Newsletter 40 - May 2013

160TH REUNION Dunedin, Easter 2013

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 (page 2), an afternoon bus tour 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.

NEW CLAN CHIEF

Hugh Henry Francis, of Palmerston North was appointed Clan Chief at the General Meeting in Dunedin on Easter Saturday. Born in Taumarunui in 1940, he is a 5th generation Ayson on the Peter side (1.13.3). His mother, Myrtle, was the 2nd daughter of Hugh Fraser Ayson, a son of Lake Falconer Ayson. His English father was Ken Francis, a wildlife ranger based at Turangi. Schooled in Whakatane, he joined the RNZAF in 1959 and graduated as a navigator. Over the next 33 years he flew Devon, Sunderland Flying Boat, Bristol Freighter, DC-3, Hercules and Friendship aircraft for a total of 9,300 hours. Overseas postings included Fiji and Singapore (in support of the Vietnam War and Indonesian Confrontation detachment to Borneo). In 1981 he was seconded to the Singapore Air Force to train navigators on Hercules aircraft. Now retired, Hugh held many senior appointments: RNZAF Chief Navigation Instructor; Commanding Officer of the Navigation and Air Electronic Training Squadron (Wigram); Officer Commanding Operations Squadron (Ohakea); Trg Plans Operations Group HQ; and attended Junior and Senior Staff courses for promotion.

In 1992, Hugh joined the School of Aviation, Massey University, in Palmerston North, where he lectured in navigation to overseas pilot trainees. Many are now captains flying for airlines worldwide. In 2010, Hugh’s services to New Zealand aviation were recognised by the Royal Aeronautical Society with a silver medal Meritorious Services Award.

In retirement since 2011, he enjoys cycling, boating, trout fishing, redecorating, and in September will again become the President of the Manawatu Officers’ Club. He and Mary have two daughters, Melissa and Treena, and two grandsons. Hugh Francis is the 9th Clan Chief.

Chief Hugh’s vision for the Clan

I want to ensure communication is firmly established between all members and increase the membership of each branch. I would like the Ayson history to be captured digitally and the Clan book, The Ayson Story, updated. I am delighted with the Executive Group, who are highly qualified and talented in their many and varied professions – this augurs well for the future of the Clan.

A LIVELY GENERAL MEETING

The General Meeting on Easter Saturday, the first for two years, attracted a surprising crowd of cousins, 70 in all. Retiring Chief Ace Neame paid tribute to the Branch Secretaries – “the net that holds the Clan together” – and thanked the organising group and the North Island-based Executive Committee, all of whom were retiring. Special thanks were extended to National Secretary Caroline English for her years of coordinating Clan matters and producing newsletters.

Finances: National Treasurer Brian Crook presented the financial statements, saying the Clan’s finances were in good shape. The 2013 Gathering revenue looked likely to cover budgeted costs.

Officers elected: Chief: Hugh Francis, of Palmerston North (nominated by Neville Peat, seconded by Claire Hills). Sub-Chief: Bevin Watt, of Gore (Les Green/Peter Ayson). National Treasurer: Robyn Ayson (Neville Peat/Heather Ayson). National Secretary: No nominations. Lindy Daniell, of Masterton, has since agreed to fill the position. Executive Committee: Judith Medlicott (Dunedin), Janet Sim-Elder (Dunedin), and the reunion organising group, all from the wider Dunedin area: Les Green, Dot Johnson, Murray Ayson, Neville Peat and Heather Hore [Heather later withdrew and offered to fill the role of Balclutha Branch Secretary].

Constitution: A change to Rule 5 of the Constitution, to allow election of a Committee of at least four members, was agreed to by a majority of clan members present.

Subscriptions: After debate it was agreed the annual subscription of $10 per household, which has applied for many years, be increased to $15.

General discussion: Setting up a website; Sponsoring a scholarship; Communicating by email.

 

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