CHIEFTAIN’S MESSAGE

I look forward to welcoming you to the events.

Chieftain

EDITOR’S NOTE

Yvanka Jeffery – Newsletter Editor

WITH HONOURS

On Behalf of the Java St. Andrew Society, we would like to congratulate Rod Ramsay, who may, since December 1998, call himself Rod Ramsay OBE.

Rod already received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II in 1986 for services rendered to the British Community. His OBE is obtained for his role in the development of the trade relations between Great Britain and Indonesia. Rod was one of the founding members of the Indonesian-British Association (IBA) in 1975 and has been the Honorary Secretary for IBA for 18 years. He has fulfilled functions on committees and boards of amongst others; the British School, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), British Executive Services Overseas (BESO), Overseas Shipowners Representative Association (OSRA), the Foreign Investors Group of IBA and Indonesia Royal Overseas League. Most of us will know Rod as an active member of the Society. He was one of the committee members of the first Highland Gathering in Jakarta in 1975 and served on its committee for many years, his last position being Executive Secretary. He was a committee member of the Society from 1975 until 1984, during which period Rod, and his lovely wife Hilke, hosted the Scottish Country Dance practises at their home 33 times!

Congratulations, Rod! We are very proud to have you amongst us!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Alison & Tony Milne

Tara Joanne

Born on February 1st , 1999

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

HIGHLAND GATHERING UPDATE

I have been asked by a number of people what is happening about the 1999 Highland Gathering and what charitable donations were made in 1998.

Suffice to say that thanks to the prudent investments by Bob Garden and various companies donating their Gathering Sponsorship to the gathering various charities have benefited over the last year. A detailed article on the monies paid to various charities and the sponsors who donated their sponsorship to the Gathering Charities will appear in the next edition of the Magazine.

Concerning this year:

• the timing of the General election
• the likelihood of various people leaving in May
• reluctance of bands and dancers to travel
• the closure of schools in May
• the uncertain political situation

led the Execom to decide that the Gathering as it has been known in the past will not take place this year.

If there is an improvement in the political/social situation in Jakarta it is proposed that a Mini Gathering for local participants could be held. This will be low key and held at a venue which does not attract too much attention like ISCI, Country Woods or BIS. It would likely be run during the day with the Ceilidh which the Society is planning for a Saturday in late September/early October being held in the evening.

Early steps are underway to organise the 2000 Gathering on Sunday 28^th May at a venue being discussed at present. Political situation allowing hopefully this will be an excellent return to the Jakarta highland Gathering.

Further news will follow but any comments from Members would be appreciated.

Ronnie R McCracken - HG Committee Secretary

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Tel: 766.0918
Fax: 759.03755
HP: 0816 – 1822889

PT Rafina Sejahtera Prima
Tel: 7179.3342 Fax: 7919.3351
E: marl@dnet.net.id

Tel: 719.0439

!! Please advise Avril of any changes of address and contact numbers!!

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE HALL

NEW MEMBERS

DEPARTING MEMBERS

Forwarding addresses are available from Avril McLeod.

SECRETARY'S REPORT ON THE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

I noticed, when typing the Minutes of the first committee meeting recently, that our new Editor had managed to inveigle Bernie McCready into writing about Burns Supper and Avril McLeod (that's me) into doing the same thing for the AGM. I am hoping this alphabetical linking does not become a trend otherwise in order to avoid further requests for literary input I shall have to ensure that there is a ban on all future functions beginning with the letter A. This means that all AGM's would become known as General Annual Meetings.

Going back to that first "you will, won't you?" phone call and my reaction - "What on earth" I had said to Yvanka "does one write about an AGM (sorry, GAM) that doesn't read like a rehash of the Minutes. "Oh, you'll think of something" was her soothing, if slightly unhelpful, reply. Well, at least one good thing has come out of it, and that is the Minutes have been typed much earlier than usual simply to jog the old grey matter. It has to be admitted that this is due to my imbibing a few more gin & tonics than usual after the meeting to compensate for the first one, which lasted from 7pm, when I arrived at the Kristal, until the meeting closed at 9.30.

After a slow start - I thought that we might have to move the meeting to the Satu Lagi Bar - people started pouring in and all seemed to be having a good time. These annual meetings are usually endured not enjoyed, at least until the official part is over and in an effort to get things moving in that direction the Chieftain, the Treasurer and the Secretary moved to the top table.

Nobody noticed.

The Chieftain of the past year, Chuck Jeffery, rapped loudly on the table with one of the artifacts of office, which reduced the hubbub, and at 8pm the proceedings got under way. The 60 or so members that had made it to the meeting (a few didn't get further than the bar) were warmly welcomed, the 1998 Minutes approved and then the Chieftain commenced his Report.

"What an interesting year this has been!" he began. Our erstwhile Chieftain is certainly a master of understatement. Having expressed disappointment at the cancellation of the Highland Gathering he went on to say that circumstances did not deter his talented committee from organising a number of successful social events including the very entertaining Ball. Early in the year a special Charity Fund had been set up and Rp 7million collected, which was boosted by a surplus from the lucrative joint Ceilidh with the St. Patrick's Society enabling a donation of around Rp.20 million to the Community Development Foundation. After careful monitoring, a further Rp.40 million donation is planned if the charity comes up to scratch. Membership had taken a bit of a tumble during the year due to the exodus of many members but was still very healthy at 408. Finally, Chuck gave deserved praise to each member of the team for his or her special efforts, to Bernie McCready for his fatherly advice, Mike Ross for his support and, most importantly, Yvanka for her encouragement and exceptional hard work.

Next on the agenda was the Treasurer's Report, which our canny Ronnie McCracken kept brief and to the point. We learnt that despite a difficult year the Society did well in1998 finishing with a stronger than usual surplus, mainly from sponsorship and raffle income at the Ball but also aided by other successful events and high interest rates from the Time Deposit. Because of rising prices for alcoholic and soft drinks, a new system of ticket books had been established for the subsidized Members Nights. He made reference to the Charity Fund, and advised that the US dollar account remaining from the Ball would be used as a hedge against various costs. Referring to one of the objectives in the Constitution that requires the Society look after deserving folk of Scottish ilk if their hour of need ever arises, Ronnie suggested that a surplus should be maintained against such an unfortunate situation occurring in these more difficult times. The floor was then open for questions, which prompted a spate of comments about repatriating needy Scots but no reference to the accounts. Did that sigh from my left denote relief by any chance, Ronnie?

The next item, which covered AOB relating to the past year, was devoted to the chattering that went on during speeches and entertainment at Burns Supper in January. This was a subject on which Gordon Benton felt most strongly saying it was an appalling testimony to good manners, and which everyone agreed was embarrassing and extremely impolite to those who had volunteered to speak and entertain. Cathy Dover suggested that the problem may lie in the fact that some of the non-Scottish guests (particularly non-members) did not understand the tradition behind the event. She suggested a prior explanation about the function would help people decide whether they, or their guests, wished to go or not. However, as Peter Doe so rightly pointed out "It all boils down to manners, and one should remain quiet out of politeness". Sandie Law skillfully brought the subject to a close by saying that the new Committee would take a note of the points raised.

Now to the most important point, which was the election of the new Chieftain and Committee. Gordon Benton had agreed to officiate and having ascertained that there were no other contenders for Chieftain, Treasurer or Secretary, John Flannigan, Ronnie McCracken and yours truly were elected to the respective positions. However, two further candidates were proposed and seconded for Deputy Chieftain and the names of Alistair Speirs and Kate Robson joined that of David Beattie on the whiteboard. Ballot papers were distributed to the Full members and Bob McLeod and Chris Botting were given the task of counting the votes. After a break, during which they muttered together and made copious notes, the result was announced - a win for the fairer sex, so Kate Robson was duly declared Deputy Chieftain. All three had previously been asked if they wished to stand for the General Committee if unsuccessful in the last round of votes and with Mark Aitken joining Alistair and David as another candidate their names were added under those of Sandie Law, Mark Manderson, Michele Robertson and Rab Thomas. The whiteboard now resembled the wall of an Egyptian tomb. Bob and Chris retired to their corner to mutter and scribble yet again, the result of which was a place on the Committee for the four original nominees, Sandie, Mark M, Michele and Rab. Congratulations (or should it be commiserations) to us all and thanks to Gordon, Bob and Chris for making sure the election ran without a hitch.

All that was left was for Chuck to pass on the regalia of office to John Flannigan and wish him and his new Committee every success. The former Chieftain also presented the Society with a splendid dirk, which he suggested may be useful for ceremonial purposes such as cutting the haggis. Traditionally, the date of the St. Andrew's Ball is announced at this time and Sandie Law advised the members that it had been set for Saturday, November 27, provisionally at the Hotel Mulia Senayan.

Andrew Winstanley proposed a toast to Chuck and Yvanka Jeffery for an excellent term and that was another AGM over for another year.

-Contributed by Avril McLeod-

WHO IS YOUR NEW COMMITTEE??

I have asked all members of the new committee to give a little introduction about themselves. So here it goes; JSAS uncensored!!

John Flannigan – Chieftain

Born, bred and educated in Edinburgh – Chartered Architect by qualification. Royal Air Force promised to allow him to fly anything except expensive jet fighters so he joined the Royal Engineers instead. The usual round of Germany, Northern Ireland, Middle and Far East resulted in a journey to Muscat to work for the Sultanate of Oman’s MOD Engineering Division where he stumbled across Jacquie, married, and later returned to Edinburgh to open his own practice. The impending recession and lure of sunshine, sand and opportunity drew them back to the United Arab Emirates in 1991 to build airports in Al Ain and Dubai and then straight on to Indonesia in 1997. Having served on the Caledonian Committee in Oman and Al Ain where he was Chieftain for two years, as well as RA for that well known running club for people with a drink problem, the Hash House Harriers, he is happy to have been elected to serve as Chieftain of the Java St Andrew Society.

Kate Robson – Deputy Chieftain

Kate was born in Stornoway, in the Outer Hebrides, but shortly moved to the relatively balmy temperatures of Inverness. Having struggled through the Royal Academy there she went on to study Occupational Therapy in Edinburgh but, after finishing the course, somehow ended up selling Welding Engineering and Metallurgical Services to the Oil industry in Aberdeen. From there came a chance to go to Lagos, Nigeria, where she met Hugh, and returned with him 3 years later to London. Kate then worked in London for 3 years, with an all-female company, selling Fax machines and PCs but this stage of her career was interrupted by the arrival of Max (now 10). In 1989 they went to Hong Kong for 3 years, where she worked part-time for Learning International, punctuated by the arrival of two more children (Hayley and Fergus) and seemed destined to do everything in 3-year cycles until arriving here 7 years ago. 6 months after arriving here, Kate was at the St. Andrews Ball, was talent-spotted by Gill Wight who flattered her into joining the Ladies Dance team for the next Highland Gathering, and has been a regular competitor in the dance teams since then. History here includes directing 3 of the BWA Fashion shows, retailing fashion jewellery from the UK and arranging events for the "other" society, of which her husband was once President. Since then she has been a fairly regular participant in St. Andrews’ Society events, and has helped organise some. She hopes to have an interesting year as Deputy Chieftain (though not in the way 1998 was ‘interesting’ for the expats in Jakarta!).

Ronnie McCracken – Honorary Treasurer

I have been in Jakarta since December 1994 and am the Technical Advisor to an international firm of Insurance Loss Adjusters. In my spare time I am also as International Sailing Judge.

Avril McLeod – Honorary Secretary & Membership

Birdwatching is my hobby but birds are in rather short supply in this sprawling metropolis – apart from those confined to small cages (sadly too many). For that reason, whenever time allows, I like to join Bob, whose

Avril McLeod – Honorary Secretary & Membership - continued

We live just outside the Jakarta boundary – at an address your drivers invariably can’t find – with our seven cats, various birds (in aviaries), ten terrapins, umpteen fish, three chickens, and one Slow Loris, which we’ve had since birth. Life is never dull!

Sandy Law – Hotel liason / Décor

On a serious note, I basically take care of all the décor involved in the three major events the Society caters to during the year; the Burns Supper, the Ceilidh and of course, the Ball. I book the hotel, arrange menus, organise table centrepieces, gifts for the ladies, decoration and do most of the liasing with the hotel prior to the actual event. Then on the day of the event I supervise the set-up and any other last minute details pertaining to the overall look. The job itself is relatively easy and after 3 years of doing it – it has become much easier. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction on the actual evening (especially the Ball) to look around and see it’s all in place and as it should be. For those of you who don’t know I work here in Jakarta for the world’s largest International Moving Company – Jakarta’s finest! Look for our ad in this newsletter!

Michele Robertson – Entertainment

Hi, my name is Michele Robertson. Born in Edinburgh and brought up (much to my Grandparents’ dismay) in Glasgow, where I also went to University. Having only arrived in Jakarta in November I am surprised at how quickly I have been sussed out and landed this job! To be truthful we have had our fair share of parties. My husband Gus and I have met in Nigeria, through the Caledonian Society and partied our way through many a coup. We moved to Saudi where we became members of the Caledonian Society in Bahrain and travelled "overseas" for many functions (and come to think of it we partied through the Gulf War!). We have both been involved in Scottish Country Dancing throughout our 17 years marriage with Gus often yelling at the adults and me cajoling the children to get them to "Step we gaily…" or whatever. I am practised in the art of last minute organisation having been Chieftains Lady when we had two weeks to completely re-organise a Chieftain’s Ball due to the death of a local Chief!! I play golf, very badly, and Mah-jong as often as possible! I am Membership Secretary to the BWA, so no new member joining the BWA will be left ignorant to the joys of the JSAS! In between Al Khobar and here we did 4 years in Horsham, West Sussex, were we have a house and many good friends. (Some are even English!) Now our two daughters, are at School in Edinburgh (hopefully picked up a Scottish accent at the same time as a Scottish education), and I have time on my hands which I will be putting to good use. With your support we can make this a year to remember…. and I am always open to suggestions and ideas!

Mark Manderson – Sports Convenor

I am the Sports Convenor, the Financial Advisor with the curiously southern accent who works for Meridian International. My parents were both from North of the border my Father from Fort George, Inverness and my Mother from Buckie. I however was born and brought up in SouthEast Kent, but I am still Scottish and proud of it. I was as a child and still am Sports Crazy, some even say I’m still a child! I’ve played Rugby at all levels since I was 8 years old rising through the ranks of mini rugby to colts and school rugby to senior rugby. I have played for two English clubs, Betteshanger C.W.R.F.C. (if anybody can work out what the C.W.R.F.C. is I will buy them a pint) and Sutton & Epsom RFC I then moved to

Mark Manderson – Sports Convenor - continued

Denmark where I coached and Captained two Danish First Division sides and gained 9 International Caps before retiring through Injury at the grand old age of 33. I then took up Refereeing and Refereed First grade rugby both in Denmark and Singapore. Since finishing with rugby my sporting passion has become Golf and my handicap in the past 4 years has dropped from 18 to 8. It has been through Golf that I was asked to Captain the Scottish side in their bi-annual battle with the English and hence asked onto the committee as overall Sports Convenor. I look forward to being your committee member for 1999 and if you are interested in participating or helping with any of the Societies sports please do not hesitate to contact me.

Rab Thomas – Drinks Convenor

Whilst in the Middle East I belonged to the Hash House Harriers and for many years I was their "Water Hole Attendant", which comprises similar duties as I have now undertaken with the Society. My Manageress, Carol, has promised to assist as and when required, so we look forward to a good and fun year.

Peter Nimmo – Dance Convenor

The JSAS Web Site was started in 1998 and is intended to act as both a source of information on the various events and activities that the Society is engaged in, and also provide some history of the Society through the archive pages. For the web site to continue to grow and be of use to members, it must remain in a state of dynamic equilibrium to maintain interest. This is not always easy and I welcome any suggestions on changes, improvements or additions."

Yvanka Jeffery – Newsletter Editor

I was born and raised in the South of Holland (also cold and wet) and came to Indonesia after I graduated from Hotelschool. Don’t ask me why, it just seemed a good idea at the time. I have been working here in various hotels for the last 8 years and am presently working at Hotel Kristal, where I have been for the last 2 ½ years. The reason why I am involved in all this, is because I bumped into this Scotsman in a bar in Jakarta (where else?), who swept me off my feet and married me. Although a Scottish wedding band doesn’t give you life membership, I have been an associate member since 1997, and have had my fair share of Scottish life in Indonesia after Chuck’s chieftain-ship last year. I must say that by now, I feel like an adopted Scot, but I’m still working on the accent! I am looking forward to being part of the Society for another year and am counting on your support and writing talents. I will be in touch with you !

Notice to golfers

Do you play Golf?? If not why not?? If you do and would like to be considered for selection in the bi-annual match against the auld enemy then please contact Mark Manderson at the numbers below. The auld enemy this time should just be the English but you never know so come on lets go and win back the Thomson Cup.

The date for the next match has been set for April 10^th and the venue has to be confirmed, but please confirm your availability along with your current handicap as early as possible and preferably by fax to:

Mark Manderson. (Contact details on page 1)

Sports Update

Are you interested in Sport? Are you looking to get fit? Or are you just looking forward to a relaxing game of Golf or Bridge?

Phone the people who know! You never know the next step may be representing the Society against the English! Sportsmen and women of all standards are welcome; so go on have a go.

Here are some useful contacts.

If you are interested in playing or indeed already are playing a different sport and would like other Society members to play then please contact Mark Manderson. Other sports played on a regular basis here in Jakarta include Rugby, Volleyball and Softball. So come on give me a call and have a go.

Mark Manderson. (Contact details on page 1)

THE BURNS SUPPER

I was delighted, as were the rest of the audience , when our Chieftain, in a touching ceremony, conferred the title Honourary Life Member on Gill Wight and Bob Garden. Very thoughtful, Chuck, and the first time to my knowledge the Burns Supper has been used for such an important event. Another "first" also happened here, unheard of in our community – Gill stuck for words.

The evening (and morning) was a fitting conclusion to the Chieftain’s successful social calendar.

- Contributed by Bernie McCready -

DID YOU KNOW?

""THE family of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of France’s greatest rulers, may have come from a tiny Scottish village, according to new research. Evidence that Napolean’s grandfather came from Balloch, near the Scottish town of Crieff in Perthshire, has been uncovered by local historian Robert Torrens. Torrens found an account in a book published more than a century ago of how a labourer named William Bayne left Balloch shortly after the collapse of the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Bayne decided to seek a new home abroad. He and his family were shipwrecked in a storm and landed in Corsica, where they were hospitably received, according to Torrens. "They were know as Bayne, or Buon, and his party," he told The Daily Telegraph. "In course of time, his sons were called Buon-de-party and now figures in history as the great Napoleon." In an editorial the Telegraph said the story was bound to prompt controversy among historians. "Whether the tale of MacNapoleon is true or not, he may still have the power to drive people to blows," the newspaper said.""

- From Robert Park -

It has been announced that after the election on 6 May, the 129 members of the new parliament will meet on 12 May to elect a "presiding officer" and deputy, who will become the speaker and deputy speaker. The parliament will then be opened by the Queen on 1 July in the temporary premises in the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall on the Mound. - From Mark Aitken -

An advertising campaign on TV and in newspapers has been launched to encourage Scots to vote at the election for the new Scottish parliament on 6 May and to explain the new voting system. In addition to the advertising campaign, every household in Scotland will receive a leaflet giving information on the elections. The leaflet will be available in Gaelic, Urdu, Gujurati, Punjabi, Hindi and Cantonese. It will also be printed in Braille and large print, and available as and audio tape. Voters will have three votes on 6 May – one for a local Member of the Scottish parliament (MSP) who will be elected on the traditional basis of winning the most votes in a constituency. The second vote is for a party list – the seats are allocated in proportion to the votes cast for a party. Polls suggest that many voters do not understand that they will have these two votes and that their second vote can be for the same or a different party from the first vote. The third ballot paper will be for the local council elections, held on the same day. - From Mark Aitken -

BLAST FROM THE PAST

"In view of the uncertain fluctuations in the value of the Rupiah, Mr. Curry suggested that the funds of the Society be invested in Whisky, which would be kept in the Chartered Bank. This was AGREED."

Extract taken from the meeting minutes of April 27^th, 1957 at 9 AM, and attended by Mr. J.A. Scott, Chieftain and Mr. E.J. Gardner;

"The Chieftain opens the meeting by reporting that all other Members of the Committee have left Indonesia, and Mr. Gardner leaves in May. Mr. Gardner states that Mr. Knowles (HKSB) is agreeable to taking over the duties of Hon. Secretary/Treasurer of the Society and it is resolved that he shall be and he is hereby coopted to the Committee to fill this vacancy. The meeting closed at 9.05 AM"

Who is the fruit cake ???

- From Mark Aitken -

SCOTTISH LITERATURE

Robert William Service was born in Preston, in the English County of Lancashire, on January 16, 1874, the son of a bank cashier and the daughter of a wealthy distillery family. When he was 5 years old, he went to live with his paternal grandfather, the postmaster in Kilwinning, Ayrshire in Scotland, where he composed his first poem at the age of 6. When he was 9, his parents moved to Glasgow, and Robert rejoined the family. He went to school in Glasgow and took his first job in a shipping office. Later he decided to follow his father’s footsteps and went to work for the Commercial Bank of Scotland. At the bank from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, he now had time at home to write and added to his modest twenty pounds a year bank salary by selling his verses. He went to university next, but when this did not work out, he left Glasgow at the age of 21 to sail steerage to Montreal. He travelled around Canada and the United States, having various jobs at farms and stores. He eventually got a job with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Victoria, where he found time to write about life in the Yukon, based on stories he heard during his travels and while working in the bank. A Scottish publisher first published this work after he had sent his work home to his father.The following poem is called "Bessie’s Boil" and comes from his 6^th book, called "Bar-room Ballads".

BESSIE’S BOIL (A Lancashire ballad)

- Robert William Service-

SCOTTISH RECIPES

Also know as Potato Cakes, these are a great favourite in Scotland and Ireland. They go well with Bacon on its own, or as part of a Scottish Cooked Breakfast. My family sometimes has them with mince on top, too.

-From Kate Robson-

1 boiling fowl
1 bay leaf
1 lb leeks, slit, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
4 pints stock or water (10 cups)
1 oz (2 tablespoons) long grain rice
4 oz (2/3 cup) dried prunes, soaked overnight
salt & pepper