Clan Macdonald Yarraville Inc

Our clan objectives are:

• To keep in memory the deceased parents, Norman Hume Macdonald and Johan McKenzie MacDonald (nee Munro).

• To foster together brother Clansmen, Blood relations, Friends, and Brother Scotsmen.

• To assist Scottish charities, and encourage the fostering of Scottish sentiment, and the maintenance of Scottish traditions, and customs, the auld Scots songs, and music; also the wearing of Scottish highland dress.

• To protest against the use of the terms "England", and "English", in place of "Britain", and  "British". 
  

 The clan has over the years gone through many changes to reflect our willingness to accept the whims and fancies of the world around us however our core values remain the same: family, tradition and remembering the past whilst embracing the future.

This being the case after our AGM in August 2018 the clan held a tour of Footscray cemetery and determined that we will as a clan retore the gravesite of Norman and Johan to its former pristine presentation.    To this end we are calling for donations to assist in this endeavour and you will find a donation form on this website so that YOU can be part of this process.  The grave is in a very poor state and requires a lot of work so every bit counts.

Our Clan Genealogist found the following report:

Yarraville, Saturday, October 21 1916

Gathering: of Clan McDonald
IN YARRAV1LLE
BY (MAGNOON)
I have heard such reports of the Clan McDonald of Yarraville and their
social gathering's that on Saturday night last 14 inst I thought" I would go
and see for myself. I was not sure of where they were assembled but that was
easily found in the distance I heard the skirl of the pipes and found
myself, with head erect, pacing towards the Masonic hall. My word these
McDonalds do things in style. Two halls had been engaged and beautifully
decorated for the occasion. Before long they were both crowded and it was
necessary to turn away many of the late comers. The gathering was opened by
the Clan Pipe Band in the charge of Pipe Major Alex piping the worthy Chief
Donald Snr., escorted by the executive Clansmen. In a brief speech, the
Chief bid all welcome and the Chaplain George repealed the Lord's Prayer.
The audience then rose and sang God Save the King, The festivities were
consigned to the charge of Jim (Master of Ceremonies) who had complete
control and deserved great praise for the way he handled the assembly. The
dancing and Music were popular the Clan orchestra consisting of five
performers. Misses McDonald, Brown, Stark and Master Ramsay (pupils of Miss
Dulcie Bland) danced in their usual form and on being encored danced the
National Reel. This was something out of the ordinary and their dancing was
a credit to their teacher. Haggis and other refreshments were provided for.
The march of the Haggis which was being watched for by many of the old folk
was carried out in real old Scottish Custom, Pipers headed and led the
procession to the centre of the hall here the Chaplain said the grace (Some
'Hae Meat etc) and the chief sliced the Haggis. The Haggis was great and not
only the old folk enjoyed it, as nearly all present 'backed up their carts'
for a second helping. About 20 children of the Clan, pupils of Miss Collard
gave a physical drill display and received a grand ovation, their
performance was excellent and showed the skill of their instructress. The
hit of the evening was the Clan McDonald reel, this was danced by the eight
executive brothers, Donald, George, Godfrey Norman, Jim, Alex, Jack and Andy

Most of these {brothers will never see fifty again and they danced with a
skill as only veterans can.
My word they nearly brought down the house. Old Guff swung his legs about in
a way that would make dancing masters envious. They gave an encore but would
not come up at the third lap as old Goodie was out looking for 'Johnny
Walker', Other items were well rendered by Misses Janet and Isabella Mc
Donald, duet (Better bide a wee); action Song, Kahki Daddy, by Pearl and Ivy
Schelley and wee Phyllis McDonald; Miss Shearer sweetly sang, Roses, and for
encore Loch Lomond;- Misses' Palmer and Bathols sang, Only one of the Toys a
comic song by Mr. Shearer was well received. The mouth organ solo by Mr.
Godfrey McDonald was good, Mr. Heriot also sang in his usual form.
Twelve o'clock came too soon and before singing Auld Lang Syne the Chaplain
gave a prayer for sons of the Clan who were away at the front. From start to
finish the gathering was a success, no critic could find a loop hole to
contradict that it was the most successful gathering, held in Yarraville.
The success of the evening was due to the untiring energies of the Ladies'
Committeee and the Secretary. Bob McDonald.
National Library of Australia    http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119680407

As Bill says - I wish we could have some photos from this get together.

What's happening?

 January 2020

Maryborough Highland Gathering January 1st

Robert Burns Camperdown - Burns plate 18 January 2020

Robert Burns Club of Melbourne Picnic Treasury Gardens

February 2019

Clan Donald Victoria Dance Classes

Commence:  3.00pm  every Friday afternoon from Feb 1st to November 

 28 Haverstock Hill Close, Endeavour Hills

Richmond Gathering Tasmania 17th Feb.

Robert Burns Supper Brunswick Victoria 17th Feb

March 2019

2nd  Scots Day Out Bendigo, Rosalind Park

17th Geelong Highland Gathering, Osborne Park

31st Ringwood Highland Games

April 2019

7th BUNDANOON is Brigadoon NSW

May 2019

10th   -  National Championship Day - VSU Highland Dancing Endeavour Hills

June 2019

National Celtic Festival  Portarlington

Kilmore Celtic Festival

July 2019

SAHC Scottish Week NSW culminating in the  Aberdeen Highland Gathering NSW

Tartan Week in Melbourne

Robert Burns Festival Camperdown Vic

August 2019

Scottish Country Dance - Newport 

Championship Medal Day - VSU Highland Dance

September 2019

VSU Conference Queenscliff (Ceilidh, AGM , Youth Forum, Conference Dinner Dance and Kirking of the Tartan)

 October 2019

 Scottish Country Dance:

April, June August and October

Socials held Sunday afternoons.

Warrnambool Caledonian Society every Saturday evening Social 8.00pm. Anglican Church Hall Koroit Street.

Clan Donald Australia arrives at Bundanoon