Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2012/13 #13
next Ceilidh Dance – Friday, November 30, 2012
I am continuing to include these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. Last week’s picture brought some responses and I have been convinced that it was the Red Cuillins with Glamaig in the foreground and Maarsco behind. You can look back at last week’s and most prior newsletters by going to our website at www.vancouverceilidh.org.
This week may be a little harder though I am sure someone will recognize the entrance into a fairly wide valley. Picture taken in typical Scottish weather!!
Loch Garry
The readership of, or at least the number of subscribers to, this newsletter has gone up to 382. There used to be many more but, I am sure, those now on the list are the creme de la creme. Please pass along the website to your friends and maybe they will subscribe – www.vancouverceilidh.org
The Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance last Monday afternoon proved, once again, that it is one of, if not the, most popular dances of the year. Approximately 180 attended and enjoyed the well known and relaxing programme of dances selected by Jean along with a varied selection of music from many different bands – and all for only $10!! Of course there was much more as there was the usual fantastic array of sandwiches, savouries, scones, pancakes, squares, cakes, biscuits, fruit, etc., etc. The hall was decorated with an enormous scroll of the Remembrance poem which stretched from one corner diagonally to the other. There were also poppies and flags. The hall looked great. Many, many thanks to Jean and the Glenayre club members and to those others who brought along a plate of food to share. A great afternoon and it is great to see the clubs responding to the challenge of making this one of the highlights of the dancing year. Next year the Demonstration Team have volunteered to be the hosts and I would say they have their work cut out for them if they want to emulate the events hosted by Gleneagles, White Rock and Glenayre.
The proceeds from the 2012 dance were to be given equally to the Honour House and to the Liver Foundation, 2 very worthy causes.
Note: the Celtic Treasure Chest still has some hot deals – see www.celtictreasurechest.ca.
Just say you read about it in this newsletter.
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ==============================================================
English by George Carlin continued:
Let’s face it — English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t invented in England.
We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write, but fingers don’t fing, Grocers don’t groce and hammers don’t ham?
Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, What do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? We ship by truck but send cargo by ship…We have noses that run and feet that smell. We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway. And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.
And in closing……….
If Father is Pop, how come Mother’s not Mop.???
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NOT SO LONG AGO: Comments made in the year 1955!
If they think I’ll pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it.
Scotland in Autumn
Events happening in the next two weeks or so include:
SFU School of Scottish Studies are presenting a dramatic production on Thursday November 22 which sounds very interesting.
The Delta Borderer’s dance on Saturday the 24th; the Fort Langley St. Andrew’s Dance on the 27th and both the Tam O’Shanter’s St. Andrew’s Pub Night and the monthly Ceilidh Dance on the 30th, then there is the Children & Family’s Christmas Party on December 1.
See “Coming Events” below for all information
Loch Tulla near Bridge of Orchy
“The word “genius” isn’t applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.”
–Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS –
| 2012 | |
| Nov 18 | Barra MacNeils plus many talented local performers in Victoria — early discounted tickets at www.celtfest.ca |
| Nov 22 | SFU School of Scottish Studies presents: Anna Hepburn, Mary Queen of Scots: The Last Letter (a dramatic production). 7:30-9:30 pm, Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St, Vancouver. This event is open to the public. A donation of $10-12 is suggested. Proceeds will go entirely to the actress. For more information please visit www.scottish.sfu.ca. And to reserve a seat please contact tbarker@sfu.ca |
| Nov 24 | The Delta Borderers invite you to a Tribute to Canadian Bands & Musicians at the Kinsmen Centre, 5410 — 10th Avenue, Tsawwassen at 7:30 p.m. – $15 see www.rscdsvancouver.org for crib notes |
| Nov 27 | Fort Langley St. Andrew’s Dance 7:30 p.m. in Fort Langley Community Hall admission $10 with great music by Mary Ross, some fun dances and a scrumptious tea to end the evening — info Larry 604-576-6371 |
| Nov 30 | Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre — class at 7 dance 8 — 11 Admission $10 (students $8) |
| Nov 30 | Tam O’Shanter Dancers annual St. Andrew’s Ceilidh in Sullivan Hall, 6306 — 152nd Street, Surrey at 8 p.m. admission $15 — Ceilidh Dancing, Meat Pies & Other Scottish Fare, Bar, Party Games, Music by “Braidwater” Information and tickets 604-535-8949 or 604-536-7660 |
| Dec 1 | Children’s & Family Christmas party, Capilano Room, Harry Jerome Memorial Centre, 123 East 23rd Street, North Vancouver from 2 — 4 p.m. Adults $5; Children free! Bring the whole family for a fun filled afternoon of dancing, games, treats and a visit from you know who. Info 604-922-4406 or wentworth923@yahoo.ca.There will also be a sale of skirts, shoes, books and records for the Dorie Smith Fund |
| Dec 8 | Bellingham monthly dance |
| Dec 9 | Gleneagles Ball Join us for our forty-ninth annual ball on Sunday at 1:30pm We look forward to welcoming you for the delicious luncheon buffet as well as the scrumptious post-dancing dessert bar. Spend the afternoon dancing a program of some new and many well known favorite dances, all to the irresistible music of Vancouver’s own Fiddle Orchestra. Enjoy spending festive time with friends from many clubs, both near and far. All of this is enhanced by the elegant ambiance of the Pacific Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Tickets at $110.00 may be purchased by contacting Norm and Susan Haug 604 984 7458 normhaug@shaw.ca Check the Branch website for cribs and other information. |
| Dec 10 | Vancouver Branch class party and ceilidh — 7:30 — 10:00 p.m. $6 drop in |
| Dec 11 | Glenayre Christmas Party at St Laurence Church Hall, 825 St. Laurence Street, Coquitlam — 7:30 p.m. $8 |
Seattle Branch announces the start of their Challenge Class which are held on the 2nd Friday each month (next one on December 14) in the upper building, Room 7, Phinney Neighbourhood Association, 4532 Phinney Avenue, North Seattle at 7:30 p.m.
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list.
Caledonian Canal
Some people are like slinkies – not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when they’re pushed down the stairs.
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God’s Pharmacy! Amazing!
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
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It seems to be earlier every year – Turning on the Christmas Lights in Glasgow
(Maybe I should just say Lights)
The next Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, November 30, 2012 – that is the last Friday of the month! You have therefore lots of time to spread the word about all the Ceilidh Dances as that is the best (and cheapest) form of advertising. Here is a link where you can watch a short video of a Ceilidh Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvUwZnY9Ms
The format for all of the regular monthly Ceilidh Dances will be the same with the class from 7 — 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 — 11 p.m. and all dances will be walked and talked through. The price is only – $10 or $8 for students which, for what you get is a super bargain — everyone is welcome. No partner is required and you should wear FLAT, comfy shoes and loose clothing. Children are also welcome but should be prepared to dance with other people as some of the dances require a change of partner. Don’t forget to bring a few extra $$$$ to help defray the cost of the refreshments which are otherwise free.
Machrie Moor, Arran
For those who enjoy listening to Scottish music, song, banter etc. try www.andysceilidh.co.uk/ this is a radio programme that you can get sent to you and listen any time you want. Andy is asking everyone to send in their requests so if you have a favourite Scottish tune, song, recitation, band, performer, choir or whatever send an e-mail to andyrossbw@aol.com
Mull in autumn
The Branch has opened a Facebook Page at “RSCDS-Vancouver” – check it out there are some good pictures etc. www.facebook.com/rscdsvancouver. There is a link on both our website www.vancouverceilidh.org and the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org
It really is never too late to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes and SEPTEMBER is a great time to do it as all the classes have just started up again. You will be made very welcome. Many classes have a policy that the first night is FREE! Plan to come along to try out a class next week. There are classes all around and on different nights so
GIVE IT A GO!
Go to either www.rscdsvancouver.org or www,vancouverceilidh.org for a list of class locations and times.
For those who don’t know SCD is a fabulous pastime which is super exercise for body and mind. SCD is, naturally, rooted in Scotland but there are groups in almost every country so you can learn here and then dance with other groups when you vacation or travel. SCD is not to be confused with Highland Dancing which is more solo dancing. SCD is usually done with a partner in groups or sets however you do not need to come with a partner. It is more akin to Square Dancing. It takes a year or two of classes, workshops, etc. to get the basics learnt then you can hone your skills in advanced classes. You start by learning the steps and formations. Dances (of which there are over 13,000) are made up of these formations so a good grounding will give you the ability to learn a new dance fairly quickly. SCD has its HQ in Scotland and is known as the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) and there is a Vancouver Branch of the RSCDS under which there are many clubs throughout the Province (there also are Branches in Victoria and Seattle). There are a great many classes and the ones in the Vancouver area are listed below. Come along — check us out — the first night is usually free and thereafter it will average about $6 a night and that’s for a 2 hour class! You will find many friendly people who will be eager to help you and welcome you to their club. You never know you actually might like it!!
Check the list of classes at either at www.vancouverceilidh.org or www.rscdsvancouver.org. Note that the latter website has the latest updates to temporary changes to times and locations
as well there are classes all up and down Vancouver Island, a number of the Gulf Islands, the Cariboo, Okanagan, etc. etc. and there are various groups all over this great Province, Country, World and who knows where else! Check the Branch website for all these details – www.rscdsvancouver.org
Also the Inverary Step Dance class on Wednesdays in the French School, 1555 West 7th Ave., Vancouver- info b_campbell@dccnet.com
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
well pass the link on to your friends!!
Riddles (answer next week)
Last week: Startling; Starting; Staring; String; Sting; Sing; Sin; In; and I – very clever.
This week:
When young, I am sweet in the sun.
When middle-aged, I make you gay.
When old, I am valued more than ever.
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Pollock House
For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org
to our US friends
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73rd & Hudson which is between Oak & Granville), Vancouver, We need everyone to help us get as many new comers (as well as former Ceilidh Dancers) as possible to come and join us.
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! What a nice way to work off all the Thanksgiving Dinners! It really is good exercise as the ladies from Children’s Hospital found out in September. They thought it was way better than Yoga and said they will tell all their colleagues at the hospital to come to the next dance AND to bring their other friends, spouses, partners, etc. It only costs $10 – it is worth so much more in fun, exercise and camaraderie. Use any access to free adverts etc. You can also use things like the Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh2HV3OPBgw or the Face-book page https://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=116203315&k=Z5C5Y4TZPT6G6BD1PKZZTWQQQ6BAW26L34AV&oid=164741310207760 Suggestions to improve our advertising are always welcome. Don’t forget to tell them about the website www.vancouverceilidh.org and get them to “subscribe” to the newsletter.
The cost is still the amazingly low price of $10 or $8 for students and we provide refreshments although we do ask for your donations towards their cost. We always need your support both by coming along and by helping us to advertise these dances by whatever means you use to communicate with your friends be it e-mail, Face-Book, Twitter, Text or even telephone! Most of you have been to at least one Ceilidh Dance so you know how it goes. You don’t need a partner; you don’t need any experience; you should wear FLAT soft soled shoes; we walk, talk, and call every dance and you should come to have fun and have a good evening on exercise and entertainment and maybe even to learn!
There is a FREE class from 7 — 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 — 11 p.m. with music by Calanais. Remember to bring some extra cash so you can make a donation towards the cost of the refreshments. Without these donations we will have to increase the price of admission again!!
The schedule for the 2012/13 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
November 30
2013
January 4
February 1
February 22
March 22
April 26
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We are still working on improving the strength of the smile muscles as well as the bows and curtsies! Please do your best to assist us in letting as many people know as possible. Use Face-book, e-mail, telephone or even word of mouth and tell everyone you know what a fun night it is. We need to attract students from UBC, SFU and all the other colleges and universities. Somehow we have to get word out to these students. Please do all you can to help us. Come one, come all to the same place (Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver) and the same time (7 p.m. for the class and 8 – 11 p.m. for the dance) and the same amazing price ($10 or $8 for students.)
You should check the website – www.vancouverceilidh.org – from time to time as you can find various pages listing “Ceilidhs and Events;” Classes:” Duncan’s List;” etc. On these pages you can check all the upcoming events, where all the classes are located, times, etc. and some places to find Scottish things or some local trades, etc. I will continue to highlight the more current events in each week’s newsletter but, as stated, the calendar of all events will be available on the website. You should also have a look at the Vancouver Branch website from time to time – www.rscdsvancouver.org – as there is always useful information on it and it is a very good looking site.
If you have any questions regarding the Ceilidh Dances send them to me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Please check the website – www.rscdsvancouver.org for updates, pictures and news.
Dance — it is good for your health.
‘A claim was made that people in Dubai would not understand the humour, but we know for a fact that people in Abu Dhabi Do.’
Thanks to Laurie
Keep sending jokes, pictures and info you wish to have included. Don’t forget to look at our web pages at www.vancouverceilidh.org
If you know of anyone who would like to be on the mailing list please send them the web address – www.vancouverceilidh.org and ask them to subscribe. If anyone has good pictures from the Ceilidh Dances please send them to me so I can put them on the web page.
If you have any announcements please send them to me preferably in Word; Times New Roman 12pt format with a layout similar to the one used in this newsletter. I occasionally hear of an event somewhere in our beautiful Province, on the Island or in the Interior, but don’t know all the details. This newsletter reaches out to some 380 subscribers (up 2!) from all over the Province, Country and to many other countries as well, so please send me the details of your event and I will only be too happy to include them. Note:- I normally compose the newsletters on Sundays.
Thanks hope to see you at class or somewhere nice. Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
Gruinard River & An Teallach
May your troubles be less, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org