I must apologize for the delay in getting out our regular newsletter and update for the South Central Region of the Clan MacLeod Society USA, Inc. If your life is anything like mine, I'm sure that you will relate to family, work and personal pressures that seem to take precedence at the most inopportune times. Notwithstanding the above, it is still procrastination that is the single biggest reason for the delay. And for that, there is no excuse!

Since we last chatted, there are many exciting things that have happened within the Clan MacLeod Society in our area and both Nationally and Internationally that have served to reaffirm my commitment to the Clan MacLeod. While the contents of this letter are rather lengthy, I hope that you will bear with me and endure to the end, as the details are important to us all.

First, (Internationally), ……… If you are not aware of the brouhaha that surrounds the Clan MacLeod Constitution revision, you have not been paying attention to the National and International Newsletters that you get twice yearly. Do yourself a favor and review the past few issues to get more acquainted with the ins and outs of the dialogue. Especially take notice of the last issue of the International Magazine. The President of the (A)ssociated (C)lan (M)acLeod (S)ocieties, Dr. Alex McLeod of Nashville, Tennessee, really lays out the details in a very well written article. After reading the article, you may have a better idea just what the issues are all about!

Briefly, to really appreciate how widespread and diverse the Clan MacLeod Society family is, picture Societies, (like ours), in Canada, the USA, Scotland, England, France, Germany, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Then picture the two branches, Harris and Lewis, having their Chiefs in Scotland and

Tasmania. Next, realize that the Clan Societies, through the ACMS, manage a very large number of Trust issues and contribute to the welfare of many diverse projects throughout the areas where the MacLeod Clan has an interest.

Having done all that, realize that the USA is, by far, the most populace family of the worldwide MacLeod Societies. Realize that the USA generates, by far, the largest portion of the monetary contributions that the Societies as a whole generate. At this point, spend a few moments evaluating the Constitution, (International web site), and see just what all of our members, money, efforts and interest get us. I will leave it up to you to decide whether the representation is justified. A vote is being held this October at the gathering in New Zealand to approve a draft constitution which will be presented at the next Parliament in 2006 at Dunvegan. Things just might get interesting!

Secondly, (Nationally), ……… This past December, Sia (my better half) and I spent a lovely weekend in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia at the Annual Winter Meeting of the Clan MacLeod Society USA. It just so happens that the Meeting coincides with the Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk. It was our first Winter Meeting and my first opportunity to see just what the Dunvegan Foundation is all about. If you think that the Clan MacLeod Society is only about recruitment of new members and setting up Clan tents at Festivals, I encourage you to go to the National web site and take a few moments to review the Dunvegan Foundation pages. I assure you that you will come away with a HUGE sense of belonging to the most remarkable of Clan Societies. To actually see, first hand, all of the awards, grants, trophies and projects that the Dunvegan Foundation oversees is breathtaking. I have been a member of the Clan MacLeod Society for 12 years and had no idea of all of the worthwhile areas that we are involved in. Especially if you happen to be a Sept Member, (like me), or a "Friend Of" member, like so many of our list are. The commitment of the Clan MacLeod Society USA to preserving and protecting the culture and memories of the Scottish Highlands and Islands makes me even more proud of my membership.

The annual Scottish Christmas Walk in Alexandria is unlike anything culturally that I have ever experienced. Imagine yourself as a participant in a parade entry that is entirely Scottish oriented; entry number 50; walking the 2 mile parade route; and disbanding while the last quarter of the entries are still getting ready to walk the route. UNBELIEVABLE! And to make it even better, I was asked to assist in carrying the MacLeod banner at the head of the group. DAMN it felt good! (And the adult beverage refreshments after the parade weren't too bad either.) So make plans to set aside the first weekend in December for a mini vacation and join your fellow MacLeods in Alexandria this year. You will not regret it a bit!

Recently, (May/June), the 2003 (A)nnual (G)eneral (M)eeting of the Clan MacLeod Society USA was held in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Never having been to Kentucky, I was excited at he prospects of seeing just how beautiful the area really was. Trust me on this one. It lives up to the billing and then some. And, for a kicker, the AGM was held at the same time as the Glasgow, KY, Highland Games. Our very own Chief John MacLeod of MacLeod was the Honored Guest, which is probably why the AGM was held so early in the year. (Clever of me, eh!!!!!) We elected a new President, William (Bill) C. MacLeod of Chicago who introduced the changes to the national web site and the new web master, named our own Don Mack and Kathryn McLeod as co-Clanspersons of the Year for 2002, and Larry Sears and I officially switched positions as RVP and State Commissioner. (Again, thanks to Larry for all the work that he has done for the Clan MacLeod Society South Central Region over the years of his Vice Presidency!) Also got a preview of the 50^th Annual AGM in Chicago 2004, to be held on the July 4^th weekend. Be there or you will miss something very special. We will be sharing the company of our Canadian cousins and I am sure that there will be much lively discussion, superb camaraderie and a great time to be had by all.

The Saturday evening formal dinner was highlighted by the honoring of DM & K as indicated above, (BTW…Our wonderful Gloria McLeod was the 2001 Clansperson of the year as well, giving the South Central Region a 2 year sweep!!!), and a very informative speech by Chief John. The Chief touched upon the recent efforts to repair the Castle roof and the need to sell the Cuillins to finance the repairs. It is an extremely delicate subject and had seen much dialogue, both pro and con, as the sale efforts have progressed. I am sure that it is very distressing for the Chief to have to go through all this, but the priorities being what they are, I suppose he has no choice.

Thirdly, (and lastly), (Locally)……… As indicated in the heading of our web site, the South Central Region is undergoing a slight change in structure. As you will notice, there are Area Coordinators listed for the various parts of Texas to help in delegating the communications and coordinating local events. A planning meeting was held in Arlington at the Texas Scottish Festival to map out a strategy that will allow us to reclaim the top membership spot in the Clan MacLeod Society USA. The meeting was attended by Gloria McLeod of Houston, Larry Sears of San Antonio, Gerald McLeod of the DFW area, Debi Lewis Westbrook of Paris, and Sia and myself. We discussed many options available to the coordinators to maintain a local energy, and focused on the idea that the Regional members need to feel that there is something for them other than the occasional newsletter and the four annual publications from the National and International Societies. To the latter point, we are fully committed and ask that all members get in touch with their area Coordinators to offer their ideas as to how we can spread the word and both recruit and MAINTAIN membership. As an example, our newest area Coordinator, Rob MacLeod of Houston, is hosting a get acquainted/working BBQ at his home on the weekend of July 12^th. The local members of the Regional steering committee will be gathering to discuss a game plan that will most benefit the Regional membership and make a true family atmosphere come alive throughout the Region.

Please take a moment and offer your suggestions as to your ideas of why we are not retaining membership and how we can make the Clan MacLeod Society more attractive to those who are, at best, casual members. We want our Region to be the best and brightest of all the Regions and the example of how things OUGHT TO BE!!!!!!! Your comments will be welcomed and seriously considered.

We are now taking suggestions as to when and where a Regional MacLeod weekend should be held. Hopefully, we can put together enough great ideas that will attract the membership from around the entire region. We look for such a gathering to give each of our State Commissioners and local Coordinators a chance to meet each other and discuss common problems and potential solutions in a setting that will provide fun and entertainment, as well as an opportunity to see how we can best promote our common goals.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. I will look forward to hearing from you.

Slainte and Hold Fast,

Doug Beaton

Regional Vice President

South Central Region

Clan MacLeod Society USA, Inc.