A South Of England Gathering

[Hamish]

This is mainly directed at all kilt enthusiasts in the South/South East of England......

The Harpenden Highland Gathering 2006 is taking place on Sunday 16th July at Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire and I thought it would be a good opportunity for as many of us as possible to meet there for a day out in an appropriate setting. We have been saying for some time that we should have a get-together in the South - this is our chance.

Every year Harpenden plays host to one of the very few Highland Gatherings to be held down here in the South of England and, although I have not attended it in recent years, I did dance there in competition back in the early 1970s.

I understand that six pipe bands have been invited to play this year and, there will be Highland Dancing, solo piping competitions, caber tossing, hammer throwing and, in fact, all the events, colour and spectacle that we associate with Highland Gatherings.

Harpenden is just North of London, is approximately nine miles from the M25 and about five from the M1. Luton Airport is close by.

Admission prices and other such details have not yet been finalised, but group bookings at discounted prices will be available in advance and I will post relevant information here as soon as it becomes known.

At this early (but not too early) stage, I should be interested to know how many of you would like to join me there on the day. Are you seriously interested - interested enough to put the date in your diary NOW?

Oh, and it is just a few days before my 70th Birthday, so you must come in order to buy me a beer!!


(Photos of 2005 Gathering courtesy of Harpenden Lions Club)




Come on! Let's make a day of it......

[An t-Ileach]

I'll be there, DV, and hope to have a stand (well, a table).

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Ham, I would love to attend. More so to celebrate your 70 years of youth than the games. Games happen in many venues every year, but each birthday comes but once. Alas, I don't think that I will be able to swing a trip to England this year (unless I come by myself and then I would return home to a divorce!). Many happy returns, and if we make it across the pond this year at all (you never know, we have family in Germany), we will definitely make a detour to London and to see you.

[Derek]

Its in the Diary! Elaine and me will definitely be coming along. I shall buy you a beer or two Ham, so no worries there. I will also try and come as co-ordinated as I possibly can
Iechyd Da my friend
Derek

[dwg]

Ham as soon as I get to work today I will book a days holiday if I'm working ! I will be in the beer tent with one on the table for you (beer that is LOL)


Derek

[caig]

Hamish, old friend. I will be delighted to attend and allow you to buy me a beer to celebrate your birthday.

I assume you will put some details about a meeting place etc in due course.

[mudd]

Hamish,

Even though you addressed this mostly to folks in the UK, I’m going to echo what other members on this side of the pond have done in saying, I would love to come and visit you at the gathering and wish you a happy birthday in person. My wife and I have wanted to visit that island for many years but never seem to fit it in. Let me just say that I hope you have a great time and a happy birthday. You are one of the members that make this forum worth reading.

Thanks,
John

[dwg]

Hamish,

You are one of the members that make this forum worth reading.

Thanks,
John

I think we all say AMEN to that

Derek

[Derek]

Elaine and myself are going to stay over on the Sat and Sun eve. There are a few really nice country real ale pubs offering b&b in the local area and only a short taxi ride away. Anyone else thinking of staying over?
Iechyd Da
Derek

[dwg]

Elaine and myself are going to stay over on the Sat and Sun eve. There are a few really nice country real ale pubs offering b&b in the local area and only a short taxi ride away. Anyone else thinking of staying over?
Iechyd Da
Derek

Im thinking of taking my caravan

Derek