clansmen and what they stood for.  Checking historical movement of the Scots, you will find that movements to Canada, America and Australia started about 20 years prior to 1745,  because  many persons were being kidnapped, sentenced as indentured servants for petty crimes, sold as slaves, and children taken from the parents who were either killed or threatened. Some could see the end of their culture in the coming future. It was easier for the clan chiefs to destroy their clansmen realizing  that the  prospect of income  from the land used for cattle and sheep than to  try to civilize the populace under them.

Today in North America, the clan societies are enjoying the revival of the old Scottish traditions and cultures of their heritage by attending the Scottish Gatherings, Festivals and Games. Some clan organizations have a Chief, by traceable heritage. Many do not have this pleasant and traditional custom. Turnbull Clan has not had a known traceable chief in over 450 years.

Legend of the Kirkin' o’ the Tartans

Legend tells the story of the tiny pieces of tartan hidden in a persons clothing on the day of blessings. After the Scots were defeated at Culloden Moors, in 1746 the English decreed that the ways and culture of the Scots were forbidden. This included the wearing of one’s tartan. The Scots were fervent Christians and very canny in that they clung to their ancient traditions in secret by putting them underground. The Kirk (church) was their place of worship and one Sunday out of the year they would hide a piece of their tartan in their clothing for the blessing to be given that day.  While the minister pronounced the blessing on all tartans the Scots would silently pledge their loyalty and respect to their old traditions.

Every Scottish Game, Gathering or Festival in North America holds the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans, on the opening day to start the festivities.

Aussie news part 2, by Dawn Day

A.B. Banjo Paterson in his song Waltzing Matilda defined the spirit  that inspires us all to be innovative when we are down and out, to be proud of our independence to the point of not wanting to live without it. It gives us courage to face great challenges, not only in our individual lives but as a nation, like Olympics, and the determination to battle all odds in war and in peace. That is the spirit we Aussie Battlers have always been proud of but seem to be losing in these times when our nation is divided over many issues. It was so good to go back to our grass roots and spend time with people who know what it is to face hardship and overcome it, are proud of their history and are carrying those values, beliefs and hopes with them into the future. It was a healing time for us both!

A brief review of the town of Winton.

The centre has a legend section and a museum. One interesting “legend” is that during WWll Winston Churchill, who was the Prime Minster at the time, was entertaining General DeGaulle, the French leader, and our Prime Minster Bob Menzies by singing to them.

The museum holds all kinds of paraphernalia even a steam engine that is the envy of many bigger museums. Amongst it all, the things that people made themselves either because they were not available or not yet invented, showing how resourceful people of that era were.

In the town there is an Opal Walk that leads into an old Open-air theater. Remember the old canvas deck chairs?? The projectors are still there with lots of old posters advertising films that I remember seeing when I was a teenager. The theater is used every Wednesday for some kind of entertainment. The rubbish bins lining the main street are shaped like large green dinosaur’s feet. The water supply, which is considered very pure, comes from the Artesian Basin four thousand feet (1000 meters) underground. When it reaches the surface it is 80^oC [about 200 degrees F] and for safety reasons it is cooled to 50^oC before it is piped into the water pipes.

We are headed towards Brisbane and then home. The weather has been great, clear blue skies, and comfortable temperature.

The most exciting thing about Winston, for us, is that there are 37 Turnbulls in the telephone directory between Winston and Rockhamptom.

Regards to everyone,
Dawn Day

Editor Note: I find it very interesting that the Opal Walk is not chipped away and stolen as so many things are nowadays. I guess the reason it is not done is that Winston is so near the major Opal mine fields that it is not worth tearing up the walk way.

Happy Birthday

Dennis Hagerman, Gordon W. Turnbull, James J. Olson, Carolyn Turnbull, Kathleen M. Turnbull, Elaine Kerr Weller, Glenn McConkey, Leonard J. Turnbull, Ann Turnbull, Agnes Turnbull Corns, Wilma Ledgerwood, Olive Turnbull, Helen Mary Turnbull, John Gibson lll, Thomas Turnbull lV, Roland Bonewitz, Bill Turnbull.