District Golf Competition
The annual DGPA golf competition took place at Ravenspark Golf Club,
Irvine on Sunday June 13th when 12 fraters battled in perfect weather
conditions to try to win the Watson Salver. Scoring was high and local
knowledge proved to be the deciding factor as the winner and runner up were
both members of the Ravenspark Club. Peter Millar of Cunningham Preceptory
was the worthy winner with 41 points, followed by Eddie Lawless, also of
Cunningham with 38 points. Last years winner, Tom Dunlop of Ayr Preceptory,
also scored 38 points but was beaten into third place on a count back.
Immediate Past District Grand Prior, Peter Watson duly presented Peter
Millar with the Trophy, the winner’s prize, a beautiful Oriental putter
donated by VF Dennis Morton and a bottle of the good stuff. A special
“Booby” trophy was presented by the District Grand Prior, John Turner, to
Gordon Ferguson of Ayr for his sterling efforts in coming 12th. A subsequent
raffle of prizes generously donated by various fraters helped to raise the
sum of £150 for the DGP Charity Fund. A most enjoyable and successful day
was had by all and the organisers wish to express their thanks to those who
participated and/or donated prizes.
The MacKean Trophy 2010
Below is an excerpt taken from the
Minute Book in 1933.
“At the Annual Muster of the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire held in Largs
on the 28th Jan 1933.
The District Grand Prior V. Emt. Fr.Major Norman M MacKean G.C.T. intimated
his intention to present a Trophy for Bowling. It was to be designed by Fr.
D. M. Brown, District Grand Treasurer, and would serve a double purpose as
the Offertory would be collected therein. Likewise it would always be
brought to the Annual Muster. There would be no entrance fee and no badges,
the purpose being to cement good feeling among the Preceptories”
MacKean Bowling Competition 15th May 2010
Once again on Saturday 15th May the Fratres of the Preceptories of Ayrshire
made the annual pilgrimage to Springside Bowling Club to compete in the
Bowling Competition for the MacKean Trophy and for the right to display the
Trophy in their Preceptory. After a damp start to the morning at start of
play the weather Gods were kind to the Fratres and the game took place in
sunshine.
After President Gordon Gibson and District Grand Prior John McK Turner
welcomed the Ayrshire fratres and four invited fratres from Strathclyde to
Springside, Gordon handed the green over to D.G.P. John, who replied in
suitable manner, our banner was raised and it was game on.
We had a special and most welcome visitor one who will always be welcome
among the fratres of Ayrshire and it was with great pleasure that Mrs. Mae
Smith and her niece joined us and met a large number of the fratres.
The Trophy this year was contested by ten Preceptories with Springvale not
being represented but a special thanks to the Fraters who at very short
notice stood in to make up some teams.
There was no big topic of discussion this year regarding defections or free
transfers.
At the completion of the sections “A” was decided by 1 point with Cunningham
taking the honours from Catrine & Sorn and in section “B” with Garnock Vale
failing to qualify for their third final it was Moira Union who qualified to
contest the final.
Cunningham
Lead-- Eddie Lawless-- 2nd Peter Millar-- 3rd Willie Lindsay-- Skip Matt
Laughland.
Moira Union Lead-- Willie Raeside-- 2nd Davie Murray-- 3rd David Ramsay--
Skip Keith Moir.
After four ends and some tight measures it was all square going into the
final end and with one shot deciding the end Moira Union were victorious and
the 2010 MacKean winners. DGP John congratulated both rinks on a splendid
final and presented the section “A” winners shield to Cunningham Skip Matt
Laughland.
Moira Union Skip Keith Moir was presented with Section “B” Shield, winner’s
pennant (thanks once again Mrs. C) and Bowling trophy’s along with the
MacKean Trophy.
While the action was taking place on the top green a “friendly” triples
between John Turner, John Drysdale and Springside President Gordon Gibson
representing the D.G.P.of Ayrshire against Robert Stanfield, Pringle
Johnstone and Rab McGee representing the D.G.P. of Strathclyde. D.G.P. John
claimed an Ayrshire victory, with Strathclyde claiming this was due to local
knowledge of the green by Springside President Gordon Gibson D.G.P.
Presented the Strathclyde fratres with a bottle of wine each. Robert
Stanfield D.G. Mareschal of Strathclyde thanked D.G.P.John for the wine and
the fratres of Ayrshire for their company which made it a most enjoyable
afternoon.
Pilgrims fare, what can one say, excellent meal after which D.G.P.John
thanked Ann and her ladies, the bar staff, V Emt Fr Jim for his organisation
and raffle. Jim McCrindle for his great job of selling raffle tickets all
Preceptories and Fratre who donated raffle prize, Strathclyde fratres for
the donation of £20 making a grand total of £215 being donated to the
D.G.Prior’s Charity Fund.
DGP John brought the day to end by handing the green back to President
Gordon and thanking him for the hospitality of Springside. D.G.P. John
concluded by wishing everyone a safe journey home.
P.S. Next muster of Hurlford drinks on Robert Wilson who won the two litre
bottle of whisky donated by the D.G.P.
V Emt Fr J HH Edgar P. P. (Bowling Organiser)
Church Service 9th May 2010 - The
Old High Kirk Kilmarnock
Fratres last year I started my report by saying that “The Lord is
guid tae his ane” and to-night once again it was proven true as the fratres
of Ayrshire were blessed once again with a lovely spring Sunday evening for
their annual divine service in the The Old High Kirk Kilmarnock. This was
District Grand Prior John
McKenzie
Turner’s first Divine Service as our District Grand Prior and it was also
the first service to be conducted by the Rev. Robert Travis Minister of
Irvine Old Parish Church.
District Grand Prior John was supported by his Commissioned Officers and
Fratres of the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire and it was their pleasure
to welcome Rt Em Fratre James R Hodge P.P. KCT., Grand Seneschal of the
Great Priory of Scotland .along with Rt. Em Fratre Jock McKinnon GCT Past
Grand Prior of the Great Priory of Scotland.
Representing sister districts were Rt Em Fratre John West District Grand
Prior of Dumfries & Galloway, accompanied by Past District Grand Prior John
Taylor and Fr John Cowan, Rt Emt Fratre Tom Anderson, District Grand Prior
of Forth Valley and Past District Grand Prior Paul Bisset P.P. and fraters
of Forth Valley, Rt Em Fratre James M Pettigrew District Grand Prior of
Strathclyde and Strathclyde Fratres Members representing Sister Orders were
Bro Archie Chalmers, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge
of Ayrshire and Most Excellent Companions Gordon Booth and David Park Depute
Grand Superintendents of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ayrshire.
After all were seated Rev. Robert wished all a very warm welcome after which
he invited all to worship. The readings were by Ven Preceptor David Kirk of
Garnock Vale & Ven. Preceptor Gordon Ferguson of Ayr . For the past twenty
five years or more we have enjoyed the pleasure of hearing the dulcet tones
of Sheila Carswell, which have always enhanced our service, but sadly for
us, but I am sure very nice for Sheila, she is stranded in Australia due to
flight difficulties, I am sure however we will have been in her thoughts and
we look forward to her being with us next year.
The Offering was uplifted by Venerable Preceptors Ian Wilson, Scott
Singleton , Willie Raeside and Alec Richmond, congratulations to Ven Fr Reid
Allan, District Grand Mareschal, for the manner in which he carried out his
duty at this his first Devine Service.
At close of service, the Fratres and families enjoyed an Al Fresco Pilgrims
fare so ably laid on by the Ladies of the Guild. DGP John closed the evening
by presenting a bouquet of flowers to Rev Robert for his wife. A donation
was uplifted and presented to the Ladies of the Guild as a thank you for
their hard work.
DGP John thanked all who had travelled from near and far to join in worship
with the members of the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire and wished all a
safe journey home.
V. Emt Fr J HH Edgar P.P. DG Prelate
Gardening Leave
On
Friday afternoon(16th), in brilliant sunshine, D.G.P. John, P.D.G.P. Peter,
D.G. Seneschal Iain, D.G. Prelate Jim, Fr Stewart Mills ( Loudoun Castle, a
volunteer helper) and his wife Margaret attended the third birthday party of
Gardening Leave which was held within the grounds of Auchincruive College.
The invited guests included Provost of South Ayrshire Winnie Sloan and John
Scott M.S.P.
Chairman John Dalrymple Hamilton gave a welcome to the guests and thanked them for their support, on behalf of Chief Executive Anna Baker Cresswell
A representative of the Army Medical Corps gave a short talk of the work carried out at home and in Afghanistan on the help given to soldiers who suffer combat stress. The birthday cake was cut by Dave McCall a centre/wing with the Glasgow Warriors Rugby football team, thereafter we all enjoyed a slice of cake and a coffee. Entertainment was provided by the Pipes and Drums of the Glasgow University Pipe Band (the Pipe Major was a Fratre of St Mungo Preceptory)
The Preceptory and Priory of Brisbane at Largs
The
founding and formation of the new Preceptory & Priory of Brisbane at Largs
took place on Saturday 20th February 2010, within the premises of Lodge 173
Largs.
The ceremony was carried out by the Most Em.Rev. Gand Master David AC Niven
GCT most ably assisted by the Officers of the Great Priory of Scotland.
A very large turn-out of fratres from all over Scotland filled the hall to
capacity with literally standing room only and the 195 fratres saw an
excellent founding ceremony followed by the Installation of the new
Preceptor and his Officers.
After the ceremony the fratres sat down to a well earned dinner.
Installation of District Grand Prior January
2010
The
Installation of Ayrshire's newest District Grand Prior, Rt.Em.Fr. John M
Turner took place on Saturday 30th January in the Walker Hall, Troon.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of fratres from within and
outwith Ayrshire. The Installation was carried out by the Most Eminent &
Reverent Grand Master David AC Niven GCT and Grand Officers of the Great
Priory of Scotland. A large and distinguished list of Grand Officers
accompanied the Grand Master as well as 7 District Grand Priors from the
sister districts.
An excellent dinner followed enjoyed by all of the 135 fratres who sat down
to the meal (doubly enjoyed by some!)
Presentation of cheque
Past
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson presented a cheque to Mrs
Mary Craig to help with the costs of purchasing a Kirkland Chair. This
type of chair alleviates the formation of sores in patients that have
mobility problems and must remain in a chair for extended periods. Mrs Craig thanked the Members for their kindness in raising funds
for the chair.
Presentation to Diabetic Day Care Centre
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em Fr John M. Turner accompanied by Past District
Grand Priors Peter C. Watson and John Draper, presented a cheque to the
diabetic day care centre at Crosshouse Hospital
This will enable the centre to purchase some equipment for the benefit of
local Diabetic patients
Presentation to Alzheimer’s (Scotland) group at
Irvine
The
Imm. Past District Grand Prior Rt. Em Fr Peter C. Watson accompanied by Ven
Fr Iain Tremble presented a cheque to the Alzheimer (Scotland) branch who
meet daily at Irvine Central Hospital this will enable the group to help
fund some visits and activities within Ayrshire.
Presentation to Hollybush House
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. John M. Turner accompanied by the Past
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson presented a cheque to
Hollybush House to enable them to purchase equipment for the use of the ex
servicemen and women who are resident within Hollybush House. This cheque
from the Grand Almoner's fund was presented to the Past District Grand Prior
on the completion of his five year commission to be presented, in turn, to a
charity of his choice.
Presentation to Daldorch House School
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. John M. Turner accompanied by Imm. Past
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson presented a cheque to the
School Principal Shona Pinkerton, who stated that the school gives 24 hour
care to its residential pupils who are mainly autistic with ages from 5 to
21 years which helps to develop skills for independent living through
National Care Standards this enables the pupils to prepare for the
challenges that may be before them with measures in place to minimise the
impact of autism.
Presentation of Sport Equipment
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied by V. Em. Fr.
John M. Turner and Ven. Fr. George Young presented outdoor sports equipment
to the children of Haysholm Special Needs School in Irvine. This was funded
from the District Grand Prior's Charity Fund. The Head of the school Carol
Ramsay thanked the members of the District for their kindness and for the
presentation of the sports equipment on behalf of the children of Haysholm
Special Needs School.
Presentation of a Cheque to the Ayr Hospital
Radio.
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied by District
Grand Secretary V. Em. Fr. John M. Turner presented a cheque to the Ayr
Hospital Radio to help with their funds in running the Voluntary Hospital
Radio Station, which many of the fratres of the District Grand Priory of
Ayrshire have had the opportunity to listen to when within the various
hospital departments as a patient. District Grand Prior Peter also made
history as the first District Grand Prior to broadcast live on air to the
various hospital wards, informing them what our order was all about, and
wishing all of the patients seasonal greetings.
Cheque presentation to the “MOUNTIES”
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied by the District
Grand Secretary V. Em. Fr. John M. Turner presented a cheque to the Mounties
Young Adults Group to help and assist with their expenses in organising
various events with all of the members of the Mounties group during the
year.
Presentation of cheque to Gardening Leave
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson , accompanied by V. Em. Fr.
James H. H. Edgar, visited Gardening Leave and presented a cheque to it
founder and Chief Executive Anna Baker Cresswell. This is a charity for ex
servicemen and women who are afflicted by combat stress. The charity helps
service veterans to come to terms with life outwith the service environment
with gardening and associated therapeutic projects. This being the first
such gardening organisation in the United Kingdom to work with and assist
service veterans, the charity receives no funding from any government
department or otherwise and solely relies in charitable funding and support
from public donations.
District Christmas Treat
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson and District Grand
Secretary V. Em. Fr. John M. Turner, visited the Sick children’s ward at
Crosshouse Hospital to present sweets and toys to the children. The Ward
Sister thanked the members of the District for this very kind donation, and
for thinking of the children at this time of the year, all sweets and toys
will be disbursed over the festive season to the children.
