2009 International Gathering

[ianjonefan]

Oops I forgot to mention that I plan to leave on the 28th of July , and return to the U.S. on the 9th of August 2009 I also forgot to mention I would perfere to leave on a late afternoon , or evening flight. That way when we arrive in Scotland a day before the gathering we'll have time to rest up , and get adjusted to the time difference

[ianjonefan]

Here are the airports that I'm hoping to meet up with some of my "Cameron cousins" they either be listed by city , or airport. Prior to flying on to the gathering. They are as follows . Atlanta . Boston (Logan) Charleston , Chicago(O'Hare) Houston , JFK, & Newark. I'm hoping we would end up on the same flight.

[ianjonefan]

If we can't meet on the same flight would anyone be interested in sharing a room with me to cut down on expences? I'll be staying at the Nevis Bank Hotel 6 nights in Fort William , Holiday Express Inn Express in Glasgow 3 nights , and 3 nights at the Tudorbank Lodge 3 nights Edin burgh. If there are any interested persons please email me at [e-mail] for more details.

[Thomas Cameron]

What are you doing to inform Cameron Clansfolk about the 2009 Gathering? As members of the Clan Cameron Association, one of our founding objectives is to "promote" our collective heritage. The International Gathering is definitely something we need to promote, especially to those of Clan Cameron ancestry who are not members of the Clan Cameron Association.

As many of you already know, there is a form that clansfolk may use to register their interest in attending the 2009 Gathering. In this form there is a field where they may list the branch in which they are members. Surprisingly, the vast majority of those registering interested are NOT members of a Clan Cameron Association branch.

This leads one to ponder just how many clansfolk are out there who might have an interest in their heritage but know little or nothing about the Clan Cameron Association or Gathering.

Let's hear your ideas to promote the Gathering. I'll mention one idea that is too expensive to consider - advertising. We did reach out to The Highlander magazine and it would cost a large sum to publish ads in upcoming issues. However, if you have a corporate or private sponsor in mind, please let me know - we'd definitely work with them to get those ads posted!

[ianjonefan]

Thomas,
I do not know if this will work out , but for those Camerons that do not belong to a Clan cameron Associan , or get the HIGHLANDER , or the SCOTTISH BANNER: . Would it be possible to have an announcement of the gathering via the major news networks ? Here in Nebraska there's a radio network called net nebraska radio network that promotes the Irish & Scottish culture in music . The name of the program is Shramrock & Thistle , I do not get it in my area , but it might be another source for spreading the word . I've also been giving information about the gathering to the Scottish Society of Necraska

[houndofthearrows]

Hello Thomas,
It's good to see you posting lately. As far has getting the word out is concerned I've been spreading the word at Highland Games. For example last week in Rhode Island. We have also had it consistently in our Chapter's newsletter since it's been announced by Lochiel. I will also intensify the push this June and July not only to strengthen our membership but letting all know about the Gathering of 2009 for the Clan and Scotland. That's the great thing about having both events happening so close together. If planned right one could really have quite a memorable experience. Jon has a great idea about promoting it through radio stations that support the Celtic culture. Also contacting Colleges and Universities that have radio stations. Most times you can have something announced for free or next to nothing. Contacting local Scottish societies, clubs, etc to spread the word and post flyers not only to generate membership but to promote the Gathering. Branches and Chapters could also utilize the Gathering has a tool for promoting membership. By becoming a member it gives you the inside scoop on events like this and so much more. See if we can also post information at libraries, historical societies, well you get the idea. This may be redundant, but ideas none the less. Take it away Clan. What do you think? I just don't know about the T.V. spot. Maybe on a local access.
Yours Aye,
Sean

[Carol]

Hello Thomas,
Even though I am unable to attend the international gatherings of the Camerons, I do my best to promote the gatherings through my Cameron News online letter. Non of my cousins can claim that "they didn't know"! Wish I could be there at the gatherings, but alas, it's always a work schedule conflict.....or the price of airfare (outrageous!). and or ..... the price of gas (God help us all!)! Keep in touch!---Carol

[houndofthearrows]

May 23, 2008 22:31:27 GMT -6 Thomas Cameron said:

.

As many of you already know, there is a form that clansfolk may use to register their interest in attending the 2009 Gathering. In this form there is a field where they may list the branch in which they are members. Surprisingly, the vast majority of those registering interested are NOT members of a Clan Cameron Association branch.

Thomas, out of that vast majority did any of them leave their e-mail address for more information ? If so what about putting together a list ( I know that it's mentioned on the site elsewhere ) of all Clan contacts and send it personally to them. Ya know that personal touch. Some people might end up joining their respective Branch or Chapter. Along with the contacts include a welcoming message that gives a brief outline of how to join and some of the great benefits. I know it kinda sounds redundant when it's given in this message board, but sometimes it's that little extra follow up that makes it all come together and become more tangible. Again as always, just a thought.

[houndofthearrows]

Hi Carol,
Just wanted to shoot you a quick note to let you know I got your e-mail, but also to let you know I didn't get the other message that you said you sent via the Clan board. In your e-mail you said you didn't think it got through so I thought I'd confirm the fact. I didn't know if there was anything I might of missed in not receiving that message. Oh well. Anyhow be on the lookout for a e-mail in your near future. HEY !!!! Wait a second I just remembered did someone say that a grandchild was on the way. Specifically on the 22nd. WELL . You Must let us know. CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Sean

[ianjonefan]

Here's another idea , how about spreadindg the word through local St. Andrew Societies , and Scottish Societies with a list of the septs of Clan Cameron for those who don,t belong to a regional Clan Cameron Associan , or did not know there was one , and for those who names Like Chambers , Martin , Taylor , & ect. who probably didn't know that they're also a part of Clan Cameron

[Thomas Cameron]

All,

Keep those ideas coming.

Just as an FYI, since 2005 we have had a Public Relations Director - you know her as Anna (Gaelgal). From time to time we send our Press Releases concerning subjects, via Anna, and they are distributed to a very extensive listing of publications and societies. I'd recommend sending your local Burns or Saint Andrew society mailing information to Anna, so she can either verify that they are on the listing or add them to the listing.

Keep on posting ladies and gents. I get here when I can, but you should know that between coordinating the Oak Grove project, working on the Clan Cameron Heritage Trail and updating Virtual Lochaber (a major expansion prior to the 2009 Gathering) my time can be limited.

Jon and Sean - do either of you want to moderate a message board here? We'd also like to get your photos up there as well... PM me if you're willing.

[gaelgal]

Well, I'm here to post for a bit. Sorry I haven't been around much lately but life and work got in the way. Imagine that! Tom, I'm surprised you have time to get on here with all you are doing! Great conversations and ideas being posted. I read Sean's and Carol's comments about utilizing their newsletters for spreading the word, and we are putting the flyer up at our tent when we go to the Games. I am a little surprised that people are asking about the Gathering who are not members of Clan Cameron. I hope they decide to get connected! How I do love my extended Cameron family! Yes, Jon, we do send out announcements etc on a large group of people, but I would be happy to gather more names and addresses for Scottish Societies who could be included in our mailings. Y'all keep sending people to the link on the website, and don't forget to attend the games in your areas! Thanks for all you do!

[lauren]

I've been excited about this since I first heard about it last year. I was planning a big trip to go not just to Scotland and the gathering but to england and france as well. Unfortunately my university has made it clear that I can't go . I'll be thinking of everyone though and I hope you have an amazing time - hopefully some photos will be posted on the website!

[houndofthearrows]

Hi Lauren,
To bad that you'll miss it this time around. I can almost guarantee that they'll be many photos posted. You should actually check out the photos from the last Gathering. If you go back to the Clan's homepage there will be a link for info on the upcoming 2009 Gathering has well as the opportunity to check out photos from the previous one. You might also like to check out the Archives section. It's loaded with info and you can also check out some old photos and post cards. That might give you an idea of what some of the Cameron's look like as well. I know you were inquiring about that in another message you posted somewhere else on the board. It's good to see you about the board and if we can be of any assistance please feel free to let us know.
Yours Aye,
Sean

[cameroning]

Are many of the Camerons who post here going to attend the gathering??

[gaelgal]

I would hope so! But not all of us who can travel the world with our fingertips and Google will be able to amass the $$ it takes to physically go there. I myself am hoping... Wouldn't it be great to be there? I missed the last gathering. Felt kinda like Lauren in her post above.

[ianjonefan]

I just received the July / August issue of the Highlander today . For those that might have missed it the announcement for the Clan Cameron Gathering is on page 57 .

[robertcameron]

hi everyone. just registered and have been reading some of your messages.
I'm a Cameron from Ontario, but been here in england working for some time.
about spreading the gathering message....how about putting something like a link ,etc on places like: face book, my space,etc
don't know how to do it myself, but someone must have a teenager who can make something up
cheers.
rob

[Thomas Cameron]

Greetings Clansfolk,

Based on the July Gathering Planning Meeting that was held at Clunes and subsequent communications, we have now updated the 2009 Gathering events schedule. You may see the latest developments at www.clancamerongathering.org - click on the "events" listing linked from that page. Please note that this is still a tentative schedule and is subject to change. Major changes/updates include venues for all events (including those off-site from Achnacarry), some of the entertainment that will be featured and the news that the interior of Achnacarry Castle will not be ready by July 2009 and as such will not be open to visitors.

[camerondaughter]

Hello Cousins,
I am new to this message board. I am a member of the Red River branch.
I, along with my daughter, went to Scotland in August of 2007. This had always been a dream of my Fathers. Unfortunatly he passed away in Jan. of 2006, so this trip was a tribute to him.
Acnacarry was closed to the public due to remodeling for the 2009 gathering. I am sorry to hear that it will not be ready for us to see. I hope to be able to return for the gathering. We had a wonderful time while we were there. We stayed in Fort William for the latter part of our trip. Since neither of us had ever been to the UK, we signed up for a qroup Tour the first week. It gave us a little knowlege of where we were. My daughter drove and did a great job. I hope for a lot of messages from my cousins. Thanks for the site. camerondaughter.