It was our pleasure to host the Federation Chief, Jean Kelly and her Consort, Andrew Kelly, our Highland Chieftain, Margaret West as well as all the other visiting dignitaries including Fred  (Chairman of Central Council) and Heather Brokenshire to our Federation and Provincial Official Welcome to our society.

In addition the Chief and Lady President of Eastern Johannesburg and St Andrews Societies as well as Boksburg and other society members also attended our function.

We were entertained by the dancers of the Reval Saayman Dance Studio, who, as always provided an exceptional display.

After this energetic display we were all exhausted and were quite ready for our luncheon. The ladies, as usual, provided an excellent meal, which, to the Scottish background music, tended to make everyone contented and the conversation relaxed and subdued.

Our daughter, Beverley sent us an interesting, amusing and (absolutely true) story about the “Wah” family from Dundee, which was read by John Hanley to the amusement of all.

The story is shown below so that we can share this Scottish family humour.

The Wah Family Tree.

Noah Wah - The Family Patriarch & Head of the Family
Ella  Wah - wife of Noah – is more adventurous and likes travelling locally …and their offspring:-
Beena Wah - the daughter who has just returned from a journey.
Gonna Wah - son who is presently leaving on his journey.
Emma Wah - wayward daughter who wants to leave the family home.
Takka Wah - son of doubtful parentage who now owns a successful fast food Take-away outlet.
Bide Ah Wah - the son who emigrated to the Antipodes .
Steina Wah - daughter-in-law married to Bide.
Ocha Wah - dismissive son who never believes what his parents tell him
Wharra Wah - son who keeps getting lost due to an inability to read maps.
Eeza Wah - a recently deceased Jewish Cousin of the Wah family.
Farrah Wah - a somewhat distant cousin who dreams of being a film star.
Jista Wah - the son who went away only moments ago.

The surname of this Family would make you think that they may be of foreign extraction, but in fact their roots are firmly embedded in Dundee Folklore. Two of them even appear in a traditional Scottish Folksong which is a great favourite at Family Funerals, as it is guaranteed to cheer everyone up as they are having a bevvy.

Eh’m Noah Wah tae Bide Ah Wah,Eh’m Noah Wah tae lave ye.Eh’m Noah Wah tae Bide Ah Wah,
Eh’ll aye come back tae see Ye!

After our substantial meal we were entertained by the piping of Stewart Third and as always the skirl of the pipes never fail to stir the Scottish blood running through the veins.

The function was ended in the usual fashion with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and We’re No Awa Tae Bide Awa. (A tribute to the Wah family)

Thank You to all who helped make this function successful.

Yours Aye,

Duncan MacDonald
Boksburg Society Chief

This show was devised and directed by Reval and Sheena Saayman to showcase the fruits of their labour and the skills learned by their pupils as well as some guest artist appearances.

The costs of kitting out dancers and commuting from gathering to gathering have become astronomical and the proceeds of this show will be used to assist them in their endeavour to foster the Scottish (and Irish) dance culture.

The show was well supported by the dance fraternity and highland Caledonian members, including the current Federation Chief Jean Kelly and consort Andrew as well as the Highland Chieftain, Margaret West.

Chief  & Lady President                          
Duncan & Audrey MacDonald
(011)   893 3777
duncanmacdonald@telkomsa.netSecretary: Ann Begg