The Loch Norman Highland Games are held each year just North of Charlotte N.C. in April. The pastoral setting was the perfect backdrop for the Scottish Games we all love so dear. I enjoy going to several games each year but have to say there is just something special about the Loch Norman Games. Out hats should be off to Tim Lindler, the General Manager of the Lock Norman Games and all those that volunteered. He and his army of helpers put on a spectacular game!

My son Robby and I drove in from Gainesville, Ga. late on Friday. The Saturday morning set up went smoothly; we had everything together in an hour or so. The tent keeps improving and we will continue to add to and improve the displays for the tent. It really does take time and a financial investment to accumulate interesting and educational items for the tent. The latest item on display is a print of Pinkie House. This was the childhood baronial home of our late clan chief, Sir John Carl Alexander Hope, 18th Baronet of Craighall and Chief of the Name and Arms of Hope. The house has an ancient history that is worth a few pages all by itself. The print was given to me courtesy of Chuck and Hope Stanley. They drove several hours to help out and spend the weekend with The Clan Hope tent. Robby and I enjoyed our time together with you both and chatting about our shared history. Hope is our clan genealogist and Chuck was the official photographer. Thanks to you both for your commitment to the clan. We were very proud to be able to display the Hope clan banner. I was lucky enough to have a yard of tartan and set myself to the task of sewing it. It turned out nicely and really shows off the Hope tartan well. We had several comments on how striking our tartan is. I have to say, they are right!

It is always great to meet newfound cousins. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace H. Smith II M.D. and his wife stopped by to chat. They are from Charlotte and a descendant of John Hope b. 1748 and wife Jane Meek b 1750 of York S.C. Janet Worth is another cousin that stopped by to chat. Janet is a descendant of Hugh Allison. Hugh was a son of Alexander Allison who married Margaret Hope b abt. 1736, daughter of James Hope b. abt. 1700. They of course were from York S.C. Many of the Allison/Hope descendants are buried in Beersheba Presbyterian Church near Chester S.C. It is exciting to know that Janet is interested in getting together to do some family research. We appreciated any contribution of time, effort or interest. It was truly a joy to meet and speak with you both. I truly enjoyed talking to both of our new cousins and look forward to keeping in touch and helping out with your research. I would also like to thank Nancy Anderson, John Dall with the 78th Fraser Highlanders, Iain Gunn of Bannishirk and Tim Linder for stopping by.

The people and pageantry were superb. The pipe band and athletic performances contributed to what the games are all about. The Scottish Highland dance lessons provided to those that didn't know a thing were a lot of fun. Truly enjoyable were the encampments. These dedicated people reenacted different daily scenes from everyday life in Scotland long ago. There was a basket maker, potter and weapons maker, among others. The opportunity to throw a hatchet had the general public lined up. The highlight of the weekend was the outdoor church service held Sunday morning at the Rural Hill family burial ground. The Scottish hymns sung while accompanied by the guitar and harp and bagpipes brought tears to all.

I am honored to have spent the weekend representing Clan Hope. Thanks to all that participated. We look forward to our next game.

Christine Papp

Southeast Commissioner for Clan Hope