Staying in Touch –
at a safe distance!
Happy New Year to you and yours.
2020 is over and hopefully sometime in 2021 we can get together and dance again!
Since ancient times, households across Scotland have welcomed strangers through their doors with the aim of bringing good fortune for the year ahead.
First footing, which stems from the Gaelic practice of “qualtagh”,
Traditionally, the first footer should be someone who was not already in the house when midnight struck – hence the Scottish party tradition of having one guest leave just before the bells so they can knock on the door as the new year begins.
The first footer will usually come bearing gifts.
Traditionally, they would arrive loaded with a coin, bread, salt, a lump of coal, and whisky – gifts representing all the things the new year would hopefully bring, such as prosperity, food, flavour, warmth and good cheer.
So here is my virtual first foot for you.
Included in today’s offering is a continuation of the answer to the question “What do members do in their spare time when not dancing”. Hugh Carter explains his other hobby – model railways.
We have the Scottish Society of Ottawa’s virtual hogmanay party full of all things Scottish. Enjoy.
And finally some groaners on that other subject.
Thank you for recording the Hogmanay show from last night, we watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Interesting visit to Hugh’s basement. Fabulous hobby. Thanks again Charlie and Happy New Year to everyone. Liz
Hi Liz
Good to hear from you and I am delighted you enjoyed Wimplethorpe. One of the unexpected joys of doing the railway has been seeing the reactions of adults and children to to when operating. It is great for entertaining the grandchildren.
All the best for 2021 and I hope to see you dancing before too terribly long!
Hugh
Well done especially your piece on Hugh Carter. Because of Covid, this is the first year that I have been able to have a model railroad layout under the Christmas Tree. Each day is like Christmas as I bring out a new train to run. I’ve been collecting for 55 years.
Hello Bob:
I agree that Charlie did a good job on the video and I delighted to hear that you have a model railroad under the Christmas tree. What scale are you using for your models, you must have quite a collection after 55 years. Wimplethorpe is 148:1 or N Gauge.
All the best for 2021 and I hope to see you dancing before too terribly long!
Hugh
Thanks very much for the Hogmanay show. I had missed it last night and had heard how good it was.
I enjoy your “keeping in touch “ emails. It’s been al long 10 months or so without our dancing.
Absolutely riveting – the whole thing, glad you got Hugh on!
Dear Eileen:
I am so glad that you enjoyed or rather were riveted by the video which Charlie put together so well. It is strange that you should use the expression “riveting” as this is how we describe members of the model fraternity who “nit pick”. We call them rivet counters. You know the type: trying to find fault rather than enjoying what is good. Fortunately there are not too many of them.
All the best for 2021 and I hope to see you dancing before too terribly long!
Hugh
Dear Eileen:
I am so glad that you enjoyed or rather were riveted by the video which Charlie put together so well. It is strange that you should use the expression “riveting” as this is how we describe members of the model fraternity who “nit pick”. We call them rivet counters. You know the type: trying to find fault rather than enjoying what is good. Fortunately there are not too many of them.
All the best for 2021
Hugh
Thank you Charlie and Hugh! You treated us to a wonderful enlightening glimpse into the fascinating world of trains! We enjoyed it so much. Our grandchildren will be making appointments to view your train for sure as soon as we are able. And their grandparents will have to go with them…we are excited with that prospect to see it in person.
Thank you so much for this “Keeping In Touch”, Hugh .
Until we see you all, keep well!
Marion & Michael
Yes, Charlie certainly did a fine job with the material at hand. Your grandchildren will be very welcome and, of course, the grandparents as well.
As I said above, to Liz, the reactions of children are just great. I do have to keep an eye on adults though but it is all good fun.
All the best for 2021
Hugh
Well, it has taken me until the end of January 3 to watch all this show, as we were busy bubbling and zooming with family over the New Year, but Wow! what a show. I really enjoyed the OttScot Hogmanay, such talent, and the one advantage of this restricted year is that we get to see shows which we wouldn’t normally go to. Thank you, Charlie. And as for Hugh’s railway, it is an incredible enterprise, such attention to Happy New Year everyone! detail, and so beautifully laid out. Well done!
Mary:
Yes, Charlie really put on a great show. I am glad you enjoyed the bit about the railway. The incredible part is that Rosy still puts up with me!
Hi to all! I thoroughly enjoyed this segment …. especially the section on the St Raphael’s Ruins which has been the Parish for the MacCulloch Family for over 100 years.
Thank you Charlie (even for the groaners) and Hugh for the insight into what you do in your spare time.
All the best to everyone in 2021!
Phyllis