Registration has begun for the Clan Graham Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sept. 15-17, 2017. The AGM coincides with ScotFest, Oklahoma’s premier Celtic Music Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Below is tentative information. Registration deadline is Aug. 1, 2017. Download the registration form HERE.

You can also pay for your registration using paypal by clicking HERE.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The host hotel for meetings, banquet, Mugdock Auction and social gatherings is:
Doubletree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown
616 W. Seventh Street
Tulsa, OK 74127-8983

Telephone: (918) 587-8000

Fax: (918) 587-3001

Website:
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-tulsa-downtown-TULSDDT/index.html
Room rates: $109/night

CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES

ScotFest is located two miles from the hotel along the Arkansas River.
River West Festival Park
2100 S. Jackson Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74107

Admission rates:

$15/day at the gate
Advanced purchase, weekend passes and day rates are available at reduced prices via the internet at www.okscotfest.com.

AGM PRICES

Registration: $45/family
AGM banquet: $50/person

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017

• Early arrivals

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017

• All-day registration
• Council/board meetings (morning)

Friday, Sept. 15, 2017

• All-day registration
• Daytime group excursions to the Gilcrease and Philbrook museums (optional)
• Clan dinner/social at a local restaurant (optional); time and location TBA

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017

• ScotFest at River West Festival Park (Clan Graham is the honored clan)
• Evening AGM banquet
• Mugdock Auction and ceilidh/entertainment

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017

• ScotFest concludes at River West Festival Park
• Early departures

2017 AGM HOSTS CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Scott F. Graham Long
Email: sflong@hotmail.com
Telephone: (580) 774-2880

The Most Rev. James B. Graham III
Email: jbgrahamiii@yahoo.com
Telephone: (918) 607-9384

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OPTIONAL TOURS IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA • TWO TERRIFIC MUSEUMS

Annual General Meeting • New Hampshire • Sept. 15-18

For an early autumn adventure, make plans to attend the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Hampshire. The registration form can be downloaded HERE. The AGM registration fee is $45 per family. Deadline to register is July 1, 2016.

New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

The 2016 AGM coincides with the 41st annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival. The event takes place at Loon Mountain Resort, in Lincoln, New Hampshire, on Sept.16-18, 2016. The resort is located in the heart of the beautiful White Mountain National Forest.

Enjoy three days of music, food, competitions and more at New Hampshire Highland Games! This festival is among the largest and one of the most diversified games in the country and includes the Gathering of the Scottish Clans, with over 60 clans and societies; massed bands; sheepdog trials; Celtic world music concerts; the New England Regional Scottish Fiddle Championship; International Scottish Athletics; New England Highland Dance Championships; New England Solo Piping Drumming Championships; Scottish Harp (Clarsach) other instrumental competitions.

Ticket sales:

• 3-day pass = $45 (up to July 29); $50 (after July 29)
• Single day ticket (Friday and Sunday) = $20
• Saturday only ticket = $27 (up to July 29); $30 (after July 29)

All single day tickets are also available at the gate.

To purchase tickets, go online at http://www.nhscot.org/tickets.html or call toll-free (800) 358-7268.

Directions to the games from Interstate I-93, north and south:

• Take exit 32 Lincoln.
• Turn left at the end of the exit ramp.
• Travel through Lincoln, New Hampshire, for 2.8 miles on SR-112.
• This is also Main Street in Lincoln. Parking for shuttle service to the games is throughout Lincoln in designated parking areas. Watch for signs to NHHG&F parking. Handicapped parking is also available in special parking areas.

Visit http://www.nhscot.org for information about the games.

Accommodations – Franconia Inn

Official AGM accommodations are at the Franconia Inn. The Clan Graham Society will hold its meetings, banquet and Mugdock Auction at the Inn.

This charming and enchanting getaway has been welcoming guests since 1863. Situated on 107 acres in picturesque Easton Valley, the Franconia Inn affords breathtaking views of Mount Lafayette, Franconia Notch, and the Kinsman Range in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The convenient location provides easy accessibility to all area activities and a welcoming retreat from event-filled days. The Inn offers a wealth of activities right on premise—from horseback riding, hiking, fishing and swimming, to tennis and glider rides. There’s plenty to do to suit a variety of abilities.

The Inn offers classic New England comfort. All 35 rooms in the Inn are individually decorated and vary in size. Smaller rooms (called “cozy”) have one double bed. Larger rooms, or corner rooms (called “spacious”), have either a king, queen, two double or a queen and single bed. “Standard” rooms fit right between cozy and spacious. All have private baths.

Room rates per night include tax and breakfast:

• $156.96 – double
• $148.24 – single

To reserve a room, go online at http://www.franconiainn.com, send an email to reservations@franconianinn.com or call toll-free (800) 473-5299.

Directions to Franconia Inn on Rt. 116:

• From Boston (2 1/2 hours) – I-93 North, through Franconia Notch. Take exit 38 (Franconia/Sugar Hill), left off exit. Straight through intersection to route 116S, 2.2 miles to the Inn (towards Easton).
• From New York City (6 hours) – New England Thruway (I-95) to New Haven, Connecticut, left on I-91 North (225 miles) to the Wells River/Woodsville exit. Right on Rt. 302. East through Woodsville to Lisbon, New Hampshire. Two miles past Lisbon on 302, go right on Rt. 117 to Franconia, crossing the bridge into town. Then go right and at the Mobil Station, take another right on Rt. 116S, 2.2 miles to the Inn.
• From Montreal (3 hours) – Rt. 10 to Rt. 55 and cross the border at Derby Line. I-91 to St. Johnsbury, Vermont. then take I-93 into New Hampshire and south to Exit 38 (Franconia/Sugar Hill), right off exit. Cross main road to Rt. 116S, 2.2 miles to the Inn.

Special Souvenirs

Wear a commemorative tee shirt or Clan Graham fleece jacket with crest at the 2016 AGM. Respectively, these special souvenir items cost $20 each for the tee shirt and $35 for the jacket. Please specify sizes when ordering on the registration form.

Cog Railroad to Mt. Washington

Go on a group tour with the Grahams on a Cog Railroad to Mt. Washington on Thursday, Sept. 15. The optional train trip is $36 per person. Download details on the information sheet HERE.

Whisky Tasting

Kick off the AGM weekend with whisky tasting in the lounge area of the Franconia Inn on Friday, Sept. 16. Tastings are led by our very own Master Whisky Taster Roy Graham Greenleaf. The cost is $20 to participate in this event.

AGM Banquet and Mugdock Auction

Witness Richard Graham, our North American Chieftain of the Clan Graham, address the haggis before the banquet. Dinner is $46 per person and is followed by the lively Mugdock Auction. Bring an item and buy an item to help raise funds to restore Mugdock Castle in Scotland, the ancient seat of the Grahams.

FREE Farewell Cookout

After a full weekend of activities, relax with the Grahams at a FREE farewell cookout at the residence of David and Jane Graham in Lisbon, New Hampshire. Details will be provided in the welcome package.

2016 AGM Contact

Vice President David Graham is graciously serving as the 2016 AGM chairman. Dave may be contacted by phone at (603) 838-5014 or via email at jpgraham@sprynet.com.

Clan Graham Society returns to Scotland to celebrate its 40th anniversary and “Ruby Jubilee” at the 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The 2015 Annual General Meeting in Scotland (July 27-Aug. 8) left a lasting impression on members who were able to attend a trip of a lifetime and celebrate the Clan Graham Society’s 40th anniversary. Two poems below were written as a creative memoir of the”Ruby Jubilee” tour.

Photo diary page courtesy of the Press and Journal

The Clan Graham Tour 2015

By Mel and Carole Winthrope
Quesnel, BC, Canada

(With many thanks to Ian, our capable and handsome bus driver; Sheila, our considerate historian and tour guide and Richard and Kate Graham for putting this tour together!).

The Grahams of 2015

By Nancy Klibanoff
Palm Harbor, Florida

We are the Grahams of 2015….
We come from California, Canada, Florida, and places in between!

Our Chieftain and his wife are Graham “royalty” indeed….
They’ve led us throughout Scotland with incredible speed!

There’s brothers and sisters and teachers and more….
There’s nurses and doctors and Sheila who leads our tour!

There’s Ian, our driver, who takes us over hills and streams….
And even makes it back to the pub in time to watch his favorite team!

There’s been castles, dancers, bagpipes and sheep…..
Lochs and battlefields and highlands so steep!

We’ve covered the land of Scotland, with stories of our clan….
Especially those of the Marquis of Montrose, his history is MOST grand!

But of all the fond memories of the things we’ve seen and done….
There’s none so great as the new friends we’ve met and had so much fun!

So, here’s to you, our fellow Grahams, who have ventured out on this tour….
A roast to each of you who now are embedded in our memory for sure!

To ALL you Grahams….Richard, Kate, David, Jane, Alan, Donna, Paul, Genie, Ron, Cathy and Sue….
Hey! Al’s grandfather was BORN here, didn’t you hear? Can’t HE be one of you??

To the extended Haight family, Barrett, Barbara, Heidi, Greg, Trixie and Dan….
You guys are all such fun – I want to be in YOUR clan!

And to the California contingent, the biggest group from any state….
Evelyn, Troy and the boys, Mike and Garth, Bert and Natalie, Jim and Joyce, and Kerry too….
It’s been so great getting to know each and every one of you!

And to Mel and Carol who we all very much like….
But did you hear Mel bowled over a little boy on a bike?

To Ron and Annette and Judy and Doug, you’re all so friendly and sweet….
Even though on Day ONE, Judy and Doug stole our seat!

To Scott, the most popular dancer with the girls and even one MAN….
He made it up the Wallace Monument saying, “I think I can, I think I can”!

To Charles in his kilt getting plenty of looks and stares….
But he just goes about his business like he doesn’t really care!

To Rena and Helen and Donna and Sue….
Two are sisters, and two are not, but you’d never know who!!

To Graham, the birthday boy with the cutest plaid coat…
When you confessed your age that night, we all thought it was a joke!

To Doug Ikelman and Bob Nethery, your company has been great….
Except Al almost fell twice when Bob was our tour mate!

So, here’s to the end of the tour AND to the end of my roast….
I’ve surely loved Scotland, but will miss all of YOU the most!!!!!!

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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DETAILED ITINERARY INFORMATION FROM THE POWERPOINT FILE

2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Clan Graham Society held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Delaware to coincide with the Colonial Highland Games in Fair Hill, Maryland.

On Friday, May 16, AGM Chairperson Ramsey Graham Freiland, MidAtlantic Regional Commissioner, and her family hosted a small welcome party at the Embassy Suites in Newark-Wilmington, Delaware, where members posed with a special Saltire that was flown above Mugdock Castle between 2010-2013.

On Saturday, May 17, members attended the Colonial Highland Games where the Grahams were the honored clan. Following the Games, everyone gathered for a banquet at the Homewood Suites back in Delaware. Leslie Hughes played the bagpipes as everyone processed into the cozy room. Chieftain Richard Graham gave an “Ode to the Haggis” (traditional and vegetarian versions were served). Ramsey welcomed everyone to the MidAtlantic area. Steak and Marsala chicken, salads and cheesecake were on the dinner menu. President Jim Nethery presided over the meeting. He and Richard presented a Distinguished Service Award to Ekena B. Parkinson, editor of the Clan Graham News. Trustees Scott Graham (California) and Don Graham (Canada) acted as auctioneers. Treasurer Bob Nethery reported that $635US was raised for restoration efforts for the castle.

Below are some photos highlighting the 2014 AGM. The Society thanks Ramsey and her family for their hospitality and hard work in planning this event.

2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

President Jim Nethery presided and led discussions on several important items. Secretary Michele Graham recorded detailed minutes of the meeting which are available online in the Members Only site at http://www.clangrahamnewsletter.org/.

Friday was also an opportunity for Society members to explore “The Strip” (Las Vegas Boulevard). Some folks visited Boulder Dam or went shopping, while Scott Graham, Jack Graham and Norris Graham drove to the site of the games at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs to set up for Saturday’s opening of the 9th annual Las Vegas Celtic Gathering and Highland Games.

Friday night gave members a chance to experience Fremont Street with its dazzling display of lights and street performers (Elvis and showgirls!). Scottish pipe bands entertained crowds on stage and some of the games athletes were on Fremont Street demonstrating their strength and abilities.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

The Clan Graham was the honored clan at the games. Our chieftain Richard Graham opened the games after the parade of clans led by the pipe bands. Richard also had the opportunity to meet “Mary, Queen of Scots,” and her court.

Back at the tent we signed up some new members and renewed a few more. Joyce Nethery supplied us all with sandwiches and Jim Nethery and Scott Graham supplied some cold drinks. Some of us still had to have our meat pies, sausage rolls, shortbread and scones!

Clan Graham was fortunate to be represented at the games by athletes Jon Long of Fresno, California, and Stephanie Warnock of Salt Lake City, Utah. They competed in weight/stone/hammer throws and the caber toss. Jon’s 10-year-old song, Nathan, also participated in the youth games.

Later in the evening, the Clan Graham Society held its banquet in the Augusta room of the hotel. The head table was piped in to their seats. The piper then proceeded to pipe in the haggis carried by the hotel chef. Richard, with his usual flair, recited the “Ode to the Haggis.” After a delicious dinner (char-grilled steak, roasted chicken, salad, rolls and crème brûlée), the various committee members and Officers presented their reports.

A highlight of the banquet was the presentation of the Presidential Staff, made by our Canadian Vice President William (Bill) Richardson, for the first time in our leadership’s history. Although Bill was not able to attend, his beautifully-carved wood masterpiece was presented to President Jim Nethery by our Chieftain Richard Graham.

Immediately following the banquet was the Mugdock Auction. During this time, we raised $898 to help fund restoration efforts at the Mugdock Castle in Scotland. The castle was once a stronghold of the Grahams.

The evening ended with members joining hands and singing the traditional Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Sunday was another beautiful day to enjoy the games, Highland dancing, music, vendors, whisky and mead tasting tent, food and friendships. Richard ended the games at the closing ceremony. Many members opted to stay over a few days after the AGM to visit the many sites of Las Vegas and the surrounding area.

The 2013 AGM committee thanks all those who helped to make this year’s event a success. Mòran taing!

2012 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

BY RICHARD GRAHAM
CHIEFTAIN, CLAN GRAHAM IN NORTH AMERICA

This year is a special year for Grahams worldwide. In 2012, we celebrate the birth of one of Scotland’s greatest heroes and patriots–the renowned James Graham, 5th Earl and 1st Marquis of Montrose, born in 1612, 400 years ago–a life which has been celebrated in books and verse many times over.

Those who attended the special service to celebrate his life in the (Maryville College) campus chapel on May 19, 2012, heard some details of his life from me, Jim Nethery and His Grace, the Duke of Montrose. His life was also celebrated at the High Kirk of St. Giles in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 21, 2012. Our Chief’s and the Duchess’s son, James, the Marquis of Graham, attended the Service of Commemoration while our Chief was with us in America.

This special year also includes a changing of the guard in that Larry Nichols retires and Jim Nethery takes over as president of the Clan Graham Society. Larry has done a great job for us over the last four years and in particular has overseen the production of our newsmagazine, expertly produced by Society Editor Ekena B. Parkinson and then printed and distributed by Society Communications Vice President Wrifton Graham. Ekena, our new webmaster, has taken over and greatly improved an already wonderful Society website originally managed Bob Howard, past membership chairman, newsletter editor and webmaster. Larry’s expertise in the communications area has been invaluable to the Society during his tenure as president. You see, Larry was a Florida newspaper editor himself with good communications and administrative knowledge. Some of you might remember that a long time ago Larry also produced, printed and mailed the newsletter himself. That’s a person with quite a career for us to have been blessed with. Thanks for all you have done for us, Larry! I’m sure that you will continue to support the Clan Graham Society and I do hope that you will continue to be in the loop of communications with the Society, and especially with Ekena and Wrifton.

My best wishes and thanks go out to you all and especially to all those who work for the Clan Graham Society, including the following who have arranged and planned the 2012 AGM in Maryville, Tennessee:

• Jeremy Dick
• Kiersten Graham Dick
• Cliff Fitzsimmons (President of the Smoky Mountain Highland Games and Vice President of Membership of the Clan Graham Society)
• Angela Groenhout
• Annette Graham Jones
• Ron Jones

2012 AGM Highlights

Location: Maryville, Tennessee (Ruby Tuesday Lodge)

Thursday, May 17

• Officers meeting
• Optional excursion to Pigeon Forge and tour of Maryville College campus
• Informal meet-and-greet gathering with the Duke and Duchess of Montrose

Friday, May 18

• Tour to Great Smoky Mountain Park, Heritage Center Townsend Museum and Cades Cove
• Smoky Mountain Highland Games
• Executive Society officers, Duke and Duchess and sponsors attend the Smoky Mountain Highland Games (SMHG) cocktail social and gala
• Mugdock auction – More than $1,650 was raised to benefit restoration efforts of the Mugdock Castle!

Saturday, May 19

• Memorial service for the 400th anniversary of the birth of the 1st Marquis of Montrose at the Maryville College campus chapel
• Smoky Mountain Highland Games
• AGM banquet / new president installed / special gifts presented to the Duke and Duchess

Sunday, May 20

• Smoky Mountain Highland Games
• Farewell get-together

“Smokey Mountain Memories”

• Travelogue by Jenny Fitzsimmons (PDF download)

For best viewing of the PDF, launch either Acrobat Reader or Preview. In the drop-down menu, go to View and choose Page Display/PDF Display. Then check Two-Up/Two-Pages Continuous.

Travelogue by Bill Richardson

Travelogue by Pattie Theriot

Travelogue by Ann Belanger

Travelogue by Shirley Graham Fraser

Travelogue by Shirley Graham Fraser