All current members of the Clan Cunningham Society of America, Inc., also conducting its international affairs as Clan Cunningham Global, are invited to attend our TGM at the Greenville Hilton on Friday, May 28, 2010 at 9:30pm in conjunction with the Greenville Scottish Games. 

For more information, current members can contact us at tgm@clancunninghamglobal.com.

Tartan Day activities in France and Colorado during March 2010

Our Chairman wore his kilt throughout France in honor of Tartan Day

In the tartan day spirit, which is observed in the USA on April 6, our High Commissioner skied in his kilt on the slopes of Les Menuires and Val Thorens - two ski areas - along with Meribel and Courcheval which together comprise the largest ski resort in the world, The Three Valleys in the French Alps of Haute Savoie.

The kilt was very well received by all with whom Larry and his French friends spoke that day. The English woman who snapped off this photo (below left) said she admired Larry's courage for skiing in a kilt in such terrain, or at all for that matter. Two Scots wished they had worn their kilts, with one saying he had always wanted to try it but his wife had always nixed the idea! At the highest point of this enormous resort (below right) - where Larry hoped to find a hang-glider pilot in order to hang-glide on skis again like he did at Courcheval in 1990 only this time in kilt - [no such luck] the ski party was photographed  with an observer standing in front of the DANGER AVALANCHES sign. The look on his face says it all... "What in blue blazes is that guy doing in a kilt up here for cryin' out loud?!" By coincidence, the peak between Larry and Simone forming the horizon with the sky, is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe! (below right)

There's no finer way to refortify those burning thighs than over a relaxing lunch with all the fixin's from French wine and cheese through a sinfully sweet dessert. And we needed all those calories just to keep up with René (in the red sweater) who acted as our personal guide for two days. As a ski instructor at Les Menuires he knew all the terrain taking us to all the best spots, and one perhaps even too good. To cap off our first day, for our last run, he took us down the most difficult mogul run at the resort. Even lunch at Le Capricorn didn't keep the fire out of our thighs by the time we finished that run; making for a memorable end to day #1 at Les Trois Vallées!


The kilt was also very well received at the Moulin Rouge for dinner and the Bal du Moulin Rouge spectacle which is not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening in Paris! The kilt wasn't enough to get an invite on stage to join in the CanCan, but it was quite a hit with the crowd outside as this photo at right was being composed. The world's most renown, and prestigious cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, has been operating now, spanning three centuries. They have a strict dress code of "elegant attire" required to dine and attend the show. The kilt is welcomed as befitting their sartorial decorum. Our Chairman was so impressed with the cuisine, the ambiance, and the spectacle, that he considers it among his favorites alongside the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, Super Bowl XXX, and Riverdance.


Back in the USA we took to the slopes of the Loveland ski resort for the second consecutive year to celebrate Tartan Day in Colorado. Anyone with a kilt - or some tartan to wear - were invited to ski the Rocky Mountains with us. Larry brought plenty of goodies from France. Petit Basque cheese, home-made sausage, raspberries in eau de vie, French wine along with the glassware and cutlery and even a scarf commemmorating the French Olympic gold medalist from Vancouver in the Biathalon, a local from the petite village Le Bettaix at the base of Les Menuires ski resort.

Larry skied on his tiny "ski blades" (one is visible on the picnic table at left) spinning like a whirling dervish as he slowed for me to catch up!

This was so much fun that we will likely be on the slopes in kilt and tartan again next year for Tartan Day. Or, maybe we'll be in some distant exotic destination skiing, hang-gliding, or parasailing in the Pyrénées! If you have an idea for something fun to do for Tartan Day, especially if it is in some exciting location then we would like to hear from you. Maybe you'd even like to take part in the planning. If so, don't hesitate to email our Events Director if you would like to be part of the festivities!

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In Colorado, US Olympic Curling Trials

What happened at the Curling tournament attended by CCSA members:

The US Olympic Curling "Rink"(means "team" in curlingspeak) will be composed of the team led by Skip: John Schuster(below, far right), Vice skip: Jason Smith, Second: Jeff Isaacson, and Lead: John Benton. The match came down to the very last stone which could have tied the match and forced a tiebreaker. Heartbreakingly, it did not make it to the house(scoring circle) and the Schuster team will be representing the USA in Vancouver, Canada in 2010. The Skip: Tyler George for the runner-up team is squatting down and second from the right in the photo below.

These four curlers pictured above represented the United States in the Olympic Games in Vancouver!

Here's how our kilted skiing adventure went:

In the spirit of Alain Baxter (above), the Scot who won the Olympic bronze medal in slalom at Salt Lake City in 2002, CCSA members, guests, and anyone with a kilt - or some tartan to wear - were invited to take to the Rocky Mountain slopes. Despite an ominous weather forecast of a blizzard predicted to dump as much as two feet of snow that day, our party of four ventured forth with intrepid resolve to the Loveland ski resort at the Continental Divide! Surprisingly---no, more like shockingly, and thankfully, the interstate was practically empty. I've seen more traffic at 3:00am! And even more astonishingly, the blizzard did little more than sputter between Denver and the Eisenhower Tunnel, which expanse includes the Loveland ski resort. So, not wishing to press our luck, instead of continuing on to our original destination of Arapahoe Basin ski area, we took advantage of the benevolence of Mother Nature with a day of skiing at Loveland instead.

So, after a few hours of skiing at treeline on the Continental Divide, the Grand Pubah less than a month from his 80th birthday went to check on the lassies of our party and enjoy some well earned après ski refreshment in the lodge. But our High Commissioner still had a few runs left in him on his classic Simms snowboard fabricated during the last millennium (the 1980s) in the early years of snowboarding with some modifications by his friend Steve Link. Steve did some of the stunt work with Tom Simms for Roger Moore in the opening scenes of the 1985 James Bond movie "A View to a Kill."

Larry Augsbury, himself, appears skiing in the opening scenes of the 1983 movie "Copper Mountain, a Club Med Experience" Jim Carrey's first film shot at the Copper Mountain ski Resort in Summit County, Colorado!

This was so much fun that I will be on the slopes in my kilt again next year for Tartan Day. I may very well be in the French Alps skiing with the Biasi's next April 3rd. But if so, I'll have my kilt with me! Actually, if everything comes together, I just may be guiding another Clan Cunningham sites tour of France and Ireland around that time. If so, for my next stunt, I wish to go skydiving or parasailing in my kilt. Maybe you'd like to join me in that adventure. Or perhaps you would just like to participate in our tour, but merely spectate from the safety of the ground. If so, be sure and email us if you would like to join in the festivities!

By High Commissioner Elect and Chairman of Clan Cunningham

January 25, 2009 (Robert Burns' 250th birthday anniversary)

Updated April 27, 2010

Proposed Tour of Cunningham historical sites in Ireland, France, and Scotland in 2011 or 2012

By Tour Organizer, Larry Augsbury

Clan Cunningham Historical Sites Tour 2004 in France and Scotland

culminating with the

Clan Cunningham Gathering at Stirling Castle 2004

In November 2004, we walked in the footsteps of our ancestors who over the last millennium forged the legacy of the distinguished Cunningham name that from its genesis in Scotland has spread throughout the world. For thirteen days, Clan Cunningham's kith and kin embarked on the adventure of a lifetime in France and Scotland, culminating with our International Clan Cunningham Gathering at Stirling Castle last November 28, 2004. For full details with full color images you can read our newsletters which feature our trip in depth on our Newsletter page. Our members transcended the typical tourist experience, to participate in an event tied to history that was so removed from the era in which we live that it seemed more like fiction than fact! We dined and danced in the Great Hall of a French castle, the Château de Cherveux, at an Evening Soirée and Ceilidh organized for our visit, and hosted by the owners François and Marie-Thérèse Redien whose castle was built by a Cunningham, Captain Robert de Conyngham, over five centuries ago who served as Captain of the Scots Guard for the same French King, Charles VII, (the dauphin) whom was led to Rheims for his coronation as King of France during the 100 Years War back in the Middle Ages, by Joan of Arc! In Scotland we spent the American Thanksgiving Day holiday as the guests of Captain Robert and Rose-Anne Cunninghame at their Caprington Castle, the ancestral seat of the Caprington branch of the Cunninghams, where we feasted on a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner Scottish style! Many of the sites we visited on this tour, like Caprington Castle, are not open to the public, but their owners graciously granted us the privilege of a memorable visit. Our tour was organized, and led by our High Commissioner, Larry Augsbury, who studied the French language in Chambéry, France and had previously visited both the Château de Cherveux, as well as Paris many times. He visited and researched the District of Cunninghame on two previous occasions and was familiar with most of the Scottish sites we visited. He was assisted on the French tours by CCSA members François Redien and Jim Hutchison (a Scottish born resident of France, fluent in both languages.) We explored the history of Clan Cunningham with the following itinerary This tour was arranged by the Clan Cunningham Society of America for its members,  being all those of Cunningham descent as well as loyal supporters not of Cunningham descent, from everywhere around the world. We enjoyed eleven nights lodging, four in France, and seven in Scotland at three star hotels; twelve breakfasts and eleven dinners, with three dinners arranged at castles either built or connected to Clan Cunningham. Transportation was provided and included in the price, from arrival at the Charled De Gaulle airport in Paris to our participants departure airport. A tour guide, driver and full itinerary was provided. Admission fees to all attractions was included in the tour price of $2,999.00. Round trip airfare was not included. French Tour: We spent four days and nights in France, three at the Château de Cherveux and one night in Paris. We spent Saturday evening enjoying the St. Andrew's Night Banquet and Gala at the castle that Robert de Conyngham (Captain of the Scots Guard and Captain of the King's Bodyguard for French Kings Charles VII and Louis XI, during a brilliant 30 year career [a real-life D'Artagnan!]) built in 1470 with his son Joachim. Scotland Only Tour: We spent seven nights at three star Scottish hotels in Glasgow, Ayr and a four star Stirling hotel, which included a Thanksgiving Day Feast at Caprington Castle. For five days we explored Clan Cunningham historical sites in the District of Cunninghame which culminated with the Clan Cunningham Gathering and Banquet at Stirling Castle. Our tour unfolded as follows: Day 1 - Wednesday, 17-Nov-04 - Overnight Flight This was our travel day by plane to Paris, France. Day 2 - Thursday, 18-NOV-04 - Cherveux, France We rendezvoused at the Charles de Gaulle airport on Thursday morning. After brunch, we caught the train to Poitiers. There we were met by two French CCSA members François Redien, and Scottish born Jim Hutchison, for the short journey by car to the Château de Cherveux. There we were greeted with refreshments accompanied by a warm fire in the guardhouse, where we finalized plans for our Loire Valley tour on the following morning, then settled into our rooms. We met shortly thereafter, in the renovated great hall for a splendid welcome dinner.  Day 3 - Friday, 19-NOV-04 - French tour Today we visited the Loire Valley. First, a visit to the beautiful château de Chenonceaux where Marie Stuart, better known as Mary Queen of Scots, spent much time at the French Court. Mary was Queen of both France and Scotland. She was a beautiful young woman and was probably the most romantic, and certainly the most tragic Scottish ruler. She was born in Scotland. Her mother was Marie de Guise of France and her father James V, king of Scotland. He died when Mary was an infant and her mother returned to France with Mary because of the turmoil in Scotland. Mary was raised in the French court and was destined to marry the young Dauphin François. He became king François II at age 15 upon the death of his father. He married Mary who was 14 and the two were devoted to each other, but sadly he only lived and reigned for a year. During this year there were plots to depose François II and the court then moved to Amboise where the plotters were taken and hundreds of them put to death while the young Queen was in residence. In happier times the royals, including Mary, spent much time at the beautiful château de Chenonceau where there are references to Mary. When François died in Orleans, his mother Catherine de Medici was instrumental in having Mary returned to Scotland where she was crowned Queen. She was kept prisoner in England for years and eventually beheaded on the order of her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England. Mary's son became the first king of Great Britain in 1603. In the Loire valley our tour offered spectacular views of magnificent castles and landscapes. After Chenonceaux we satiated our appetites with déjeuner at the Brasserie de l’Hôtel de ville, Chez Hippeau, in Amboise, where we visited the Château d'Amboise as well as the Château du Clos Lucé, the home of Leonardo da Vinci who was brought to Amboise by the French king to start the renaissance in France. Then we drove to the châteaux of Chinon and Saumur before our return to the castle for dinner that evening. Day 4 - Saturday, 20-NOV-04 - French tour and St. Andrew's Dinner at Château de Cherveux Saturday morning was market day in Niort. Our visit provided a non historical truly French cultural experience. Adjacent to the market we visited the Dungeon of Niort, a fine medieval building and museum which has Cunningham connections as one of Robert de Conyngham's sons was the Captain of the Guard at the dungeon in the 15th century. That evening was the St. Andrew Style Banquet and Gala Soirée in the Château de Cherveux Great Hall for an evening of fine dining, dancing and music with the local French and Scottish community. The local press covered the event and published these following articles. Following a fine dinner, was music and dancing. Day 5 - Sunday, 21-NOV-04 - Paris Following an early breakfast and departure by train, we arrived to spend the afternoon, evening and night in Paris. Our visit included among other sites Notre Dame, the Louvre museum, the Champs Elysée, the Arc de Triumph and of course the Eiffel Tower, especially at night! (at right) Day 6 - Monday, 22-NOV-04 - Paris or London - Travel to Glasgow's 3 Star Jury Doyle Hotel On this day, our group diverged at daybreak, to regroup for supper that evening at our Glasgow hotel. We departed Paris early in the morning for London via the Chunnel {the EuroStar high-speed train that travels under the English Channel} to explore London. Our visit included the Sherlock Holmes museum, (left)  the Hercule Poirot Flat, and many of the more historical wonders of that ancient yet cosmopolitan English capital city. Day 7 - Tuesday, 23-NOV-04 - District of Cunninghame Historical Sites Tour - Dumbarton area Our first day took us to the Glencairn Greit House, home of the Earls of Glencairn in Dumbarton, the oldest building in Dumbarton's Royal Burgh. Then on to Dumbarton Castle where four Cunninghams were Governors of the castle. we then visited Loch Lomond and the Cunningham Kilmaronock Castle ruins. See Jan. 15, 2005 newsletter for more details and pictures! Day 8 - Wednesday, 24-NOV-04 - Finlaystone area First we visited the Kirk at Kilmacolm where many Earls of Glencairn are buried, and also the site where the feud with the Porterfields began. Then we visited Duchal House privately owned by Lord and Lady Maclay. Our next visit was to the ruins of Duchal Castle, seat of the Porterfields, that the Cunninghams set afire during the feud. Then we were off to Finlaystone guided by Chief George MacMillan to Newark Castle before a tour of Finlaystone. Day 9 - Thursday, 25-NOV-04 - Cunningham Castles and Thanksgiving Day Feast Our first visit was to the restored Aiket Castle privately owned by Robert (a Montgomery descendent!) and Katrina Clow. The Cunninghams of Aiket are one of the most ancient Cunningham branches from the 13th century. Then we visited Robertland, privately owned by Alan Burns Williamson, a Georgian style home built in 1820 which replaced the original castle built in 1597 by David Cunningham whose ancestor received a charter for the Barony in 1506. Some of the ancient castle foundation stones were still visible. The Cunninghams of Robertland were descended from Alexander Cunningham, 1st Earl of Glencairn, through his second son, William. We then visited Caprington Castle privately owned by Captain Robert and Rose-Anne Cunningham. The Caprington branch of the Cunninghams are descended from Thomas, the younger son of William Cunningham of Kilmaurs who married the heiress of Denniston (Finlaystone). We had a light lunch, then toured the castle and grounds before feasting on a Thanksgiving Day holiday dinner. Caprington is the only ancestral Cunningham Castle in existence which is currently owned and resided in by a Cunningham. We were honored to celebrate our American holiday there. Day 10 - Friday, 26-NOV-04 - Kilmaurs and Robert Burns Country, Lodged in Ayr Kilmaurs is the original Cunningham family seat from the 12th century. The seat of power was at the "Kilmaurs Place" where still can be found the remains of the 15th century castle next to which stands the current "Place" built by the 9th Earl of Glencairn and privately owned by Martin and Mary Horner who kindly granted us a visit this morning. At 11am we were greeted by Mr. Jim and William Gray who opened up and guided us through the St. Maurs-Glencairn Church where exist several plaques to the Cunninghams. The vault at the back of the church was opened wherein stands the Glencairn Aisle, a momentous carved stone memorial to the 7th Earl of Glencairn's family commissioned in 1600 by James Cunningham, the 7th Earl of Glencairn. We also visited other points of interest in Kilmaurs like the Monk's Well among several others. MAUCHLINE Then we were off to Robert Burns country, to Mauchline where he wrote many of his most famous poems. We were to meet the Mauchline Burns Club for a tour of the town and its Burns facilities. Not in our wildest dreams did we envision the warm and generous welcome bestowed upon us at our arrival and throughout this most memorable visit. We were met by a welcoming committee that was led by the Mauchline Burns Club President, James Davidson, in full Highland dress. As we disembarked our vans a piper played tunes for our arrival. After greetings and introductions, we were fortunate to have Burns Club Secretary and local historian, Ian Lyell, as our guide of central Mauchline, including the Kirkyard of the Mauchline Parish Church where are buried many of the characters about whom Burns wrote in his poems during his Mauchline years like: "Master Tootie," "James Humphrey," "Daddy Auld," "Clockie Brown," "Poosie Nansie," "Godly Brydan," "Mary Morison," and "Holy Willie." The kirkyard was also the site of Burns' famous poem "The Holy Fair." Our tour began at the house of estate agent and lawyer, Gavin Hamilton, who was a patron and friend of Robert Burns. Our walk continued through the kirkyard and on to the Burns House Museum which is in the same building within which are the very rooms where in 1788 Robert Burns lived with his wife Jean Armour, became a father, and established himself as a poet of repute at age 27. The museum has a state-of-the-art audio-visual presentation, and also houses fine art, artifacts, exhibitions of original manuscripts and songs, and publications like an original Kilmarnock edition of Burns' first works "Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" published on July 31, 1786, as well as the original letters to friends like Edinburgh lawyer, Alexander Cunningham. We then visited one of the few business in the world that manufactures curling stones. Then we strolled the short distance to the main crossroad in town called, as you may have guessed, Mauchline Cross, and to the front of the library where stands the world's first statue of the wife of Robert Burns, Jean Armour. There, a brief interview and photographs for the documentary were conducted before we accepted the kind invitation for a rest and some refreshment at Poosie Nansies, just across the street. We gathered in an ante-room of Poosie Nansie’s with some refreshment and some Robert Burns entertainment courtesy of the Burns Club. But first, we were all treated to a Robert Burns gift box which included a 48 page book of historical photographs compiled by the Mauchline Burns Club called “Mauchline In Times Past” commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the publication of Burns’ Kilmarnock Edition of his poems. It also included a CD-ROM with a wealth of biographies, images, video clips, poems, songs and more. We then enjoyed some Burns poetry expertly recited by Jim Shirkie and Andy Lindsay, followed by Burns songs performed by Bob Baillie, as pictured below. It was quite a spectacle to behold, in the very establishment that Robert Burns frequented himself centuries past, the very setting upon which was based his cantata "The Jolly Beggars," with unforgettable performances from Scots, native to Mauchline! Following Bob’s stirring rendition of the Burns song “Ae Fond Kiss,” Jim Davidson took the floor and presented Larry with a Mauchline Burns Club CD of the Burns Cantana “The Jolly Beggars.” How fitting, since this famous poem, or rather drama, was based on a scene which actually took place in 1785 at Poosie Nansie’s and was witnessed by the bard himself! Jim then walked over to a painting of “The Holy Fair” hanging on the wall of Poosie Nansie’s hostelry, removed it, and presented it to Larry as a token of friendship, together with a certificate documenting the event! Larry was clearly caught off-guard by this unexpected gesture of goodwill; and with a glint (or was that a tear?) in his eye, conveyed his gratitude to Jim Davidson and the Mauchline Burns Club for the fraternal gifts. Lunch was then ready, so we moved into an adjoining room of the hostelry for some refreshment including a bite to eat and a wee dram - following a toast to new freindships - all accompanied by poetry, music and song. A value can not be put on fond memories such as these, for they are truly priceless! Such are the memories of our experiences shared with the members of the Mauchline Burns Club and their unsurpassed hospitality. It was only fitting that we ended our visit with the Burns song “Auld Lang Syne” led by Bob Baillie. On the journey back to our hotel, we stopped in Alloway for a brief look at the Burns Cottage, an 'auld clay biggin' built by the poet's father, William's, own hands and the birthplace of Robert Burns in the 'but' or kitchen on January 25, 1759. Then Chris, Val and Larry went for an evening stroll over and under the Brig O' Doon, and along its banks, on the lookout for any Carlins (witches) like Nannie, described in Burns' beloved poem "Tam o' Shanter" within which Tam's mare Meg looses her tail to Nannie in a narrow escape from her clutches as they crossed the river Doon in this frightful but funny tale in verse which describes the fate which awaits those who have a "wee dram" too many and are made to pay the penalty. In the photos below, to our astonishment we did encounter an apparition which we took to be Nannie!, even though we didn't even have a "wee dram" to deserve her wrath! Nevertheless, as we passed under the Brig O’Doon, we were stopped dead in our tracks by a blinding flash of light! (below left) We scrambled about the shore, dazed and confused, trying to make sense of the chaos. Larry was dragged down to the ground from behind. He managed to break free, his jacket torn from his back. We joined hands (below right) and frantically made a break for the Doon – for it’s a universally-known fact that no diabolical power can pursue you beyond the middle of a running stream – when we were struck once again by another blinding flash of light. We made it safely to the opposite bank, scrambled into our waiting van, and off to the safety of our Ayr hotel. What a close call, and a day to remember! Day 11 - Saturday, 27-NOV-04 - Bannockburn and Sauchieburn, Lodged in Stirling We travelled to Bannockburn and Sauchieburn, the sites of epic battles. At Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce led Scotland, accompanied by several Cunninghams, against England's Edward II where Scotland won its independence. At the battle of Sauchieburn, King James III and Alexander Cunningham, 1st Earl of Glencairn, lost their lives against rebellious Scottish nobles. We toured the Heritage Center and Robert the Bruce Monument in Bannockburn and discovered the sites and history of Sauchieburn guided by Alastair of Scottish Clans and Castles Ltd., our excellent tour driver and guide to all the many historical sites we have visited. Day 12 - Sunday, 28-NOV-04 - Clan Cunningham Gathering at Stirling Castle Our Gathering festivities kicked off with a grand tour of Stirling Castle inside and out. In the Great Hall photo at left, notice the stained-glass blazon of the 3rd Earl of Glencairn, Cuthbert Cunnynghame! (Top row, second from right) Our banquet, as pictured below, included six kinds of canapés, Scottish salmon, smoked mussels, three vegetables, and heather honey crème brulée with vanilla shortbread for dessert! After dinner we retired to the adjoining room to relax while we conducted our Clan Cunningham meeting which began with introductions around the room. High Commissioner, Larry Augsbury, and Ben Cunningham of SEGC, gave brief speeches followed by an open discussion. Then Larry recognized several members for their dedication and service to Clan Cunningham. Brian E. Cunningham of Bethesda, MD was awarded Clansman of the Year 2004. Fran Powers won the French history quiz prize of Brebis fromage & tartan blanket. pictured below  Jennea Augsbury won the Scottish history quiz and was awarded a tablecloth and napkin set with embroidered thistles from Stirling. The Clansman and Clanswoman awards were crystal coffee mugs which along with the crystal medallions, all had text etched within them commemorating the award, the event, their office as well as the etched image of the Lord Lyon certified Clan Cunningham Strap-and-Buckle Crest Badge. This identical image is etched on the plaque of the granite monument at St Cuthbert's in Edinburgh which was erected there by CCSA to honor our last Clan Chief, John Cunningham, 15th Earl of Glencairn.   Following the awards, a Feast of Lights and Carols program was conducted by Earl and Geri Cunningham and Mneesha Gellman to ring in the holiday season. Earl Cunningham distributed a twenty page program of holiday carols and led the gathering in song. Our final song was, of course, Auld Lang Syne followed by this group photo of our memorable Clan Cunningham International Gathering 2004 at Stirling Castle! Day 13 - Monday, 29-NOV-04 - Travel to airports for return flight home The farewell breakfast was held at the Highland hotel, after which we went our separate ways. Some of us spent an additional few days touring the Highlands and Edinburgh. What an experience! We hope you will join us for the fun and adventure on our next exclusive Clan Cunningham tour and Gathering in Ireland in 2011/2012!

Saint Andrews Night, Château de Cherveux 2003

Larry Augsbury presents François Redien with the CCSA published hard-bound French translation of the Clan Cunningham "Origins, Heritage & Traditions" book.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Clan Cunningham Society of America dedicated a granite memorial plaque at St. Cuthbert's Churchyard in Edinburgh. The Memorial was dedicated in honor of the last Earl of Glencairn, John Cunningham, who died on September 29th, 1796. John Cunningham was the last Chief of Clan Cunningham. When it was discovered that his original tombstone was inexplicably missing from the wall behind his grave, CCSA designed, commissioned and had the Memorial erected, creating a focal point from which Clan Cunningham can look to on its journey to rise and reclaim its rightful place among the contemporary clans of Scotland. Memorial artist Roger Seal of Denver, CO, was commissioned to carve the Glencairn Arms, which was in turn commissioned from the Lord Lyon King of Arms, specifically for the monument. For those able to go to Edinburgh, we encourage you to visit monument. The church is located just below Edinburgh Castle, adjacent to the Princess Gardens.

 

The Dedication Ceremony proceedings were as follows: Pipers Lament 'Mist Covered Mountains of Home' by Piper Keith Easdale. Opening Comments and Introductions by Moderator, Larry Augsbury, Clan Cunningham Society of America's High Commissioner. 'Malcolm's Ride' An epic ballad whose music and lyrics are written by CCSA member Alison Bucklin about the origins of the Cunningham motto and shake-fork charge on the Glencairn Arms. Performed by the internationally acclaimed Celtic group "Calasaig" (Keith Johnston, Kirsten Easdale, Keith Easdale, Celine Donoghue and Andy Webster). Honored Guest's Address Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Right Honorable Robin Blair, LVO, WS. Read the Lord Lyon's speech here.   Honored Guest's Address Clan Chief George MacMillan of MacMillan and Knap of Finlaystone(former seat of Clan Cunningham.) Read Chief George MacMillan's speech here. Speaker Edinburgh City Councilor, Bill Cunningham, Holyrood Ward. Moderator's Address High Commissioner, Larry Augsbury, Clan Cunningham Society of America. Recitation of the Robert Burn's Poem "Lament For James, Earl of Glencairn"  read by CCSA member James Hutchison.   Procession to Gravesite and Memorial for John, Earl of Glencairn. Procession piped to the tune 'March of the Cunninghams.' Piper's Lament 'Sleep Dearie Sleep.'   Blessing of Memorial Blessing performed by Reverend T.C. Cuthell of St. Cuthbert's Parish Church.   Civic Reception, Hosted by the City of Edinburgh, Usher Hall Music performed by Calasaig.

Keith Easdale leading procession to the tune 'March of the Cunninghams' (Left to Right), Jim Cunningham, Julie Hutchison Lord Lyon and Larry Augsbury High Commissioner Larry Augsbury shakes hands with the Lord Lyon

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Lord Lyon Addresses Clan Cunningham Society 2003

Clan Chief George MacMillan of MacMillan and Knap of Finlaystone, former seat of Clan Cunningham, addresses "the opportunistic" Cunninghams. "I think my brief is to talk about the Cunninghams and Finlaystone, which is where I live.  It is a house now, but was once a castle on the banks of the Clyde The Cunningham connection with Finlaystone is of course peripheral to grand history of the Cunningham clan. It was only one of many houses they owned and occupied at various times. I think the normal plan was to go around to your various houses eating up the rent. Finlaystone was regarded as one of the main ones.   I regret to tell you the Cunninghams were what we might call opportunists. In the west of Scotland the word "Chancellor" is often used for people who see an opportunity and take advantage of it.  The two ways they did this was first by marriage, and the other one of course was by force of arms.  I think on the whole they were more successful with their marriages, but they did occasionally venture into Scottish history at crucial moments and were extremely important in their field.   Who am I to talk about Chancellors because my father was a soldier and he gained Finlaystone by marriage, so I am very much in the Cunningham family. The first Cunningham was William, who got it in 1404 from the Danzielstone or Danielstoun family, who must have owned vast tracks of Scotland, and who in fact had two castles, almost adjacent. One was called Finlaystone and the other was called "Nether Finlaystone," which is only about four miles away and is still more or less in its original form. So, when you come over to our side of the world, if you would like to go down to Nether Finlaystone, which is now called Newark castle, you will see what Finlaystone might have been like in the 15th Century.   Jane and I were in Machu Picchu not very long ago and we were very surprised to find that the great stones of Machu Picchu were only put in place about the same time Finlaystone and Nether Finlaystone were being built.  There is sort of a historical perspective there to be born in mind.   I will not go through all the Earls because there are far too many of them, but one is quite worth touching on.  We who live in Finlaystone always regard James, the patron of Burns as the Fourteenth Earl and John as the Fifteenth, and we recognize there is quite a bit of blather about all that. I think it happened very early on because rather sadly the first Earl, Alexander, was killed very soon after he was created Earl at the battle of Sauchieburn. Unfortunately, he was on the losing side.  He had been badly wounded. [The battle was between James III and James IV of Scotland, and pitted] father against son. The father lost. The son became James IV and deprived Alexander's son of his title, the Earl of Glencairn. I think it was from this that the numbering became so disjointed.   What is terribly more interesting than the numbers are the characters themselves.  On the whole, it is the odd numbered Earls that seem to feature most prominently. The Fifth Earl I suppose you could call him the patron of John Knox. In 1556 John Knox visited Finlaystone and held the first formal communion in Western Scotland.  That was a pretty bold thing to do at the time for the times were very tumultuous. One of Knox's predecessors had been slaughtered. I think the Earl took rather good care to get a few other Earls involved. Certainly one was of close relation by marriage, the Earl of Arran.    Just an illustration of how precarious things were, it was not very long before this that the Earl's father had been at odds with the Earl of Arran, and it sort of surprised everybody that Alexander actually married the Earl of Arran's daughter.  The marriage was one example of many where a marriage was the cement joining the grand families of Scotland together. The Earls through marriage acquired enormous parcels of land. That was an example of how quickly they could change their allegiance, from hatred to marriage, and sometimes the other way around.   Another good example of that was perhaps the most favorable of all, the Seventh Earl of Glencairn.  He took part in a rather peculiar skirmish in Kilbarchan, which is a small village just to the south of Finlaystone, and was in fact took place at the parish church.   It was a rift involving the property of a Finlaystone neighbor, Mr. Porterfield.  The Porterfields were a powerful lowland clan, and unfortunately for the Cunninghams, Mr. Porterfield failed to pay his rent. This I regret to say resulted in a skirmish, beginning in the churchyard of Kilbarchan parish church just after Sunday worship. Sadly, the Cunninghams had to run for it, about three miles, mainly up hill to Finlaystone.  They managed to get home and barricade themselves in.  But they were never terribly fond of the Porterfields and smarted over this skirmish and they ransacked the Porterfield's stronghold Duchal House.  It was not too long after that, so the story goes, that the same James was caught in a very bad storm not very far from Duchal and knocked at door asking for refuge from the storm, which the Porterfield very generously gave him. So, you just never really knew where you were with anyone at all at any time.   A final story about James is rather ironic in a way because if you walk around Edinburgh, you will find opposite one another the Glencairn pursuivant and the Eglinton pursuivant (coat of arms).   The Cunninghams were the Earls of Glencairn and the Montgomeries were the Earls of Eglinton in Ayrshire.  They had a rather long running dispute, a rather curious one that may appeal to the Lord Lyon. He probably knows about this anyway. A small landed Earl had a right to dispense justice in that area of Scotland. The Cunninghams it seemed were prepared to stop at nothing to gain this privilege. They actually murdered one of the Earls of Eglinton, Fat Hugh he was called. I am sure the fat part was a bit of spin to show how unworthy he was to sit on the bench.   Anyhow, he was murdered. James originally disclaimed any knowledge of the conspiracy, but there is no smoke without fire, as they say. So there was conflagration and marriage, and this went on through the next two or three centuries.  The 9th Earl is a very crucial one. He may well figure as the eighth in your history. He had a most difficult time because he was living during the time of the English Civil War.  Things were complicated enough in England, but in Scotland, they were almost impossible because the church was involved in it.  The Glencairns, as you have may have realized by now were very generally speaking on the side of the Presbyterians, with John Knox and his side.  The king, unfortunately, was on the rather High Anglican side.   Added to that, the ninth Earl wanted to support the church, but he also wanted to support the king because he thought it might suit him quite well. Besides that, the Earl of Argyll, whom everyone hated, decided to change sides halfway through, so everyone else had to change sides too.  So, it was quite impossible to sort out who was on which side. The upshot of it was that the 9th Earl got himself locked up in Edinburgh Castle right at the end of the Times of Trouble and was in fact due for an untimely death when the bell rang and Charles the II was restored to the throne and out he (9th Earl) popped and became Lord High Chancellor of Scotland.   That was not quite the end of the story because he was then given the job of ousting Presbyterians, which he did not find very tasteful. It is said on his deathbed, after a somewhat dubious sexual life, he offered to let some Presbyterians in to see him off to the next life, which prompted someone to say, "a Scotsman, whatever he is during most of his life, is usually discovered to be a Presbyterian in the end." He found himself buried in St. Giles Cathedral, just up the hill there. Actually, forgive me if you will, under the car park outside.   May I just finish by thanking the opportunistic Cunninghams for their gracious hospitality, from one opportunist to another.  Thank you very much."

Clan Cunningham Gathering 2003 at Balgonie Castle

Kingdom of Fife, Scotland

Ben Cunningham & Laird Balgonie in Great Hall. Frances Powers with first prize sword.

Ben Cunningham addresses gathering before feast. Clan Cunningham shakefork shield painted on the ceiling in Balgonie Castle.

Kingdom of Fife, Scotland

At the Memorial Dedication Ceremony on November 25, 2003, 'Malcolm's Ride,' was performed by the internationally acclaimed Celtic group "CALASAIG" (Keith Johnston, Kirsten Easdale, Keith Easdale, Celine Donoghue and Andy Webster).  The song, written by a Clan Cunningham member, was played for an audience of Clan Cunningham Society of America members and representatives from the newly formed British Society For the Earl of Glencairn.  The honored guest at this performance was the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Right Honorable Robin Blair, LVO, WS. 'Malcolm's Ride,' is a ballad about the origins of the Cunningham Motto and Shake-Fork Charge on the Glencairn Arms. During the procession to the gravesite of the Last Earl of Glencairn, John Cunningham, Keith Easdale of Calasaig piped the music he composed especially for the occasion, "March of the Cunninghams."

 

the best, young multi instrumental band in Scotland"  The List   "Calasaig establishes a place as an excellent interpreter of Scottish music" Dirty Linen

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Calasaig Members Played at the United Nations

Glasgow traditional music duo, Celine Donoghue & Keith Easdale travelled to New York in January of 2003 to play for the inaugural  "Robert Burns Memorial Lecture" at The United Nations. The theme of the lecture, which is to be delivered by The United Nations secretary General Kofi Annan, will be "State of the World and Brotherhood of Man." Keith  Easdale was piper at the November 25, 2003 memorial dedication ceremony for John Cunningham, the Last Earl of Glencairn.  Keith and Celine's band Calasaig performed the ballad of  "Malcolm's Ride," recounting the origins of the motto and shake-fork charge of the Glencairn Arms.  Celine, who was the recent recipient of the "Auleen Theriault Award" in Ontario, Canada, & producer and session musician Keith, are no strangers to playing for VIPs (between them they have also performed in front of Jean Chretien, the Prime minister of Canada, Princess Anne, The Lord Lyon, and The British Ambassador to Moscow, Sir Roderic Lyne). Profits from the Memorial lecture, to be attended by specially invited guests, will enable more Scottish volunteers to undertake  "British Executive Service Overseas" assignments in the developing world, "Something that Robert Burns would have endorsed," says Iain McConnell, Director of BESO Scotland, and a former broadcaster and producer. "His vision of the brotherhood of man is more appropriate today than ever and this new lecture will enable us to focus on the progress we have made since Burns's time" he concluded. Iain has been working closely with the retired UK Ambassador to the UN, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, on establishing the event. Twenty year old Celine has already recorded a solo album  entitled "Something Else" out on the REL label.  Both she and Keith had a hectic schedule during January and February.  As well as their UN date, they performed at 5 concerts during Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, before heading off on 2 tours in Holland & Belgium with their band, Calasaig. The duo also performed at the Celtic Connections Young Tradition Concert in the Piping Centre in Glasgow on 1 February 2003. www.rowanarts.co.uk/Calasaig/celine.html www.rowanarts.co.uk/Calasaig/keitheasdale.html

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Clan Cunningham is Awarded Best Clan Tent

 

Clan Cunningham Society of America was awarded on August 10, the Best Clan Tent at the 40th Annual 2003 Colorado Scottish Festival & Rocky Mountain Highland Games in Highlands Ranch, CO among 54 Scottish Clans represented. Pictured below is Larry Augsbury, accepting the award presented by the St. Andrews Society of Colorado.

 

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CCSA 'Robert Burns' Article Featured On Burke's Peerage

Burke's Peerage and Gentry's web site is publishing a spotlight on Robert Burns, along with the wealth of genealogical and historical information that can be found there. Clan Cunningham Society of America has submitted an article that is being featured there.

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CCSA Newsletter Published in French

 

Our newsletter has made its debut for the first time in a non-English language! Two of our January 15, 2003 newsletters, translated into French, were posted to addresses in France to prospective members there. There was a strong allegiance between France and Scotland for many centuries. CCSA is currently researching this connection and has plans to add a new chapter devoted to it in the next edition of our "Clan Cunningham, Origins, Heritage and Traditions" publication that will be offered soon in a special edition translated into French! Notre bulletin a fait son début pour la premiére fois dans une langue non-Anglaise! Deux de notre janvier de 15, 2003 bulletins, traduits en Français, ont étésignalés aux adresses en France aux membres éventuels là . Il y avait une allégeance forte entre la France et l'Ecosse pendant beaucoup de siècles. CCSA actuellement recherche ce raccordement et a des plans pour ajouter un nouveau chapitré consacré à  lui dans la prochaine édition de notre publication de "Clan Cunningham, d'Origines, d'Héritage et de Traditions", qui sera offerte bientô t dans une édition spéciale, traduite en Français!

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How the upstart splinter group, CCUSA/CCI, has failed in its
responsibility as stewards of the Clan Cunningham/Glencairn legacy

by High Commissioner elect of the Clan Cunningham Society of America (CCSA) Greetings Cunninghams and friends! Being the chairman and chief executive officer, over the last nine years, of our all volunteer non-profit Cunningham Society established in 1984, and working with our staff of CCSA Officers, is an honor and a privilege. But it has not been without its challenges. Part of my responsibility is to keep our society continuingly functioning in a productive capacity able to serve the needs of our membership as we uphold the legacy of the successful Cunningham chiefs of the direct Glencairn line of 15 Earls and their ancestors, the Lords of Kilmaurs, while enjoying this experience as we celebrate this distinguished heritage. At CCSA we aspire to rise up to, and consistently serve, the esteemed legacy of the Cunninghams of Glencairn and Kilmaurs. Our society suffered through a dark period during the latter half of the 1990s and into the 21st century under the control of a few whose neglect caused many members to lose interest and discontinue their memberships. We document those years here, not out of malice, but for posterity to prevent its recurrence. We will not suffer with impunity behavior which exploits the inimitable legacy of the Cunninghams of Glencairn. Those who are more interested in hosting festival tents subsidized by membership dues, rather than fulfilling their responsibilities of office and conducting Cunningham affairs in a manner befitting the esteemed Glencairn legacy, are not encouraged to seek office. Following just such behavior from those few officers whose contribution dwindled to nothing more than half-hearted festival tent hosting for years led to their eventual removals from office by our Board of Directors and High Commissioner. In response they formed a splinter group which poses on the internet under the names of Clan Cunningham USA (CCUSA), and Clan Cunningham International (CCI).  They would have folks believe that they were unjustly voted out of office and kicked-out of our society, and that this exposé is merely  untruthful misstatements, so we include the true facts below in sufficient detail to illustrate why they are no longer officers of our society qualified to represent the direct Glencairn line of 15 Earls who were highly respected, esteemed, and honourable officers of the kingdom of Scottish as well as successful Cunningham chiefs for some 800 years. Foremost among the failures of fiduciary duty this splinter group perpetrated upon our Cunningham society while corporate officers includes: Neglect and mistreatment of new members by Clan Cunningham hospitality tent host David Pickens. Pickens' & Lester's mismanagement of treasury funds for years. Theft and cover-up of Clan Cunningham Society of America property; and violation of CCSA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws by Pickens, Lester, and Dentist William A. David Pickens' removal from two separate CCSA offices for nonperformance and finally his expulsion from membership in CCSA by resolution of the Board of Directors (a year after he co-formed a splinter group.) It is very important that people like yourself who are searching for their Cuningham roots, know there is a DISTINCT difference between the only legitimate Clan Cunningham society founded upon the advance written advice, and with the written blessing of the office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, and the splinter group whose performance failed to meet the Board of Directors minimum expectations, and fell far short of the Glencairn legacy by any measure. If we permit the unresolved past to be forgotten, it is destined to repeat itself. For us to allow the same behavior to continue (under a different name), but expect different results, is a folly our society will not suffer in silence. Following below we share in precisely what manner Mr. Pickens and the splinter group have proven themselves unfit to represent the name Cunningham of Glencairn & Kilmaurs: Why the splinter group is unfit to represent the Glencairn Cunninghams Our Board of Directors was saddened to learn of the poor impression the splinter group conveyed of Clan Cunningham described in an email from an unsuspecting former new member and subsequent new director on the board of that splinter group (recently recruited at a Scottish festival) who was so repulsed by that group that he contacted us asking if we were an alternative to their group. When he discovered the origins of the splinter group and their history, this person subsequently resigned from their board, cancelled their membership with the splinter group, and has been a current member of CCSA for three consecutive years. This splinter group has presented the distinguished Cunningham Clan in a poor light for many years while at our society, benefiting personally from the proceeds of our membership's dues before they were finally held accountable to perform the responsibilities of their corporate offices, in response to which, rather than choose the upstanding course of action, instead they resigned their offices, to seek an alternate and easier means to attain their motives, to form their divisive splinter group, to abscond with our corporate property, collude to conceal it, to continue shirking their fiduciary duties of office, and attempt to cover-up their misdeeds behind the facade of their splinter group's web sites. The following are just a few examples which illustrate their lack of qualification as Cunningham officers and representatives: David Pickens, of the splinter group, was relieved of his CCSA duties as Newsletter Publisher on March 16, 2001 after years of failure to perform in that office. To illuminate: from our Genealogist John H. J. Cunningham on February 17, 2001 who wrote: "Is David Pickens still the editor of our newsletter? If so, why does he not respond to emails? For two newsletter cycles (six months) he has neither responded, nor has he printed what I have sent him. Perhaps I can send something to you and you can get David to publish it." Furthermore, in response to a query from the recently elected High Commissioner in March 2001 on the progress of the newsletter due to have been published by the previous January 15, true to form, Pickens replied simply, "Let's skip it." Pickens was also removed from the Deputy Southern Regional Commissioner office by unanimous vote by resolution of the Board of Directors on April 26, 2002 for failure to perform, and conduct detrimental to the Society. One of Mr Pickens' most common misstatements is that he helped form the splinter group because he had no other means to continue hosting Cunningham tents after being thrown out of CCSA. Pickens was, however, not expelled from membership, only removed from office - and for good reason. As a matter of fact, according to the Tennessee Secretaty of State web site, Pickens registered the splinter group as a nonprofit business on May 10, 2002 as its agent. He was not however expelled from membership in CCSA by unanimous vote of all five Board of Directors until a year later, during a board meeting on April 9, 2003 after it was discovered in our archives and bank records that he had misled our board and failed to devulge the existence of, or effect the return of, CCSA fixed assets and intellectal property acquired during his tenure on the board. He also demonstrated an untrustworthiness unbefitting an officer in a position of trust in any enterprise. On September 29, 2004, Mr Pickens stated in an email to our High Commissioner "I don't want to be an officer, all I ever wanted was to be able to sponsor clan tents. You know that!" What his conduct actually revealed was that he just didn't want any of the responsibilities of office, only the titles, and his record as a former CCSA officer clearly proved that beyond any doubt. For years his minimal efforts as the newsletter editor reflected poorly on CCSA. {Since his removal, for 9 years, CCSA has faithfully published 36 consecutive newsletters on time.} Pickens' minimal efforts to properly represent Clan Cunningham as a tent host were another embasassment to our society. One prominent example was the mishandling of the new membership application of George McLouth whose application and money was taken by Mr. Pickens at our Clan subsidized hospitality tent at the Stone Mountain Games on October 21, 2000. (Several weeks after the festival, George contacted our membership secretary inquiring why his new membership had not yet been processed. After Pickens neglected to respond to any of our officers' emails and voice messages for over a week, our membership secretary had to finally ask Mr. McLouth to download another membership form from our web site newly launched at http://www.geocities.com/clancunninghamusa/, complete it again, and fax it to us on December 11, 2000 so that we could process his membership - on the faith of George's word without membership payment - because David Pickens neglected to submit either, nor would  he respond to his CCSA email or phone messages for months.) Despite this maltreatment of new members and fellow officers, Pickens submitted expenses which were reimbursed, for many years, to attend honored banquets, and gain admission to festivals and games, etc... to exploit the glory of the Clan Cunningham legacy for its glamour, all at the expense of our dues paying members and colleagues. Furthermore, Pickens either mishandled payments for deposit, or failed to pass them along to our treasurer, for stretches of up to seven consecutive years (this egregiously mishandled example of checks never deposited was discovered in the files after our subsequent Treasurer assumed that office following the splinter group departure (bank records, images and details follow). Meanwhile, Pickens brandished his CCSA titles, though he neglected the duties of those offices, and yet refused to resign, thereby allowing someone able & willing to serve Clan Cunningham the opportunity to do so, while the society lapsed under the torpid administration of CCSA High Commissioner, Jerry Lester, into the state which Mr. Lester himself described as "the edge of collapse," until his unceremonious removal from office by unanimous resolution of the governing Board of Directors. And then there's Mr. C. Stevens who has no first hand knowledge of the conduct or performance of Pickens, or Lester, as officers of CCSA, nor the early history of this splinter group. Yet he posts his opinion on these matters about which he has no knowledge as if his words carry any weight. Stevens has posted on several blogs ample evidence of his lack of credibility. As one example, we tested his math skills. But, instead of his blog's claim that "over 60%" of the splinter group directors listed on their web site were new, and not former title holders at CCSA, in fact, only 30% of their listed directors were not part of the splinter group; and only 27% of the officers listed were not part of the splinter group. Even if Stevens' posts were truthful, or at least his math accurate, an impotent list of names for appearances sake neither impresses nor fools anyone who cares for long. It never fooled the members or Directors of CCSA for all those years Pickens and Lester have failed as Cunningham officers and tent hosts. Stevens has proven himself a willing recipient of the balloon juice Pickens and Lester dole out from their splinter group for public consumption. Stevens' exhibited his poor judgement with another of his opinions posted on the Bletherskite blog  that our High Commissioner is not a real Cunningham like Stevens considers himself to be. Since Stevens had two daughters but no sons, he'll undoubtedly change his tune if he ever has a grandson to whom he can convey a different spin on his notion of what a real Cuningham is. Stevens would do Cunninghams a service if he were to keep his opinions to himself. There is much to learn about the matriarchal traditions and culture of the Celts; Scotland being just one of the seven nations descending from this race. The Glencairn's were Cunningham's who distinguished themselves for centuries through extraordinary acts of courage and loyalty, who successfully served King, country, and family for twenty-seven generations. No accident of birth, no amount of posts or tweets, no number of blogs, nor social networking web sites, nor number of psuedonyns, nor hollow rhetoric can elevate the splinter group above their legacy of failure as Cunningham representatives. No splinter group under any guise, will ever measure up to the legacy of the Glencairn Cunninghams. Jerry Lester, listed on the splinter group site as a director and their parliamentarian, was removed in disgrace from CCSA office as the High Commissioner by unanimous vote on December 13, 1998 by resolution of the CCSA Board of Directors for years of egregious neglect of office. Lester still refuses, with the splinter group's knowledge and support, to return CCSA property against the demand of the CCSA Board of Directors. The standing Board of Director's unanimous votes for Lester's impeachment in 1998 tallied as follows:        * William D. Cunningham - Aye        * Dentist William A. Cunningham - Aye        * Thomas C. Behrens - Aye         * Frederick Miller - Aye        * John H. J. Cunningham - Aye        * Rev. James D. Cunningham - Aye        * Jon Czarowitz - Aye Jerry Lester in colusion with David Pickens and Dentist William A. Cunningham absconded with CCSA property in 2002, a trailer purchased by CCSA with CCSA funds, for the use of its Western Region, in direct violation of the Provisions of the CCSA Articles of Incorporation filed in June of 1985 with the State of Maine which state "No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons" This unauthorized conversion of CCSA's property to Mr. Lester, demonstrates the clear intent of the splinter group to benefit personally from the positions of trust they hold in Cunningham organizations, and their willingness to violate corporate articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the governing Board to this end. The theft of the trailer also contradicts William A. Cunningham of Maine's, High Commissioner message published and distributed to all members in October 1993 which stated "The Board of Directors voted to purchase the Clan Tent/Trailer in order to keep it for the use of the Western Region (of CCSA)." Furthermore, in a Nevada lawsuit filed by CCSA against Jerry Lester of North Las Vegas in 2006, and the splinter group, William A. Cunningham's version of the trailer agreement he reported to the CCSA membership in 1993 was in complete contradiction to the evidence he gave in 2006 in Small Claims Court that: "This trailer was never considered CCSA property." If that were indeed the case, why did funds from the CCSA treasury pay for its purchase? The dentist's evidence is not only the opposite of what he told members, in writing, back in 1993, but it violates CCSA's Articles of Incorporation, i.e. to use the net earnings of CCSA's treasury to purchase an asset to inure to the personal benefit of Mr. Lester and the splinter group. CCSA is not deterred by a Small Claims Court ruling at which dubious evidence from Pickens and the dentist was admitted, where possession is often 9/10ths of the law, and where the court is often biased in a case where property taxes are collected on such property. Beverly Lueke and Margie Cheatham were noncurrent members of  CCSA who had let their memberships lapse.  In March 2002, they submitted a clan hospitality tent application to our Treasurer for reimbursement for the Loch Norman Scottish festival in North Carolina. CCSA paid $172.00 from membership dues for Ms. Lueke and Ms. Cheatham to represent CCSA as hospitality tent hosts. Our Secretary subsequently informed us that neither women were current dues paying members which is a prerequisite for reimbursement from society funds. The Southern Regional Commissioner, Jon Czarowitz, was asked to remind them that their membership's had lapsed, which he did. Nevertheless, they refused to renew their memberships. Just prior to the festival, and only after they were reminded that only current members were extended the priviledge of representing Clan Cunningham with expenses subsidized by membership dues, and therefore, under the circumstances, we would be forced to withdraw the funding for their sponsorship, did they submit their dues. (Ms. Cheatham had not been a supporting member of CCSA for two years.) Serving as an officer, or hosting a Cunningham hospitality tent is a privilege our members earn. Such service entails more than handing out literature and marching in parades in exchange for festival perks. On 09-MAR-09 CCSA received the following message of member support: " Larry, I just thought you should know that we support you, CCSA, and your upstanding efforts to ensure integrity of the Clan Cunningham Society, while "taking the high road" in efforts to inform the public of the disastrous consequences of associating with other groups purportedly also representing the Cunningham name. Your actions, efforts, and direction in leading the CCSA are noted and appreciated. Mrs. Cunningham" On March 3 & 4, 2009, the following email excerpts reveal the circuitous manner in which one of our members from Scotland, Alexander Cunningham of Hawick, had to discover the splinter group legacy, and about its break with CCSA. The exploitation of Clan Cunningham and its members by Mr. Pickens and his splinter group associates over many years has been provided here and will remain here until the appropriate reckoning has occurred. These excerpts below illustrate our Scottish member Alex's experience & dissatisfaction with the actions, and inactions, of Mr. Pickens and the splinter group, who solicited a charitable donation from him in 2007, subsequently slighted him - and then in 2009, after Pickens learned of our member's dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from the splinter group - and also learned of Alex's recent membership in our long-standing society - Pickens insulted him. "Hi David, ...as a Scot it hurts me that my clan is not being represented at the gathering by the long established Clan Society. My clan instinct of sticking together causes me to side with the established society, it is not a matter of believing or disbelieving what has been written about you. As I see it your actions in setting up a rival society seeks to tear the clan apart. I can assure you that from my point of view in Scotland I would dearly like to see the two societies coming together again some day, preferably before the gathering. I do however begin to have my own suspicions that some of what has been said about you might just be true, when I never received an acknowledgement of my donation to the Glencairn Aisle project nor was I ever able to find out what became of the money which people donated to the project. I am naturally curious since the company listed on your website as having been contacted to carry out the restoration work does not list this among their commissions, nor is there any mention of the project among St. Maur's church information which I have been able to find on the web. You solicited money through your own web site and I think the people who donated money, including myself, ought to be entitled to a financial statement showing how the money was used." Previous to the above March 4 excerpt, came another apology from Mr. Pickens, this one on 03-MAR-09 regarding his slight and the aspersion cast against Alex's integrity which has in the past been followed-up by his vengeful retaliation. The reply Alex sent to Pickens' apology followed with: "Hi David, Thanks for that. Sorry if my earlier mail appeared unduly bitter and uncompromising but the reality of the matter is that, from my perspective as a native Scot, one of the most heinous things is the formation of a breakaway group from the established clan society, so we will just have to agree to differ." Earlier that morning, our member wrote to advise of email contact initiated from Mr. Pickens: "Hi Larry, Pickens has e-mailed me overnight. I will be going nowehere near Pickens' tent as I feel very strongly that his group should not be coming to my home country and purporting to represent my family at the gathering. This is a job which the established Clan Society should be chosen to do. I will be at the games on the Sunday and will proudly wear my Cunningham kilt." In response to the asperity in Pickens' message (posted 2nd message below), our Scottish member responded on 03-MAR-09: "Hello David, Well all I can say is if you don't want to fan the flames why are you writing to me in these terms. I was initially minded to join your organisation at the time of my visit to Glencairn Aisle and sent your organisation a paypal payment of $25 on 12th November 2007 by way of a donation to the Glencairn Aisle project. The payment went through my paypal account as paid to ClanCunninghamUSA, but I never received the courtesy of an acknowledgement, nor have I ever heard anything further of this project. By apparent co-incidence you started to correspond with me a few months after that ... and hinted that you may want to meet me at the Gathering. I e-mailed you again around Christmas about this so that I could make my own plans, and obtain a pass for the Parade and Pageant if I needed to do so, then I sent you a recent reminder. You had made no contact with me as to whether I needed to buy a pass independently until within the past few days by which time the selection is limited yet you had gone ahead in the meantime and secured passes for a select few. I then started googling for Clan Cunningham and Glencairn Aisle Project and my suspicions were aroused. In the meantime I had joined Clan Cunningham Society of America and been disappointed to learn that I will not be able to meet other members at this so-called gathering of the clans. As you say there is nothing in Scots law to prevent a breakaway group setting itself up in the same clan name, but I feel that the organisers of the gathering have screwed up badly in selecting a new breakaway group to represent the clan rather than the long established one. If this is how they have treated other clans then it makes a complete mockery of the idea of a clan gathering. I cannot stop you coming to Scotland and purporting to represent my family but I will not make you welcome either. As I have already arranged to meet people ... at the gathering I shall attend the Games on the Sunday but I have no plans to visit your tent. It is very sad that you should seek to undermine an established clan society which seeks to represent Cunninghams throughout the world and to establish a genealogy base. ...yet you have the audacity to plan to come to Edinburgh and purport to represent my family name. Yours, a proud and loyal Cunningham Alexander Cunningham of Hawick" Mr. Pickens' initial message: "Good evening Alex, I now see on the CCSA site that you have emailed Mr. Augsbury and have accused me of not replying to you promptly which could not be further from the truth – and you know that, I am just surprised at your comments as I thought (and still hope) we have a relationship. I have replied to every email you sent promptly ... Sincerely, David Pickens" One example of how a Glencairn Cunningham dealt with those who would cast false aspersions against them involved the perpetrator Sir George Munro - who was a lieutenant of General Middleton the new commander of King Charles II's forces. Munro, in 1654 insulted His Majesty's Commander Glencairn's (Clan Chief William Cunningham, 9th Earl of Glencairn [and later Lord Chancellor of Scotland for life]) forces, which resulted in an affair of honor being settled the next morning. Sir George was almost blinded by a gash on his forehead from Glencairn and would have been killed if the affair had not been stopped to save him. Sir George Munro spoke for himself, backed up his words, faced the consequences of his lip service, and was no coward. We can learn much about honor, loyalty, consequences and accountability from our Cunningham of Glencairn heritage. Characteristics which are conspicuously absent in the splinter group.    On 01-MAR-09 Alexander Cunningham of Hawick, Scotland wrote: "Hi Larry, Many thanks for your prompt and efficient reply. I hope I will be able to help strengthen the society here in Scotland. I have a piece about Clan Cunningham on the web. I was contracted by a Mr. David Pickens who told me that my information was incorrect. He was going to get back to me about the Scottish Gathering but he never did so. Reading your website, I now discover that this is par for the course with him and that he has no authority to represent our clan. I will probably still go to the games in Edinburgh on the Sunday of the Gathering but will not take part in the Saturday pageant if Clan Cunningham Society of America is not going to be present, which is the recognised organisation for our clan over here in Scotland. I would be delighted to add any relevant information, to help other members trace their ancestry, and to play an active part in the Society." Splinter Group conduct unacceptable from a CCSA of Glencairn officer: A barrage of email messages concerning CCSA's ongoing effort to alert Cunninghams about the splinter group came to CCSA on Oct 21, 2008 from a former officer of CCSA, a (Rev.) James D. Cunningham, who was the National Secretary for a brief six month stint in 1999. He resigned in June of that year over his failure to work amicably with our very capable High Commissioner at that time, William D. Cunningham. Immediately following his resignation, the first divisive Clan Cunningham club was formed by the original splinter group made up of (Rev.) James D. as its self-appointed High Commissioner, in collusion with the actively serving CCSA National Historian and Board Director at that time, and a former High Commissioner, dentist William A. Cunningham II, as its co-founding and first member from Pittsfield, Maine. This club, calling itself Clan Cunningham International (CCI), was an evident failure from the start; with a subsequent splinter group, CCUSA, being the second divisive upstart splinter group this dentist has been involved in forming. In any case, within the first three messages from James D. was included the following threat leveled at our High Commissioner: "You started this war, sir, and I'm going to end it for you." Do these sound like the pious words of a reverent man of God? It does cause one to wonder from where (Rev.) James D. acquired his title. Let's hope it was from an ecclesiastically accredited institution and not the internet! And, to what flock would a reverend tend, with such a temperment? Is he an ordained Minister, or a  religious extremist invoking a holy war? Freshman, discordant and disgruntled officers who resign to form a splinter club because their ideas were rejected by experienced governing board members do not make good leaders. James' prosaic ideas to solicit memberships from telephone book databases, and to peddle Clan Cunningham trading cards at festivals, were neither requisite nor legitimate credentials upon which the leadership of any organization should be based. This reverend's past actions speaks poorly for the judgement of someone bearing the title of a reverend, and illuminates why he was unsuitable as a Cunningham officer. CCSA was  contacted on 31 May, 2008 by the webmaster of a prominent Scottish web site with Clan Cunningham connections asking to swap links. We had 3 links up on our sites within 24 hours, and responded to the webmaster that their site was excellent except for the mention of Pickens and a link to the splinter group, which we would overlook. Their gratifying response was that after researching our comment, this Scottish site removed Mr. Pickens' comments, and the link to that splinter group site. Turns out that the web master had requested 3 separate times that the splinter group update a link on their site - which were all ignored. Some things never change; only their names. It pains us to make public the exploitation some Cunningham descendants will inflict upon an honourable legacy like that of the Cunninghams of Glencairn and Kilmaurs. But, down through the centuries there have been disreputable, corrupt, even infamous, people who have bore the Cunningham name like Bloody Bill Cunningham, and even a contemporary Congressional Cunningham, once a decorated ace fighter pilot who left elected office in disgrace following a corruption conviction. Several of these well-known Cunninghams who have left a very public stain upon the Cunningham name have been featured over the years in our newsletters to illustrate that just because a person bears the Cunningham name, does not mean that they are in any manner affiliated with, nor are they any representation of the esteemed direct line of the Cunninghams of Glencairn and Kilmaurs - the best contemporary example of this being, of course, the splinter group posing on the internet as both Clan Cunningham USA and Clan Cunningham International.  The core purpose of our Cunningham society is to celebrate and propagate those characteristics that make us proud to be of Scottish Cunningham of Glencairn descent. Anything less, would not do justice to the legacy left by our distinguished ancestors if we are to adequately represent and pass along the esteemed Cunningham history that was forged over the centuries through their efforts and sacrifice. We at CCSA do not consider ourselves entitled to the Cunningham legacy solely through a coincidence of birth. We consider it a privilege to serve, uphold and represent our Cunningham heritage which we earn through the ongoing and upstanding actions of our society, its officers, and our members. At CCSA, service, integrity and honor are core values of our Clan Cunningham society, not sound bites. Conversely, the splinter group was founded by those who failed our members, our society, and the Glencairn legacy. Ironically, this splinter group was formed to enable phlegmatic festival tent hosts the opportunity to subsidize their leisure, to the continued discredit of a Clan they purport to represent. Why are there several different Cunningham sites on the internet? A small group of former officers of the Clan Cunningham Society of America (CCSA) formed a splinter group in 1999 and again in 2002 which they called Clan Cunningham International and Clan Cunningham USA respectively. More details of the supporting facts for this follow. You are urged to note the confusing similarity between the CCSA and CCUSA acronyms. (The URL {or web site address} to our CCSA original web site hosted with Yahoo Geocities since 1999 has always been Clancunninghamusa, of which they were well aware.) This splinter group, however, is in no way affiliated with the Clan Cuningham Society of America. They, along with the choice of their name have created some confusion among Cunninghams seeking a connection to the Cunningham name through their genealogy, and those with a curiosity about its distinguished history. Why and how did this schism come about? It is our duty as the Clan Cunningham society to inform the public of the facts behind their departure so as to dispell the confusion caused by this group and by their web sites. The longstanding Clan Cunningham Society of America is not, and shall never be affiliated in any respect or united in any manner with any Cunningham splinter group under any leadership whatsoever. Below are the circumstances that transpired within CCSA leading to their departure. Cunninghams who have been duped at festivals, of from the internet, have brought this matter to CCSA's attention, prompting the need for this detailed clarification on behalf of the legitimate Cunningham Clan. The Clan Cunningham Society of America (CCSA) - Background  CCSA was formed in 1984 after our Convenor, Deborah Cunningham Greene, sought the written advice of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland in regards to the creation of a legitimate Clan Cunningham society, whose office advised her in writing to proceed, conducting CCSA's affairs in a manner in which our Clan Chiefs would have approved. During the formative years of the 1980s, Deborah performed the administrative duties of Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Publisher. It was during those years that dentist William Andrew Cunningham II (William A.) of Pittsfield, Maine, served as historian; while others like David Morris Pickens of Knoxville, TN, and Jerry Dean Lester of North Las Vegas, NV, joined CCSA and served as regional and State commissioners. In 1990 CCSA reorganized its administrative offices. William A. became High Commissioner and Deborah remained Secretary until the Spring of 1991, when her service as an administrator and director drew to a close, although she remains an honorary lifetime member. From 1990 through the summer of 1994, William A. served as High Commissioner (HC), with David Pickens, and Jerry Lester, among others, serving as administrative officers and directors on its governing board.  From 1994 through 1998, with Jerry Lester as the successive High Commissioner, and William A. and David Pickens still serving as directors, CCSA experienced a sustained period of administrative neglect and subsequent decline, until the Board of Directors in December 1998 took necessary action. Jerry Lester was removed from office as the High Commissioner (but remained on the board as the Western Regional Commissioner), William D. Cunningham (William D.) - Director, and Northern Regional Commissioner - was elected High Commissioner, and (Rev.) James D. Cunningham (James D.) became Secretary. CCSA rebounded for six months when James D. abruptly resigned in June 1999 stemming from the discord of a strained working relationship with High Commissioner William D. Earlier that year in February 1999, High Commissioner William D. appointed Larry Augsbury as Deputy High Commissioner. Following James D's resignation, the High Commissioner asked Larry to serve as Secretary, which he did, to which office he was subsequently elected by the Board that same year. In the Summer of 2000, dentist William A. of Maine resigned from the Board and the office of Historian, and William D. announced his resignation as High Commissioner to be effective at the end of his term ending in December 2001, or sooner if and when CCSA could find a replacement. Administrative neglect by the long-time directors soon returned until Director and Genealogist, John H. J. Cunningham, publicly called for leadership and an end to the indifference. With no long-time Directors stepping forward, in February 2001, the Board of Directors elected Larry Augsbury as High Commissioner (HC), and in September 2001, at our Triennial General Membership Meeting (TGM), the CCSA membership reaffirmed the Board by electing Larry to the office of High Commissioner, as well as to the vacant offices of Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Publisher; functions which he continues to perform today.   With the glaring need to stimulate activity evident, Larry brought accountability to CCSA's administrative positions with the 2001 change in leadership. All directors were asked to reevaluate their availability and willingness to actively serve CCSA and its members, with the full knowledge that offices in CCSA would now be filled and maintained based on performance and merit, no longer serving as merely ceremonial titles. In order to reinforce the new active admistrative philosophy, the following Oath of Office was instituted: I agree to abide by and enforce the CCSA bylaws, and affirm my committment to carry out, in good faith, the duties of my office in a timely and responsive mannner. No officer took advantage of the opportunity to step down from office; with all officers, including Larry, taking the new oath of office. Larry facilitated a Strategic Planning Retreat for the Board at the September 2001 TGM, with the Board subsequently approving the Strategic Plan early in 2002. Following the 2001 leadership change, David Pickens was relieved of his Newsletter Publisher responsibilities in April of that year by the High Commissioner Larry Augsbury for consistent failure to perform the timely responsibilities required of that office, from which David subsequently resigned. (It is noteworthy to point out that over the next nine years, 34 timely newsletters have been faithfully published, and CCSA has earned revenue from both American and Scottish merchants who purchase advertising in our international newsletter.) David Pickens later that year solicited the Board of Directors (not of his own accord but through the representation of Director Carole Bishop) with the desire to reclaim a seat on the board through the vacant office of Deputy Southern Regional Commissioner, to which the Board elected him in 2001.  Shortly thereafter, a conscientious member from the southern region forwarded to our High Commissioner the following email messages from Southern Regional Commissioner, Jon Czarowitz, which he had sent to some members in the southern region. From: Jon Czarowitz - To: members of the southern region - Date: 23 APR 2002 "I don't have the personal organization skills necessary to form an organization or I would have followed up on a suggestion years ago to start a new group." From: Jon Czarowitz - To: members of the southern region - Date: 25 APR 2002 "I have thought about leaving CCSA many times before and joining another group or forming one..." From: Jon Czarowitz - To: members of the southern region - Date: 26 APR 2002 "Nothing else you send me will be forwarded to (the High Commissioner) except this." From: Jon Czarowitz - To: CCSA High Commissioner - Date: 28 APR 2002 "I was a member before you in CCSA and seen a lot more of the type of treacherous behavior than you can imagine." Meanwhile, board members David Pickens and Jon Czarowitz purportedly wrote a southern regional newsletter in early 2002, and requested the most recent membership list. In response, our High Commissioner requested a copy of the newsletter for review, which both officers failed to supply. Furthermore, during this same time, David Pickens distributed an email message to our newly elected High Commissioner, informing him that he had been in touch with dentist William A. (no longer an officer or director of CCSA) and another southern member who together had unilaterally decided to update CCSA's travel book publication. Pickens also attempted to instruct our Genealogy Officer on her responsibilities. These actions were far beyond the scope of Pickens' very limited authority as a deputy regional commissioner, and the HC pointed out to the Board that neither David Pickens, nor dentist William A. as a former officer, possessed any authority to make administrative decisions effecting the Society's publications or genealogical data, nor did they speak for the Board of Directors or CCSA. David Pickens subsequently responded to this - including our Genealogist, John H. J. Cunningham's call for new leadership which resulted in our newly elected High Commissioner, Larry Augsbury, by the Board of Directors - in the following manner: FROM: David Pickens TO:      CCSA Board of Directors DATE:  April 18, 2002 "Dear Larry and the Board, I would like to make a public apology to you and the board... Please forgive my actions. If you want my resignation, please make it public and I will comply. David Pickens" FROM: David Pickens TO:      CCSA Board of Directors DATE:  April 22, 2002 "I wish to call a special meeting of the Board of Directors for the specific reason to have a vote to remove Larry Augsbury from all the offices he now holds in Clan Cunningham Society of America. I believe this requires a second before the meeting can be started. David Pickens" Obviously his effort failed. Pickens, as a former CCSA Secretary, should have been familiar enough with CCSA's bylaws to known that there has never been a provision in our bylaws which allows a deputy regional commissioner the authority to call a special meeting of the CCSA Board of Directors. And thus, David Pickens, oblivious to CCSA's bylaws and it's parliamentary procedure, as well as its articles of incorporation, did not succeed in continuing to shirk his duties, nor circumvent accountability as he had for so many years; especially those painful years under Jerry Lester's lack of leadership. During this same period, the HC had requested some specific administrative tasks be performed by Western Regional Commissioner Jerry Lester. After failing to previously perform any of his Strategic Plan tasks, combined with his persistent failure over many years to conduct any of the Society's or Western Region's administrative business -- having performed the solitary function of tent host for many previous years while holding the ceremonial title of a CCSA administrator and director-- (hosting a tent is neither a responsibility of any CCSA office, nor a qualification for any CCSA office, and never has nor will be) Jerry Lester was asked to resign as Western Regional Commissioner in the best interest of the administration of the Society and the Western Region due to his persistent failure to perform. Jerry Lester resigned as Western Regional Commissioner and CCSA Director on April 2, 2002, (upon pain of removal from office by the Board a second time) with his resignation being received and accepted during a CCSA Board meeting during which a motion to remove him from office was before the board, but prior to the Chairman's call for the vote. Following that board meeting, the HC issued a directive that all subsequent CCSA publications be submitted to the High Commissioner for review before distribution. In response, southern member Carole Bishop resigned her board seat, citing this directive as undemocratic. Her resignation was accepted. Shortly thereafter, these former CCSA directors which have been mentioned in this exposé (with the exception of Larry Augsbury, Deborah Cunningham Greene and John H. J. Cunningham resigned their offices and formed another splinter group they called CCUSA. Then, inappropriately using CCSA's proprietary membership list, Jerry Lester solicited our members via email to join their splinter group or renew their memberships with CCUSA (which some of our members did erroneously believing they were renewing with CCSA.) In the autumn of 2004, CCSA was contacted by the spokesman of a splinter group, David Pickens, who expressed a desire for a reunification. CCSA does not recognize their splinter group as a legitimate representative of Clan Cunningham, nor do we believe that they conduct their affairs in a manner in which our Clan Chiefs would have approved, as indicated by the examples of their conduct as administrators of CCSA which were stated above and are further documented below. Nevertheless, in the best interest of a unified Clan Cunningham in America, CCSA proposed an offer which included welcoming them and their members back into the Clan Cunningham Society of America and holding open elections for all offices in 2005. They failed to accept the offer. The Clan Cunningham Society of America continues its unparalleled service to the legacy of the distinguished Cunninghams of Glencairn and Kilmaurs. What is the difference between CCSA and the splinter group? The Clan Cunningham Society of America's change in leadership in 2001 brought to an end the neglect and mismanagement that had pervaded our society for so many years under the Board of Directors dominated in main part by dentist William A. Cunningham, Jerry Lester and David Pickens. Since March of 2001, under the leadership of our current High Commissioner, CCSA conducts its affairs as a proactive, responsive, united, fiscally responsible and open society, of which we believe our Clan Chiefs of Glencairn and Kilmaurs would have approved. As unfortunate as the revelation of the following facts are, they document why those former directors of CCSA, and founders of the upstart splinter groups, are unfit to discharge the responsibilities of a representative body of the Cunninghams of Glencairn and Kilmaurs. These facts further reveal those former directors violations of their fiduciary duty as corporate CCSA officers which led to Jerry Lester, David Pickens and Wiliam A.'s eventual expulsion from the Clan Cunningham Society of America by our Board of Directors (over one year after they formed the second splinter group) for refusing to return the rightful property of CCSA purchased with its membership funds for CCSA's exclusive use. What follows are merely a few material examples, among many others, of the conduct of these three members as officers and directors of CCSA which our Board of Directors has deemed detrimental to CCSA and the esteemed Glencairn name. Thus this exposé is necessary to debunk the deceptive claims by the splinter groups on their web sites of their director's misleading & exagerated leadership qualifications & experience, and more importantly, to put the record straight. Four fundamental characteristics differentiate the legitimate Clan Cunningham Society in America, CCSA, from the splinter groups. LOYALTY There is only one direct Glencairn line of Cunningham Chiefs which is now extinct. Our convenor in 1984 sought and received the written advice and blessing of the office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland to form an official Clan Cunningham Society in America. The only Clan Cunningham organization in America to do so. An excerpt from that reply follows with: “Clan Cunningham is an ancient and honourable Clan, and has for centuries been recognized as such. The Earls of Glencairn, whose surname was Cunningham, were successfully Chiefs of the Clan for many centuries, and John, (11th) Earl of Glencairn, recorded the undifferenced Arms in ... 1672. John Cunningham (15th) Earl of Glencairn died childless on 24 September 1796. Since then there have been several claimants to the Earldom and Chiefship but these were not successful. The Chiefship remains dormant, and there is no known Chief of Clan Cunningham today, nor will be until someone comes forward and proves to the Lord Lyon’s satisfaction that he is the rightful heir. I regret that I know of no such impending claimant at the moment. You are accurate in feeling that your Chief’s approval is very desirable for the formation of your Clan Society, but as there is no Chief at the moment and you wish to go ahead, you have no choice but to do so without one, and endeavor to conduct the Society’s affairs in a way he would have approved. A rightful Chief may yet be discovered, and he would be delighted at the existence of a well organized Clan Society in America. I would suggest that you call the Society ‘Clan Cunningham Society of America’, and so head your stationary.” Thus upon the advice of, and with the blessing of the office of The Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, the only official Clan Cunningham Society in America was founded. Unfortunately, dentist William A. Cunningham of Pittsfield, ME has supported not one, but two illegitimately formed Clan Cunningham splinter groups in the United States, his first splinter group, Clan Cunningham International (CCI) in 1999 & Clan Cunningham USA (CCUSA) in 2002, which fractionalize the solidarity of Cunninghams in America and beyond. According to (Rev.) James D. Cunningham of Florida (a former CCSA National Secretary and former member of the CCSA Board), who, immediately following his resignation, helped organize the previously defunct, Clan Cunningham International (CCI) in the summer of 1999 with dentist William A., who was CCI’s first member from the state of Maine, (unbeknownst at the time to CCSA's Board, for William A. never informed it of his role in CCI's formation or his membership) whose CCI lifetime membership number is USME0001. At the very same time, William A. was a member of the Board of Directors of CCSA. This was a clear conflict of interest, breach of business ethics, and breach of fiduciary duty which illustrates William A's lack of integrity and the deceptive manner in which he operated as an officer and director of the CCSA Board. Furthermore, William A. Cunningham served as a director of the splinter group. This disloyalty to the society of  which William A. was a member for many years--that our Convener Deborah L. Cunningham founded with his support in 1985 with the blessing of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland--is prejudicial to the unity of Clan Cunningham. Such disloyalty is not befitting any officer of any organization. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT After assuming the elected office of CCSA National Treasurer in March of 2001, (previously held during Lester's term by his wife) our treasurer discovered an envelope addressed to former CCSA High Commissioner and Western Regional Commissioner Jerry Lester, from former CCSA National Secretary, Southern, and Deputy Southern Regional Commissioner David Pickens. There was no stamp or postmark on it. Inside were 9 checks made out to CCSA which totaled $91.00 (copies of checks 1), (copies 2), (copies 3), (copies 4). These were neither endorsed nor ever presented for deposit. The dates on the checks ranged from May 29, 1994 to May 21, 1997. They were promptly submitted for deposit into our CCSA bank account on November 10, 2001 by our treasurer. Amazingly, six of the nine checks cleared (three were returned uncleared) including the one that was over 7 years old! This case in point of the egregious financial mismanagement by these two men is merely one example of the years of negligence suffered by CCSA and its members under their administration, which in Mr. Lester’s own words, from his Western Regional Commissioner's Report in the Winter 2001 newsletter, aptly characterized the state of CCSA's affairs, when he was removed from office as High Commissioner in December 1998, by resolution of the Board of Directors , as being at “…the edge of collapse.” FIDUCIARY DUTY In February of 2003, about one year after the second splinter group formed, our High Commissioner was researching our historical archives for information on Robert de Conyngham for our french member François Redien when he accidently discovered irrefutable evidence that the trailer which Jerry Lester has been using since 1993, to host Clan Cunningham hospitality tents in the Western Region, was paid for by CCSA for the use of its Western Region and is the rightful property of the Clan Cunningham Society of America, Inc. Back in July 2002, shortly after the splinter group formed, our attorney corresponded with Pickens demanding the return of all CCSA property from all members of their splinter group. That correspondence (highlighted in red) included the following excerpt: "In conclusion, consider this a formal request to all former CCSA officers to return all CCSA property to either Larry Augsbury or myself." Mr. Lester resigned as the Western Regional Commissioner of CCSA on April 2, 2002, effectively terminating the agreement for the use of CCSA's trailer. He responded to our attorney's request (click here to view) on August 25, 2002 by stating within the following excerpts: "Nor do I have any CCSA property in my possession. "Any 'CCSA' property that I may have had over the years was turned over to the CCSA leadership at that time." So, following the discovery of the evidence of CCSA's ownership of the trailer, our Board of Directors sent a demand letter (by first class mail and by email) to Jerry Dean Lester, David Morris Pickens and William Andrew Cunningham II, all directors of the upstart splinter group, on June 13, 2003, with paper copies of all the evidence, demanding the immediate return of CCSA’s trailer with a deadline to respond of July 7, 2003. Mr. Pickens, of the splinter group, responded to our demand letter sent via email, in an email message response on June 15, 2003 which included the following excerpts: "This is to confirm I was a Board Member of CCSA at the time of the transaction and until you reminded me of this, I had forgotten Mr. Lester had the trailer." "I did not remember CCSA paid for it but assuming you have proof, will accept this as so." "There is no conspiracy and I have been all above board in this matter and all matters concerning CCSA property." After having received the packet of evidence, Mr. Pickens then sent another email message on June 18, 2003 in which he stated: "I did receive your package today and I am again replying that this matter of the trailer is not a matter between CCSA and Clan CunninghamUSA or between CCSA and myself personally. That is all I have to say about the matter." Mr. Lester responded that for paying the fees that he had voluntarily offered to pay in order to induce CCSA to purchase the trailer in 1993 for his use; and contrary to his exhortation that "He (Jerry) is also willing to abide by any stipulations the Society may want to put unto this purchase", which is stated in the future tense, which applies to the current Board of Directors, and which he has subsequently refused to honor, he nevertheless claims ownership of the trailer. Our Board disagrees. The terms of this agreement are in writing, and clear. Our board interprets the agreement to be similar to any common lease of property where the registration, insurance and upkeep are paid by the user, with possession reverting to the owner at the expiration of the agreement; which said expiration was initiated by Mr. Lester's resignation. Mr. Lester has displayed a convenient justification for his chronic lack of critical thinking and ethical judgement regarding his fiduciary duty as a corporate officer which is conveyed in his email message dated July 5, 2003 which stated: "As to the trailer; the cost of the trailer was satisfied long before any of you were board members (and most likely members of your society) through my paying the annual licensing fees, maintenance and upkeep of said trailer since 1993. I am the titled and registered owner of this trailer." Dentist William A. Cunningham failed to respond to our demand letter which included the evidence that was written by his own hand during his term as High Commissioner and documented in his Director's Newsletter, as well as evidence documented in William A. Cunningham's High Commissioner's Message in the CCSA quarterly newsletter which is distributed to all current members of CCSA. No other records exist since no business documents nor board meeting minutes were ever forwarded to the current administration from the Secretary of CCSA during that period, which was Mr. Pickens. Nevertheless, no other documents are necessary since the purchase of the trailer including the intent of the control of the trailer and the intent of its purpose are made very clear in the aforementioned documents that do exist.  From the CCSA Director’s Newsletter - Number 2 - August 10, 1993 by, then, High Commissioner dentist William Andrew Cunningham II of Pittsfield, Maine, he writes (Directors' Newsletter page 3), (Directors' Newsletter page 4): “The Western Region desperately needs the help of the Society to keep going so please give the following proposal your undivided attention... A very large portion of their success was due to Ed’s award winning display of handmade weapons in his custom trailer. Ed’s recent poor health has forced him to give up his job and consequently his Clan and Games activities. He’s regretfully put his trailer up for sale for $450, a fraction of what it is actually worth. He will be selling it at the Santa Rosa games on September 4. It undoubtedly will be snapped up by another clan as soon as he gets it to the field. Jerry feels very strongly that Ed’s trailer should remain with our Clan… Jerry has agreed to license, insure and store the trailer if the Society would be willing to buy it from Ed at this time. He (Jerry) is also willing to abide by any stipulations the Society may want to put unto this purchase. I feel that it would be in the best interest of the Society to help the Western Region get back on its feet by purchasing Ed’s trailer at this time. I also feel our National Treasury can afford this expense at this time and it should be viewed as an investment that will eventually generate the Society many, many members in the West in the years to come. If a majority of Directors give me their approval on this purchase by August 28, I will authorize the immediate purchase of Ed’s trailer for $450.” From the October 1993 newsletter, (click here to view) in the High Commissioner’s Message, William A. writes: “The Board of Directors voted to purchase the Clan Tent/Trailer from former Western Commissioner Ed Dawson for $450 (a Scottish bargain) in order to keep it for the use of the Western Region. Present Commissioner Jerry Lester..." All subsequent CCSA Board of Directors have interpreted this written statement to its members to reveal the INTENT of the ownership of the trailer and the intended CONTROL of its purpose and use. All Boards of Directors of CCSA, since Mr. Lester's departure, have found this interpretation manifest in the following two points: 1. The use of the words "in order to keep it for the use of the Western Region" clearly state the INTENT of ownership, and under whose CONTROL the trailer is intended to be: The Western Region of CCSA - NOT Jerry Lester personally. 2. The use of the words "Present Commissioner..." clearly emphasizes that the Western Commissioner's office is temporary in nature, and indicates that the control and use of the trailer is intended to be at the disgression of the present Western Commissioner of CCSA and not at the personal disgression of Mr. Lester. The payment for the trailer, and thus its ownership, is evidenced by the following documentation: On August 19, 1993, check #189 was drawn on the account of the Clan Cunningham Society of America c/o Treasurer--wife of William A. Cunningham--Karen L. Cunningham in the amount of $450.00 payable to Ed Dawson and signed by High Commissioner William A. Cunningham. In the memo space is written “trailer purchase.” On the August 1993 CCSA bank statement check #189 for $450.00 cleared the bank on 08-26-93. During that time the three most prominent Directors on the board were the High Commissioner, William Andrew Cunningham II of Pittsfield, Maine, the Deputy High Commissioner Jerry Dean Lester of North Las Vegas, Nevada and the National Secretary David Morris Pickens of Knoxville, Tennessee. Dentist William A. Cunningham, David Pickens and Jerry Lester have proven themselves clearly unqualified and unworthy of the fiduciary duty incumbent on them as directors to whom property and power were entrusted for the benefit of the Clan Cunningham Society of America and its members. They clearly failed to safeguard our property, and absconded with our trailer and colluded amongst themselves to wrongfully convert our members property to Mr. Lester's personal possession. This corrupt behavior is part of the foundation upon which their illegitimately conceived Clan Cunningham splinter group was formed and continues. INTEGRITY (Doing what's RIGHT when nobody's watching) In the summer of 2002 CCSA's attorney corresponded with these three persons through their spokesman Mr. Pickens (click here to view) shortly after they formed this splinter group. This correspondence included a warning that they (and specifically Mr. Lester) immediately cease contacting CCSA members and soliciting them to join their splinter group using our CCSA membership list, or face an injunction. In the email response from Mr. Lester he denies soliciting our members to join his faction (highlighted in green), but the email message from our Idaho State Commissioner at that time, Corby Christensen, exposes Mr. Lester's deceit. After discovering our ownership of the trailer, we also confirmed that Mr. Lester still possessed the trailer which was purchased with CCSA treasury funds for the explicit use of the CCSA Western Region in order to promote CCSA. A loyal supporter of CCSA sent us photographs of Mr. Lester and the trailer at the Las Vegas games in April, 2003 where he was passing out splinter group literature. We also received photos 1 2 3 4 of the trailer in Mr. Lester’s driveway on March 5, 2003 & March 3, 2006. Furthermore, Mr. Lester claimed in his response (highlighted in green) that: "CCSA has never paid for Clan Tent space at any Games or Gatherings that I have set up at and therefore is not entitled to the exclusive use of said material if I decided to use such." Mr. Lester's deceit is further exposed, as these three checks from 1997 and 1998 reveal; all signed by himself as High Commissioner and his wife as Treasurer of CCSA which clearly state in the memo space that they are for tent spaces at Games or Gatherings which he hosted. His deceit is further exposed by the Treasurer's Report in 1999 (prepared by Mrs. Lester's successor after she and Mr. Lester were removed from office by the Board the previous year) which shows payment to him for "games expenses" of $265.00. Mr. Lester's deceit appears to come as easily and consistently to him as did his practice of shirking his responsibilities as an administrator, an officer, and director for all those many years with a CCSA title. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Lester took advantage of the misfortunate chronic health problems of our Western Regional Commissioner Ed Dawson who constructed that custom-made award-winning trailer at his own personal expense and used it to host tents all over the West as an outstanding representative of the Western Region of CCSA. Mr. Lester took advantage of our members treasury funds to purchase the trailer at a "Scottish bargain" (a quote from William A); and Mr. Lester took advantage of his position of trust as a fiduciary agent of our Clan Cunningham Society to further his own personal benefit by wrongfully converting CCSA property to increase his personal possession; and is retaining possession with the support and assistance of David Pickens and dentist William A. Cunningham.    David Pickens has disclaimed any responsibility in the trailer matter for himself and this splinter group. (see red text in Pickens' email below)  In fact, according to Mr. Pickens' email message of June 15, 2003 (see green text), he can't even remember that CCSA purchased it. And yet, from letters submitted as evidence by Mr. Lester in the trailer lawsuit, if we are to believe Mr. Pickens, despite his repeated claims that the trailer matter does not concern him, he somehow felt compelled to write a letter to Mr. Lester dated July 22, 2006 in which he miraculously remembers with great precision the details of the purchase of the trailer. And his memory is remarkably similar, virtually identical, to an account in a similar letter from dentist William A. dated July 23, 2006, the day after Mr. Pickens letter. These letters were admitted as evidence upon which the judge ruled in favor of the splinter group. No report from any of these three "officers", not to the CCSA Board in William A's "Director's Newsletter", not in the explanation to the members in our newsletters, not to our attorney, nor to us, do their reports bear any resemblance whatsoever to what these two letters purport as the trailer agreement. Nor did they submit any document like board minutes substantiating their claim. Only their word. These three men are thick as thieves who apparently colluded to concoct the story in those letters admitted in court to justify their wrongfull conversion; or they deceived the CCSA members they were entrusted to serve back in 1993. The two stories contradict each other, with one version being an obvious lie. The CCSA Board of Directors found these men to have conducted society affairs in a manner in which our Glencairn Chiefs would not have approved, have failed to establish themselves to the dignity of the Glencairn legacy, and therefore unfit to hold any position of trust in any Cunningham entity.    These men were CCSA’s 1993 leadership, the same governing directors whose negligence characterized their lack of leadership through the end of the millennium, the same men whose poor judgement mismanaged the finances and assets of CCSA in the new century; and those whom the splinter groups tout on their web sites as their current fiduciary agents, their experienced and innovative leaders of today. Would you entrust these men with your finances, to represent you and your family? The Clan Cunningham Society of America does not, and does not want you to be duped without first knowing the risks as illustrated by the above facts. At the very least, in CCSA's judgement, Jerry Lester, in collusion with David Pickens and William A. Cunningham as directors in a corporate fiduciary capacity acting on behalf of the interests of the membership of CCSA have wrongfully committed the illegal invasion of CCSA's interest in its chattel under Civil Law through the intentional tort of CONVERSION by exercising control and dominion over property purchased by CCSA's membership funds, for the explicit use of CCSA's Western Region; property under their control which is being used in direct violation of CCSA's Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and current Board of Directors. These men have proven themselves unworthy of our members and any Cunningham organization's trust. Their unethical casuistry as CCSA administrative officers and directors of its governing body demonstrates their unfitness to discharge the official responsibilities of representatives of the distinguished Cuninghams of Glencairn. Take a look at the words of sophistry on their web sites describing who they are, and compare those words to their actions, which are what truly define a person, leadership, and an organization. Then do the same with the Clan Cunningham Society of America beginning in 2001--and during the period when our Convenor led our society. We believe you will discern the glaring difference between CCSA and this splinter group, and the necessity of this exposé. A group of self-serving people amusing themselves at Cunninghams' expense as hospitality tent hosts at Scottish festivals they certainly are; but good leaders take responsibility; take action. These men, and women, did neither at CCSA. They took cover! They fled a recognized Clan Cunningham society which they mismanaged, seek to cover-up their misdeeds and start afresh as if they were engaged in an adolescent club instead of a nonprofit corporation representing the Cunninghams. This exposé demonstrates why they fall far short as qualified representatives of the Glencairn Cunninghams of Scotland.     CCSA had remained taciturn for over three years while working to secure the return of our rightful property. Cunninghams as well as the general public have a right to know how these individuals misconducted the business affairs of CCSA during their administration, what has already occuring at their splinter group according to Alexander of Hawick, Scotland, and thereby what corruption might be ongoing under their current splinter group administration , to the continued detriment of trusting members of Clan Cunningham. We hope you will not allow the self-absorbed interests and negligence of a few, to dampen your interest and participation in our Cunningham society. We welcome Cunninghams world-wide to join together with our 914 members in the celebration of our distinguished Cunningham heritage within our society or at a Clan Cunningham Society hospitality tent at a Scottish/Irish/Celtic festival in your area. Please feel free to send us your feedback at query@clancunningham.us. We encourage you to get involved and welcome your support.