LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013
Correction Regarding UK Passport Applications
Words still remain one of our most powerful weapons
Dear Editor:
In the interview with the new British Consul General in Vancouver, Rupert Potter, published in the November 2012 issue of The Celtic Connection, he is quoted as saying that regular passport applications are handled in Ottawa.
We wish this were so, however the sad fact is that applications for UK passports made from Canada must now be submitted to the British Embassy in Washington DC in the USA.
Please provide the Consul General with this information and request that a correction be published in The Celtic Connection.
Regards Frank Norman New Westminster, BC
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You are quite right and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience as Rupert Potter was misquoted. Readers can look up details on passport applications on the website: http:// ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en. In addition, we would like to clarify the correct spelling of Gillian Blair, the consular officer at the British Consulate-General in Vancouver. In case of emergency, she can also be contacted via the website or through the telephone number listed (604) 683-4421.1
If you haven't been moved on by the constabulary, you're not doing it right'
Dear Editor:
Nice article about the Morris Dancers (page 29 ) in your latest edition (November 2012). Bedlam Morris is based on the work of the Shropshire Bedlams (see link below) and is found in Morris dance communities now throughout the world.
An effective Bedlam performance is expected to cause a commotion ...if you haven't been moved on by the constabulary, then you're not doing it right, (http:/ /www. shropshirebedlams. co .uk.)
Brian Jones
Black Sheep Morris on Bowen Island (Shropshire Bedlam Alumni)
ABOUT OUR COVER ARTIST: Vancouver artist Bill Oliver has had a deep life-long interest in the paranormal and his earlier art work expressed and reflected these interests. As his artwork progressed, he found himself drawn away from the paranormal and towards the world of Celtic myth and legend.
This has led him to a further and deeper relation and understanding of his own ancestry and a collective consciousness.
With family lineage deeply rooted in Ireland, Scotland, and England, he now draws from the deep well of the traditions and lore of ancient Celtic culture and ancestral memories.
Bill is also a songwriter and musician with his band The Ormidales. For more about the artist, visit his website at: www.boysoblue.com. and http://bill-oliver.artistwebsites.com, or e-mail him at: eastender@telus.net.
Be kind, for every man is fighting a hard battle.
- Ian MacLaren. a noted Scotsman, and author of Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush.
Dear Readers: Another year draws to a close as we put the final touches to our combined December/ January issue.
It has now been 22 years since my mother Catholine Butler and I launched The Celtic Connection and it remains one of the most fulfilling, fascinating and passionate journeys of our lives.
It is such a privilege and we are deeply grateful to everyone for your support.
This past year once again has been filled with great highs and lows along with messages of hope and even survival in the face of great adversity.
We continue to highlight the generous work of so many whose contributions enrich and benefit others across western Canada and the U. S. Pacific Northwest.
The world is changing at a pace never seen before and yet for all the progress, history continues to repeat itself.
The global economic struggle has led to much instability and enormous changes, particularly across the European Union.
In Ireland so many young and talented are now leaving behind family and friends to seek a better future abroad.
Our local communities continue to welcome these new arrivals who bring renewed vitality and fresh ideas to our cultural organizations.
It has also galvanized many groups and organizations to provide assistance and support to help those new arrivals to once again find their feet in a new country.
I am reminded of a quote which has been variously attributed over the years, but seems most likely to have come
This Christmas Give Someone the gift of
The Gift That Keeps Giving All Year
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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER	
	By MAURA DE FREITAS
from a Scotsman by the name of Ian MacLaren.
He is recorded as a noted theologian and author of Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush, although it is believed this was the pseudonym or pen name of a Reverend John Watson [1850-1907].
In 1897 MacLaren along with other celebrities, was asked to send a Christmas message to an influential religious weekly in England.
He responded by sending the short but striking sentence: "Be kind, for every man is fighting a hard battle."
The article reads: "No message is more needed in our days of stress and storm, of selfish striving and merciless competition."
It would seem that as much as we have progressed over 100 years later, the
message remains relevant even today.
This past year we have published news of violence, cruelty, even suicide as the result of bullying in society.
Humanity continues to struggle with our greatest weaknesses and each time we succumb to our most basic instincts or hurt one another, we wound the collective soul of this world in which we all share.
We are all fragile spirits, regardless of the rough coat we sometimes wear on the exterior. In an age filled with so many pressures, we are all guilty of the occasional thoughtless and unkind remark.
Words are powerful weapons which can evoke the most visceral reactions. While we may agree to disagree, solutions are found always through dialogue, not anger.
Sadly it often too late, after trouble and heartache and sorrow came into own lives or those closest to our hearts that we fully understand the power of these simple words.
"Be kind, for every man (and woman) is fighting a hard battle."
In closing, we would like to wish all of you many bright blessings and much peace in this season of forgiveness and goodwill. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Until next year,
Integrated education in N. Ireland teaches children the value of all traditions
BELFAST - Integrated education in Northern Ireland was started 30 years ago by parents who wanted a choice other than either Catholic schools or Protestant schools.
In addition to the common education curriculum, integrated schools teach children the value and worth of all traditions - as well as their own.
The movement started with 28 children in a scout hut back in 1981 - a time of terrible strife in Northern Ireland. There are now 62 schools teaching over 21,000 pupils - all still led by ordinary parents.
Spokesman Brian Small said, "We are
helped by many people from around the world - and it is in this connection, through the columns of The Celtic Connection newspaper that I would like to thank Vancouverites Dr. Adrian and Lee Geraghty for their loyal support over this past 10 years or so. Their Christmas donation every year is very much appreciated."
The charity, the Integrated Education Fund, raises money to help parents seeking integrated schooling for their children.
For more details, visit www.ief.org.uk or contact Brian Small by e-mail at: brian@ief.org .uk, or write to him at Integrated Education Fund, 41-43 University Street,BelfastBT7 1FY. Call(Oll) 44-28-9033-0031 or (011) 44-78-4156-0385.
THE CELTIC CONNECTION
ISSUE 21 VOLUME 10 - Established in 1991
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Published 10 times peryear. Unsolicited submissions welcome but will not be returned. Please retain a copy for your files. Contents copyright 2012 The Celtic Connection. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rather a reflection of voices within the community. All correspondence must include a name, address and telephone number.
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