Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2013/14 #5
Please note that the spell check does not work and my proofreading skills are very inadequate!!!
Achiltibuie
I apologise that the letter is a day late again. I have had fun with the software which seems to have been upgraded but has some quirks such as losing the alignment. I have also lost some of the attributes I had before. I am sure they are there somewhere I just have to find out how to get them back. All this added to my time to prepare the newsletter and then add the fact that we recorded (we did not want to get up at 5 a.m.) the Davis Cup Tennis matches which then kept me at the TV and not at my computer. Canada did extremely well and while the did not win they surprised a lot of people and can hold their heads up high and be proud of what they achieved.
Another busy week, at least it seemed that way. Most classes started and my West End class got off to a great start with 16 new faces. Now the trick is to make sure they all come back and maybe even bring a friend!! With some of the regulars still off on holiday etc. we ended up with a 25 though two left at the intermission meaning I had to dance but that was OK. We did some fun and easy dances and they all “said” they enjoyed themselves but the proof of the pudding will be next Tuesday evening. I have high hopes that the majority will return which would be wonderful.
I hope other classes had a good response as well and that everyone has a good and enthusiastic beginners’ group. Glenayre will be one of the last classes to start as their hall was not available.
WHERE IS IT?
Yet another of these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. No guesses received for the one in the last two newsletters so here is a new one for you. Send your guesses to ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
You can look back at prior newsletters and see previous mystery pictures etc.by going to our website www.vancouverceilidh.org.
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 27, 2013 so call all your friends and bring them along to the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with the class from 7 – 8 p.m. and the dance following from 8 – 11 p.m. with the live music of Calanais. Admission at the door is only $10 (students etc. $8). No partner or experience necessary – just bring your smiles and I would suggest flat, comfy shoes.
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
There were some very good pictures taken at the January 4, 2013 Ceilidh Dance which have been posted on the RSCDS Vancouver Branch Facebook page. If you do not want your picture on that page please contact web@rscdsvancouver.org. The link for the pictures is:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.316825198419573.56421.149674745134620&type=3
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
SFU’s Tartan Day celebrations featured the launch of the long-awaited “Scots in BC” website with information on how you can add your family history to the site. The website can be accessed at:
https://www.scottish.sfu.ca/scots_in_bc_project It is well worth a visit.
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Some fun and interesting sites:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news//pensioner-survives-three-days-trapped-2257100
https://www.youtube.com/embed/bAYrcu5_Pko?rel=0
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I look in the mirror
And what do I see?
A strange looking person
That cannot be me.
For I am much younger
And not nearly so fat
As that face in the mirror
I am looking at.
Oh, where are the mirrors
That I used to know
Like the ones which were
Made thirty years ago?
Now all things have changed
And I`m sure you`ll agree
Mirrors are not as good
As they used to be.
So never be concerned,
If wrinkles appear
For one thing I`ve learned
Which is very clear,
Should your complexion
Be less than perfection,
It is really the mirror
That needs correction!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Auld Country Tours are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances
James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com]
“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““`
Eildon Hills
The next Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 27. Same time, same place, same price, same amount of fun and entertainment. Now it is up to you all to help by planning on coming along on September 27 and bringing loads of friends, family, acquaintances, etc. so we can start the season on a high note. Please do your best to spread the word.
Galloway cows near Melrose
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To get pure clean ice boil the water first before freezing.
To make a mirror shine, clean with Sprite
To remove chewing gum from clothes:
Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A new website for kilts and accessories. Prices seem excellent, no idea of quality or trustworthiness though: www.aglowmusichouse.com
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Fantastic – subscriptions are over the 400 mark at last. This newsletter will go out to 421 people in many cities, provinces & countries. Now my goal is to get to 500!! Please pass along the website to your friends and maybe they will subscribe – www.vancouverceilidh.org
Note: the Celtic Treasure Chest has closed the White Rock store. For information on specials etc. call one of the stores –
Vancouver 604-261-3688; Delta 604-940-5366
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
What good planning – more like luck really! I spent the day cutting the grass (weeds really) in the ditch at our back entrance as well as cutting back overhanging branches, ivy, blackberries, etc. It did look a lot better after I had finished but then it had been about 3 months since I did it last and the weeds were quite high and it was difficult to read our house number. Anyway I just got it finished when the rains came so now the water will be able to drain much more easily.
I spent yesterday, after coming home from dancing at the Campbell Valley Festival, digging out Pachysandra which has roots that go on forever. These roots like to wind around all the other roots as well so it was hard work and my arms can still feel it. Margaret dug out another section of the garden so between us we have 8 cans and bags full for the organic pick up tomorrow.
I had a nice e-mail from Collessie in Scotland. They had noticed that I had put a picture of Collessie in a recent newsletter. As you will see Collessie is a previous winner of the Best Wee Village in Scotland. They also run Ceilidhs in the Village Hall and their website (which I will post on the main page) is www.collessie.btck.co.uk
Loch Leven
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ==============================================================
Some new items that have been added to the calendar include a workshop in Nanaimo on October 5 and a mini workshop entitled “An introduction to Ladies Step Dance” which will be on November 2.
This latter item is for dancers new to “soft shoe” step dance and also something new for returning dancers. Scottish step dance experience NOT required but some dancing in the past essential eg Scottish Country, Highland, Irish, ballet, contemporary. This will be an active afternoon for dancers interested in different steps, different music and lots of fun.
““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
Ailsa Craig & Culzean Castle
Events happening soon include the start of classes – see website for date, time and location, the Vancouver Branch AGM on the 20th and the first Ceilidh of the season on the 27th
Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
What it means to be A British Columbian – We love it here and wouldn’t change it for anything
1. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them.
2. You design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
3. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer) & Raining Again (Fall).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Glen Etive
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2013 | |
| Sep 9 – 20 |
Most classes will resume this week — please check list at www.rscdsvancouver.org for contact numbers, level, day, time and location of each class. |
| Sep 20 | Vancouver Branch A.G.M. — 8 p.m. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Come and support the Board (or not!); voice your opinions, make suggestions, hear all the reports; see where your money goes and learn more about the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Everyone welcome. |
| Sep 27 | First monthly Ceilidh Dance of the season at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Class at 7 p.m. and dance following from 8 — 11 p.m. and all for the fantastic price of $10 (students $8) — info 604-536-9481 |
| Oct 4-6 | RSCDS Saskatchewan Branch workshop and Ball — www.rscdssask.org |
| Oct 5 | Vancouver Island and Environs TAC AGM and Workshop being held on Saturday October 5th, at the Pleasant Valley Hall in Nanaimo, 6100 Dumont Road. The AGM will be at 9.30am and then the workshop, with Rebecca Blackhall-Peters teaching, will be held following the meeting at 10.30 — 12.30, and 1.30 — 3.30. The fee for the workshop is $25. Lunch is at 12.30, bring your own bag lunch, there is a fridge available to keep it cold if necessary, tea and coffee will be supplied. I do need to know how many will be coming so arrangements can be made to pick them up at the Nanaimo ferry terminal. Sheilamccall@shaw.ca |
| Oct 12 | Bellingham Social |
| Oct 19 | Gleneagles Fall dance 7:30 p.m. in Christ the Redeemer Church, 595 Keith Road, West Vancouver – $10 |
| Oct 20 | White Rock SCDC Workshop – Sunday October 20, 2013 Sullivan Hall, 6306 — 152nd Street Surrey Fee $10.00 – Teacher: Maureen Lyon Advanced class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Advanced dancers are encouraged to stay for the afternoon session to assist beginners. Bring your own lunch and join us during the break from 12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m. Tea and coffee as well as juice will be provided. Intermediate and Beginner Dancers will be instructed from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. To register contact: Laurie Lang at 604-944-6678 — ljreel@telus.net Gerda Barwieck at 604-531-4595 — gerdab@shaw.ca. |
| Oct 25 | Monthly Ceilidh Dance of the season at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Class at 7 p.m. and dance following from 8 — 11 p.m. and all for the fantastic price of $10 (students $8) — info 604-536-9481 |
| Oct 26 | Bellingham Masquerade Ball in the Majestic Ballroom with music by Calum MacKinnon, Ryan McKasson, Andy Imbrie and Ginny Snowe. All info from Mary at 360-933-1779 or andersonmary41@comcast.net |
| Nov 1 – 3 | RSCDS San Francisco Branch Annual Asilomar Weekend Workshop & Ball. All info at www.rscds-sf.org/ |
| Nov 2 | Introduction to ladies Step Dance — a workshop taught by Mary Murray with live music. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 1 — 4 p.m. $15 includes tea and coffee. Register now as space is limited — kay_sutherland@hotmail.com or call 604-922-6842 |
| Nov 11 | Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver BC this year hosted by the Demonstration Team. |
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list
Seattle Branch Info at www.rscds-seattle.org
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Thorntonloch Beach
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Come Scottish Country Dancing – it is lots of fun. Just ask anyone who came along to the Dancing in the Park. We had great audience participation so I hope you will all come along and join one of our great classes.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The next Ceilidh Dance is one week this Friday – September 27, 2013 with live music by Calanaish. You have lots of time to spread the word about all the Ceilidh Dances as that is the best (and cheapest) form of advertising. It is great exercise and fun, for all ages, too.
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.
Falls of Shin
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
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 well any time is a great time to do it. 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 learn the basics 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
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Riddles (answer next week)
last one:
Say my name and I disappear. What am I?
Answer: Silence
This week:
What is it that after you take away the whole, some still remains?
===========================================================
For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Fife Folk Museum
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held Friday, September 27, 2013 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.
The Ceilidh Dances are a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Invite all your friends along. Contact me if you will have a group of 12 or more and we can give them a discount!!! This is the last regular Ceilidh Dance of the 2012/13 season and it would be great if we could end with a really big crowd.
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! It only costs $10 ($8 for students) – 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.
Thanks to good attendances the finances for the 2012/13 season will still allow the cost to be 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 of 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 —
2013
September 27
October 25
November 30
2014
January 10
February 7
February 28
March 28
April 25
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.
Remembering Tommy Cooper:
1. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn’t find any.
2. I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he couldn’t reach the meat off the top shelf. He said,
‘No, the steaks are too high.’
3. My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him in.
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 421 subscribers (at long last we are over the 400 mark!) 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.
The wise never marry and when they marry they become otherwise.
A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella then ask for it back when it rains.
Your future depends on your dreams. So go to sleep.
Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
See Coming Events on the website for info – www.vancouverceilidh.org
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org