The St Andrew Society of York
Frank Paterson
2025/26 President
about the society
In 2019 the St Andrew Society of York celebrated its 125th anniversary. If you are interested in Scottish cultural heritage, then please join us at our functions and social gatherings.
Membership of the Society is open to anyone with an interest in Scotland, its music and culture.
Our rules are as follows:
1. The Society's goal is to champion Scottish heritage, culture and traditional social activities in the York community.
2. The Society's mission is to encourage camaraderie and promote social activities for members and the York community.
3. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Scottish heritage and traditions.
4. The Society is governed by a Council, which includes a President, Immediate Past President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and at least four additional members elected at the Annual General Meeting.
5. The Council must meet at least four times annually to oversee the Society's activities.
6. The Annual General Meeting takes place in May, with members receiving at least 14 days’ notice.
7. Membership fees are determined at the Annual General Meeting and must be paid by June 30th each year.
8. A Special General Meeting can be requested by the Council or at least ten members, requiring a minimum of 14 days' notice.
9. Rules may be amended only during the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting, requiring a two-thirds majority vote from members in attendance.
10. The Treasurer manages the Society's funds, presenting an independently examined financial statement at the Annual General Meeting. The financial year shall end on 31st March.
11. If the Society is dissolved, any remaining funds will be donated to a charity chosen by the members.
Ladies are also most welcome to join our circle of friends (The Ladies Circle) which has its own programme of events throughout the year.
Formal functions are held during the year to celebrate St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night.
In addition, throughout the year we hold various events such as trips to visitor attractions, quiz and social evenings, monthly lunches and other activities.
Please refer to our Programme Section for details of what's been arranged during the current membership year.
We look forward to welcoming you at any of our meetings and functions......
Use the contact link above to find out more.
St Andrew Society of York- Past Presidents Banners
In January 1998 Council approved the development of this project and the final report was accepted on 2ndApril 2001.
The Preamble said:-
It is seen by most members to be a considerable honour to be elected President of our Society and we have been very well served over the years by all office bearers. Our presidents have invariably contributed positively in many ways before they became holders of that prestigious post.
The old saying ‘there is nothing as past as a past president” is however apposite.
The proposal is a means of creating a more lasting recognition of the individuals who have over the years contributed to the life of the Society and who have been honoured by the members by appointment to this prestigious post.
The concept is that each president would donate to the Society a tartan banner of their choice embroidered with the dates they held office and these would be displayed at the Society’s principal functions.
In 2001, thirty past presidents had donated banners and they were formally handed over to the Society at the Burns Supper in 2001. The photograph below includes Past Presidents Sandy Layhe, Ron Robb, Graeme Miller, Jean Fleming and Frank Paterson.
Thanks to the generosity of the donors the Society now has a unique wide range of beautiful tartan banners honouring the contribution of the individuals who have held this prestigious post
