Haven’t had enough (or any) haggis?   Well go online now and get tickets for the Burns Supper next Saturday, February 1, 2014 in the Scottish Cultural Centre which is being organized by the Vancouver Branch, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.   The usual super meal (including haggis), speeches and an easy programme of dances devisied with the beginner dancer in mind.   Go to www.rscdsvancouver.org where you can order online or contact Pat at patcavers@shaw.ca or 604-435-2217.

january

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Tickets are available now for all the Celtic Fest Events – info@celticfestvancouver.com

There is another interesting concert at the Rogue Folk Club On February 14 featuring Carlos Nunez a world-renowned piper from Spain.  Information is on the Events list.

The Celtic Treasure Chest sent out a warning that Health Canada might be banning the sale of some Scottish products in Canada including Irn Bru and Jaffa Cakes!!

A series of 3 Ladies (Men too!) step dance classes are planned for February 22. March 1 & 8 – see Coming Events page on the website for more details.

If you want to suggest a dance(s) for the Puget Sound Crossroads programme next June please contact Elinor  at   elinor3@frontier.com

The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, February 7, 2014 – in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.   This would be a fun and inexpensive way to have an early celebration of St. Valentine’s Day or maybe a great way to celebrate the Year of the Wooden Horse – Chinese New Year.  Tell at least 2 friends to join you, forward this e-mail to more friends and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter and to come to the Ceilidh Dance.  What a great way to have a fun, inexpensive night out and think of the great exercise you get as well which we all will need after these yummy goodies we have indulged in.

 

Winter - Sgurr a Mhaoraich in Glenquoich Forest
Sgurr a Mhaoraich in Glenquoich Forest
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Haven’t had a report from SFU about their attempt to break the Guinness Book of Records.   Hopefully I can give you information next week.

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Here are link another three Canadian regiments which were part of the decorations at the Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance on November 11, 2013.

Lady Aberdeen 24 Lady Aberdseen 25 Lady Aberdeen 26

 Alison commented “The information was gathered off websites etc. It is only the basics of the wealth of historical and current information available. I included only the older ‘regiments’ – there are many other corps and units, plus naval ships and Air Force squadrons – and Engagement or Battle Honour information up to World War II. There is much more about each regiment’s more recent activities in Korea, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and many Peace-keeping duties.”

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 Punography

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Than it dawned on me .

This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met
herbivore .

A guy got arrested for playing the guitar. For fingering A minor .
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Winter - Shetland's Up Helly Aa

Shetlands Up Helly Aa


An article in a recent edition of the National Post is applicable to the Ball and to Scottish Country Dancing in general. Check out https://life.nationalpost.com/2013/11/02/jane-macdougall-it-battle-of-fun-vs-the-gym-scottish-dancing-wins-every-time/ Thanks Gill for the tip.

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Burns4 Burns3  Burns2Burns1

 

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Winter - skating in Edinburgh

Edinburgh skating rink

BRAINS OF  BRITAIN (these are  real) UNIVERSITY  CHALLENGE (BBC2)

UNIVERSITY  CHALLENGE

GWR FM (  Bristol  )

Presenter:      What happened in  Dallas on November 22, 1963?

Contestant:    I don’t know, I wasn’t  watching it  then.

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The Highland Games Committee still needs volunteers for next year. They need to fill these positions: Children’s Events Co-ordinator – organizing the line-up of events which is pretty easy to do, and day of just making sure everything runs smoothly Programs – this job takes more work in the last couple of months prior to the games, making sure all copy is submitted, having it put into a program and submitted to a printer. Sponsorship/Advertising and promotion – Cher is going to do the social media aspect, Mary Jane may be around to help out again for sponsorship and advertising, but we need extra help. Someone to develop an advertising plan, to find new advertisers and sponsorships, and to be responsible for writing requests for grants and sponsorships from a list that the City of Coquitlam has provided.

Any volunteers can contact Jim – james.e.bain@gmail.com Joan – jdrabyk@shaw.ca or myself. Glenna Urbshadt – gurbshadt@shaw.ca

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Winter - snow - plockton

Plockton


What a great Burns Supper last night in White Rock.   The Tam O’Shanter Dancers work very hard to decorate and prepare the hall and also to arrange a super evening of delicious food and fantastic entertainment including the RCMP ‘E’ Division Pipe Band, the Jubilate Sting Quartet as well as story tellers, speakers and of course themselves.  There were over 300 in attendance and many compliments were received.   Each year I think “they can’t top that” and each following year they do.

From behind the scenes I can see the care, dedication to details, the hard work making the decorations (there was that thatched roofed Inn, the Mercat Cross, a large picture frame, an entrance hall filled with Scottish history including the Stone of Destiny, the imaginative table decorations and so much more) and the cheerful welcoming Team they really are.

Led by Maureen but with enormous help from each and every team member as well as a crew of “willing” family they deserve all the plaudits and praise they get and more.   Very well done again.    Just make sure to get tickets for next year early as they will sell out again.

Thank you

Meanwhile the Branch Demonstration Team have spent a very busy week rushing around the Lower Mainland.   They performed at two locations on Friday evening and at three on Saturday with the highlight being able to dance to the full Vancouver Police Pipe Band at their Burns Supper.   This was a great honour as it is the 100th anniversary on this band.  The very first tune this band played 100 years ago was, appropriately for me anyway, the Mackenzie Highlanders.   I was sorry to miss out but one just can’t be two places at once.   Next week there are only 3 performances ending with the one at the Branch Burns Supper on February 1.   All the team members are due a hearty vote of thanks for their dedication and time.

The Vancouver Branch, RSCDS Burns Supper is next Saturday, February 1.   Tickets $55 via PayPal at www.rscdsvancouver.org or from club rep or even patcavers@shaw.ca

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WHERE IS IT?

4 -

Yet another of these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are.  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.

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The next Ceilidh Dance is the on this one week on Friday – February 7th, 2014.   Just after Chinese New Year and the Burns Season.   A great way to work off all those goodies you have eaten as well as to have a great evening of fun, exercise and laughter.  Please call all your friends and arrange to bring them along to the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver to 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.

Michelle has very kindly made up a Facebook event page for the Ceilidh which you can forward to your friends.   The link is:  https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/

Ceilidh Dances are great ways to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc.   Invite all your friends to come and join you at the Ceilidh.   You are welcome to bring your own cake and we’ll even sing for you!!

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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.

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Winter - St. Monan's

St. Monan’s

Some fun and interesting sites:  – note if you have a link to something you think others would enjoy please forward them to me.

A bit past the due date but you still may find it interesting.

 https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/obituary-bill-clement-mbe-inspirational-and-gifted-teacher-had-great-love-of-piping-1-2375306

The Gael

https://youtu.be/U89Qtbnk-Q4

And… if you have the time

https://youtu.be/2lRJr_SpXHM

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It doesn’t hurt to have a little Biblical humor to start the day….

Q.. Which area of Middle East  was especially wealthy? 

A.. The area around Jordan . The banks were always overflowing.

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Auld Country Tours are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com]

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Winter - Stoer Head stormy day

Stoer Head

The next Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014. 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.

Winter - storm clouds approach Harris

Storm Clouds approaching Harris


CLEVER IDEAS WORTH KNOWING

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.   

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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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Subscriptions have been fairly stable with a few new additions but some also unsubscribing.   This newsletter will go out to 376 people in many cities, provinces & countries. Now my current goal is to get back to 400!! Please pass along the website to your friends and maybe they will subscribe – www.vancouverceilidh.org

You got to third place last week – at least percentage wise.   Some 59.5% of the 375 subscribers opened last week’s newsletter but number wise it was well down the list as only 223 subscribers clicked on the e-mail link. I know some of you prefer to go to the website and open the newsletter from there so the number is even higher.   It does my heart good to see the numbers rise so please keep opening the newsletter!!   Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome.

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An online contact for dance and marching shoes (ghillies, pumps, brogues, etc.) is Bruce Griffith at www.avriel.com

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Bagpiper

 

Events happening in the immediate future include the Branch Burns Supper on the February 1st; the Ceilidh Dance on the 7th and the Love to Dance workshop and dance on the 15th..  Please see “Coming Events” below for all information – and Burns Suppers .

Note:  Please order your tickets for the Branch Burns Suppers soon – all information is shown below.

Winter - sunrise East Neuk

Sunrise at East Neuk

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If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter, please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org Please do not complain to your server that this is junk mail. There is a link on the e-mail should you wish to unsubscribe.

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COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.

2014  
Feb  1 Vancouver Branch Burns Supper — Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886   Hudson Street, Vancouver.   Tickets $55   via PayPal at www.rscdsvancouver.org or from club rep or even patcavers@shaw.ca
Bar 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m.    A great evening of entertainment and dance.
Feb  7 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
Feb  7 San Francisco Branch – 8:00   pm Dance Party at Christ Church, 2138 Cedar St., Berkeley, CA, Music by   Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith Info: Dwayne McQuilliams 510-374-6124
Feb  8 Note:   This workshop is already Sold Out!!  I only received the info on Tuesday.   A waiting list is being started.
Ladies Step Dance mini workshop “The Basics & Beyond” with Mary Murray   and musicians Janet Wright & Alma MacDonald.   1 — 4 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural   centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.    Cost $15 includes tea! 
More soft shoe Ladies Step open to dancers   interested in an energetic afternoon with a focus on different steps and   different musical tempo. Previous Step Dance experience NOT required but must   have some proficiency in another dance form.     RSVP Fran 604-922-6842 or   Kay kay_sutherland@hotmail.com
Feb  8 Bellingham monthly Dance
Feb  8  Hold the Date for the   San Francisco Branch RSCDS Annual Valentine’s Ball.   We are looking forward to this year’s Musicians:  Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith.  The Oakland Scottish Rite Center.   Registration Forms are available.  Info: Dwayne McQuilliams   510-374-6124.  https://www.rscds-sf.org/valentine/pdf/ValentinesBallFlyer.11.pdf
 We anticipate a large turn out so sign up early this year to avoid   disappointment!
Feb  9 2:30 pm CLASSIC CONCERT of SCOTTISH MUSIC by Muriel Johnstone and   Keith Smith, Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA,   Info: Dwayne McQuilliams 510-374-6124
Feb 14 Carlos   Nunez — concert at the Rogue Folk Club, St James Hall, 3214 West 10th   Vancouver at 8 p.m. All info about this concert by world renowned piper at https://www.roguefolk.bc.ca/concerts/ev14021420
Feb 15 Love to Dance Scottish Workshop and Tea Dance.   Teachers Mary Murray and Simon Scott with   music by the Tartan Players.     Registration forms are now on website — www.rscdsvancouver.org .     Info 604-922-6842
Feb 22 Ceilidh to Conquer Cancer with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra in   St. James Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver at 7 p.m.   Tickets at the door or from 778-990-4620 —   Adults $25; Students $15; Children under 16 $10
Feb 22 1st Ladies(Men welcome too!) Beginner Step Dance   class – 1pm – 3pm   Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street,    Vancouver.   TEACHER:  Kay Sutherland; COST: $10   Drop In ($7.50 for students) per class.    Open to all interested in soft shoe Step Dance (Men too!) A follow up   to the very popular Ladies Step Dance Mini- Workshops.   This   will be a Beginner class – just the basics.  For more info email me     kay_sutherland@hotmail.com or phone  604 929 2745
Feb 23 – 28 RSCDS Winter School, 2014 in Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry,   Scotland with teachers Duncan Brown, Eric Findley, Pat Houghton & Anne   Smyth with musicians Muriel Johnstone, George Meikle, Iain Robertson &   Peter Shand.  The Ball will be held in   the spectacular ballroom of Blair Castle.     Info & online booking at www.rscds.org
Feb 28 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

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 THE  POSITIVE  SIDE  OF  LIFE:

How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you’re on.

Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live. .

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  Winter - Sunrise looking from Drymen to the Campsies

Sunrise – Drymen to the Campsies

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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 or at least come to one of the Ceilidh Dances.

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Winter - Sunset at Cramond

Sunset at Cramond

The next Ceilidh Dance is one week on Friday, i.e. February 7, 2014 with live music by Calanaish. You still have 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 and here is a link to the Facebook advert:   https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/

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.

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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.

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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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For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.

Winter - sunset over Carluke

Sunset over Carluke

Other announcements etc: Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org A monthly Challenge Class is held on the 2nd Friday each month in the upper building, Room 7, Phinney Neighbourhood Association, 4532 Phinney Avenue, North Seattle at 7:30 p.m. Info at www.rscds-seattle.org   Next class:  February 14, 2014

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held one week on Friday – that is on Friday, February 7, 2014 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 fifth regular Ceilidh Dance of the 2013/14 season and it would be great if we could double the attendance of the dance last week.

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

https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/

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.

banana bunch

Thanks to good attendances last year 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 2013/14 season shapes up as follows: All on Fridays of course — 2014

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.

banana happy

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 376 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.

A wife asked her husband:
‘What do you like most in me, my pretty face or my sexy body?’

He looked at her from head to toe and replied:
‘I like your sense of humour!’

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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

Winter - sunset at Hopeman

Sunset at Hopeman

 

May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.

 

DUNCAN

ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org