Bournemouth Caledonian Society Centenary Year 2007

Our Society will be celebrating its Centenary in 2007. As part of that celebration we intend to organise a series of special events and activities as a prelude to the exciting events we plan to hold during 2007. These Centenary events could be of major interest to many people in the Bournemouth area, and also to visitors as they will include traditional Scottish music and dancing. We are therefore seeking the support of interested organisations, including local authorities and the tourist offices, together with local papers, radio and television, to ensure we gain the widest publicity possible.

Over the years we have built up an excellent reputation as a forward-looking society. At present we have around 120 members comprising expatriate Scots and their families who live in Dorset and who come together to retain their distinctive culture and heritage, plus many non-members who give us their enthusiastic support.

We have an excellent choir and dance team who go out and perform on a regular basis. We also have a very active Heritage Group, which meets on a monthly basis to share and discuss all aspects of Scottish history and culture. In addition we hold a Scottish Country Dance Class on a Monday evening and our Society night is on a Thursday. For further information please contact us via the contact page.

The next most splendid event will be the Bournemouth Caledonian Society Centenary Scottish Spectacular.

"Scot or Not"
There is something for everyone to enjoy
at the
Bournemouth Caledonian Society
"Centenary Scottish Spectacular"
Wednesday, 11th July, 2007,
10am – 4pm at Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch.

There will be a demonstration of many traditional Scottish crafts and skills, including how wooden boats were built, the huge herring industry that was so important to Scotland right up to the Second World War, spinning and weaving tartans, tweeds and other fabrics, for which Scotland is renowned and perhaps not so well known, but vastly important in its day, the Jute industry that employed thousands in Dundee. All these trades required specially designed baskets – see how they were made. Try your hand at "netting" on which the fishermen depended. Learn of the hard struggle for survival which was the daily lot of crofters in the past.

There will be close on 200 children taking part. Some have produced a fantastic diorama with over 500 model figures, showing the battle of Culloden in 1746, the last great clash of arms on British soil, which marked the end of the Clan domination of the Highlands. Others will be singing a selection of well-loved traditional Scottish airs – you might not be able to stop yourself joining in! Yet others will show their skill at Scottish Country Dancing, which, by the way, will be going on throughout the day, with everyone encouraged to join the swirling kilts – great fun and there will be several nice easy dances for those who have never tried before.

Exhibits tracing the main features of Scotland's history will show how Scotland and England, though differing widely on their own laws, religious practices and cultural development, and often at war with each other over many centuries, have evolved to live side by side, in mutual respect and harmony, yet cherishing their own traditions. An example to many countries struggling with internal divisions.

The stirring sounds of a full pipe band will get your toes tapping, as they march and countermarch in front of the lovely facade of Highcliffe Castle. But events will not just be outside. There will be a number of displays within the main building (where the diorama will be). Highland wedding outfits can be admired, a collection of Scottish wildlife paintings by a talented local artist, and both during the morning and afternoon, experts will give illustrated talks on Highland Clearances and emigration, particularly to Canada, and Scottish genealogy. Your chance to trace those Scottish ancestors you are sure you have!

There is a smart modern tea-room restaurant, where you can enjoy light refreshments, and a beer tent for those who fancy a dram or cooling drink. Sadly the only parking which can be provided within the grounds of the castle on the day will be for exhibitors or people displaying Disabled Drivers badges. However, there is a large public car park at Wharnecliffe Road, on the cliff top which is well signposted and accessible form the centre of Highcliffe. From there a free shuttle-bus service will run all day, taking folk to and from the castle.