HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.
Duddingston Loch & Castle
A quieter week which was just as well as we were both a bit tired. There was class on Monday and Tuesday of course and Cancer patients to take to hospital on Wednesday and Friday and a long meeting on Wednesday evening but no gardening or house work!!
I had to somehow manage without my computer for almost 4 days. It was very hard. I was able to use Margaret’s when she was not wanting it but still much of my information was not available. My computer was scheduled for a day operation but it had to be transferred to the critical care ward and finally (sob, sob) to the morgue. Now I have a new hard drive which seems to be working fine but of course lots of things are missing or don’t appear intuitively so I have to stop and re-load some software etc. It is coming but will take a bit of time but I am very grateful that it is working though it ended up costing more than I thought and everything seems to be coming all at once so my budget is getting very stretched.
Friday brought the final Ceilidh which required a lot of work by Margaret as she baked for 2 days, then we had to set the tables and chairs up after the Soup Kitchen was over. Attendance was down probably because it was a month later than previously but all who came enjoyed the four wee highland dancers, the singer/harpist whose rendition of the Dark Island was hauntingly beautiful with the harp adding just the right touch to the mood. The Tam O’Shanter Dancers were bang on form and there was a pretty good response to the audience participation dances and, of course, there was an absolutely fantastic Tea at the end. Clean up went much faster than in prior years thanks to some wonderful helpers.
Saturday was a day to recover although in the evening it was someone’s important birthday – not saying who or what age was being celebrated but you certainly would not believe it if you met this person. Happy Birthday you know who you are and best wishes for very many more to come.
Today, after church, I have spent mostly trying to catch up on all the e-mails that came in while my computer was missing and trying to find where all my files have been hidden. I am hoping to get the letter completed so I can watch Andy & Rafa play in the Madrid final and then the usual Sunday night shows so I better stop all this waffling and get on with it.
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Gullane Beach
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Gentle Thoughts for Today –
1. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
2 WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
3. IF A TURTLE DOESN’T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?
4. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
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Innerleithen
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, September 25, 2015 (the last Friday of September) .
Unfortunately, mainly due to rising costs but also because of some lower attendances, I have been forced to increase the admission price next season to $12 ($10 for students) so I really hope this does not stop people from attending. Remember that if you have a group of 8 or more you can all qualify for a discount but you have to contact me beforehand.
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SAVE THE DAY
BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam
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The Humanities Department at SFU is offering a Celtic Mythology course this summer, taught by Dr. Antone Minard. It will be meeting on Saturday afternoons. The course outline can be obtained and questions about the course can be directed to Dr. Minard at mminard@sfu.ca.
If you are interested in trying to stop wind farms spoiling your views in Scotland try this website: https://www.savelochness.com/main.html
West Jet is an Airline with head office situated in Calgary, Alberta. West Jet airline attendants try to make the in-flight ‘safety lecture’ and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
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On a West Jet Flight, with a very ‘senior’ flight attendant crew, the pilot said, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants.’
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On landing, the stewardess said, ‘Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you’re going to leave anything, please make sure it’s something we’d like to have.’
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‘There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane.’
Inverness
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There once was a religious young woman who went to Confession. Upon entering the confessional, she said, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”
The priest said, “Confess your sins and be forgiven.”
The young woman said, “Last night my boyfriend made mad passionate love to me seven times.”
The priest thought long and then said, “Squeeze seven lemons into a glass and drink the juice.”
The young woman asked, “Will this cleanse me of my sins?”
The priest said, “No, but it will wipe that smile off of your face.”
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Thanks to Steve at the Celtic Treasure Chest there is now an online list of all the Celtic societies as well as a calendar of events:
List https://www.celtictreasurechest.com/links/index.php
Calendar https://www.celtictreasurechest.com/celticevents/index.php
There are always some specials at The Celtic Treasure Chest’s stores. Check them out at www.celtictreasurechest.com
Celtic Fashions on E-Bay – go to https://www.CelticFashions.com
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An Irishman named O’Malley went to his doctor.
The doctor, after an examination, sighed and said, “I’ve some bad news. You have cancer, and you’d best put your affairs in order.”
O’Malley was shocked, but managed to compose himself and walk into the waiting room, where his son had been waiting.
“Well son, we Irish celebrate when things are good, and we celebrate when things don’t go well. In this case, things aren’t well. I have cancer. Let’s head to the pub and have a few pints.”
After 3 or 4 pints, the two were feeling a little less somber. There were some laughs and more beers. They were eventually approached by some of O’Malley’s old friends, who were curious as to what the two were celebrating.
O’Malley told his friends they were drinking to his impending end. “I have been diagnosed with AIDS.”
The friends gave O’Malley their condolences, and they had a couple more beers.
After the friends left, O’Malley’s son leaned over and whispered, “Dad, I thought you said you were dying of cancer, and you just told your friends you were dying of AIDS.”
O’Malley said, “I don’t want any of them sleeping with your Mother after I’m gone.”
Gotta love the Irish!
The Scottish Cultural Centre is a pretty unique and wonderful asset and space is available for rent to anyone or any group. The Centre does not run itself but is actually run by the United Scottish Cultural Society (USCS). Memberships in this Society are for individuals only and presently cost $10 annually. Membership Application Forms may be obtained either at the Centre or on the USCS website – www.scottishculturalcentre.com . The cost is only $10.
Any person may join USCS and Scottish Country & Ceilidh Dancers are encouraged to show their support by doing so. If any USCS member would like to be more involved, then, Darryl Carracher, the Manager at the Centre, will be pleased to give you further information.
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Isle of Jura
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 25th, 2015.
Michelle has very kindly made up a Facebook event page for the Ceilidh but you need to “Search for Vancouver Ceilidh on Facebook and “Like” us to receive updates on upcoming Ceilidhs and other events”. Then, if you “Like” the Vancouver Ceilidh FB page (do as described above), you too will receive updates AND be able to share those updates and events on your personal Facebook page to your friends and ask that they “Like” and “Share”, etc. 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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You can join the e-mail list of the SFU Scottish and Celtic Society; the club connecting you to all things Scottish and Celtic at SFU and the community. As members of this mailing list, you will receive updates on events and learning opportunities. All are welcome to participate and enjoy. Facebook Group: As of today, our new Facebook Group is launched and available to join. It is an ‘Open’ group. Anyone can join and invite their friends. We will create Facebook ‘Events’ for all our occasions. Join today at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451447541666799/
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Some fun and interesting sites: – note if you have a link to something you think others would enjoy please forward them to me.
Acrophobics beware: El Camino del Ray, Spain
London at Night
https://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/08/london_from_above_at_night.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed1
The Presidential Morph - fun! https://www.flixxy.com/presidents-morphing.htm
The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, September 25th, 2015. Same time, same place, small increase in price (so long as there is a big attendance), 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.
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The slowly growing list has stayed at the same lofty height of 361. I should be more grateful that it has not decreased but it will take forever at this rate to get it back to 400 so I really need your help to get the subscriptions back up again. Thanks for all your support.
Please pass along the website to your friends and ask them to subscribe – it is free!! www.vancouverceilidh.org
At time of writing this the last newsletter was opened by only 207 subscribers. Because the list is growing that was just 57.3% of the total list. I know some of you prefer to go to the website and open the newsletter from there so the number is probably much higher.
Please keep opening the newsletter!! Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome.
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Events happening in the immediate future include the Burnaby Spring session Monday May 11 and the Fort Langley 15th Anniversary Whisky Tea Dance on May 30
Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
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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.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2015 | |
| May 11 | Burnaby Spring session – teacher TBA Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby 7:30 p.m. –$6 drop in |
| May 30 | Fort Langley 15th Anniversary Gala at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with dinner at 6:30 p.m. including the customary dessert of strawberries, cream & shortbread. Music by The Torridon Scottish Dance Band. Tickets $65 – book now at lonotera@shaw.ca |
| May 31 | All dancers are invited to Nannette’s 60th birthday Ball at 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph Center, 215 N 15th Street, Mount Vernon, WA. Lunch then dance to the music of Calum’s Ceilidh Band. The entire event – luncheon & dance – is FREE!! Please RSVP to Nannette Crowell & Rodney Brandt brandtlings@gmail.com & include names, addresses, phone numbers & e-mail |
| Jun 3 | Highland Games practice – 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Scottish Cultural Centre – tac@rscdsvancouver.org or call Jean at 604-464-8103 or just come along. Mary Murray will devise an easy programme and all dancers are welcome to join in the fun. |
| Jun 10 | Highland Games practice – 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Scottish Cultural Centre – tac@rscdsvancouver.org or call Jean at 604-464-8103 or just come along. Mary Murray will devise an easy programme and all dancers are welcome to join in the fun. |
| Jun 13 | Inverglen Scottish Dancers invite all to their Annual Recital to be held at 2 p.m. in the Freddy Wood Theatre, U.B.C. Tickets at the door – Adults $15; Children, students and seniors $12. The School is celebrating 35 years of dance which is a wonderful accomplishment – Come join in the celebration. |
| Jun 15 | Dancing in the Park – Ceperley Park near Second Beach in Stanley Park from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting (if uncertain call after 5 p.m. 604-922-6842 or 604-224-6751) There’ll always be some easy dances for new dancers. Programmes will be on website – www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jun 17 | Highland Games practice – 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Scottish Cultural Centre – tac@rscdsvancouver.org or call Jean at 604-464-8103 or just come along. Mary Murray will devise an easy programme and all dancers are welcome to join in the fun. |
| Jun 20 | BC Highland Games in Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam – all day long with lots of fun, entertainment, competitions, food, whisky tasting, beer tent, vendors tents, etc. etc. – check out the website at www.bchighlandgames.com |
| Jun 22 | Dancing in the Park – Ceperley Park near Second Beach in Stanley Park from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting (if uncertain call after 5 p.m. 604-922-6842 or 604-224-6751) There’ll always be some easy dances for new dancers. Programmes will be on website – www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jun 29 | Dancing in the Park – Ceperley Park near Second Beach in Stanley Park from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting (if uncertain call after 5 p.m. 604-922-6842 or 604-224-6751) There’ll always be some easy dances for new dancers. Programmes will be on website – www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jul 1 | Canada Day Parade – meet about 6 p.m. on Alberni Street in Vancouver – Let’s Have a REALLY Good Showing – rsvp to Cathrine at ccmusic@telus.net or 604-299-6447 |
| Jul 6 | Dancing in the Park – Ceperley Park near Second Beach in Stanley Park from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting (if uncertain call after 5 p.m. 604-922-6842 or 604-224-6751) There’ll always be some easy dances for new dancers. Programmes will be on website – www.rscdsvancouver.org |
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Loch Leven
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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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Loch Mallachie, Cairngorms
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 25, 2015 with live music by Calanaish.
You have all summer 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.
They are all held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. The price is only – $12 or $10 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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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
September will be a really good time to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes as they will be starting 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 (much better and lots more fun than golf!!) and 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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Come join us dancing in Stanley Park – Ceperley Park near Second Beach, on Monday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. starting on Monday, June 15. Always lots of fun and many dances for everyone.
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For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org. Other announcements etc: Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 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 8 or more and we can give them a discount!!!
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! It only costs $12 ($10 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.
Luss pier, Loch Lomond
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 2015/16 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
2015
September 25
October 23
November 27
2016
January 8
February 5 & 26
March 25
April 29
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We hope to have lots of new Ceilidh dancers and we might even have Louise and maybe Daniel and/or Michelle to help with the calling. Remember to bring your smiles and wear flat shoes.
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.
Morar Beach
We would like to attract students from Universities and all colleges. 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 ($12 or $10 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.
near Peebles
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.
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
This newsletter reaches out to some 361 subscribers 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.
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Newhaven Harbour
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
Queen’s view
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org