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GEELONG HIGHLAND GATHERING
On March 18th 2007, the state of Victoria celebrated the 150th
anniversary of the first ever Highland Gathering held in Geelong
in 1857. Amongst the events on display were the Victorian Pipe Band
Championships, Highland and Scottish Country Dancers, re-enactment
groups, woodchop competitions, archery, Scottish animals, cattle,
dogs, a Scottish Fair and Market, Strong Man events, Scottish folk
musicians, various Clan gatherings and other Scottish activities.
The event was held at the Queens Park in Geelong; the 50th year
that the event had been held at this venue.
Victorian Scottish Union Inc invited interested members of the
Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand to participate in
these celebrations. A group of dancers and their supporters were
able to accept the invitation. In addition, there were representatives
from the Council - Kay Grout, Beckie Rout and Brian North. The dancers
that attended were all from Christchurch: Michelle McMaster, Michael
Gudgeon, Celia Tanner and Elizabeth Babonnick. These dancers were
able to master, within a very short time, the differences between
the two techniques. It was especially enjoyable to see them dance
the Hopetoun Reel and to execute the steps with dancers from Australia.
Glenys Gray, one of our own judges, was requested to judge a few
special award centenary dances, which she did with great enthusiasm.
The Games attracted over 1000 competitors, the biggest number participating
in the Victorian Pipe Band Championships (24 pipe bands). When they
were all gathered together and marched across the Park in both the
opening and closing ceremonies, they created an awesome sight and
sound. The massed fling only added to the spectacle.
Queens Park is a wonderful setting - where the flat field is surrounded
by gentle slopes. The locals bewailed the paucity of grass; a result
of the continuing drought conditions in the state but this did not
detract from the gathering of thousands who came for the day to
savour the "Scottish connection". A connection established 150 years
ago and the weather stayed fine, making the day very enjoyable and
one to remember, complete with a gratifying cooling breeze!
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