Clan Ross invade Te Awamutu

New Zealand members of Clan Ross will descend on Te Awamutu over the weekend of April 26-28.

The Clan Ross Association of New Zealand gathers annually, alternating between North and South Island venues.

Clan Ross is a Scottish Highland clan dating back to the 13th Century.

It includes septs, associated clans or families that include people whose surnames are Anderson, Andison, Andrew, Andrews, Corbet, Corbett, Crow, Crowe, Croy, Denoon, Denune, Dingwall, Duthie, Fair, Fear, Fearn, Gillanders, Hagart, Haggart, MacAndrew, MacAndrews, MacCullie, MacCulloch, MacLulloch, MacTaggart, MacTear, MacTier, MacTyre, Mitchell, Taggart, Tarrel, Tullo, Tulloch, Tyre, Vass, Wass and Waters.

Helping organise the event in Te Awamutu are Eric and Julia (nee Ross) Wilcox.

Mr Wilcox is a keen amateur genealogist who says he was 'too slow to duck' when the Clan Ross Association of New Zealand's former genealogist left New Zealand to live in Perth.

Mr Wilcox has over 1800 people on his clan register throughout the world. More than 40 people are expected at the gathering, although any person who has any connection to the clan is welcome.

This connection may be that a grandparent was a Ross or one of her septs.

"We are planning an interesting weekend, beginning on the Friday evening with a presentation on Family History or genealogy," says Mr Wilcox.

"On Saturday we meet for morning tea and the AGM, which will be opened by Mayor Alan Livingston, who is also of Scottish descent. "That will be followed by lunch and a trip to places of historical interest in and around Te Awamutu."

The evening function is a dinner and ceilidh.

All are welcome to the evening's entertainment, which will include the haggis ceremony, Scottish songs by Alice Gower, some poetry recited by Alec Calderwood and lots of Scottish Country dancing. There is a morning tea ion Sunday before people depart for home.

For more information contact Eric or Julia Wilcox (870 5449) or email ericwil1@clear.net.nz