Pamela Hall Jones 1828 - 2011

The Clan Council were very sad to hear of the passing of Pamela Hall Jones on 1 February 2011. Pamela made a tremendous contribution to the progress of our Clan Society in New Zealand over many years, as a Gathering organiser, Council member, Chief's Commissioner and friend and she will be very sadly missed. Here are two of the many tributes to this wonderful lady.

Tribute from Audrey, our President

On behalf of myself and all the Clans people who knew her, I would just like to add to all the other lovely tributes that have come in - that I am very sad to hear that Pamela has lost her fight - she was always so strong and enthusiastic and a great help to me in this post through some troubled times - although she herself never thought she did enough. I shall miss her greatly and I am sure many others will too.

She did a wonderful thing in starting up the New Zealand Gatherings which are so relaxed and enjoyable and must take a lot of organising in being spread over the country. I am sure that members in New Zealand will try hard to keep these going in her memory. My sympathies are very much with John and all her family.

Tribute from David, our Clan Chief

The very sad news of Pamela's passing away came as a great shock to me and had me in tears. Pamela was a wonderful lady much loved by the Clan and all who were fortunate enough to meet her. How lucky I was on two occasions to be accompanied by Pamela and John to two of the best New Zealand Clan Gatherings and also to stay with them in Glenmhor and in their house at Milford Sound. Those were great days immensely enjoyed by me ; I clearly remember - it must be at least 5 years ago now, Pamela and I at Milford Sound or nearby, had a go at walking up a steep path on the mountain side and poor Pamela, even in those days, was finding herself short of breath. I think she fought her illness all the way but even Pamela could not beat it and finally she passed away in a peaceful manner without pain and with John by her side. I will never forget her and only will think of her always as a great lady and one I have to thank deeply for the constant work she put in to our Clan and as my Commissioner.

REST IN PEACE PAMELA WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU.

Message from our Secretary : Alastair Menzies

Audrey, our President, apologises that she has not submitted a message this time. She is recovering from an operation, after breaking her right wrist. We all wish Audrey a speedy recovery.

The Council were very pleased to receive so many positive comments about Newsletter No 1, which was circulated last September. We are sorry for the delay in publishing its successor !

We would welcome any items for inclusion in future Newsletters, and also any updates to members' email addresses. In the past we have struggled to maintain an accurate database of all our Member's addresses, and we rely on you to keep us up to date !

If you want to communicate with any members of Council, please email me and I will ensure that they receive your message.

If you are planning to attend the next Clan Gathering or make a trip to Scotland at any time , we will be very happy to provide travel advice !

email - secretary.menzies@gmail.com



TRUST REPORT October 2010 to Society Council Castle - Certain improvements are on-going - computer and telephone line upgrading, signs and revised castle brochure. The kitchen, pantry area and toliets will all be undergoing various improvements, before the summer season. The windows are the main focus of attention currently on maintenance, and the largest item of expenditure. Also the upper floor of the z-tower will be inspected to see if the joist butts need any strengthening work. Cleaning: Finding staff for cleaning has long been a problem. A new contractor has been successful on a trial period, and will now be given an extended contract. Tearoom - The tearoom was opened for part of this season and this service will be continued, subject to monitoring for financial efficiency. Exhibitions: Plans are now in place for setting up a James Menzies of Culdares exhibit plus also a small one on Maharajah Duleep Singh. We are also in communication with the Menzies Foundation of Australia with regard to one on Sir Robert. Another one, which is very appropriate, is based on the auction books of 1914 when the castle, estate and contents were sold. 2014 will be the 100th anniversary. Mausoleum - This very old building has not required much expenditure since it was restored in the early 70s. Following cracks being noticed, appearing in the east gable, some work has had to be done This was unexpected extra expenditure, but after 40 years the mausoleum has done rather well and we always need to have reserves for this kind of maintenance work turning up without warning when dealing with such old buildings. Gardens Due to the contractors firm going into administration, progress has not been as much as was hoped, and it has been difficult to get enough help at short notice and at the right price even for basic maintenance. The walls will also need considerable work over the next few years. We are again asking for some expert help in this area since we were not successful last year in receiving applications for a trustee vacancy which asked for this type of knowledge in an advisory capacity. Gardens - Due to the contractors firm going into administration, progress has not been as much as was hoped, and it has been difficult to get enough help at short notice and at the right price even for basic maintenance. The walls will also need considerable work over the next few years. We are again asking for some expert help in this area since we were not successful last year in receiving applications for a trustee vacancy which asked for this type of knowledge in an advisory capacity.

A Sincere Thank You to Dave Mathewes The Clan Council would like to give a very sincere vote of thanks to Dave Mathewes for many years of recruiting effort in the USA, and all his good work for the Menzies Clan Society of North America. This month, Dave has just hosted his last Menzies Tent at the Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville, near Charlotte, North Carolina. We would like to send Dave our best wishes for a very well earned retirement from Clan activities, but we do hope to publish some stories from him at a later date !

Horace Henry Menzies 1910 - 2009 Horace Menzies of Dumbarton was probably the Society's oldest living member and had just celebrated his 99th birthday a few weeks prior to his death on 19th August 2009. His parents George Menzies and Agnes (nee Hamilton) were paying a family visit to Dublin when Horace was born 25th July 1910. He was their fourth child and he and his siblings, Florence Emily, Alexander George, Beatrice Maud and Hugh Albert were brought up in Dumbarton. He married Isobel Herriot in 1943 and they set up home at 9 Geils Avenue where they spent their entire married life. Horace worked as a baker throughout his working life, but his most pleasurable pursuits were cycling and music. Cycling was his passion and the countryside his playground. Happiness for Horace was being out on the bike, absorbing all he encountered as he pedalled the miles and enjoying the nectar he boiled in his tea can over a wood fire. As an Associate of the College of Violinists he was qualified to teach and he went on to play in various quartets and the Glasgow String Orchestra. He spent many years of retirement crafting stringed instruments and honoured Macbeth Menzies with a musical composition, played at the Castle about twenty years ago. Horace is survived by his wife Isobel, five children, Pat (Wilson), Charlie, Heather (Jacewicz), Valerie (Hamilton) and Gavin, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Pat Wilson		Dr Bill Dewar We were also very sad to hear about the death of Bill Dewar in December 2010, aged 95. Bill was no longer active in the Clan Society or Trust, but he and his wife, Ann, made an outstanding contribution to the restoration of Castle Menzies, from the 1970's onwards, and Bill was well known to many of our older members. An obituary will follow in a later Newsletter and in the next Clan Magazine.

2010 New Members

Bill & Corinna Buddo, sons Marcus and Niklas Hastings, NZ

Mrs Janice Bamford Porirua, NZ

Mrs Margaret McGuire Wanganui, NZ

Mrs Kathryn Mitchell Te Awamutu, NZ

Mrs Judith Garvey Christchurch

Mr Guy Menzies Christchurch

Mrs Alison Brown Invercargill

Mrs Gail Menzies Wairoa

Mr Barry Menzies Rotorua

Mrs Charlotte Burton-Bell Wellington

Miss Francesca Menzies Upper Moutere

Mrs Margaret Hogge Australia

Ms Robin Menzies. New Zealand

Mr Robert Menzies Chester. UK

Mr Peter Menzies and Spouse Auckland. NZ

Pamela Hall Jones 1828 - 2011

Tribute from Audrey, our President

Tribute from David, our Clan Chief

A Sincere Thank You to Dave Mathewes

Horace Henry Menzies 1910 - 2009

Dr Bill Dewar

Message from our Secretary : Alastair Menzies