Highland gathering master of ceremonies Edrington Ward councillor Mick Morland, under 13 Scottish dancing world champion Emily Brown and highland dancer and assistant teacher Brogan Smith. Cr Morland holds Emily’s world champion perpetual trophy, which she must return to the world championships next year. Cr Morland said he would arrange to have a replica of the trophy made for Emily.By Jim Mynard
ROTARY district 982 governor Ray Stewart will officially open the 20th Berwick Highland Gathering at Akoonah Park, Berwick, on Sunday, 12 February.
Edrington Ward councillor Mick Morland will be master of ceremonies, and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford will officially close the games.
Games coordinator Ross Chudleigh said world champion highland dancer and Narre Warren resident Emily Brown would be present.
The anniversary day will feature a pipe band competition with massed band displays at 11am and 4pm, and solo drumming and highland dancing competitions.
Mr Chudleigh said 16 pipe bands were expected along with the highland dancers, heavy games, black and white west highland terriers, Scottish clans, Scottish food, and Scottish clothes.
“We also have a new feature, the dog fly ball competition, which is a type of dog obstacle event and very popular,” he said.
The heavy games are a major attraction featuring the atlas stones of strength, which is a race to put five round stones weighing from 90130 kilograms on top of evenly spaced 44gallon drums.
Other events include tossing the caber and shot put.
Mr Chudleigh said the City of Casey was a major sponsor for what would be a really good allround Scottish festival.
“We had nearly 4000 people at last year’s festival,” he said.
Former City of Berwick chief executive, Casey mayor and Narre Warren Rotarian Neil Lucas instigated the inaugural Berwick Highland Games held at the Max Pawsey Reserve, Fountain Gate, in November 1986.
Rotary and the City of Berwick, later the City of Casey, provided strong support for the concept.
Mr Lucas said it was great the games had continued for 20 years.
“More so it is wonderful that the festival had also developed with more events, more excitement, and more participation and enjoyment for the community,” he said.
“This event is a credit to the Rotary Club of Narre Warren and its members who have devoted so much time and energy to organise the gatherings.”
Mr Lucas particularly commended games coordinators Tom McGill, now deceased, Ted Draud, Peter McHatty and current coordinator Ross Chudleigh.
Mr Lucas, whose grandfather was born at Edinburgh, said there was a lot of Scottish blood in the region.
“When the Scots hear the skirl of the bagpipes they go all funny,” he said. “You will see them at the games – you will see some big hairy legs walking around in kilts.
“You will also see a world champion highland dancer,” he said.
Mr Lucas said one of the great things about the highland gathering was that the admission price had always been kept to a minimum.
“Akoonah Park, Berwick, is a perfect venue for the games with its shady trees, car parking, fencing, building and facilities,” he said.
The day starts at 10am and admission is $5 for adults, $3 concession, and children under 14 are admitted free.
