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Members of Clan Cameron Online may view the Clan Cameron Online Newsletter every other month (published on first day of every odd-numbered month) at our special "member's-only" URL. Provided below is a sample of a past newsletter, which is indicative of what members will receive, though the newsletter has become more lengthy and diverse over recent years.
Clan Cameron Online Newsletter March/April 2002 "LET US UNITE?" Most Clan Cameron Association members are very
familiar with the clan motto, "Aonaibh Ri Chéile."
With an image of five arrows joined together with a ribbon, the customary
meaning to these words is "Let us unite," or in some circles, simply
"unite." Thanks to
Lochiel, Clan Cameron Online was able to publish a newsletter article a few
years ago identifying the five branches of the clan that are represented by the
arrows. This article is available on
the website by clicking the main clan crest image on the main page. While the general translation from Gaelic to
English of the motto may seem to make good sense, in that the five arrows are
"united" with one another, there may be a more detailed translation.
The word "aonaibh/aonaich" does in fact mean "unite,"
but also "reconcile," "join in one," or "side
with." Moving onto the word
"chéile," the translations "each other," "one
another," and "both" apply. With
the addition of the word "ri," before chéile, this combination takes
on the meaning "like one." The accepted translation, "Let us
unite," or "unite like one" may very well be accurate, but in
what way were the branches to unite? It
was certainly not meant for the Cameron milkmaids of Lochaber to form a team of
laborers, nor for the MacMartin fishermen to board a common boat and cast their
lines into the depths of Loch Lochy as a team.
Furthermore, it did not take on a more socialistic meaning of a
collective united community, or any common religious belief.
The motto was adopted during the early eighteenth century, an active
militaristic age in the Highlands, when the Jacobites were gathering steam as a
force to be reckoned with. Based on
this atmosphere of armed conflict, the translations "join in like
one," or "side with each other" may serve to further explain the
deeper meaning. After all, the
branches of the clan did militarily unite as never before during this era, under
the banner of Sir Ewen, his son John and grandson Donald "The Gentle
Lochiel." Regardless of the intended meaning, the
Cameron Clan did unite, and has continued doing so over the three hundred years
during which this motto has been in use. While
it may very well have been adopted for a military slogan, "Aonaibh Ri Chéile"
now serves a higher purpose, bringing together Camerons from throughout the
world in appreciation of their collective heritage. CLAN CAMERON NORTHERN U.S. RALLY UPDATE With Clan Cameron being the "Honored
Clan" at this year's Ohio Scottish Games, and the first-ever Northern U.S.
Regional Rally of the Clan Cameron Association taking place over the "games
weekend," the Board of Directors of the Ohio Games has chosen the Clan
Cameron Association's North American Commissioner, Donald J. Cameron as the
"Guest of Honor" for their 25th annual games at Oberlin. "Commissioner Don," Lochiel's
representative in North America, who has selflessly served the interests of the
Clan Cameron Association for thirty years, humbly accepted their invitation,
stating with great enthusiasm, "I don't see why I would refuse!"
From participating in the Opening Ceremonies, to "meeting and
greeting" clansfolk, Don is looking forward to returning to Ohio and
visiting with Cameron clansfolk, both those acquaintances from the past and the
new faces within the Association. He
has been a staunch supporter of the regional rally concept, and we are thrilled
to have both he and his lovely wife Beverly joining us in Ohio this year.
"Clan Cameron Headquarters,"
Loraine, Ohio's historic Spitzer Hotel (along the scenic shore of Lake Erie...www.plazahotel.spitzer.com)
has blocked off a minimum of 30 rooms for Clan Cameron at a special rate of $50
per room, per night. On April 1st
the Spitzer informed us that the entire 2nd floor ("Clan Cameron
Floor") is full, with 21 rooms booked!
At this time they are proceeding with filling the 3rd floor as another
Clan Cameron floor, where 4 rooms have already been booked (still at the special
$50 room rate). This room rate is
only good until the end of May, so make sure to phone soon for your
accommodations: (440) 246-5767, and remember to mention "Clan
Cameron." If you don't indicate
that you're with Clan Cameron, you may get stuck with - perish the thought -
another clan! THURSDAY, JUNE 20: The Clan Cameron Northern
U.S. Rally informally begins, with a planned outing to Cedar Park Amusement
Park. Details are available at the
Spitzer, or online at: www.cedarpoint.com
There is also a Scots Golf Outing on Thursday, being held in Hinkley, Ohio.
For golfing information please contact Jock Beaton at: (440) 282-7451.
FRIDAY, JUNE 21: The Rally begins in earnest.
The Spitzer's "Hospitality Suite" will host an informal (no
kilts or suits please!) Clan Cameron Reception from Noon-3:00PM, and is open to
all Camerons, with a minimal donation at the door to help defer costs.
We hope to have some musical entertainment, and a light luncheon spread
for clansfolk as they mingle. Afterwards
Camerons will be welcome to attend the Ohio Scottish Games' Buffet Dinner, being
held at the Oberlin Inn from 5:00-6:30PM. Reservations
must be made in advance, with checks ($17 per person, payable to "S.A.C.S.O."
- please include a SASE to receive your tickets) mailed to: Joe Clark (28704
Knickerbocker Road, Bay Village, Ohio 44140) prior to June 10th.
The fun has just begun, for there is a "gala evening of Scottish
entertainment" planned for that same night.
At 7:30PM a Highland Concert will be held at Finney Chapel (Loraine St.
& N. Professor St., Oberlin) featuring the ever popular Alex Beaton and The
Rogues! Reservations are not
necessary; clansfolk may pay $5 each at the door for admission. SATURDAY, JUNE 22: The Ohio Scottish Games
begin, with gates opening at 8:00 AM. The
Clan Cameron "Compound" will have numerous tents, and clansfolk will
be visiting throughout the day. Clan
Cameron will "muster" at 11:00 AM for the what should be the largest
Cameron Parade of Tartans ever seen in the Northern U.S., which is followed by
the Opening Ceremonies, where we will hear from games officials, and of course
"Commissioner Don," as Guest of Honor!
The Rally itself will take place at 4:00PM, with a Clan Cameron group
photo, followed by some words from our Commissioner and other Association
officers, and an auction of unique and many one of a kind items, with proceeds
going toward the "Clan Cameron University Outreach Program."
There will also be Clan Cameron souvenirs available; many new and
creative products. With the closing
ceremonies at 5:30PM, trophies are to be presented, and the massed bands will
take to the field. That evening a
Ceilidh will take place on the grounds from 7:00-10:00PM, with The Rogues and
dance music by Bobby Murray. Admission
is $3 per person, payable at the gate. SUNDAY, JUNE 23: A new tradition begins at the
Rally - the "Survivor's Brunch!" Beginning
at 10:00AM, those still remaining at the Spitzer (along with those in the
process of checking out), and Camerons lodging elsewhere are invited to join
with their clansfolk for a wonderful meal. Clan
Cameron will have its own area, and the cost per person will be approximately
$12 (we are working on giving clansfolk the option of purchasing tickets for
this brunch upon their check-in at the hotel, for convenience sake.)
We hope to persuade our Guest of Honor to give clansfolk a grand send off
at the conclusion of the brunch, bidding a fond farewell to those
"rallying" Camerons who will leave Ohio with fond memories, a smile
upon their faces, and a renewed sense of belonging in our "extended
family." Any clansfolk with questions regarding the
Rally should feel free to e-mail Northern U.S. President Thomas A. Cameron (tcam1@aol.com)
or Ohio Branch President Terry L. Cameron (snowyevening@ncweb.com),
both of whom look forward to welcoming the members of Clan Cameron to Ohio this
June! BEST WISHES DR. IAN Word has reached us that Clan Cameron
Australia's Chieftain, Dr. Ian Henry Cameron, has been recovering from two bouts
of surgery recently. Reports
indicate that Ian is doing much better, and has been able to return home on a
limited basis. Anyone wishing to
send along get well wishes to this wonderful gent may address them to: Dr. Ian H. Cameron LOCHABER & CAMERON NEWS February 02, 2002 The people of Fort William are having their
say on whether the Highland town would benefit from a multi-million pounds
development of its Loch Linnhe waterfront area.
At present, The Highland Council, in tandem with a multi-agency Fort
William Steering Group, is seeking submissions from consortia to realise a prime
waterfront mixed use development opportunity.
Albeit it is being projected as a direct extension of the town's central
business area, no firm plans have been adopted.
Thus, on Thursday evening, 100 interested local residents crowded into
the council chambers in Fort William to hear of progress to date and to have an
exchange of information. Steering
Group chairman, Councillor Neil Clark - one of the two Fort William members in
Lochaber - outlined the terms of the development prospectus and advised that
there have been "eight serious expressions of interest from consortia
throughout Scotland". Councillor
Clark stressed that the purpose of the meetings was to gauge what townspeople
felt should be the main development objectives - and what they would like to see
along a waterfront area stretching from the Old Fort to the Steamer Pier.
Appropriately enough, the suggestions rained down on the top table.
Civic buildings, a new Town Hall, supermarket, amenity housing,
interpretive facilities, a yachting marina, and even the demolition of the Fort
William By-Pass alongside the loch-shore were mooted by the audience.
It was agreed that a Waterfront Development for Fort William is
desirable. A follow-up meeting in
April, at which some design submissions incorporating "ideas from the
floor" will be tabled, has been arranged.
Councillor Olwyn MacDonald, convener of Highland Council's Lochaber Area
committee, said at the close of Thursday's discussions, "We want to
emphasise that a Fort William Waterfront Development will be based on what local
people want, and one which will benefit the largest town in the Highlands".
March 01, 2002 The ongoing maintenance of the mountain track
up Ben Nevis is resulting in a project to make safe the position of a large
boulder on the slopes, and the repair of two aluminium bridges across burns.
Scottish Natural Heritage is to provide a grant for the work.
Over the past 20 years there had been much done to make the track - often
called in error, the "Tourist Path" - as safe as possible.
Now the Highland Council's Glen Nevis Ranger Service has commissioned
local contractors to stabilise a 21 tonne boulder, alongside the track, as its
location is being undermined by erosion. The
firm will also refurbish the bridges, originally put in place by the then
British Aluminium Company, whose smelter - now run by British Alcan - is sited
at the foot of the Ben. The overall
project is due to be completed by the end of this month.
Debbie Greene, SNH area officer for East Lochaber, said (Friday):
"On a track which attracts 100,000 walkers a year, it is important that any
problems are dealt with before they affect people's access to the Ben.
Working with the Highland Council we are glad to fund the repairs."
Highland Council Ranger, Jock MacGillivray, is keeping a close eye on the
progress Jock, born and bred within sight of the Ben, said: "There is an
interesting added bonus, in that this mighty boulder will be able to remain
where the glaciers deposited it thousands of years ago.
The bridges have been in place for almost 40 years and they will receive
a welcome upgrade." The Ben
Nevis track, built as a bridle path for ponies to take supplies up the mountain
when the meteorological observatory and temperance hotel were in their heyday
during the Victorian era, was once subject to a toll charge for walkers.
Indeed, Scottish novelist, John Buchan, when Lord Tweedsmuir, paid a
shilling for the privilege of climbing Britain's highest mountain.
He took a lot more than "39 steps" up the Ben on October 8,
1904, his bob (five pence) going towards the upkeep of the pony track. OSCAR - 2002 First there was Braveheart, the motion picture
that captured not only the collective soul of Scots but generated pride in those
of Scottish descent worldwide. Then
there was Titanic, the film written and directed by a Cameron, a clansman whom
stood on the stage before Hollywood and the world, holding an Oscar, stating
"I'm king of the world!" This
year clansfolk turned their attention to a humble New Zealand gentleman from a
Cameron sept: Mr. Richard Taylor, who was nominated for not one, but three
Oscars. The thirty-seven year old co-founder of the
NZ-based F/X firm Weta Ltd., Richard earned his three nominations in "Best
Costume Design," "Best Visual Effect," and "Best
Makeup" for the highly lauded screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's first
Lord of the Rings novel, "The Fellowship of the Ring."
On Sunday, March 24th he won two out of three - taking home Oscars for
Visual Effects and Makeup. Richard was appointed "Tolkien
Expert" by the film's director, Peter Jackson, with the responsibility of
keeping the famed author's vision consistent throughout the shoot.
"Jackson gave me the opportunity to look over as many departments as
posible," says Richard, "and it allowed us to put together a singular
Tolkien brushstroke on the film and create a cohesive world."
Befitting anyone of Scots descent, Richard Taylor also oversaw design of
the film's armor and weapons. If
there was ever an award for "Best Achievement in Elf Sword
Construction," Richard would have also taken this home!
Most critics and peers within these categories had placed this dedicated
gent's chances at the head of the pack...but is that a pack of Tolkien's Orcs,
or award hungry competitors? Based
on the evening's festivities in Hollywood, there seems to be little difference. TALES AND TRADITIONS Ben Nevis Invitations were sent all over the land We met in the car park at eight - Lochiel's son came to wish us good cheer We set off quite gaily in mist so thick We stopped for lunch halfway up We reached the top - not quite all together We got back down - not quite so sprightly AN ELUSIVE CAMERON LASS The year is 1787, and Scots poet Robert Burns
has been making the rounds throughout Edinburgh.
His work "Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" (The
Kilmarnock Volume) is met with rare reviews upon its publication the preceding
summer. By that November (1786)
Burns was lodging in Edinburgh, mixing with "high society," and
receiving numerous accolades for his poetry. The year began well, with his being
toasted by the Grand Lodge of Edinburgh as "Caledonia's Bard" in
January, and his "Edinburgh Poems," published in April 1787, was very
well received. While attending society parties, Burns also
continued to frequent the pubs, where he was a popular patron, lifting more than
the occasional "cup of kindness" with his mates.
Sometime in the early months of 1787 (said to be during April) he met a
young lady by the name of Cameron, a servant girl in Edinburgh.
History records her name as either May, Meg or Peggy - for lack of a
definite forename we will simply refer to her as "the Cameron Lass."
Little seems to be known about this girl, other than her assumed lack of
income, for Burns later expressed concern that this "poor soul" might
be starving. The unlikely duo met,
and by early June of that same year the poet received an appeal from the Cameron
Lass, dated June 26th. She informed
Burns that she was with child, stating "I beg, for God's sake, you will
write and let me know how I am to do."
He immediately asked a friend (for he was out of town) to "send for
the wench (female servant)" as soon as possible, or "at least as soon
as it is dark," and to "give her ten or twelve shillings...and advise
her out to some country (friends)..." The Cameron Lass obtained a writ against the
poet in the following weeks, threatening arrest if he did not take additional
responsibility for this situation. Apparently
the arrangements made through Burns' acquaintance (Ainslie) were not
satisfactory. What transpired in the
following weeks is unclear, but on August 15th Robert Burns was freed from this
writ. There are indications that the
baby was either miscarried or still born, and questions seem to have been raised
as to whether Burns was the father, even though he did admit fathering the
child. The rest of the story is sadly, unclear.
Surely there are records which might serve to better document this story,
but they have proven difficult to uncover. What
was this Cameron Lass's tale? Was
this baby born? So many questions
remain. This story is only beginning
here, with hopes that Camerons, Burns aficionados and genealogists alike might
provide more details to document this fascinating footnote of human drama in the
life of Scotland's famed Bard. VIRTUAL TOUR OF A BURNS NIGHT While most readers have attended a Burns
Night, this annual event usually welcomes some neophytes.
More often than not these newcomers have little idea what the event is
all about, only knowing that it is a Scottish event, and involves poetry.
The Lake Michigan Chapter of Clan Cameron has created a Burns Night
primer of sorts, designed to show those interested just what to expect.
While the tour is somewhat generalized, as to be applicable to numerous
Burns Suppers, it was photographed at the Elgin Scottish Society's Burns
Banquet, which takes place in West Chicago, Illinois.
Stop on in and take a look, or encourage any first timers to visit!
The virtual tour was created in Adobe Acrobat format (like the virtual
tour of the 2001 Clan Cameron Gathering, you will need the free Acrobat viewer
program to access the file), and is located at: http://members.aol.com/TCAM1/burns.pdf ONTARIO CAMERON TO KICK UNTIL CFL PENSION
KICKS IN... Bob Cameron used to joke about becoming the
first football player ever to collect both his pension and a salary at the same
time. It's not a joke any longer.
The 47-year-old punter signed a contract extension with the Winnipeg Blue
Bombers yesterday that takes him through the 2003 season.
That's one year short of his 50th birthday, which is also when his CFL
Players' Association pension kicks in. "I used to joke about double-dipping when
I was 40," said Cameron, who turned 48 on July 18.
"The thing is if you're doing the job and enjoying it and it's a lot
of fun, why quit? "I still enjoy playing.
When I get on the field, there's an adrenaline rush not many people my
age get." George Blanda holds
the distinction of being the oldest player in North American football history,
playing until he was 48 with the NFL's Oakland Raiders.
The oldest player ever is Manfred Burgsmueller, 52, a kicker in NFL
Europe. Cameron, a 22-year CFL veteran, showed no
signs of slowing down last season. He
registered a solid 42.3-yard average as Winnipeg posted a league-best 14-4-0
record. "He's the best punter
in the CFL and I'm happy to have him back," coach Dave Ritchie said.
Cameron, who won the 1980 Hec Crighton Trophy as a quarterback at Acadia,
has also appeared in six Grey Cup games, winning three.
Cameron's 22 years of service represents 31% of the Winnipeg club's
71-year history. And with 376 career
regular-season appearances, Cameron has played in 41.8% of the Bombers' total
games (899). (Thanks to Don Cameron, of
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, for bringing this story to our attention.
Bob Cameron is the son of Clan Cameron Ontario Branch members Bill and
Silvia Cameron) BURKE'S PEERAGE & BARONETAGE TO FEATURE
CLAN CHIEFS! For the first time in its 176-year history,
Burke's Peerage & Baronetage are to include articles on Clan Chiefs in the
forthcoming 107th edition, due to be published next year.
The publishers have decided that chiefs have been excluded for too long
and should be allowed to take their place among the country's recognized nobles.
About 140 chiefs, including Lochiel, will be included in the new edition of the
book in 2003. Hugh Peskett, consultant editor for Burke's in
Scotland, said the decision to include clan chiefs in the new edition marks a
change in the attitude towards chiefs which had persisted since the abolition of
the clan system in the middle of the 18th century.
After the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie's Highlanders at Culloden in
1746, the clan system was banned by law. Highlanders
were not permitted to carry weapons, and all tartans and clan symbols were
forbidden. Even bagpipes were
banned, being classified as instruments of war.
Coupled with the Highland clearances and a dramatic drop in the price of
cattle, many former clan chiefs were ruined, said Mr Peskett, and despite the
lifting of the proscription in the 1820s, many clans lost track of their chiefly
line. "It is only recently that
there has been a resurgence of interest in the clan system, driven in a large
part by interest from America," he said.
He said when Burke's Peerage was first published, clan chiefs were not
considered worthy of inclusion. "Burke's
started in the early 1800s when chiefs were rather ignored and looked down on in
an Anglo-centric way. It never
occurred to people that chiefs were peers," he said. The book, which is regarded as the definitive
authority on the British aristocracy, has become something of an institution in
its own right. Since it was founded
in 1826, it has charted the family lineages of titled families using records
extending back many generations, some as far back as the eighth and ninth
centuries. It includes most Prime
Ministers and the new edition will also include knights, dames and foreigners
who have been given honorary titles among its 4,800 entries.
The three-volume publication has already courted controversy by
announcing that it will include some celebrities in the new edition. A special offer has been extended to members
of the Clan Cameron Association. Anyone
subscribing to Burke's Online Database can now receive 18 months for the price
of 12. Included in the subscription
is: Access to the full genealogical records from: - Burke's Peerage &
Baronetage 106th Edition. - Burke's Landed Gentry Scotland 19th Edition
(continually updated). - Burke's Landed Gentry England & Wales 18th Edition.
Totalling over 5,000 searchable records, with 750,000 names.
Also included in the subscription is access to the forthcoming Burke's
E-Journal, ATAVUS. This quarterly
e-journal is exclusive to Burke's subscribers.
The first issue will be published at the beginning of April.
The cost of a subscription is $99 (U.S.) To take advantage of this special offer, 1) Visit www.burkes-scotland.com/code/orderform.asp This offer is valid until the end of July
2002. CLAN CAMERON CELL PHONES The Scottish Tartans Authority is offering a
rather unique item, namely tartan covers for Nokia 3210/3310/3330/3390 Mobile
Phones. These replacement and
interchangeable covers for mobile phones are high resolution reproductions of
woven tartans, coupled with the clan crest.
Clan Cameron is one of the phone covers in stock, and lists for £17.01
each (EU - £19.99 inc. vat), excluding shipping.
Orders may be placed directly from the Scottish Tartans Authority's
website (via credit card) at: http://www.tartansauthority.com/store-phonecovers.htm Please remember, these covers are only for the
aforementioned Nokia phone models, so check that phone prior to ordering! ANNS AN DEALACHADH Our wishes go out to the British Royal Family
at this time of great grief. The
Scottish-born Queen Mother was the hallmark of class and distinction throughout
her 101 years of life. The
Clan Cameron Archives continues to grow at an amazing rate.
As detailed in our January/February issue, content may be submitted by
Clan Cameron Association members, provided that it meets the basic categories: - The Camerons of Lochiel Additional guidelines and instructions are
available on our "news" page: http://www.clan-cameron.org/news.html Please join your fellow Camerons in our
"Sir Ewen's Last Wolf Pub" chatroom every Sunday evening at 9 PM. You
will find a convenient link at the top of our Message Center page. We have
designated 9 PM chat sessions, regardless of which time zone you might live in.
This way, those members of the Association living in your area may chat amongst
one another. The problem of 9 PM U.S. Central Time being the middle of the night
in Scotland, or the next day in Australia and New Zealand was at best difficult
- we elected to change the chat sessions to this new time schedule to
accommodate all Association members. Those wishing to "cross-chat"
with other countries may do a wee bit of math and figure out when the others
will be there - though you may have to be up during the middle of the night to
do so. Cameron insomniacs are always welcome! Mar sin leibh, PLEASE NOTE: You are hereby granted rights, unless otherwise specified, to re-distribute articles from this newsletter to other parties provided you do so strictly for non-commercial purposes. Please limit your re-distribution to one or two articles per newsletter, do not re-distribute the newsletter in its entirety, and do not post content to a website. Also, please include the following words with any articles you re-distribute: From Clan Cameron Online http://www.clan-cameron.org |
