What's been going on with me lately...

[M. A. C. Newsome]

So, some astute members of X Marks may have noticed some changes with my title and sig file here. There have been a few changes in the recent weeks, and I have not until now had the time to make any public comments about them. I'd like to do so now.

I have worked for the Scottish Tartans Museum since 1997, first as a part-time employee while I was finishing up my undergrad degree, then as its full time curator, and eventually it's full time director.

What many of you probably do not know is that for the past four years I have split my time between working at the museum and another job. I was hired four years ago by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte to serve as the campus minister at the Western Carolina University Catholic Student Center. Unlike my work in the tartan world, this is actually work that I have academic credentials for; I hold a Masters of Theology degree, and I am also a graduate of our diocese's Lay Ministry program.

Originally the campus ministry position was a part time job, and I was able to perform those duties while still working (more or less) full time with the museum, though I did have to cut my hours back somewhat. Two years ago, however, the Diocese elevated me to a full time salaried position.

At that time I had a discussion with the museum's Board of Directors and offered to step back and take on a more advisory or consulting role with the museum. The Board asked me at that time if I would still serve as the museum's Director, even though I would only be available to work part time hours. I agreed, and that has been the situation for the past two years.

Now for the more recent developments. Toward the end of October I was given the opportunity to take on more responsibilities in Diocesan ministry. The parishes in my Vicariate were in need of a regional faith formation coordinator to serve as a liaison between the individual parish and the main office in Charlotte. This would be in addition to my ongoing duties in campus ministry at WCU. The new role would come with an increase in pay, obviously, but also an increase in responsibility. It would mean more meetings, more planning time, more phone calls -- basically more time all around, meaning less time to devote to the museum.

Given the pressures of my new responsibilities, I felt it best to formally step down as the museum's Director. This is not due to any unhappiness at all with the Scottish Tartans Museum, but simply a reflection of my need to shed one responsibility in order to undertake another.

I still very much support the mission of the Museum, and plan on assisting them however I can. Scottish Highland Dress is very much a passion of mine. I plan, as my schedule permits, to come into the museum as a volunteer, and also to offer my services as an adviser and consultant when needed. So I will have a supporting role, rather than one of leadership. I am very happy with this decision.

What does this mean for my kilt making? For some time now I have been making kilts under the name of New House Highland (my surname, Newsome, comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word for "new home" or "new house"). I have sold these kilts both through the Scottish Tartans Museum gift shop, as well as through my own web site.

Kilt making has always been a hobby business of mine. I sew kilts in the evenings and on the weekends. Believe it or not, I find it relaxing. This will not change with my new schedule. I plan to still spend my free time making kilts. (Though I do have a sewing room where I cloister myself from time to time, more often than not my kilt making is done on the sofa in my living room, with children playing on the floor in front of me, and a Star Trek episode on the TV).

I have decided to become a paid advertiser on X Marks as New House Highland so that I can more actively support my own business here -- though I hope to still be a voice of support for the Scottish Tartans Museum, as well.

However, the main representative of the Scottish Tartans Museum on X Marks will now be SirDaniel1975. Daniel has become one of our regular volunteers and is in the museum at least three days per week, mostly working in the gift shop.

Ronan MacGregor is the full time manager at the Museum. He has worked as my assistant director for many years. He is registered here at X Marks but is not active on the forum. As Daniel is very active, he has agreed to represent the museum on X Marks, so you will be seeing many more posts from him in the Museum's dedicated forum.

I ask all of my friends here on X Marks to please give their support as much as possible to the Scottish Tartans Museum.

[artificer]

Best of luck in your new(ish) endeavour in the ministry, Matt.

ith:

[herminator]

I must say - holding your work at the museum in highest regard - COOL MOVE! I wish you all the best!
May God bless you brother!

Shalom
Hermann

[MacLowlife]

Thanks for letting us know. I hope they let you bring all of your knowledge with you as you left the museum... And I hope we can still count on your valuable contributions here.

And, drive carefully, please.

[KenB]

Best wishes for success in your new role(s).

[tyger]

Congratulations, Matt, on your promotion and this expanding dimension of your career. I will sure miss seeing you at the Museum on a regular basis, but I will stay in touch and will visit you at WCU.

[Peter Crowe]

My sincere best wishes to you in your ministry Matt. What you are embarking upon is very important work indeed. I quite understand why your Tartan Museum involvement has to take more of a back seat, because much as I share a passionate interest and emotional commitment to THCD, it is not the most important thing in my life. I must say, however, that I do enjoy reading many of your posts here on XMTS.

[ShaunMaxwell]

Best wishes for you as you undertake your new ministry role. Sounds as if the STM will be left in good hands. I look forward to your continuing contributions to the forum.

[creagdhubh]

Best of luck with your ministry, Matt!

Cheers my friend,

[ForresterModern]

Congratulations on your advancement and best wishes for your future success. I am sure that your personality would not allow the museum to suffer from losing a part of your time and investment and that Daniel and Ronan will be more than sufficient replacements. Good Luck.

jeff