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Greetings to the extended
clan;
I note that Ian has already done a
splendid job of sharing the wonderful event of last Sunday, namely our clan
gathering in Ontario! He has done so in an elegant and timely manner. What I
want to do is perhaps add a bit of my perceptions and appreciations of
individuals that go the extra mile 'litterally' for others and in sharing
fellowship, heritage, friendship and family fun. I would like to convey here, a
thank you to our extended family that works so hard to share the values of being
part of something that spans time and geography, and nurtures relationships and
friendships.
It is always a treat to see Rory
who is such a gentle host and also dynamic driver of clan fellowship; standing
in the hall to greet members in one of his full "Sinclair Dress
regalias." But there was far more surprises in the offing. The most
special was meeting many of our "list friends" in person. Email
addresses have faces and voices! Mary Selver was greeting and helping out on
Sunday as if she were a Torontonian all her life. It was special she was there.
Then John Quarterman and Gretchen we found were not "cyber bots" (we
really knew better) but warm brilliant communicatiors and they had come a piece.
Austin is not exactly around the corner. Then we had the pleasure of meeting the
Nova Scotia cousins, Bill Sinclair and our direct cousin Roger, (Clan Sinclair
Canada/ Nova Scotia, both in Sinclair dress). What a pleasure. And Halifax is
not exactly around the corner either.
Then we had more surprises when
Rory suggested that this day was hard to top when we had an opportunity to meet
our Chief Malcolm as an individual that had a lot to share and offer and a
mission to preserve our heritage. I came away very impressed with the commitment
energy and drive to preserving and passing on the Sinclair culture and tradition
for generations to come for an extended family around the globe. Then there were
PEI cousins, Toni and Sandy of the Argyll net, and Wanda of the Toronto
Archives, and Heather from Durham College and how the list goes on and on! What
a fine opportunity it was to meet such a splendid gathering of fine individuals
of all ages and to salute the volunteers of our Ontario
association.
So Rory your gathering was a home
run clear out of our Toronto Skydome! Peggy my better half, and myself, as
attendees of such a fine event, want to thank you publically for the efforts you
made. Events do not just happen they take a lot of work! I also personally
thank, those that came from such great distances and from our community and
shared of themselves the fellowship, rewards of common heritage we can take
pride in. We look forward to sharing the rewards of that friendship in times to
come.
But perhaps most importantly we
are again reminded of the continuing human energy that is now networked around
the world. To those friends in Australia and New Zeland the rewards ahead of you
are many. To those participants on the list, thank you for keeping your
posts coming. As "Sinclair's" something special is developing in an
ongoing fashion, through time and over distance which is special. It is as Rob
might venture ours is "a unique song among the chorus of human voices"
and it plays well. Thanks to all those that came, and to all you that read and
participate on this list. In deepest appreciation you have our
gratitude.
Neil Sinclair & Peggy
Rintoul
Toronto/PEI/Argyll and
Ontario/Perthshire
Attendees at the Clan Sinclair
Ontario 2000 gathering.
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