The 30th Anniversary Armstrong Clan Gathering was held at the Queens Hotel on 23rd, 24th and 25th July 1999.
Guests began arriving at the Hotel on the Friday afternoon when old and new acquaintances were made. It was quite exciting seeing those you had only spoken to over the phone, written to or e-mailed!
Unfortunately the Saturday dawned cloudy with a hint of rain after such a promising evening previously. However, although the last two Gatherings had been blessed with sunny weather we were secure in the knowledge that both the dancing and singing could take place in the ample indoor facilities if required.
Guests (over 60 of them!)
began arriving at midday and registering in the Visitors' book and were entertained over
pre lunch drinks by the piper. Overseas members, some of them joined only a
fortnight ago (thanks to our website) came from far and wide, making up one-third of the
audience. The home-grown variety (Armstrongs, Kinmonts, et al) were there in
full force, many of them their first visit. 
Among them was Cameron Bell, son of Christian and Louise, grandson of
Carolyn and GREAT GRANDSON of Ted and Judy! Being only 6 months old, he lost no time in
settling in saying "What have I missed ?"
A delicious lunch was served starting with either Cock-a-Leckie soup, Fanned Melon or Paté with Oatcakes, followed by Roast Galloway Beef or Poached Salmon, concluded with a variety of sweets and coffee.
Ted Armstrong made the following opening speech:
"I apologise for Judy's absence, helloing faces from Nebraska to ...er Nebraska! a good representation of our membership who must now number over a thousand, worldwide.
One of them, Brian of New York, on looking at a cardboard tube hanging below our Mangerton
chart in the Museum 'way up on Floor 4 of Gilnockie Tower, was amazed to see the address
thereon - "I was born there!" said he ...
We have computers on every continent working for us, internet and all. I have collected
all Scottish Armstrong birth and marriage OPRs (and Cumbrian too) in my years as a
researcher and Nick has the NE and the rest of England at his fingertips.
The overseas Convenors send their queries to ROOTS (Nick) and so every
member gets a free write-up (and if they want urgent attention) ask him to repeat it the
next time around! That is why we say we have every confidence in them!
I interject here for some US news - I had to change our US Convenor - I learnt only the
day before the Gathering that he had a health problem - we wish him all the best, saying,
"Invictus Maneo" Rich! I had been lucky (I say Heaven-sent!) in that
I have appointed a successor in 'Preacher' Mike (M.E. Armstrong, PO Box 209, JAMES CITY,
PA 16734). He has got off to a flying start ... We will soon get
things right!
We have a Library second to none (and a g-h-o-s-t!) with books on Gilnockie
Tower and the Border. Did you know that Ridpath's "Border History"
contains not a single direct reference to an Armstrong - true!
I cannot speak for long as I soon get out of breath - 4 mini-strokes are the reason.
I have hardly the strength to hold up an empty glass of whisky... (Ah, thank
you, Keith!) Now it is time for Louise (my daughter) to play on the electric
organ, play Louise!"
Thereby followed a short recital by Louise. Although she would have preferred a piano it
was non the less entertaining!
Then followed a talk by James
Bell 
( a descendant of Willie
"Redcloak" Bell) entitled "Rescuer of Kinmont Willie". James has spent
many hours making a replica costume and weapons (which are on display in Gilnockie Tower)
and wore them when he spoke.
The text of James' talk will hopefully appear in the next NEWS.
This was followed by a relaxing afternoon when we were entertained by singers and a group of youthful Scottish Country Dancers.
The afternoon concluded with a cup of tea and Auld Lang Syne at 5 pm.
The Sunday again dawned cloudy,
but the rain held off. Many were eager to inspect Gilnockie Tower for the first time or
even the twenty-first time! They were all eager to get out onto the roof!
After the morning's tour many decided to go and view other Armstrong sites in the vicinity and are now eagerly awaiting the date of the next Gathering!
An
interesting view of Gilnockie Tower taken on the Sunday when viewing was in progress.