Studio News - January, 2001
2001 - The Year Kicks Off - AGAIN
Just as we predicted (over a few jars) despite all the good intentions of "having a less hectic year" that last year - nothing has changed and we find ourselves chucked into the deep end all over again. Nothing's changed but the date ! For the Boyes family, the festive season was just that - FESTIVE. Elinor's brother, Craig, graced us with his presence - it must be difficult to come to "Jolly Joey's" for Christmas when one lives in Cape Town ("Slaap Stad" to us Gautenger's). Anyway we (the Boyes clan) started off the Christmas period with a fish braai (Thursday 22nd December) with Craig and his mates. Elinor's folks ("Shoma" and Bruce) joined us as well and the party went on until 3am Friday. It was wonderful - pity I had to go to work that same morning (and I was at my desk at 6:50 am). Friday evening we went to "Shoma's" for a 'return braai' - this time it was a prawn braai. Shoma's brother an family joined us and despite our best efforts, we only managed to leave at 1:30 am on Saturday.
We followed tradition and we had our huge family sit down hot Christmas Eve meal at Alan and Yolanda's house (Shoma's brother) on Saturday (24th) evening. I assumed my usual task and was in charge of the carving - turkey and a glazed ham - to die for, doll !! Plenty of beer and wine to accompany such a feast - a challenge for one's liver. Genevieve and Caitlin kind of hinted (at midnight) that it was "home time" - I think the items under our Christmas tree had something to do with that statement - however, they managed to hang in for another 2 hours before we left for home.
Christmas morn - and all hell broke loose, the usual trick the girls play is to awaken Elinor and I BEFORE the sparrows even think of twittering - due to the previous two evenings of braai - we were only awoken at 7am - bliss. Anyway, we trooped into the lounge, put on the Christmas music and hit the pressies - conservative this year I'm afraid, but I know I'm not alone on this.
The rest of the family on Elinor's and my side all arrived at midday for "pre-lunch" drinks and gifts. As usual, the weather played ball and we had a super lunch (cold) under our thatch boma. It was then that the comments about having a "LESS HECTIC" 2001 were uttered. I took some leave between the Christmas and New Year weekends so a spot of� R & R (which included cricket - test match - on TV) with a few chores thrown in for good measure.
This then brings on New Year and we had nothing planned for the occasion - Elinor's folks had gone to Cape Town with Craig for two weeks and on the evening of the 31st, I suggested we go and have a bite to eat at the Randburg "Waterfront". So, the four of us showered, dressed and hit the road. As we neared the Waterfront - the queues of cars waiting to get in was ridiculous - and I suggested we abort the plan and head on to Vagabonds for some pub grub and fun. We did and while it was heaving - we were able to secure a table immediately (pays to have contacts) and we had supper. Maurice Judge and Dalriada (his band) were playing and Rob Du Toit was there with his pipes. Sharon and her folks were also there and it did not take many pints of beer to encourage Sharon and Elinor to dance. Likewise, Genevieve and Caitlin also did their thing with both Irish and Highland dancing and the four "girls" had a ball - as did the rest of us. Again, it was way into the wee small hours before we adjourned and headed on homewards. Thus ended a VERY festive Christmas/New Year.
As mentioned in the Christmas news letter - the remaining event on the "social calendar" was the Burns Night. Our "crowd" was 16 strong. We assembled for pre-dinner drinks and were entertained by a piper and then Highland Dancing. The "grand march" to the marquee kicked off the supper and after we were all seated, the evening commenced with a toast to The Queen and South Africa. The Haggis was piped in and the "Address tae the Haggis" was done by Ken Fraser. After the Selkirk Grace we tucked into "Smokit' Salmon Pate with assorted Breads". There was enough wine and Ballantine's Finest on the tables to keep us all in good spirit. Our next course was the "Chieftain o' the Puddin' Race" and this time there was a vegetarian version of� haggis for those who wanted it - along with "Champit Tawties and Bashit' Neeps" - all of which was washed down with copious drams of Scotch and wine. To finish off we had "Inverlochy Berries" and then "o' Lord since we hae feasted thus, which we so little merit, let Meg now take away the flesh and Jock bring in the spirit" - and the entertainment began in earnest. Thhe Richmond Avenue Pipe Band led off with a selection of music and this was followed by the toast to The Immortal Memory which was done by Stuart Morris. Stuart was excellent and the toast was well received - we, Jock Tamson's Bairns, sang "The Star o' Rabbie Burns". Scott McRae then recited "Tam o' Shanter" - I have listened to Scott on MANY occasions doing "Tam" and each time I hear it, I get to understand it better. Ivan May followed Scott with the Toast "Tae Scotland" and Ivan's 'sing-a-long' address was a first for me and it was great fun. Radio personality, Robin Alexander, did the Toast "Tae the Lassies" which, again, was very humorous and well presented. before the reply, Willie McClure presented a poem that dealt with one of the "side effects" of lot's of haggis - well, the audience were in stitches - tears of mirth were rolling and how he managed to recite the "Fert" poem so lucidly and ably defies all comprehension - it was a masterpiece. Mary Maxadana replied "Frae the Lassies" and the evening was rounded off with more of Richmond Avenue, Highland Dancing, songs and dancing. We left the supper at 1:30 am and went back to our house for coffee and Scotch. All in all, a WONDERFUL evening and we look forward to the 27th Annual Burns Supper.
Ronnie (by boss - "frae Scotland") convincing Mary (from "South of St Hadrian's Wall) that this would be a great evening.
Your's truly, Ronnie and Gordon (Ronnie's brother - out from Scotland for the Burns Supper) well into the swing of things
"What, buy yu a dram - I'll see youse, Jimmy"
"And here's a haun' my trusty frien' And gie's a haun' o' thine"
Vikki insisting on a gin and tonic (she's English !) from Colin (Ronnie's 'other brother')
OK, so the year has commenced and to those studio members who have commenced the school year - here's wishing you all the best for a great year at school. Dancing has also kicked off and again, good luck to all of you for this year. I believe that while working hard at school and dancing, it's also important to have fun as well and that's what we will do this year.
Things to look out for during the year:
South Coast Gathering - over the long weekend end April/ beginning May - includes an Irish Feis and is a good "all round jawl".
Celtic Festival - a "must" for the studio. Will be held in the Linder Auditorium (J.C.E.) - we need to book for the "final night" and will be followed by a party of note at the mess of the Transvaal Jocks - we leave when the sun rises.
Highland Workshop - during July school holidays - will be held in Durban with Shendl Russell - OBHD chairperson, This will be held directly after the Natal Scottish Gathering.
Yours 'aye,
Rob
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