DECEMBER 1999/JANUARY 2000
www.celtic-connection.com
Page 17
Historic Contributions of Immigrants to B.C. Should Not be Forgotten
JIM BAIN, President of the Scottish Cultural Centre on Hudson Street stands beside an illustration of Robert Burns, Scotland's most famous poet.
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
ANCOUVER — Jim Bain is the President of the United Scottish Societies of Vancouver. He spoke to me recently about the history of the Scottish societies in Vancouver and his own Scottish background.
He said, "My father and grandparents came from Powdenbeath, Fife in Scotland, emigrating to Canada in 1920. They settled in the mining town of Hillcrest, Southern Alberta.
"My grandfather had been a member of the Black Watch Regiment in World War One, and after the war, he returned to his original profession as a coal miner. But many of the mines began to play out in Fife and so, he decided to move to Canada.
"However, my grandfather had been in a gas attacks in the war and suffered damage to his lungs.
"After several years working in the mines in Hillcrest, he found that because of this damage, he had to give-up mining. So, he moved to Vancouver and began working for the City of Vancouver. My father worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad and he worked there until he retired."
Jim works for Canada Post and although he has never been to Scotland, he plans to visit within the next four to five years. Diane, his wife, is of Chinese background and their daughter Michelle, is very comfortable with both her Scottish and Chinese backgrounds.
Speaking about the Scottish Cultural Centre in Vancouver, Jim said "It was in 1923 that the Scottish community decided to look at building a centre. The first building was called the Scottish Auditorium and located at Twelfth and
"I do see a great resurgence in
the whole Celtic cultwe. People are showing a genuine interest in their history and background."
Granville. In 1984, those premises were sold and the move was made to the present building on Hudson Street in Marpole. I was there on opening day and I remember it well.
"A number of people were very instrumental in making the current Scottish Cultural Centre a reality. The two that come to mind are Mary Mclver, the first president of the current Scottish Cultural Centre and Doctor John Angus Smith (who unfortunately just passed away this past year).
But, perhaps one of the greatest people who pushed for the creation of the centre was Robert Fiddis, a Vancouver businessman, who immigrated from Scotland. The Fiddis family donated heav-
ily to the building when they were alive and and when they passed away, they left more money."
Jim is quite a history buff and it's obvious he has done considerable research into the contributions the Scottish have made to the province of British Columbia.
He said, "I guess I'm like everyone else. I'm getting older and a little more concerned about history. There is a great history in this province and I'm not just referring to the Scottish but also to the contributions of the Irish, Welsh and English.
"For some reason over the years it's been kind of forgotten. It could be that people get wrapped up with making a living and when you get older, you start thinking about these things a little more."
He said, "I do see a great resurgence in the whole Celtic culture. For instance, the Gaelic language classes at the centre, which are taught by the Gaelic Society are becoming very popular. People are showing a genuine interest in their history and background.
"I think Rememberance Day is an indicator. For the past four or five years, the number of people attending the ceremonies has been growing steadily. I surely believe that if you want to make sure you are heading in the right direction, you have to know where you're coming from."
Speaking about some of the activities taking place at the centre for Hogmanay and Robbie Burns Day, Jim said, "Every Hogmanay (New Year) the Moray Nairn and Banff hold huge celebrations. And, this year will probably have a little more touch to it because of the turn of the century.
"Again, the Moray Nairn and Banff hold three Burns celebrations at the centre, because it is so popular. The regular Burns Night on a Saturday night and two other nights that are called 'A Touch of Burns'."
"With regard to plans for the centre, we received a small grant from the Lottery Corporation and are planning to paint the Centre and put down new carpet.
As somebody said, the Centre is just like an old lady that's beginning to show her age, just a little. So, we need to put make-up on her to make her look just a little bit better."
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The Scottish Cultural Centre is located at 8886 Hudson Street at 73rt Street in Vancouver. For more information, call (604) 263-9911 or fax (604) 263-9510.
New Executive for Scottish Society
VANCOUVER — The new United Scottish Cultural Society Executive for the year 1999-2000 is as follows: Jim Bain, President; Archie Mackay, Vice-President; and Bill Carracher, Secretary. Also, named as Co-Chairman for the B.C. Highland Games are: Angus MacPherson and Bill Elder.
Robbie
BU R NIS
Nights
AT
THE SCOTTISH CULTURAL CENTRE
8886 Hudson Street. Va ncouver
FRIDAY. JANUARY 21 - "A Ue of B urns
Informal Burns Supper - Roast Beef. Tallies & Haggis Dance lo: PEPPERPOT Band d ireel from Scotland Piping. Marilyn Merry Highland Dancers Comedian: Johnnv MurdocL
TicLels: $18 - Family Rale: $40 - Single Parenl Rale: $25
SATURDAY. JANUARY 22
Mill ennium Burns Supper - Buffet D inner
Dance lo: PEPPERPOT B and from Arhroalh, Scotland
Alex MacDonald - QC
Joan M urrav Highland D ancers
TicLels: $32.50
Reservations & Information:
(604) 274-4464 or 980-0950
MORAY NAIRN k RANFF ASSOCIATION
G*^^* YUKON SCOTTISH CLUI 1 IS HOSTING THE YEAR GATHERING OF THE CLANS & CELTIC FESTIVAL JUNE 23 - 25,2000,WHITEHORSE, YUKON PHONE 867-667-6133, FAX 867-667-4812 E-MAIL JWILSON(a)YKNET.YK.CA WEBSITE: WWW.KLOND1KE.COM/HIGHLAND/CLANS/2000 TRAVEL ALLOWANCE AVAILABLE FOR PIPEBANDS