A little gift in honor of Hamish's Birthday

**Panache** · 20th July 13, 03:09 PM

Greetings Rabble!

Off in England at the fable Bicknell Grange it will be July 21st in just a little under an hour's time.

I have been friends with Ham for a while and am delighted to share a birthday with him. This year I wanted to recognize his birthday with a small token of my esteem. Some of you may know that as a hobby I have a small garden railroad set up in my backyard. The little town of "Fretwell Falls" is supposed to be located somewhere between Here and There and set sometime between Now and Then. It not a very serious model railroad (what with mermaids in the water tank, samurai warriors guarding nightclubs, birders about to be clocked by minotaurs, and travelers walking along a lonesome roads likely to be eaten by T-Rex dinosaurs) but I do enjoy offering little tributes to friends and family if I can there.

Now Hamish is a lifetime member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and not only was he a Scottish Country Dancer but a Highland Dancer as well. I decided for our birthdays to offer him a wee tribute on Mulberry street that is the very heart of Fretwell Falls. This also recognizes the wonderful community of Scottish Dancers that I feel happy and privileged to be part of.

Without further ado...here is the grand opening of Hamish's School Of Scottish Dance

The local Pipe and Drum band were there to perform!

It is of course an RSCDS approved school!

Side view

Other side

Back door and marque of upcoming events at the studio (July 21st is such a splendid day for a celebration)

Almost the entire Town of Fretwell Falls (and the neighboring village of Arkham Park) came to celebrate the opening of the studio and Hamish's birthday

Welcome to Fretwell Falls Hamish and Many Happy Returns!

I would like to publicly thank Barrie of the Gay Gordons for his help in insuring that Hamish's studio was RSCDS approved and let him know that the townspeople are looking forward to seeing his demonstration team perform!

ith:

Cheers

Jamie

**Father Bill** · 20th July 13, 03:37 PM

What a fabulous tribute! What a fabulous friend!!

Happy Birthday, Hamish! ...and did I pick up... to Panache as well?!

**Steve Ashton** · 20th July 13, 04:51 PM

Ham my friend, (and Jamie of course) may I add my hearty well wishes to this special gift on this special day.

My time at Bicknell Grange is one of my fondest memories. I miss you and your gracious hospitality.

If, in the wee hours of the morning, you care to look out your front door you may find a friend paying proper homage to you and all you have done for me and the kilt world.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 20th July 13, 05:43 PM

Happy Birthday to two of our members who exhibit a tremendous sense of style and kilt collections that many of us can only dream of! I wish you both many more days of kilting and only the best single malts in your glasses!
Cheers!

**artificer** · 20th July 13, 06:26 PM

Jamie,
it's a lovely addition to your little town, and a delightful tribute to The Man of One Hundred Kilts.

Happy Birthday, Hamish!

ith:

**Riverkilt** · 20th July 13, 06:27 PM

Happy Birthday my friend - last year I celebrated your birthday at the Flagstaff Highland Games. This year its packing for a raft trip down the Grand Canyon tomorrow - kilted! Will be thinking of you.

**TheOfficialBren** · 20th July 13, 10:50 PM

Happy Birthday to Hamish and Jamie!!

May many more follow.

**Mael Coluim** · 21st July 13, 02:34 AM

What a Hoot, Jamie! Happy Birthday to you both!

**Freelancer** · 21st July 13, 12:27 PM

Well done Jamie!

To these two very esteemed members of this forum, I extend my wishes for a most Happy of Birthdays and the hope of many more to come.

Best,

Ken