Hello everyone,

Well Christmas is over and the New Year has arrived which is exciting for us as we have a lots of changes lined up for this year. Most of them will just be back end stuff that will simply be making things run smoother and help us have more time to sit in the sun or play some music.

We've just got some news from St. Justin about their new friendship ring they've put out.

This is a great looking ring and we're looking forward to receiving the first shipment soon.

Speaking of rings: We just thought we'd feature a ring or two for Valentine's Day. While it might be a bit early to be thinking about this for many people if you want a ring then you've got to get things rolling early so we can make sure we get your size in time.

Our Boru rings would make a perfect valentines gift take the Mo Anam Cara ring: 

This ring combines the Claddagh symbol with a message in Gaelic Mo Anam Cara "My Soul Mate" pronounced "Muh Onum Kara".

Don't forget to check out our Facebook page for updates on what we're selling and for give-aways and competitions or if you just want to share something Celtic with others who are interested:

http://www.facebook.com/celticconnexions

Don't forget that Bob is working away at the tours. Enquiries are coming in thick and fast so if you've ever thought you'd like to explore Scotland then head on over to the tours page to check out what's what.

Well that's all for this week so I hope you all had a great time over Christmas and New Year.

Hello friends

Thank you for your friendship and custom throughout 2012, hasn't it gone fast?! The economic (and environmental...) climates have been tough on many people, we understand, and we are thankful for your coninued support. Whatever your plans for the summer, we wish you all the best.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR GIFTS, BUT HATE SHOPPING? 

Please remember Celtic Connexions when you are looking for meaningful and affordable gifts. We have a beautiful range of jewellery in-stock and plenty of gift ideas to choose from. You don't even have to leave your house! That is a huge plus if you are like me and really don't like busy shopping centres!

Visit the Celtic Connexions Trade Me store for bargains galore!
Check out one of Bob's Christmas Specials: Fagerstrom Technopipes

Only three scarves left!

This bronze-finished plaque was made by the Irish Celtic Art Studio. We have several items from their range in stock, which you can view on Trade Me. The Claddagh symbol represents love, unity and loyalty - a very popular choice for our Irish friends. We think these plaques make very attractive wall hangings, both because of the sentiments they express and the eye-catching bronze designs.

WAIPU HOGMANY - WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR!

Venue: Waipu Primary School

Date: 31 December 2012

Contact Anne-Marie: learnScotsfiddle@gmail.com (no booking necessary)

Afternoon: games—bring your croquet sets, boules, cricket bats

Tea time: bring your salads, meat and veggies and fire up the BBQ

Evening: chaotic Ceilidh time! Live music! Dance callers!

Midnight: Auld Lang Syne, first footing, drinkies, session

Contact Steve Goldthorpe ph 09 432 0532 to book a camping space $10 per person per night.

It has been far too long since I attended a hogmany! If you haven't made plans for New Year's eve, find a hogmany. They are good fun.

Please do contact Bob or Steven if you have any questions on 0800 HAGGIS. All the best from the team at Celtic Connexions. 

Whether you like it or not there`s only 39 days till Christmas, so dont delay any more,can we help at all,Give us a call on,

0800 HAGGIS (424447)

and whats more for the next 4 orders over $50 we will give away a

free claddagh pendant   

Clan Clothing

And we are getting organised with Clan Davidson now to supply their goods , Have a look  here, Are you a member of the Clan, want to join, come back to us here and we will pass on your address thanks,

Is your clan interested in Crest clothing? yes we can help you.please enquire.

_____________________________________________________

Celtic Wedding Ring Collection

Our jewellery collection  grows and grows and if you know someone getting engaged or married soon please feel free to flick on this newsletter, because we have a real super collection now. Have a little peek at this.

forever.mp4

But then again we have a super collection of Celtic jewellery and its .

all on special till end of November. right here

All the best for now, the Celtic Connexions Team

Yes and it’s a very warm welcome back from me as I have just returned from Scotland, warm as in hospitality not the weather. Lol

Celtic Connexions was  busy over there, sourcing new goodies and Steven and Heidi have been keeping the `home fires burning` in New Zealand  although Heidi has had her head well down studying. So good on you Steven. thanx

Ok whether you like it or not Xmas is round the corner, keep an eye out for our specials’  starting right now,  and remember if you need anything like tartan it takes a while so please don’t leave till the last minute.

The Emigrants Statue Helmsdale

The  tours went very well I am happy to say especially cool was  The Highlands /Iceland and Nova Scotia, this was pretty much a pioneer trip for those brave souls  with me and  if you would like to see where we were and what we did see our blog here.

http://www.celticconnexionstours.com/celtic-connexions-blog.php

For those who know or are interested I have been playing a plastic set of McCallums bagpipes all over Scotland,and Nova Scotia  I was quite surprised how good they were, review coming. They are now for sale in our trade me store section here

or our facebook page, track us down rather than me link you coz thats better. makes the search engines work.

Why dont you like us , that will get us brownie points too please

Real  specials  on McCallum and Wallace bagpipes as well. Not listed , what do you need , ask me.

http://www.celticconnexions.co/bappipes-and-whistles/mccallum-bagpipes.html

I really did miss New Zealand this time, and its now officially `home`.and I want to learn to step dance, ala Cape Breton style. magic

Bob

Hello friends,

Since our last newsletter, Bob has returned to Scotland for a four month trip. You can catch glimpses of his current tour by liking his Celtic Connexions Tours Facebook page. Here you will find images and videos, which Bob uploads when he gets the chance.

Adding to the travel excitement is the knowledge that people are already jumping on board the 2014 Bannockburn tour. You could be a part of the Homecoming festivities too, just follow the link above and make your place-keeper deposit of only $100. You can also email: bob@celt.co.nz or phone: 0800HAGGIS and find out more.

Would you like a custom-made kilt or skirt? Send us your measurements, pick your design and we will organise the rest.

BEAUTIFUL & MEANINGFUL RINGS FROM BORU

Honour your heritage/ friendship/ love with one of Boru's stunning designs. Please let us know what you are looking for and we will do our best to assist you in finding the perfect ring.

CELTIC EVENTS COMING UP

All the best from Heidi & Steven

Hello friends,

We have an exciting opportunity to offer you and your family and friends...

SCOTLAND HOMECOMING 2014

Bob will be hosting a trip to Stirling to take part in the International Gathering of the Clans, in July 2014. This will be part of the 'Year of Homecoming' that will be taking place in Scotland throughout 2014.

Stirling Castle. You could be here...

Accommodation has already been booked in Stirling, now you just need to reserve your space!

35 spaces are currently on offer. The initial deposit is only $100. Bob wants to make this trip affordable, so he is striving to put together the most reasonable tour package possible. The full price will be confirmed at a later date. 

2014 will be an exciting year to visit Scotland, with celebrations taking place to mark the 700th anniversairy of the Battle of Bannockburn; the Commonwealth Games; the Sekonda Stirling Highland Games; and the Gathering of the Clans.

Clan Wallace members and supporters, let your interest be known! Bob is in the 'planning and scheming' phase of this tour, and he wants to hear from anybody who may like to join. Keep an eye on our tours website, which will display details as they become available.

TARTAN DAY CELEBRATION 2012

Put on your tartan and head to Frankton, Hamilton for a fun day out. Enjoy Scottish culture in a family-friendly atmosphere and be entertained by talented dancers and musicians.

The Tartan Day Celebration is here again! How time passes by..

CELTIC CONNEXIONS SPECIALS

Click on the PDF below to see just a few of our current special offers:

specials may.pdf

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Bye for now,

Heidi

Steven

Bob

Hello friends,

I hope the long-weekend was as you wanted it to be!

Bob has two complete tour groups eager to go to Scotland in the middle of 2012, and he is looking for people to make up a third group for August. If you are a keen piper, or someone who thrives on Celtic culture - this is the tour for you. Only six spaces are open, so be in touch as soon as possible to secure your place. This is the final tour to be offered in 2012, and it will be jam-packed with festivals and sight-seeing. You can book your place on TradeMe    or by phoning Bob on 0800 HAGGIS.  

Are you looking for a Celtic ring, perhaps a wedding ring? Bob has put our Peter Shakes range on special for one week only. See our  website, and get hundreds of dollars off gold rings.

Keep an eye on our website for items from our new supplier, Boru jewellery, Ireland. Boru specialise in Celtic designs, including: warrior, claddagh, trinity, ogham, birthstone, infinity, and other styles; available in gold, two-tone gold, and silver.

We are taken with the beauty of Boru jewellery, and we look forward to working with them to bring you pieces that you will treasure.      

All the best from us,

Heidi

&

Bob

Hello friends,

As of last week, Celtic Connexions has a Trade Me store.This has been Bob's goal since the middle of last year, so we are very excited to have acheived it. 

You will find a large range of items here, all at special prices. Our products are listed clearly, and can be found easily under our business name (as opposed to the old haggis16). Follow this link to see for yourself.

PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS TAURANGA 2012

Bob tells me the Nationals were a huge success - he takes his hat off to the Bay of Plenty Pipe Band for putting on such a grand event. Congratulations to our lucky bottle winner, from the Cantebury Caledonian Balmoral Pipe Band. Thank you for entering our draw, we hope you enjoy your prize!

Bob's tour to Cape Breton and the Celtic Colours Festival is now full. There are two spaces left on Bob's tour to the Highlands and Islands (including the Edinburgh Tattoo), so if you were thinking about joining, don't delay any further!

If you are interested in taking part in the biggest Clan gathering in Scotland, check out Bob's tour to Mull, for Clan Maclean's 100th gathering. You will even get to see Bob performing with the Pipe Band! You can find info about this tour by downloading the PDF below, which is also available on the Celtic Connexions Tours website. I am in the process of updating our tours website, so please excuse the changes.

Clan Maclean Tour.pdf

Cufflinks

Bob has brought in a new range of cufflinks, which he thinks you might like. Get ready for St Patrick's Day with this cool Shamrock design.

 DOMAIN DAY TE AROHA

Bob will be attending Domain Day in Te Aroha this Sunday, 18th March. Check out this website for the schedule of entertainment and activities, including the Dragoons vs the Te Aroha Jacobite Clan! This will be a really good day for the whole family. Admission is free for all. 

For those of you attending WOMAD this weekend, I hope you have a fantastic time!

All the best from us