By Jim Mynard
THE 20th Berwick Highland Gathering broke all attendance records on Sunday with an estimated 4000 people visiting Akoonah Park for the event.
Traditionally a Rotary Club of Narre Warren and City of Casey joint venture, the games were dubbed the best in the 20 years.
Rotary District 9820 governor Ray Stewart officially opened the games, congratulated organisers and noted that the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills had assisted the Narre Warren club.
“They are supported by the City of Casey as the major sponsor,” he said.
“The pipe bands, the strong competition in all events, including new ones, and the wideranging program provide us with a memorable occasion.
“The community support is greatly appreciated.”
Haileybury College’s pipe band won the prized Tom McGill Memorial Trophy for Grade 4.
In the highland dancing, Madison Christie won the under 13 premiership, Emily Brown the 1316 premiership and Tiffany Elba the 16 and over premiership.
In the Black and White Dog Competition, the winner was the Scottish Terrier Club with the runnerup the West Highland White Terrier Club.
The best exhibit was Balindalloch Imperio, exhibited by Pam RyanOrchard, and the runnerup was Aust Ch Westmor Celtic Rose, exhibited by Sue Stewart.
Bill Lyndon from Wallace, near Ballarat won the caber toss and the atlas stones of strength contests.
The atlas stones created enormous crowd interest when it was contested directly in front of the pavilion viewing area.
Contestants were asked to carry five round stones weighing from 65130 kilograms.
Mr Lyndon lifted the stones on to the bench in 18 seconds.
Runnerup Rick Simpson from Narre Warren lifted the stones in 29 seconds.
Some competitors were unable to make it past the third stone in an event that requires enormous physical strength.
The shot put event went to Matt Sandford.
In the band competition, Haileybury College won the Juvenile grade, the Australian Highlanders won Grade 1; the Clayton band won Grade 2; Ballarat won Grade 3, and Haileybury College won the Tom McGill Memorial Trophy for Grade 4.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford officially closed the games.
He said the games had provided a wonderful success.
“I am sure you all join with me in congratulating those responsible for the organisation of this event,” he said.
“In particular, I congratulate the Rotary Club of Narre Warren, representatives of the Casey Pipes and Drums and the Berwick Highland Dancing Association who have undertaken the arrangements.
“The City of Casey has been pleased to sponsor this great event and I acknowledge other sponsors who have provided support.
“Today was the 20th presentation of the Highland Gathering and we look forward to future events.
“The Highland Gathering has become an important part of our calendar and my fellow councillors and I have been pleased to again provide support for this wonderful day.
“I invite you all to assemble at this place in the year 2007 for the conduct of the next gathering,” Cr Bradford said.
