2013 - 160th Reunion- Dunedin

The National Gathering in Dunedin at Easter attracted 116 cousins – a response that delighted the Dunedin organising committee.  The gathering celebrated the 160th anniversary of the arrival in 1853 of the Aysons. Peter Ayson, his wife Douglas and 10 children landed at Dunedin from the sailing ship Royal Albert in March 1853, together with Peter’s half-brother, James.

Cousins came from far and wide – three from Australia, one from California and 31 from the North Island.   Generations 4 to 7 were represented.

Retiring Chief Ace Neame and the organising committee convenor Les Green welcomed cousins at a reception on Friday night at the refurbished Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.   Saturday’s events featured a General Meeting in the morning where the ninth Clan Chief, Hugh Francis, was elected.    An afternoon bus tour was organised  to Taiaroa Head and Otago Harbour entrance.   In the evening a banquet was held at the grand old Savoy Restaurant.

The evening programme included a group photo, a haggis ceremony and a Glenshee slide show, at the stylish old Savoy Restaurant.

On Easter Sunday, Branch Secretaries met in the morning and the reunion ended with a special service at First Church conducted by the Rev John Sinclair, followed by afternoon tea and farewells.

Another National Gathering in 2016, to mark the arrival of the Alexander side, will be a topic for discussion by the new Executive.