Roger Repoz: Major League Baseball Outfielder

Repoz, who grew up in Bellingham and who has lived in Fullerton, Calif., for nearly 30 years, prowled the outfield for the New York Yankees for a season in the mid-1960s.

Among his teammates were several players often mentioned as part of a long list of Yankee legends: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Elston Howard, Joe Pepitone, Whitey Ford, Clete Boyer and Tony Kubek.

Repoz's journey to the top of the professional baseball world began when he played prep ball for Bellingham High School and collegiately at Western Washington University. For the Vikings, he was the Most Valuable Player at the 1959 NAIA national tournament as Western advanced to the national quarterfinals. He was primarily a pitcher in his college days, but was an outfielder during his pro career.

The left-hander was twice named to the all-Evergreen Conference team, and in 1960 he was drafted by the Yankees. He reached the big club for a week in 1964, then began a seven-year stretch in the majors in 1965.

The Scottish Wickerman Festival: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modern Celebration

Scotland, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and mysticism, is home to some of the world’s most captivating festivals. Among them, the Wickerman Festival stands out as a unique celebration that blends ancient traditions with contemporary artistry. Held annually in the scenic town of Stewarton in

East Ayrshire, this festival is not just a local event but a beacon of cultural expression that attracts visitors from across the globe.

Origins and Evolution
The Wickerman Festival draws its name and inspiration from the ancient Celtic tradition of the Wicker Man, a large wickerwork effigy historically used in pagan rituals. While the exact origins of the Wicker Man are shrouded in mystery, it is often associated with the idea of ritualistic offerings to ensure bountiful harvests and community prosperity. The modern Wickerman Festival, however, is a far cry from ancient sacrificial rites.

Blairmore House

Blairmore House is at Glass, Huntly in Aberdeenshire and was used as the Aberdeenshire Headquarters between 17th January 1943 and 8th November 1943. The house was designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie and was built in 1884 as a residence for Alexander Geddes, businessman and great-great grandfather of former Prime Minister David Cameron. His father, Ian Donald Cameron, was born in the house in 1932, though the family sold it shortly after.

Cakemuir Castle

Situated in Midlothian, Cakemuir Castle is a 16th century four storey tower house. The projecting stair tower is round and capped with a square watch chamber. This feature is common to Tolquhon and Crossraguel and may symbolise Protestant sympathy.

The castle was built on the site of an earlier castle by Adam Wauchope, who defended the Earl of Bothwell against the charge of murdering Lord Darnley. It was at Cakemuir that Mary, Queen of Scots, met up with Bothwell after fleeing from Borthwick in June 1567 and sought escape to Dunbar.

It is reassuring to see a fine property like Cakemuir being both conserved and developed further with an impressive pond and a large Orangerie (correct us if it is not!).

The family connection is through the current owners, the Robert Douglas-Miller family. Robert is my 5th & 6th cousin through my maternal grandmothers line (Milroy).

Bavelaw Castle

   

At first sight Bavelaw Castle appears to be a typical 17th century Lairds House but a 16th century origin is attested by the thickness of its walls, its vaulted basement and an array of gun loops. Located two miles south of Balerno, it has links with Mary Queen of Scots and James VI.

The family connection is through Robert Alexander Gavin Douglas-Miller former managing director of Jenners department store.
Robert, the current owner is a 4th cousin once removed to me from my maternal grandmother's family (Milroy).

Burgie House

It is thought that circa 1800 the middle part of the current house was built as a “cubical block” using the

stone from the then ruined castle. In 1912 Alexander Thomson entirely recast the building, extending the wings and covering the whole structure with a new roof. The old porch was removed and re-erected near the castle where it still remains today as a folly. In 1934 the house was modernised and enlarged once more with its appearance remaining the same to this day.

Fontaine Francaise Castle

Fontaine-Française Castle in Côte-d'Or is an elegant 18th-century residence in the classical style. Built on

the site of an ancient medieval fortress, it features a grand double staircase at the front, between the terrace and the pond. The 7-hectare pond stretches out in front of the castle's façade and makes for a peaceful and charming setting.

The guided tour of the Louis XV-style main building will take you to the guard room, drawing rooms and ceremonial rooms, where you can admire magnificent antique tapestries and period furniture.