Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2013/14 #8
Glenfinnan
Local news with world wide importance was the announcement this past week that Terry Lee has retired as Pipe Major of Simon Fraser University Pipe Band. Terry has been the only Pipe Major of the SFU band since its formation 36 years ago. His replacement, Alan Bevan has been with the band for over 15 years. Alan is a champion solo piper.
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One Sunday morning a priest decided to do something a little different.
He said ‘Today, in church, I am going to say a single word and you are going to help me preach. Whatever single word I say, I want you to sing whatever hymn that comes to your mind — the pastor shouted out ‘CROSS.’
Immediately the congregation started singing in unison, ‘THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.’
The pastor hollered out ‘GRACE.’ The congregation began to sing ‘AMAZING GRACE, how sweet the sound.’
The pastor said ‘POWER.’ The congregation sang ‘THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD.’
The Pastor said ‘SEX’
The congregation fell into total silence. Everyone was in shock. They all nervously began to look around at each other afraid to say anything.
Then all of a sudden, way from in the back of the church, a little old 87 year old grandmother stood up and began to sing ‘MEMORIES.’
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Well last week’s newsletter was the last straw – at least for Paul. He had so many headaches trying to sort out why some people got it while others didn’t and why when he tried to send a test just to 3 of us it went to everyone, etc., etc. So Paul phoned me to say we had two options. One was to try and soldier on and see if things resolved themselves and the other was to change to a new company to act as the one who would be actually mailing the newsletters. This newsletter I think will be sent via MailChimp at least that is the plan. Paul is coming here tomorrow morning to set everything up. You shouldn’t notice too much of a change but if there are any problems please let me know.
Fabulous day – warm and sunny great for raking more stuff up in the garden. Deciduous trees shed their leaves and you have to rake them up in the Fall (I know some have blossoms that fall in the spring but that is relatively minor. We have about 20 large cedar trees. Cedars are ever green but they should be called ever falling as it seems they are dropping something at all seasons of the year as I am continually raking, sweeping, blowing, etc. It is a never ending task.
The rest of the harden is now crying out for a fall clean up and there is loads of pruning to be done so I hope there will be many more days like today. Did you know we had the warmest July on record and the wettest September on record? August didn’t seem too bad as well but I guess it did not break any records.
WHERE IS IT?
Yet another of these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. Last week’s picture brought no guesses so here it is again. It must be somewhere in the Western Highlands with a very distinctive large house, what looks like a castle ruin on the promontory and an island in the bay. I am sure one of you must recognize it. 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, October 25, 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
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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.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ThjY6GizZqc
https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ab9i0s4WEY0&feature=related
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These are genuine answers from some of our 16 year olds…………and they WILL breed.
Q. What causes the tides in the oceans
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to
flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors
a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight
Q.
What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed
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Auld Country Tours are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com] “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
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Kessock Bridge
The next Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, October 25. 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 and bringing loads of friends, family, acquaintances, etc. We need to improve the attendance to make the dances financially viable. Please do your best to spread the word. Let me know if you would like a poster to put up.
near Craigluscar
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To get maximum juice out of lemons :
Soak lemons in hot water for one hour, and then juice them.
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A new website for kilts and accessories. Prices seem excellent, no idea of quality or trustworthiness though: www.aglowmusichouse.com
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Fantastic – subscriptions are over the 400 mark at last. This newsletter will go out to 427 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 www.celtictreasurechest.ca. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
An online contact for dance and marching shoes (ghillies, pumps, brogues, etc.) is Bruce Griffith at www.avriel.com
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Another fun and busy week ending with an enjoyable birthday party for Rose. She wanted some dancing and asked if I could come along to help organize it so we had everyone up for Gay Gordons, Terrace Logger’s Jig; It Should Be Fun and Rose’s Welcome while the dancers in attendance di the Belle of Bon Accord and Bratach Bana. There was a great feast afterwards and an enormous cake with far too many candles that took Rose three large puffs to extinguish. Lots of fun was had by all. Thanks for asking us Rose and many, many more happy returns of the day.
Loch Melfort
There will be a mini workshop entitled “An introduction to Ladies Step Dance” on November 2. This workshop 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 e.g. Scottish Country, Highland, Irish, ballet, contemporary. This will be an active afternoon for dancers interested in different steps, different music and lots of fun. See Upcoming Events for more details and contact info.
A husband and wife are like a pair of scissors. Joined together; often moving in opposite directions yet punishing whoever comes between them.
near Gairloch
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If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter, please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ============================================================== The calendar of events is always being updated so you should check it out from time to time on our website at www.vancouverceilidh.org
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Ochtertyre
Events happening in the immediate future include the Gleneagles Fall Dance on October 19 and the White Rock workshop on the 20th – see website www.rscdsvancouver.org for date, time and location.
Please see “Coming Events” below for all information. “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
An Arab Sheik was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case the need arises. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn’t be found locally, so, the call went out to all the states.
Finally a Scot was located who had a similar blood type. The Scot willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman as appreciation for giving his blood, a new BMW, diamonds & US dollars.
A couple of days later, once again, the Arab had to go through a corrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Scotsman who was more than happy to donate his blood again. After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman a thank-you card & a jar of candies.
The Scotsman was shocked that the Arab this time did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab & asked him: “I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me a BMW, diamonds & money… But you only gave me a thank-you card & a jar of candies”..
To this the Arab replied:
“Aye, but I now have Scottish blood in me veins”.
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Portnockie Harbour
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2013 | |
| Oct 11 | Seattle Challenge class www.rscds-seattle.org |
| 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. |
| Nov 16 | Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra Concert |
| Nov 26 | Fort Langley St. Andrew’s Dance |
| Nov 29 | 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 |
| Nov 30 | Delta Borderers’ Dance |
| Nov 30 | St. Andrew’s Ball in the Hellenic Community Centre, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver from 6 — 11 p.m. with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra. Tickets $99 (30 & under $75) — info at standrewsball@shaw.ca Dance classes 7:30 at Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street Vancouver on Wednesdays, October 16, 23 & 30, November 6 & 20 and 7:00 at Wescott Elementary, West Vancouver on Tuesdays, November 12 & 26. $6 drop in |
River Garry
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 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.
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West Wemyss
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday – October 25, 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.
Scott’s View
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
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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 is also a Branch in 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
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Riddles (answer next week)
last one: Forward I’m heavy, but backwards I’m not. What am I?
Answer: Ton
This week:
Why doesn’t a mountain covered with snow catch cold?
=========================================================== For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
South Uist
Other announcements etc: Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, October 25, 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 will be the second regular Ceilidh Dance of the 2013/14 season and it would be great if we could double the attendance of the dance last Friday night.
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. However if they remain as low as this season’s first Ceilidh dance then either the price will go up and/or the dances will have to be cancelled.
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
October 25
November 29
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. ‘Doc I can’t stop singing ‘The Green, Green Grass of Home’
‘That sounds like Tom Jones syndrome. ‘
‘Is it common?’
‘It’s not unusual.’
2. A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet. ‘My dog is cross-eyed, is there
anything you can do for him?’
‘Well,’ said the vet, ‘let’s have a look at him’
So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then he checks his teeth.
Finally, he says, I’m going to have to put him down.’ ‘What? Because he’s
cross-eyed?’
‘No, because he’s really heavy’
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 427 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.
St. Matthew’s Church, Tay Street
Experts say caffeine is bad for you. Fat is bad for you. Sugar is bad for you. But don’t worry because that’s bad for you too.
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