We held our winter gathering of food, fun and friends on Saturday, 03 February 2018.

More than 40 people and children showed up for the festivities. We had a new venue this year, Estonia House, on Broadview Avenue, in Toronto. It has onsite parking, which is a real blessing when you are bringing in supplies and walking through snowy weather. The building is narrow on the street side, so it took a few tries for some people to find it, as they drove right by. Once in though, everyone found it to be a spacious and welcoming place and the staff were helpful and enthusiastic about having a new group using their facility.

The afternoon began with piper Kayleigh Johnstone, followed by Gaelic songs from Filina MacLean, Zachary Wallace, Matthew Chisholm and Nathaniel Harrington.

A buffet lunch was enjoyed by all and people were able to socialize with friends while they shared the food and the lovely desserts.
A raffle was going on throughout the afternoon, where people purchased tickets and put them in the paper bag accompanying the article they wanted.

Then, the big entertainment of the afternoon began with highland dancers, including three little boys kitted out in kilts and bonnets. They were from the Sheryl Joyner School of Highland Dance and, from what I could see, everyone loved them. The 14 dancers worked hard to please us, and having a stage for them to perform on in the room made all the difference, as everyone had a good view.

Then came the moment of truth for the raffle winners, who walked away from the display tables with their winnings in their arms, obviously happy with the results.

The afternoon was winding down. Donnie MacLean played several accordion numbers. A group of us played games which the games committee had organized. A favourite was the caber toss, with pool noodles. As the ceiling in the auditorium is high, folks were able to give their caber a good go.

Thank you so much to all the helping hands. It was a team event, and your contributions are much appreciated.
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I know that a number of people had to cancel their attendance due to illness, especially this nasty flu. We missed you, and hope you are on the mend.

It was a successful event, and I look forward to next year.


Moira Billard
Events Coordinator.

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Everyone arrived on time for this year’s thoroughly enjoyable Young Piper’s Championship, despite the snowy weather.  All of the pipers were excited to get started and proceeded to impress us with the high quality of their playing. 

Ian K. MacDonald, our esteemed judge for the event, told all six entrants that they had done a good job. 

The audience certainly enjoyed them and an added bonus was that we had a couple come to hear the event who were not part of the family or friends’ group, but who had read about the event on the website and thought it sounded interesting.

Appreciation is extended to Calvin Gordon who stepped up and assisted us as Steward for the day.

This was a nice reminder that everyone is welcome to attend all events and if you don’t know many people when you arrive, you will by the time you leave!

The results of the competition are as follows: ​

The winner of The Gaelic Society of Toronto Grade 3/4
Scott MacAulay Memorial Trophy and first place in his division: 
Caleb Macpherson, Oshawa 
 
The winner of The Gaelic Society of Toronto Grade 1/2
Captain Iain Macdonald Memorial Trophy 
1st place   -   Colin Johnstone, Aurora 
2nd place  -  Kayleigh Johnstone, Aurora
3rd place   -  Liam MacDonald, Wellesley 
4th place   -  Michael Malish, Oshawa
5th place   -  Rachel Gordon, Toronto 
 
On behalf of the Toronto Gaelic Society, Congratulations everyone on a job well done. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
 
Moira Billard 
Events Coordinator