’s day at the races was such a success that the Punters want a rematch with the Bookies! This will take place on Thursday 5th June, partners welcome. We have once again secured a package of Paddock Suite/Marquee with CCTV in case of rain, finger buffet and Club Badge plus cash bar all for £47 a head including V.A.T. Please book early to Ralph Giulianotti 01738 624674 for another great day at the races.
Annual Golf Outing.
This event, which is in its seventh year at O.B. Pat Barron’s scenic and challenging Strathmore G.C., was once again enjoyed by all. The O.B. Handicap Cup was won by Tom Murphy and the Scratch Abbey Quaich by Ralph Giulianotti. This year’s outing will take place on Sunday 3rd August at the same venue. The first Tee is booked for 1:30pm and the price including High Tea is £36. Once again book early for this Popular Abbey Classic to Ralph G. 01738 624674.
Ampleforth Long Weekend.
Due to the success of our last visit in 2001 we will be staying two nights this year instead of one. We shall be staying on the nights of Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August and leaving Sunday 31st August after Mass and lunch. There will be a full programme of events, religious and social. Ampleforth is well situated for things to do and see and they have sent a pamphlet of places of interest nearby. The inclusive cost of this weekend is £80 per person. The meals are very good and the Grange, where we stay, has a small bar. Wives are welcome so please book early and avoid being disappointed to Ralph G .01738 624674.
Annual Dinner.
This very popular night at O.B. Maurice Taylor’s Holiday Inn was the highlight of our year. The superb meal was enjoyed by O.B.’s and partners, with Maurice once again generously providing the wine and Ralph the Benedictines. The guest speaker was O.B. Colin McAllister, who suitably dressed in hiking gear, gave a very interesting and informative short talk with slides on his recent pilgrimage from France to St. James Compostela Spain. Thanks once again Colin. After a very social evening with lots of memories recalled many stayed the night. This year’s Dinner will again take place at the Holiday Inn West Nile St. Glasgow on Saturday 4th October 2003 preceded by the A.G.M. at 7.00pm. Archbishop Mario Conti was invited to be our guest speaker, but wrote back regretting that he was unable to do so, as he will be away in Geneva that weekend as Co-Moderator of The World Joint Council of Churches. He finished his letter by saying, “Please convey my warmest good wishes to all present and my apologies that I was not able to accept the invitation this year. Perhaps an opportunity will arise again when I would be happy to oblige”. However, our own successful author and historian O.B. Mike Turnbull has kindly stepped into the hot seat and will give us a short talk with slides on the early days of the Abbey. The Dinner will cost the same as last year £29.95, partners welcome. There is the usual O.B. discount of £35 B&B. Please book early for this great night to Ralph G. 01738 624674.
Menu
Timbale of Atlantic Prawns with Guacamole sauce, Tortilla Chips & Tomato Salsa
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Cream of Cauliflower soup with Crumbled Blue Cheese
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Supreme of Duckling with Rosemary Rosti, Spinach and Cherry and Kirsch Jus.
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Pecan and Pine Nut Tart with Caramel Ice Cream.
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Freshly Brewed Coffee with Petit Fours.
News.
The latest regarding the A.G.M. discussion over proper crosses for the graves of Fr.Andrew & Fr.John is that Abbot Richard Yeo of Downside will attend to this matter erecting suitable crosses. O.B. William Maclean our student priest at the Scots College Rome, again thanks the Old Boys for the further cheque of £200 towards his expenses. He says it will be used to buy a red chasuble to remind him of his Abbey School Days. His ordination will take place this year at Arisaig in July. Our book Abbey Boys has grossed £7,303 and is well into profit. Not many copies left, price £19 including p & p from Ralph Giulianotti ‘Mountview’, Kinnoull Hill Place, Perth, PH2 7DD. Cheques payable to FAOBA.
Last Chance to Purchase: ‘Abbey Boys’
If you wish a copy please do not dither around any longer. Ralph needs the garage space as a result of his new found interest in horticulture and topiary. In fact Kim Wild was up in Perth three weeks ago advising him in connection with his bedding plants – He does need the space. We have a company willing to sell our balance online. It’s up to you – you have been warned. As they say: “When they’re gone they’re gone”.
Papal Knighthoods.
We have been informed of the following: From: Ian Campbell ‘Baldy’ Caledonian Hotel, Beauly The Inverness Courier Fri, Feb 28 2003 intimates that Archbishop Conti is to conduct the investiture of James Campbell of Beauly, as a Knight of St. Gregory at a ceremony in Inverness. James was a contemporary of the late Gus Macdonald. Perhaps the Association would like to add their congratulations. No further details at the moment. Posted, not of course by James but by someone who likes to give credit whensoever or wherever it is due. Well done James. From ‘Big Baldy’. From: Roberto Pagliari Just wanted to let you know that my father has been awarded a papal knighthood. Order of St Gregory.
MARRIAGES: Iain MacFarlane to Fiona Syme (Onich) 31st August 2002.
BIRTHS: Ruaridh & Nyree Maclellan a daughter Holly. James & Sam Knox a son James Jnr. Ralph & Nicola Giulianotti a daughter Emma.
DEATHS: Fr.Andrew McKillop: The lengthy obituary of Fr Andrew is on our website.
Sasha MacKenzie
Sasha had been battling bravely against lymphatic cancer for, at least the past two years, and sad to say lost the battle on Thursday 2nd May. Her funeral was held on Friday 10th May 2002 in her beloved Fort Augustus at 11:00a.m. at the Church of Scotland. Our own little Church simply did not have the capacity to cope with the number of attendees. Sasha was one of the first girls to attend the Abbey School – I did not know her at that time. However I count myself as fortunate to have made her acquaintance 5 years ago. Sash was a unique person. When she entered a room – you knew someone special had arrived. She was a tremendously accomplished player on the Clarsach -renowned worldwide- and in particular in Austria where she taught the skills to many. I shall never forget the time, two years ago, when she came to stay with Lorna and I in Burntisland (not the cultural Capital of the West) and silenced the local pub with her playing. She established a Cadet Corps in Fort Augustus and ran it ’till within weeks of her death. She had courage by the bucket. She died peacefully at home in Fort Augustus aged just 40 years.
Angus Macdonald 1937-2002.
Angus who died suddenly in April 2002, was one of the first pupils at Carlekemp and went on to Fort Augustus Abbey School. Just like his father Angus sen. he was a dedicated Old Boy. Many of you will remember all the meetings and dinners he organised at the ‘Pepperpot’. At school he loved Hockey and on leaving joined Western Hockey Club. Angus had a successful business career as Hotelier–Macdonald Hotel, Publican–Crosskeys Inn, Restaurateur–Pepperpot and his first love farming–Threepland & Ardoch farms. His relaxation was horseracing and he had many successes as an owner. Angus was one of life’s gentlemen, his friendly cheerful good naturedness will be missed by all of us Old Boys.
Please notify us of any news or change of address and remember there is always current news on the website www.corbie.com like the latest bid by FA Abbey Preservation Trust to purchase the Abbey.
Minutes of the 61st A.G.M.Holiday Inn Glasgow Sat. 5th Oct 2002.
Present:Maurice Taylor, Fr.Stephen Dunn, Lawrence Hogarth , Martin Harrison, Brian Caulfield, David Bonnar, Charles Duncan, RoyMcCarey, Paddy Mulligan, Tony Duncan, Pat Barron, Thomas O’Hea, John Brown, Riccardo Mazzoni, Henry Murphy, George Campbell, Colin McAllister, Alasdair Macdonald, John Maclellan, Tony Barry, Brian Murray, Owen Halloran, Chris Dunn, Iain Marin, James Deary, Roderick Barry, Tom Murphy, Mike Turnbull, Joe Dunn, Ralph Giulianotti.
Apologies: Mike Drummond, Chris Stephenson, Gerry Devine, Calum Maclellan, Ralph & Mark Giulianotti, Joseph, Mark & Iain Dunn.
1.Opening Prayer.The meeting opened with a prayer by our chaplain Fr.Stephen Dunn.
2.Minutes of 2002 A.G.M. The minutes were proposed for adoption by Tony Duncan and seconded by Lawrence Hogarth.
3.Matters Arising. The recent tragic deaths of Old Girl Sasha Mackenzie and Old Boy stalwart Angus Macdonald were recalled with sadness. It was noted that our oldest OB Fr.Andrew McKillop had died at the age of 94 and had been buried in the monastic cemetery at Fort Augustus as he wished. Around 100 people had attended his funeral service, half of them Old Boys, some of whom carried his coffin with the accompaniment of Gregorian Chant through the Abbey Church to the graveside. Chris and Johanna Stephenson kindly provided a reception at the Caledonian Hotel. Ralph Giulianotti on behalf of the Old Boys had sent a letter of congratulation to the new Archbishop of Glasgow, Most Rev. Mario Conti (formerly Bishop of the Diocese of Aberdeen which includes Fort Augustus).Ralph who will soon be seeing the Archbishop in Rome during a visit of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre will invite him to the OB Dinner of 2003.Our Scots College Rome student OB William Maclean is due to be ordained a priest at Arisaig on the 2 July 2003, it is hoped some Old Boys could be present. The sum of £200 had been received from the Royal Commission for 70 glass negatives rescued from the Abbey Print Shop. Maurice Taylor and Ralph Giulianotti will once again kindly supply the wine and liqueurs for the OBs Dinner.
4.Abbey Boys. To date Mike Turnbull’s superb book on our Old School has grossed £7,084, with only 130 books still for sale. It is now well in profit and helping OB Funds. On behalf of all, many thanks Mike.
5.Web Site (corbie.com). Mike Drummond has done a tremendous job over the years ; members commented that without the website O.B.s would have no rallying point; the bulletin board allowed old friends to find and contact each other. Mike was given a big vote of thanks.
6.Committee Report. The outing to Perth Races in June had been a great success, with a marquee, food and drink for 26 OBs and partners. The OB Golf Classic in August at Pat Barron’s challenging Strathmore G.C. was well attended ; winner of the Scratch Quaich Ralph Giulianotti and Handicap Cup Tom Murphy. The Annual Dinner was the highlight of the OB social year. Next year’s proposed programme would consist of Golf weekend at Fort Augustus first week of May. Chris Stephenson of the Caledonian Hotel has offered a £50 package of bed, breakfast, dinner and golf, partners also welcomed to join in the fun. The Perth Races would probably be on Thursday 6 June. A long weekend at Ampleforth is booked from Friday 29th August to Sunday 31st, wives also welcomed. The Annual Dinner would be at the Holiday Inn Glasgow on Satuday 4th October. All details and dates to be confirmed in Corbie Newsletter.
7.Treasurers Report. Joe Dunn reported a healthy increase of £757 in funds since last year. It was decided to give Fr. Aloysius Carruth £200 in reply to his request for financial support for an African charity (proposed by Joe Dunn; seconded by Chris Dunn).An additional sum of £200 was also allocated for Rome student priest, O.B.William Maclean due to be ordained in July2003 at Arisaig (proposed by Ralph Giulianotti; seconded by John Maclellan). Fr.Stephen Dunn suggested that a chasuble in the Abbey School blazer red might be an appropriate way of using these funds. The Chairman then thanked Joe for all his hard work in preparing our accounts.
8.Elections. Pat Barron proposed the present committee be re-elected en bloc this was seconded by Chris Dunn and carried unanimously.
9.AOB. There was some discussion about the absence of proper crosses at the graves of Fr.Andrew and Fr. John the Baptist. It was noted that Fr.Andrew’s grave was the responsibility of the monastic Community of Downside. Ian Marin offered to investigate the possibility of having white iron crosses made in the style of the older monastic burials. Colin McAllister offered to foot the bill for new iron crosses and also enquired as to the location of the historic Abbey’s Relic of the True Cross.
10.Date of next A.G.M. Preceding Old Boys Dinner Holiday Inn Glasgow October 2003.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_override=”ex-full” type=”vc_default” margin_bottom=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1509906356659{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}” bg_color_value=”#f6f6f6″][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Return to Newsletters” style=”classic” color=”danger” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fnewsletters%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]